For convenience and savings, groups put services under one roof - The Washington Post

A single mother on the verge of homelessness must decide which ofher children will make a sacrifice today: Will her son miss out onhelp from a tutor, or will her daughter give up free medical helpthree bus transfers across town?

According to Sarah Newman, executive director of the nonprofitorganization Helping Children Worldwide, such decisions are madeevery day by families in need of social services in Fairfax County.

After five years of planning, Newman's vision of a partnership ofnonprofit service providers in one location is about to become areality.

Connections for Hope, six private nonprofit organizations and theFairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board, will move into a new10,000-square-foot facility in Herndon next week.

Newman said the facility will allow the groups to deliver theirprograms more consistently, cost-effectively and conveniently.

'By spreading the operating expenses across several organizationsand taking advantage of the economics of resource sharing, eachnonprofit will have more financial resources to invest in programdevelopment and the delivery of services to those whose lives dependon them,' she said.

Helping Children Worldwide will sublease the space to thepartnering organizations. Newman said deciding on a location tooksome doing.

'We had some unique zoning requirements,' she said. Eventually,setting up shop at 13525 Dulles Technology Dr. in Herndon seemedideal.

'It is on the edge of a corporate park, and there are also twoelementary schools nearby, McNair and Hutchinson, both with a highnumber of students enrolled in the [National School Lunch Program],so there are obviously pockets of need around us here,' she said.

For some of the organizations involved, the need to establish aconvenient, central facility that pursues an integrated approach toserving the needs of the community could not be more pressing.

The Jeanie Schmidt Free Clinic, a community-based organizationproviding health services to uninsured low-income residents inwestern Fairfax County, began its volunteer services in thecafeteria of Herndon Middle School in 2002. It opened a clinicoffice in 2007, but demand has since outgrown what that facility canprovide.

'We treat children countywide and adults in the Herndon, Reston,Chantilly and Centreville area that have high blood pressure anddiabetes,' said Meagan Ulrich, the clinic's executive director. 'Wewould like to do more, but we just can't. Unfortunately, we have toturn many people away.'

Even so, Ulrich said that last year the clinic treated about1,000 people, a 62 percent increase from 2008. The clinic willrelocate to Connections for Hope next week.

'We will gain an extra exam room, and the overall space will bemuch more useable, even though the cost will remain relatively thesame,' Ulrich said.

Jeanie Schmidt, a retired public health nurse, initiallyconceived the idea for the clinic -- the first free clinic inFairfax County -- to provide low-income students with thephysicals they need for school and activities. The clinic expandedits services to adults soon after.

The clinic and Reston Interfaith often refer clients to eachother. Now, those in need can walk across a hallway to access bothorganizations.

FREE DENTAL CLINIC SET FOR TOWN HALL - The Boston Globe (Boston, MA)

WALPOLE Dental examinations, oral cancer screening, and hygieneinstruction will be available to senior citizens during a free dentalclinic scheduled for April 13 at Town Hall.

The clinic, hosted by the Walpole Council on Aging, will run from10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Local dentists, as well as dentists from TuftsUniversity, Harvard University, Boston University, Forsyth DentalInstitute, and Delta Dental will be on hand at the screening. Dentalhygiene students from Mt. Ida College and dental assistant studentsfrom Massasoit Community College also will offer their services totown residents 60 years or older.

According to Council on Aging director Barbara Coghlan, thescreening is funded by a grant from the Division of Health CareFinance and Policy, written by HESSCO Elder Services. Free packets ofdental care items will be distributed.

Seniors are encouraged to make appointments. Handicappedaccessible transportation is available. For more information, call508-668-3330.

FINAL LECTURE OF SERIES ON ISLAM

The Plymouth Area Interfaith Clergy Association concludes its'Exploring Islam' series next Sunday with a program featuring Dr.Abdul Cader Asmai, president of the Islamic Center of Boston. Theprogram is scheduled for 2 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of the ChristEpiscopal Church, 149 Court St.

The clergy association has sponsored two forums on 'ExploringIslam,' the first in November and the second in January. TheNovember series concluded with a panel discussion led by Muslimwomen. The Rev. Kenneth Heckman, the series' organizer, said thesubjects of some of the November programs were repeated in Januaryfor people unable to make the earlier dates.

'Everyone is invited to the concluding session,' Heckman said. 'Prior participation is not required.'

An executive member of the American Muslim Council, Asmai hasparticipated in discussions between Christians, Jews and Muslimssponsored by various religious organizations, including the NationalCouncil on Churches and Anti-Defamation League. Asmai is also anassistant clinical professor of medicine at Harvard UniversityMedical School.

ORCHESTRA DIRECTOR TO GIVE LIBRARY TALK

Steven Karidoyanes, music director of the Plymouth PhilharmonicOrchestra, had been scheduled to present a program at the PlymouthLibrary Sept. 11 on the orchestra's then-upcoming concert season.

Karidoyanes will finally make that library appearance on Tuesday.He will present a program on music and poetry titled 'Finding Solacein Sound,' which will be dedicated to the victims of the Sept. 11terrorist attacks, said Jennifer Conragan, the library's assistantdirector.

April is National Poetry Month, and Karidoyanes will discuss theconnections between music and poetry in classical works by composerssuch as Samuel Barber and John Corigiano and play recorded excerptsfrom the works.

Aaron Copland's 'The Tender Land,' Ralph Vaughan Williams's'Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis,' and poems by James Agee andCharles Baudelaire will also be included in the program.

'Finding Solace in Sound' will take place from 7:30 to 9 p.m.Admission is free.

HEADING TO AFRICA FOR AIDS HIKE

Having raised over $12,000 for AIDS research, Jean Zahn is on herway to South Africa to spread awareness of the disease and thedevastation it has unleashed on the country.

Zahn, a Hull resident and Canton native, will go on a 75-mile hikein South Africa with about 150 other walkers as part of the AfricanAIDSTrek. She began raising money last fall.

Pallotta TeamWorks, a California-based company that is organizingthe trek, stresses the need for AIDS awareness in Africa.

in brief - The Washington Post

At the request of the Leesburg Town Council, Town Manager John A.Wells proposed Tuesday night that the town phase out its financing ofseven social service groups.

Wells proposed a four-year phaseout of funding for the AmericanRed Cross, La Voz, the Loudoun Free Clinic, Loudoun InterfaithRelief, Loudoun Volunteer Caregivers, Northern Virginia FamilyService and the Loudoun County Branch of the YMCA. The sevenrequested a combined $97,000 from the town for the next fiscal year.

Wells said he based his recommendation on the idea that countygovernment, not Leesburg, should play the lead role in funding socialservice programs.

Loudoun Interfaith Relief, which was denied funding in the just-approved county budget, will aggressively pursue other avenues tooffset the town's proposed cut of about $6,000, said ExecutiveDirector Bonnie Inman.

'We're appreciative that they're going to support our efforts insome fashion,' Inman said Tuesday.

At the Tuesday night budget markup session, Wells also proposedincreasing support for the Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squadby about $8,700. Council members said they overwhelmingly supportedthose initiatives at budget work sessions this month.

A 13-year-old Leesburg boy who allegedly robbed a gas stationSaturday morning was turned in to police less than two hours later -- by his mother.

The Exxon station on Edwards Ferry Road reported being robbed by ayoung male brandishing a six-inch steak knife, Leesburg police said.The cashier handed over a $100 bill, and the robber left the store.

Shortly after noon, the 13-year-old and his mother arrived atpolice headquarters. She handed over a $100 bill and told officersthat her son had told his older brother that he robbed the store, apolice spokesman said Monday. The brother in turn told his mother.Police recovered the knife near the store.

The outcome of a hearing Monday in Juvenile and Domestic RelationsCourt was not immediately available.

A Front Royal man was sentenced to five years in prison Friday fora one-day string of crimes last August stretching from Purcellvilleto Sterling.

William Russell Gibson, 33, was sentenced by Circuit Court JudgeJames Chamblin for robbing the M&T Bank in Leesburg on Aug. 24 andtrying to rob the High-Up Food Mart in Sterling about two hourslater.

Earlier that day, Gibson stole a car from a co-worker's home inPurcellville. Sheriff's deputies said the car was used in theattempted robbery. Gibson previously pleaded guilty to charges inthat case.

Much of downtown Leesburg will be closed to motorists for thisweekend's Leesburg Flower and Garden Show.

These intersections will be blocked from 6 p.m. tomorrow to 6 p.m.Sunday: South King Street and Loudoun Street; West Market Street andWirt Street; East Market Street and Church Street; and North KingStreet and North Street. Signs will direct motorists to detours.

The alley adjacent to the town's parking garage also will beclosed. Parking will be available at the Pennington Lot off NorthStreet NE; Courts Parking Lot on North Street; the town's parkinggarage; and Ida Lee Park. A free shuttle service will be providedbetween Ida Lee and the flower show.

The Loudoun County Health Department announced Tuesday that it hasformed a task force -- composed of representatives of county andtown governments, Inova Loudoun Hospital and the public schools -- to prepare for a possible flu pandemic.

In coming months, the group will meet with medical first-responders, businesses and community groups to coordinatepreparedness efforts, said David Goodfriend, Health Departmentdirector.

Residents interested in attending community meetings can registerat www.loudoun.gov/flu, where they can also find information on flupandemics and preparedness.

This year's emergency preparedness exercise -- Oct. 21 atHeritage High School -- will simulate the county's response to aflu pandemic, Goodfriend said.

-- Compiled by

jobless rate is lower, but safety nets are fraying.(Y) - The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, VA)

WHEN I realizedmy job situation was about to change dramatically last year, I fretted about being too old for anew career and too youngto retire.

So I called by brother, a good listener who is practical and blunt. Worrying was not included in his advice. Carve your life into three chapters, he said, and set out on this, your third.

It seemed overly philosophical at first. But a variety of circumstances and his admonition to look forward helped with the transition. And the change opened up new opportunities, which I had always thought was a cliche.

Others on the Outer Banks can't say the same thing. Unemployment in Dare County, while declining with the approaching tourist season, is still high. A drop from more than 17 percent in February to a little more than 14 percent in March is not particularly good news. The numbers are close to the same as they were a year ago during the same months.

Interfaith Community Outreach, a coalition of churches, is helping a lot more people these days. The non profit, which offers one-time assistance by paying things like utility bills, says it won't have enough money to help any more people in the coming budget year than it has in this one.

The Community Care Clinic, which helps people who can't afford health treatment, has asked Dare County for $125,000 on top of the $75,000 it received this year.

There's a chance that neither will be getting more money, because the county is hurting too. Something has to give if the county wants a balanced budget without raising taxes.

To do that, it will have to lay off as many as 10 people, freeze openings, force workers to take five furlough days amounting to nearly a 2 percent pay cut, take away a 1 percent 401(k) match, and offer incentives for early retirement.

It will also have to put off some big-ticket items for another year.

The only way Nags Head is likely to avoid a tax increase is by eliminating jobs and cutting back shifts in the fire department, its biggest expense.

Welcome to the real world, some will say. Business has been dealing with this for more than two years.

I'll grant that government can always cut back, and some jobs are symptoms of bloated bureaucracies. But not all government workers are on the gravy train. And when I start to see how budget cuts will affect real people, I empathize because I have been there.

If my two local governments make a good-faith effort at trimming their spending, I'm willing to split the difference to keep people working - as long as they have real jobs to do.

If that's not going to happen, the county and the towns should at least think about giving more money to the Community Care Clinic and Interfaith Community Outreach.

They might be seeing a few more clients.

FREE IMMUNIZATION CLINICS OFFERED - The Record (Bergen County, NJ)

TINA TRASTER POLAK, Staff Writer
The Record (Bergen County, NJ)
10-09-1994
FREE IMMUNIZATION CLINICS OFFERED -- THEIR BEST SHOT VOLUNTEER EFFORT AIMS
TO KEEP KIDS HEALTHY
By TINA TRASTER POLAK, Staff Writer
Date: 10-09-1994, Sunday
Section: NEWS
Edition: All Editions -- Sunday

Things were going just fine for 19-month-old Shane McDermott. He
had a pink balloon in one hand, an orange lollipop in the other, and a
painted ladybug on his face. Then came the big jab.

Tears streamed down Shane's cheeks, smearing his ladybug, but his
grandmother, Inez Deas, felt relieved.

'I brought him here because it's free,' said Deas, one of 30
Paterson residents who attended a free immunization clinic at the city's
Public School 6 on Saturday.

Deas, who is retired and is minding Shane and his 6-month-old
sister, said she did not have the money to get the boy inoculated
against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis -- the vaccines for which are
combined in one shot -- and polio.

Shane is not an exception.

Only 3.2 percent of the children of Paterson are immunized by the
age of 2, said Carlla Horton, acting executive director of the Paterson
Interfaith Communities Organization.

The organization, with the help of an $8,000 grant from the state
Department of Health's Office of Minority Health, and volunteers from
city schools and hospitals, is leading a drive to immunize the city's
children, especially those from poorer immigrant and African-American
neighborhoods.

Additional clinics will be held on Oct. 15 and Oct. 29 at School 9,
and on Oct. 22 at School 6.

Joseph Sinatra Fulmore, principal of Public School 6, said many of
Paterson's mothers are raising children alone, and many are unaware that
children need to be immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis --
also known as whooping cough -- polio, measles, mumps, and rubella before
they begin kindergarten.

'It's so hard for babies having babies,' Fulmore said, referring to
the city's many teenage mothers. 'They themselves need guidance --
sometimes they don't even know their kids need to be inoculated.'

Fulmore said about 20 children who started kindergarten this year
did not have proper immunizations. There are 175 kindergarten students
in Public School 6.

Volunteers from Hope for Kids, a Harlem-based group that has fanned
into urban neighborhoods to educate parents about immunization, will
continue going door-to-door to recruit mothers and guardians. They have
been distributing vaccination literature in Arabic, Spanish, and
English.

If a Hope for Kids volunteer had not knocked on her door, Mirla
Gonzalez would not have known about the clinics.

The 15-year-old mother, who was bouncing her 9-month-old son,
Victor, on her lap during a visit to the immunization clinic, said, 'I
don't have any money or health insurance.'

Illustrations/Photos: PHOTO - KLAUS-PETER STEITZ / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER - Shane
McDermott getting a checkup from Dr. Mercedes Lesesne at a Paterson clinic Saturday.

Keywords: PATERSON. CHILD. HEALTH

Copyright 1994 Bergen Record Corp. All rights reserved.

Christians work with Muslims to build clinic - Winnipeg Free Press

By Brenda Suderman

INSPIRED by the co-operation of Christians and Muslims in Uganda, a Winnipeg woman is mobilizing her church and the city's Muslim community to raise funds for a village medical clinic.

St. James Anglican Church and the Islamic Social Services Association are jointly hosting a fundraising dinner next month to support the construction of a health clinic in Uganda, which will serve both Muslim and Christian patients.

The initiative is thought to be the first time Christians and Muslims in Winnipeg have worked together on a common overseas project.

'The model for that is the actual people in Uganda working together,' explains Pat Stewart, who toured Uganda last year with a delegation of Anglicans from the Diocese of Rupert's Land. 'I think if we can work together here, we work at understanding and becoming better neighbours, and promote peace and understanding .'

Initially, Stewart was overwhelmed by the request by the people of Kyermina, a community 130 kilometres southwest of Kampala, to build a clinic to serve provide primary health care, prenatal care, and education about HIV/AIDs.

'Then I got an e-mail in July (saying) that we are making 20,000 bricks in August,' explains the nursing instructor at Assiniboine Community College. 'I admired the faith in the people.'

Months after returning to Winnipeg, she approached Shahina Siddiqui of the Islamic Social Services Association to see if they could work together to build the 10-room, $40,000 clinic.

'Because the village is both Christian and Muslim, we thought what a good way to do something together for a worthy cause,' says Siddiqui of her group's participation in the project.

The March 8 dinner at the St. James Civic Centre will incorporate a mixture of flavours and cultures, with Muslims preparing the main dishes of samosas, curries and rice, and the Anglican contingent providing the desserts, says Stewart. The event is projected to raise about $12,000.

Hosting a dinner together will benefits two faith communities in Uganda, and may also build bridges in Winnipeg in a new way, says Siddiqui.

'There are people who can talk and have theological debates, but for us, it's a matter of doing things, to make things better, to have action,' she says.

'I think interfaith at the grassroots level is more inclusive and is more at the community level.'

brenda@suderman.com

Dinner details

* Tickets are available for $40 from St. James Anglican Church at 888-3489 or Islamic Social Services Association at 944-1560.

* The dinner takes place at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, March 8 at the St. James Civic Centre. The event also includes a craft sale and silent auction.

Faith in the City update

* Today, I'm worshipping at the 11 a.m. service at Salvation Army Heritage Park Temple, 825 School Rd., Tel. 889-9203.

* Evening service, 6 p.m. today, Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, 561 Wellington Ave. This worship service and presentation on Judaism is the third evening in the six-part course sponsored by the Manitoba Interfaith Council and the University of Winnipeg. Drop-in participants are welcome, although there is a $5 fee payable at the door.

* Sunday mass, 11 a.m. Feb. 24, St. Gianna's Roman Catholic Church, Winnipeg Technical College, 130 Henlow Bay. Plan to arrive by 10:40.

* Evening prayers, 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 29, Winnipeg Central Mosque, 715 Ellice Ave. Dress code is conservative and everyone is required to remove their shoes before entering the prayer hall.

* Prayers and discussion, 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, Baha'i Centre, 521 McMillan Ave. This event with Winnipeg's Baha'i community begins with 15 minutes of prayers, includes a group consultation, and ends with refreshments. Parking available on the street near this former Masonic Temple or at the nearby school.

* Looking ahead: Called to Love, April 4 to 6. A weekend of conversation in Morden, Miami and Manitou about Judaism, Christianity, and Islam with three spiritual leaders of those traditions. More information to come.

Baby born alive at abortion clinic killed - Charleston Daily Mail

TAMPA, Fla. - Eighteen and pregnant, Sycloria Williams went to anabortion clinic outside Miami and paid $1,200 for Dr. Pierre Jean-Jacque Renelique to terminate her 23-week pregnancy.

Three days later, she sat in a reclining chair, medicated todilate her cervix and otherwise get her ready for the procedure.

Only Renelique didn't arrive in time. According to Williams andthe Florida Department of Health, she went into labor and delivereda live baby girl.

What Williams and the Health Department say happened next hasshocked people on both sides of the abortion debate: One of theclinic's owners, who has no medical license, cut the infant'sumbilical cord. Williams says the woman placed the baby in a plasticbiohazard bag and threw it out.

Police recovered the decomposing remains in a cardboard box aweek later after getting anonymous tips.

'I don't care what your politics are, what your morals are, thisshould not be happening in our community,' said Tom Pennekamp, aMiami attorney representing Williams in her lawsuit againstRenelique and the clinic owners.

The state Board of Medicine is to hear Renelique's case in Tampaon Friday and determine whether to strip his license. The stateattorney's homicide division is investigating, though no chargeshave been filed. Terry Chavez, a spokeswoman with the Miami-DadeCounty State Attorney's Office, said this week that prosecutors werenearing a decision.

Renelique's attorney, Joseph Harrison, called the allegations atbest 'misguided and incomplete' in an e-mail to The AssociatedPress. He didn't provide details.

The case has riled the anti-abortion community, which contendsthe clinic's actions constitute murder.

'The baby was just treated as a piece of garbage,' said TomBrejcha, president of The Thomas More Society, a law firm that isalso representing Williams. 'People all over the country are justaghast.'

According to state records, Renelique received his medicaltraining at the State University of Haiti. In 1991, he completed afour-year residency in obstetrics and gynecology at InterfaithMedical Center in New York.

New York records show that Renelique has made at least fivemedical malpractice payments in the past decade, the circumstancesof which were not detailed in the filings.

Williams concluded she didn't have the resources or maturity toraise a child, Pennekamp said, and went to the Miramar Women'sCenter on July 17, 2006. Sonograms indicated she was 23 weekspregnant, according to the Department of Health. She met Reneliqueat a second clinic two days later.

Renelique gave Williams laminaria, a drug that dilates thecervix, and prescribed three other medications, according to theadministrative complaint filed by the Health Department. She wastold to go to yet another clinic, A Gyn Diagnostic Center inHialeah, where the procedure would be performed the next day, onJuly 20, 2006.

Williams arrived in the morning and was given more medication.

The Department of Health account continues as follows: Justbefore noon she began to feel ill. The clinic contacted Renelique.Two hours later, he still hadn't shown up. Williams went into laborand delivered the baby.

The complaint says one of the clinic owners, Belkis Gonzalez camein and cut the umbilical cord with scissors, then placed the baby ina plastic bag, and the bag in a trash can.

Williams' lawsuit offers a cruder account: She says Gonzalezknocked the baby off the recliner chair where she had given birth,onto the floor. The baby's umbilical cord was not clamped, allowingher to bleed out. Gonzalez scooped the baby, placenta and afterbirthinto a red plastic biohazard bag and threw it out.

At 23 weeks, an otherwise healthy fetus would have a slim butlegitimate chance of survival. Quadruplets born at 23 weeks lastyear at The Nebraska Medical Center survived.

Town Hall Focuses on Uninsured; Officials, Residents strive for solution to the lack of health care - Portland Skanner

Portland Skanner
03-12-2003
Nearly 500,000 Oregonians have no health insurance, and as the numbers
increase, so will the cost of health care and social services, warned those
attending a local town hall meeting this week.

As part of 'Cover the Uninsured Week,' elected officials, local residents
and health care workers gathered at Self-Enhancement Inc. to discuss
solutions to resolve the plight of the uninsured.

The 'week' - from Monday, March 10 through Sunday, March 16 - was sponsored
by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, a philanthropic organization
dedicated to improving health care, in partnership with other national
organizations. The nationwide effort focused attention on the 41 million
Americans who have no health insurance.

Besides the town hall meeting on Monday, other Uninsured Week activities
included a panel discussion at OHSU led by former Gov. John Kitzhaber,
M.D., health care screenings at Pioneer Courthouse Square and a health care
open house at a clinic in Rockwood.

Two more events are planned on Friday. An interfaith breakfast from 7:30 to
9 a.m. will be held in the Holiday Inn at the Portland Conference Center.
From noon to 1 p.m. a discussion by small- and large-business owners and
labor leaders about the future of employer-provided health insurance will
be conducted during a City Club meeting in the Multnomah Athletic Club,
1849 S.W. Salmon St.

During the town hall meeting on Monday, speakers stressed the role that
health insurance plays in preventing even costlier problems to individuals
and society.

Two-thirds of those who are uninsured have a full-time worker in the
household, noted Mary Beth Healey, of Oregonians for Health Security.

'The statistics are sobering,' she added. 'The inability to pay for medical
care is the leading cause of bankruptcy.'

In the past two years, nearly 890,000 Oregon residents under 65 years of
age were uninsured for a month or longer, according to a Robert Wood
Johnson report cited by Healey. At least 75 percent of those were uninsured
for six months or longer.

The cost of providing health care is the largest portion of the state
budget, said Jean Thorne, director of the state Department of Human
Resources and the state's former Medicaid director. Thorne helped to
develop the Oregon Health Plan in 1994. The plan provides some coverage to
Oregonians who otherwise would have no access to health care.

Citing the hundreds of thousands of Oregon residents who, because of the
state budget shortfall, no longer have mental health coverage, prescription
drugs or outpatient care, Thorne said that the Oregon Health Plan itself is
threatened.

'Everyone points their finger at the consumer or the doctors or the
hospitals as being responsible for increasing health care costs, but we are
all going to have to make sacrifices for the public good,' Thorne said.

'We need to come together and figure out how to deal with these difficult
times.'

Fielding the most questions from the audience during the two-hour meeting,
was State Rep. Alan Bates, D-Ashland. Bates, a family physician who spent
most of his weekend working in a hospital emergency room prior to the town
hall meeting, said he treated a 'huge' number of people who were uninsured.

'Health care is a basic human right,' Bates said, to the applause of the
audience that filled the SEI auditorium. 'People are not falling through
the cracks, they're falling through the Grand Canyon.'

Denying people health insurance is denying them health care. Bates added.

Making sure that the Oregon Health Plan is more efficient has taken up much
of his time in the Legislature during the past several weeks, he said, and
how legislators solve the $250 million budget shortfall will be crucial to
the plan's survival, Bates said.

'Budget cuts and efficiencies won't solve the problem,' he added. 'If we
don't raise more revenue, the number of uninsured people will grow.'

For every $1 that the state puts up, the federal government matches it with
$2, he noted, but if the state doesn't have the money, the match isn't
there.

Part of the solution, said John Duke, of the Safetynet Coalition, a group
that works with community health care clinics, is to bring health care
agencies, local businesses, nonprofit organizations and the insurance
industry together to develop a plan.

'We're all in different groups working on the effort. We have a cacophony
of different visions,' Duke said. 'But we have no strong central leader, no
common vision.

'There are good ideas and 'other' ideas,' he added, 'and they're equal in
power. But there isn't anybody ready yet to step forward and take the
lead.'

Article copyright The Skanner.
V.XXV

REJECTION OF LOW-INCOME CLINIC IN FRAMINGHAM DRAWS CRITICISM - The Boston Globe (Boston, MA)

Framingham officials rejected last night a controversial newhealth center for low-income patients, prompting advocates to allegethat the town has turned against its poor and immigrant residents.

'I would call it xenophobia,' said Zoila Feldman, president andchief executive of the Great Brook Valley Health Center, whichproposed the clinic.

While one Town Meeting member said he opposed it only because hewas tired of Framingham residents subsidizing social services,Feldman said the clinic was a casualty of the 'antiforeigner, anti-poor climate' that has arisen recently in Framingham, which is thehome of a large Brazilian immigrant population. Feldman said shewould appeal.

The Planning Board's rejection of the proposed $10 million, 24,000-square-foot clinic in downtown Framingham is unusual, said SelectmanJohn Stasik, a former Planning Board member.

Usually when a local planning board has concerns about a project,it will still be approved, but with conditions that reflect theboard's concerns.

'I've been doing this 25 years; this is unprecedented,' said PaulGalvani, attorney for the clinic, which is funded through federalgrants and private donors and charges patients on a sliding-scale feesystem based on their ability to pay. He said the decision will beappealed to either the state Land Court or Middlesex Superior Court.

Much of the planning board's discussion of the project focused onconcerns about traffic and parking. But clinic advocates largelyrejected such concerns as a red herring.

'They want a town that's lily white,' said the Rev. Joseph Pranzo,pastor of St. Tarcisius Catholic Church, who added that most clientswalk to the clinic.

He was one of about 75 people affiliated with a local church whoattended the meeting. Organized by Metropolitan InterfaithCongregations Acting for Hope, they held signs reading 'Yes forHealth Care Center,' in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

They far outnumbered the opponents of the clinic. Town Meetingmember Robert Bolles said he opposed it because it representedanother untaxed entity in town.

'I'm fed up,' he said. 'We don't need one more tax-free buildingin this town.'

His is a common refrain in Framingham, where a committee has beenformed to study the impact of social services. Some residents arearguing that Framingham provides much more than its fair share, whilesurrounding towns do little to serve the needy.

But the clinic and other social service providers argue that theservices are in Framingham because that's where the people who needthem live.

The clinic was proposed to replace the existing 2,300-square-footFramingham Community Health Center, which is also in downtown andcan't keep up with the demand, according to officials there.

The clinic has served about 3,800 people since it opened two yearsago, according to Pamela Helmold, executive director of the clinic.She estimates that 70 percent of the patients live in Framingham.

Marcos Contreras, a Framingham resident who uses the clinicbecause his carpentry job does not provide insurance, said the new,larger clinic is urgently needed by people who contribute to thecommunity.

'We are the people who work in Framingham,' he said. 'We are thehousekeepers, the landscapers. We have to have it.'

After the vote, he said: 'We'll be back. We are organized.'

Florida doctor, clinic face hearing in botched-abortion case - Deseret News (Salt Lake City)

TAMPA, Fla. -- Eighteen and pregnant, Sycloria Williams went toan abortion clinic outside Miami and paid $1,200 for Dr. Pierre Jean-Jacque Renelique to terminate her 23-week pregnancy.

Three days later, she sat in a reclining chair, medicated todilate her cervix and get her ready for the procedure.

Only Renelique didn't arrive in time. According to Williams andthe Florida Department of Health, she went into labor and delivereda live baby girl.

What Williams and the Health Department say happened next hasshocked people on both sides of the abortion debate: One of theclinic's owners, who has no medical license, cut the infant'sumbilical cord. Williams says the woman placed the baby in a plasticbiohazard bag and threw it out.

Police recovered the decomposing remains in a cardboard box aweek later after getting anonymous tips.

'I don't care what your politics are, what your morals are, thisshould not be happening in our community,' said Tom Pennekamp, aMiami attorney representing Williams in her lawsuit againstRenelique (ren-uh-LEEK') and the clinic owners.

The state Board of Medicine is to hear Renelique's case in Tampaon Friday and determine whether to strip his license. The stateattorney's homicide division is investigating, though no chargeshave been filed. Terry Chavez, a spokeswoman with the Miami-DadeCounty State Attorney's Office, said this week that prosecutors werenearing a decision.

Renelique's attorney, Joseph Harrison, called the allegations atbest 'misguided and incomplete' in an e-mail to The AssociatedPress. He didn't provide details.

The case has riled the anti-abortion community, which contendsthe clinic's actions constitute murder.

'The baby was just treated as a piece of garbage,' said TomBrejcha, president of The Thomas More Society, a law firm that isalso representing Williams. 'People all over the country are justaghast.'

Even those who support abortion rights are concerned about theallegations.

'It really disturbed me,' said Joanne Sterner, president of theBroward County chapter of the National Organization for Women, afterreviewing the administrative complaint against Renelique. 'I knowthat there are clinics out there like this. And I hope that we cankeep (women) from going to these types of clinics.'

According to state records, Renelique received his medicaltraining at the State University of Haiti. In 1991, he completed afour-year residency in obstetrics and gynecology at InterfaithMedical Center in New York.

New York records show that Renelique has made at least fivemedical malpractice payments in the past decade, the circumstancesof which were not detailed in the filings.

Several attempts to reach Renelique were unsuccessful. Some ofhis office numbers were disconnected, no home number could be foundand he did not return messages left with his attorney.

Williams struggled with the decision to have an abortion,Pennekamp said. She declined an interview request made through him.

She concluded she didn't have the resources or maturity to raisea child, he said, and went to the Miramar Women's Center on July 17,2006. Sonograms indicated she was 23 weeks pregnant, according tothe Department of Health. She met Renelique at a second clinic twodays later.

Renelique gave Williams laminaria, a drug that dilates thecervix, and prescribed three other medications, according to theadministrative complaint filed by the Health Department. She wastold to go to yet another clinic, A Gyn Diagnostic Center inHialeah, where the procedure would be performed the next day, onJuly 20, 2006.

Williams arrived in the morning and was given more medication.

The Department of Health account continues as follows: Justbefore noon she began to feel ill. The clinic contacted Renelique.Two hours later, he still hadn't shown up. Williams went into laborand delivered the baby.

'She came face to face with a human being,' Pennekamp said. 'Andthat changed everything.'

The complaint says one of the clinic owners, Belkis Gonzalez camein and cut the umbilical cord with scissors, then placed the baby ina plastic bag, and the bag in a trash can.

Williams' lawsuit offers a cruder account: She says Gonzalezknocked the baby off the recliner chair where she had given birth,onto the floor. The baby's umbilical cord was not clamped, allowingher to bleed out. Gonzalez scooped the baby, placenta and afterbirthinto a red plastic biohazard bag and threw it out.

No working telephone number could be found for Gonzalez, and anattorney who has represented the clinic in the past did not return amessage.

At 23 weeks, an otherwise healthy fetus would have a slim butlegitimate chance of survival. Quadruplets born at 23 weeks lastyear at The Nebraska Medical Center survived.

An autopsy determined Williams' baby -- she named her Shanice --had filled her lungs with air, meaning she had been born alive,according to the Department of Health. The cause of death was listedas extreme prematurity.

The Department of Health believes Renelique committed malpracticeby failing to ensure that licensed personnel would be present whenWilliams was there, among other missteps.

The department wants the Board of Medicine, a separate agency, topermanently revoke Renelique's license, among other penalties. Hislicense is currently restricted, permitting him to only performabortions when another licensed physician is present and can reviewhis medical records.

Should prosecutors file murder charges, they'd have to prove thebaby was born alive, said Robert Batey, a professor of criminal lawat Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport. The defense mightcontend that the child would have died anyway, but most courts wouldnot allow that argument, he said.

CLEVELAND CLINIC RECOGNIZES COMMUNITY, EMPLOYEE LEADERS AT ANNUAL MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY OF CELEBRATION. - States News Service

CLEVELAND, OH -- The following information was released by the Cleveland Clinic:

Cleveland Clinic employees and community members will join in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Friday, January 13, 2012, at the InterContinental Hotel and Conference Center, 9801 Carnegie Ave., in Cleveland.

The program begins at 7:15 a.m. with an interfaith service led by the Rev. Christine Thompson, a Cleveland-based pastor for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and continues with a breakfast program at 8 a.m.

The morning includes a keynote address from the Rev. Dr. Otis Moss Jr., Pastor Emeritus of Olivet Institutional Baptist Church, and the presentation of the Cleveland Clinic Lifetime of Service Award to the Rev. Dr. Marvin A. McMickle, who is retiring as Senior Pastor of Antioch Baptist Church in Cleveland to become the 12th President of Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School in Rochester, N.Y. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is among the school's alumni.

Dr. McMickle is the second recipient of the award, which was established by Cleveland Clinic to honor and thank a serving leader who has exhibited extraordinary strength of spirit and remarkable efforts in their public service. Dr. Moss was the first recipient in 2011.

Dr. McMickle is widely known as a prophetic minister, scholarly lecturer and thought-provoking writer. He was inducted into the Martin Luther King Jr. Board of Preachers at Morehouse College. He is author of 14 books, as well as 80 sermons and articles on topics such African-American heritage, marriage and cancer. At Antioch Baptist Church, Dr. McMickle led the congregation in organizing a special ministry for people affected by HIV/AIDS and he chronicled his bout with prostate cancer in the book, Battling Prostate Cancer: Getting from 'Why Me' to 'What Next.'

'During his time in Northeast Ohio, Dr. McMickle has built a legacy of advocacy and caring in our community, marked by efforts that support individuals seeking better health and fulfillment,' said Cleveland Clinic CEO Delos M. 'Toby' Cosgrove, MD.

Cleveland Clinic's 2011 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Celebration will also include recognition of hospital employees who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and service to the community.

More information about the Office of Diversity is available at www.ClevelandClinic.org/Diversity.

Cleveland Clinic News Service is available to provide broadcast-quality interviews and B-roll upon request.

About Cleveland Clinic

Vatican paper praises Schneider Hospital as 'bridge to peace' - Jerusalem Post

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Headline: Vatican paper praises Schneider Hospital as 'bridge to peace'Byline: JUDY SIEGELEdition; DailySection: NewsPage: 04

Wednesday, July 30, 2003 -- CNEWA World, the official Vatican publication of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association, which read by 92,000 of the leaders of the Catholic Church around the world, has for the first time published a major article praising an Israeli medical institution.

The July-August 2003 issue features a four-page article titled "Children's Hospital Heals More Than Illness" on the Schneider Children's Medical Center for Israel (SCMCI) in Petah Tikva.

The unusual article praises SCMCI for serving as a "bridge to peace" and describes its help to Arabs, such as transplanting the kidney of 19-year-old Yoni Jesner, murdered in a Tel Aviv suicide bomb attack, into the body of Yasmin Abu Ramila, a seven-year-old Palestinian girl. The little girl's father is quoted as saying that "they saved my daughter. Part of their son is living in her." The story, by CNEWA editor Eileen Reinhard, notes that the hospital has raised the quality of pediatric care in all of Israel.

The author praises Irving and the late Helen Schneider, who donated much of the money to build the hospital that opened 11 years ago, and who made the institution their lives' work. SCMCI development and foreign affairs adviser Uri Bar-Ner explained that the Schneider family has had especially deep ties with the Catholic Church in the US, especially with Archimandrate Robert Stern, who is responsible for Vatican affairs in the Middle East and Africa, and with nuns in New York and Chicago. One nun, Christiane Molidor, became good friends with the Schneiders, and when Helen died in 2001, she asked the church to do something to honor her memory. The article, which also reported that an interfaith women's health clinic will open at SCMCI in Helen's memory, was the result.

Keywords:

Much-needed clinic in Oakley stalls due to budget cuts - Oakland Tribune

OAKLEY -- As the need for a health clinic in Oakley grows, sohave state budget constraints, making it even more difficult inrecent months for stakeholders to push any plans forward.

Cuts to state health programs have left organizations such as theContra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO),La Clinica and others looking for a way to not only bring a healthcare site to the city, but to maintain it.

CCISCO organizer Nancy Marquez said there's huge a need for acity health clinic, with county clinics being consistently crowdedand often too far to travel to for residents with little money.

'The clinic would relieve the county clinics and free up coveragefor everyone,' Marquez said.

Marquez works specifically in Oakley, lobbying to bring a basiclevel of health care to uninsured residents. The city's only doctorhas left, leaving no one within the city to provide local healthcare for more than 35,000 residents.

Last year, a study cited more than 15 percent of people in Oakleylacked health care, prompting the Oakley City Council to supportbringing a health clinic to the city. Marquez said it's likely thenumber of uninsured in the city has increased with the downturn inthe economy.

'I'm sure (the percentage of uninsured people) has gone up,'Marquez said. 'I think without a doubt, it's continuing to grow.'

Marquez said the stakeholders of a clinic are consideringlocating a La Clinica satellite in Oakley that would be openweekdays for a total of about 20 hours a week. A larger site wouldrequire a federal health center designation or a large number ofMedi-Cal patients, which Oakley doesn't have, she said.

La Clinica serves Solano, Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Itcurrently has sites in Pittsburg and Pleasant Hill, and offersservices on a sliding-scale basis. Most services are reimbursed bystate-funded programs.

Marquez said an Oakley clinic wouldn't be more than what SutterDelta's Urgent Care Clinic paid in its first year -- about $500,000.The Antioch clinic, which opened in 2004, initially needed about$300,000 annually to operate.

City Manager Bryan Montgomery said the city has been in talkswith other doctors who might locate in Oakley when the economyimproves. The city, however, wouldn't have a large role in theprocess, he said.

'Health care is a huge priority for any community and we want tobe a part of the discussions,' Montgomery said. 'However, healthcare is not a typical function/activity of municipal government.'

Marquez said a good place for an Oakley facility would be in theLucky shopping center off Main Street, where the previous doctor'soffice was. Oakley resident Elaine Wrigley said that location wouldbe good because of a nearby bus stop.

Wrigley has lived in Oakley for 12 years and has relatives whohave had to travel out of the city for low-cost health care. If theydon't have family or friends to take them to the county health carefacility in Martinez, patients would have to use several modes ofpublic transportation to get there, making it even more difficult toobtain health services, she said.

'How many friends are going to wait seven, eight hours for youwhile you go to see a doctor?' she said. 'I'm lucky. I have peoplewho will take me from church, or my daughter (will take me).'

Nonprofit notebook.(Opportunity Council presents Community Partners awards to business people)(Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Washington receives donations)(Scott Richardson receives 'Agency Hands in the Community' award) - Bellingham Business Journal

Items for Nonprofit Notebook need to be received by the end of the month prior to publication.

Opportunity Council honors Community Partners

The Opportunity Council announced 2006 Community Partner awards at the Annual Board of Directors Meeting Thursday, April 27. Community Partner awards honor people who have demonstrated outstanding collaboration and dedication to the mission of the Opportunity Council. 2006 awards went to: Darrell Hillaire, Lummi Nation; presented by Kay Sardo, Opportunity Council Executive Director. John Korsmo, Northwest Training Institute; presented by Community Services, Ann Bright, Community Resource Center Supervisor. Senior Information and Assistance, Northwest Regional Council; presented by Energy and Home Repair, Debbie Paton, Energy Assistance Manager, and Lorena Weisenburger, Energy Services Specialist. Lucille Nollette, Assistant Special Education Director, Bellingham School District; presented by Child Care and Family Resources, Maureen Godwin, Lead Family Resource Coordinator. Norman McCrea; presented by Island County Opportunity Council, Lisa Clark, Director. Pat Anderson, Mobil Dental Clinic, Interfaith Community Health Center; presented by Early Childhood Opportunities Northwest, Dee West, Director, and Susy Hymas, Health and Nutrition Coordinator.

The Opportunity Council is a private nonprofit community action agency governed by a volunteer board of directors equally representing the private, public and low-income sectors of Island, San Juan and Whatcom counties.

BB/BS of Northwest Washington receives donations

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Washington announces that the Bellingham Bay Rotary Club has made donations of $2,200 to support the local School Buddies mentoring program. The donation will provide funds for BB/BS to properly screen and train volunteers and monitor the ongoing relationships with mentors, teachers and children. 'Big Buddies' are matched with elementary school children, spending one hour each week for the entire academic year providing one-to-one help with homework, class projects or recreational activities. The program currently helps 58 children in the community.

The Lummi Indian Business Council made a donation of $8,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Washington. This contribution will help support the local community based mentoring program that serves close to 100 children in Whatcom County. The funds will have an effect on supporting current matches, as well as additional matches for some of the 150 youths on the waiting list. The costs involved provide professionally trained staff to recruit, screen and train volunteer mentors and closely monitor follow-up support to ensure the highest quality and safety in the relationships between 'Bigs' and 'Littles.'

To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Washington, call (360) 671-6400.

Local SHRM awards scholarships

The Mt. Baker SHRM Western Washington scholarship program announces David Ross and Theresa Studley as the 2006-2007 scholarship co-recipients. Ross and Studley were presented their awards on Wednesday, May 10, 2006, at the SHRM monthly lunch meeting at Northwood Hall.

Ross is president-elect for WWU's Northwest Human Resource Management Association (NHRMA) student chapter and serves as student liaison to the professional chapter; Ross will graduate from WWU with a degree in business administration with a human resources concentration in March of 2007.

Studley, a member of NHRMA, and Executive VP-elect for the student chapter, will graduate in June of 2007 with a degree in business administration from WWU with a concentration in human resources.

Bellingham Allstate agent honored for volunteerism

Clinical IT: building a bridge between acute and ambulatory care.(Information Systems & Technology) - Nursing Economics

Providing access to timely, comprehensive patient information across the continuum of care--from ambulatory to inpatient settings--is crucial for today's nurse leaders. In rural facilities, where nurses and clinicians may work in relative isolation, connecting with members of the care team at hospitals and other facilities becomes even more critical to providing superior care.

One nurse leader from an isolated community in northwest Washington state overcame multiple obstacles to adopt an electronic community health record, giving her the power to work as a team with her patients' caregivers at the regional medical center located a day's journey away. Her story offers a shining example of how remote rural care centers and large hospitals can use clinical information systems to standardize high-quality care and foster communication not only across ambulatory and acute environments, but also between distant geographic locations.

When the Point Roberts Aydon Wellness Clinic opened in June 2003, it was the first time residents of this remote community were able to get routine medical care without crossing the United States-Canada International border four times during the round trip or taking a boat or helicopter. The unique geography of Point Roberts turned a 50-mile journey to the nearest regional hospital into a daylong excursion (see Figure 1).

[FIGURE 1 OMITTED]

Because of the clinic's isolation, Virginia Lester, MSN, FNP, RN, the nurse practitioner managing the facility, saw the need to provide more than a freestanding source of basic health care services. She wanted to offer the level of patient safety and quality of care associated with more comprehensive medical centers. Lester also wanted to provide a seamless experience for patients traveling between Point Roberts and PeaceHealth's St. Joseph Hospital, the region's only inpatient medical center, in Bellingham, Washington, as well as other ambulatory clinics located in surrounding Whatcom County.

With funding and information technology (IT) resources from community, regional, and federal sources, Lester connected the Aydon Wellness Clinic to PeaceHealth's Community Health Record (CHR), built on the IDX LastWord[R] integrated enterprise clinical information system. PeaceHealth developed the CHR as a community initiative, working with a range of providers to establish a lifetime electronic medical record for residents of the areas it serves. By giving access to complete patient information--both inpatient and ambulatory--to all members of the care team, the CHR allows Lester and Whatcom County clinicians to actively collaborate in the care of Point Roberts community members.

Evolution of a Rural Clinic

More than 15 years ago, Point Roberts resident Ed Aydon hatched an idea to give his neighbors a local resource for medical care. Aydon collected 4,000,000 aluminum cans to raise $40,000 in seed money for the clinic, and then engaged a group of community members to form the Point Roberts Pioneer Project. Eventually, several state and regional organizations came on board, including Hoagland's Pharmacy, located in Bellingham; HInet, a secure community-wide network linking PeaceHealth and Whatcom County outpatient clinics; Interfaith Community Health Center (ICHC), a Bellingham ambulatory clinic; St. Joseph Hospital; the Washington State Department of Health; Whatcom County; and Whatcom Fire District.

In 2001, the Pioneers collaborated with the ICHC and the Whatcom Fire District to secure a Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA) federal grant. The clinic was on its way.

In 2002, Glenn Gelhar, director of ICHC, which administers medical services at the clinic as stipulated in the grant, brought Lester on board to manage and serve as the facility's sole clinician and project manager. A veteran nurse practitioner with 20 years experience working in large physician groups and private physician offices, Lester set to work on everything from purchasing equipment to outlining care programs. Her husband, a retired medical laboratory director and a volunteer at the clinic, built a point-of-care laboratory so that Lester could conduct a limited number of tests on-site.

Although Lester had virtually no experience with clinical information systems, she saw the new clinic as an opportunity to integrate care practices with an electronic medical record at the outset--and avoid the challenges of implementing clinical technology after paper-based processes were established. Lester contacted PeaceHealth to explore the possibility of tapping into its CHR.

For PeaceHealth, Lester's proposal created a significant opportunity to test the idea of reaching out to caregivers and closing the loop on care for patients in the remote rural communities it serves. PeaceHealth committed to provide the funding, IT support, and training to get the clinic up and running on LastWord.

Connecting with Innovation

The pilot project was one step in a long track record of innovation for PeaceHealth, an integrated delivery network with six acute care hospitals, 41 medical practices, and a range of other services and facilities in Alaska, Washington, and Oregon.

Building on the CHR it first implemented in 1996, PeaceHealth has developed sophisticated disease registries to track the health progress of entire populations of chronically ill patients. The initiatives earned St. Joseph Hospital and community partners a 'Pursuing Perfection' grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, which helps support two pilot disease management programs for diabetes and congestive heart failure. Since implementing the program, adherence to guidelines for diabetic care has tripled among patients in three of PeaceHealth's facilities.

Implementation and Training

To overcome the technical challenges of Point Roberts' extremely remote location (the community does not even receive cell phone coverage), the PeaceHealth/HInet IT team devised a combination wired and wireless network to link the clinic with St. Joseph Hospital. Staff members access PeaceHealth's CHR and LastWord via a secure Internet connection. Working on a single laptop computer, Lester logs on to the system via a wireless LAN, which allows her to stay on-line as she moves between rooms seeing patients throughout the day.

The PeaceHealth team worked with Lester for 3 months prior to the clinic's opening, training her to navigate the on-line clinical documentation, medication ordering, laboratory data entry, and other system components. Once the clinic opened, the team stayed on-site for 2 weeks to support Lester until she was completely comfortable with the system. The team continues to provide ongoing support.

An Automated Outpost

Today, the Aydon clinic is virtually paperless. LastWord allows Lester to automate a variety of functions, including clinical documentation, to take advantage of many of the time-saving tools enjoyed by her counterparts at PeaceHealth. St. Joseph Hospital is known for its use of technology to reduce clinical documentation time in the inpatient setting. Nurses at the hospital have cut in half the time they spend an administrative tasks by using on-line clinical documentation, freeing up an additional 1.5 hours per 12-hour shift. Charting by exception reduces paperwork and accelerates documentation at the Aydon Clinic, just as it does for the inpatient nurses at St. Joseph.

In addition, LastWord's decision support and alerts provide important safeguards to help guide Lester's care and improve patient safety. Patient information alerts let providers share information across the network, allowing them to treat patients more effectively. For example, a new patient visited the clinic to have a Protime test. After reviewing the test, Lester recorded the lab results in LastWord, immediately issued an order to change the patient's medication dosage, and alerted the patient's Bellingham cardiologist. The physician replied to ask Lester to continually monitor the patient, whose compliance had been poor because of hassle involved with traveling to his appointments. With the CHR, Lester manages the patient's day-to-day care while the cardiologist--who receives regular alerts about new developments in the patient's care--can monitor changes and intervene at any time.

The system's medication order entry capabilities allow Lester to send prescriptions electronically to Hoagland's Pharmacy, located 50 miles away in Bellingham and linked to the PeaceHealth CHR. Once the pharmacy receives Lester's orders electronically, it ships the medication to the Point Roberts clinic. Electronic ordering makes a significant difference in ensuring the pharmacy receives accurate information about medications and dosage. And although having the medications shipped adds 2 or 3 days to the entire process, it saves patients the grueling trek across the border and back.

The clinic also relies on LastWord to automate administrative functions. A half-time assistant--the clinic's only other staff member--uses the system to manage scheduling for approximately 80 patients who visit the clinic each month. In addition, Lester can generate monthly reports on the number and type of patient encounters to help manage clinic administration and meet reporting requirements for the HRSA grant. Daily reports show Lester all patient records that have not been charted, to help prevent lost or missing information. Using the system, the clinic and St. Joseph also collaborate on discharge planning to support a seamless care transition.

Collaboration and Clinical IT

The CHR provides significant benefits to Lester, Whatcom County, clinicians and their shared patients. Because the CHR captures data from St. Joseph Hospital and any participating ambulatory facility in Whatcom County, Lester has fingertip access to complete medical records for all of her patients.

All information is stored in a single database, so the entire care team views the same accurate, up-to-date patient data. The integrated patient record also eliminates multiple data entry and the need to ask patients repeatedly for the same information, which is important for individuals seeing clinicians located 50 miles apart.

Last fall, a 65-year-old man visited the Aydon Clinic with minor chest pain. Suspecting that he was on the brink of a heart attack, Lester performed an EKG and then sent him on to St. Joseph for treatment. Because the man's entire medical history--including Lester's clinic notes and results from the EKG performed that morning--were immediately available for St. Joseph's clinicians, Lester was able to contact a cardiologist in Bellingham and give him a complete picture of the man's health. The patient was hospitalized and the cardiologist performed an angioplasty and stent insertion.

Lester also works within PeaceHealth's disease management programs to treat chronically ill Point Roberts patients. Before the clinic opened, patients with diabetes seen at St. Joseph Hospital would be sent home with instructions and medications, but would face challenges with the ongoing monitoring and guidance necessary to manage their disease. Often, because of the distance to the nearest health care services, their next contact with a physician would be in the emergency room after a problem arose.

Now, Lester has the same level of access to PeaceHealth's chronic disease registry as St. Joseph's physicians. The chronic disease registry and CHR enable Lester and clinicians at the hospital to work together to help patients understand the warning signs related to their disease and administer the appropriate intervention methods--from pre-emptive tests to behavioral change--to help patients manage their illness, avert trips to the emergency room, and prevent further decline in health.

Successful Connection

The success of the Point Roberts and PeaceHealth project shows that rural facilities can be just as wired as health centers in urban settings. Clinical information systems offer nurse executives and other clinicians the tools to shrink the gap between inpatient and ambulatory care, and indeed, the distance between clinic sites. PeaceHealth's CHR and LastWord have enabled Lester to overcome the communication barriers inherent to practicing in a remote setting and, along with clinicians in Whatcom County and at St. Joseph Hospital, create an environment of fail-safe care for the residents of Point Roberts.

DERRA KIRKLEY, PhD, RN, is Director of Nursing Informatics, IDX Systems, Seattle, WA.

DEBRA BROWN, RNC, is Community Health Record Analyst, St. Joseph Hospital and Point Roberts Project Lead, Bellingham, WA.

VIRGINIA LESTER, MSN, FNP, RN, is Project Manager and Nurse Practitioner, Point Roberts Aydon Wellness Clinic, Bellingham, WA.

NOTE: The Aydon Clinic and St. Joseph Hospital story is only one of the numerous ways innovative nurse executives can leverage information technology to support patient safety, provider communication, and nursing excellence. Throughout the year, this column will focus on the stories, experience, and advice of forward-thinking organizations such as PeaceHealth and the Aydon Clinic. The authors will focus on how technology, is making an impact on nursing practice, highlight best practices, and spotlight organizations that are leaders both in nursing quality and in technology innovation.

UNINSURED ARKANSANS: CALL 1-877-236-7617 TO RESERVE FREE CLINIC APPOINTMENT. - States News Service

LITTLE ROCK -- The following information was released by the office of the Lieutenant Governor of Arkansas:

More than 800 volunteers have registered to work at a free health-care clinic Saturday, November 21, in downtown Little Rock that will provide medical treatment for uninsured Arkansans, ages 6 to 65. The Little Rock C.A.R.E. Clinic hours will be from noon to 7 p.m. at the Statehouse Convention Center.

Potential patients can reserve an appointment by calling 1-877-236-7617. Operators working with the National Association of Free Clinics (NAFC) are fielding the toll-free calls. The NAFC, a Virginia-based non-profit organization, will operate the free clinic.

An all-Arkansas work force of doctors, nurses, lab technicians and other medical professionals will staff the clinic. Non-medical volunteers will greet patients, and help with clerical, translation and other tasks.

Kimberly K. Garner, MD, will serve as the clinic medical director. Dr. Garner is a geriatrician/researcher at the Geriatrics Research, Education and Clinical Center of the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System in Little Rock and an adjunct assistant professor at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

Lieutenant Governor Bill Halter, flanked by representatives of the health-care provider community, briefed the news media about clinic staffing and patient services at a news conference Thursday morning at Harmony Health Clinic east of downtown. This group has been working since mid-October to raise awareness about the clinic.

'We are extremely gratified by the tremendous support from people across the state. Volunteers are signing up in big numbers,' Halter said. 'Our emphasis now is getting the word out to uninsured Arkansans so they will call the toll-free patient hotline and come to the clinic for immediate treatment as well as for information about where to access medical care in the future.'

Anyone wishing to volunteer can register with the NAFC on-line at www.regonline.com/LittleRockCARE or at www.freeclinics.us. Potential volunteers also can call the toll-free patient number to register.

'Prior to our clinic opening, most of our patients put off health care until they went to the emergency room,' said Eddie Pannell, executive director of Harmony Health Clinic. 'That's inefficient, sometimes ineffective and certainly drives up the cost of health care for everyone.'

Since its opening Dec. 4, 2008, Harmony Health Clinic has seen 1,100 patients for general medical services and 200 patients for dental care. The Little Rock C.A.R.E. Clinic will not offer dental care.

To ensure that treatment is provided for any children younger than age 6 who come to the free clinic, Arkansas Children's Hospital will work with the NAFC to set up a pediatrics area at the Statehouse Convention Center.

The NAFC operates as an advocate for more than 1,200 free medical clinics and the people they serve nationwide. Recently, the non-profit received more than $1.2 million from people responding to a call from MSNBC news anchor Keith Olbermann for free medical clinics in six states, including Arkansas.

Lieutenant Governor Halter helped the NAFC secure 80,000 square feet of space at the Statehouse Convention Center for the free clinic. Halter's office has since connected the NAFC with an Arkansas team of health-care providers, non-profit associations and government offices to help gather volunteers and otherwise prepare for the free clinic.

Pernessa C. Seele: Prayer-Education-Advocacy HIV/AIDS Trailblazer - The New York Beacon

Diane Duston
New York Beacon, The
09-27-1995
Pernessa C. Seele: Prayer-Education-Advocacy HIV/AIDS Trailblazer.

Providing leadership for a comprehensive health education renaissance for African-American culture is the greatest challenge for Lincolnville, South Carolina native Pernessa C. Seele.

She excels in the area of developing innovative programs that address the relationship between cultural and spiritual issues and the health status of individuals.

Seele is the Founder/CEO of The Balm In Gilead, Inc., in organization dedicated to mobilizing the African American community to fight HIV/AIDS through prayer, education and advocacy.

Under her leadership, The Balm In Gilead has engaged over 2,000 African American churches throughout the United States in collaborative AIDS education interventions' educated over 50,000 Harlem residents about HIV/AIDS and is presently involved in the development of HIV-AIDS clergy projects in South Africa and Uganda.

Pernessa is hailed as the first ever to mobilize the leadership of every major African American religious denomination and caucuses to endorse an AIDS awareness campaign and educational forum.

To this end, she is an adjunct professor of Ethic and The AIDS Epidemic at New York Theological Seminary and a consultant with Harlem Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (Columbia University School of Public Health).

Seele is former vice president of Harlem Congregation for Community Improvement. In past years, she has worked as the Drug Addiction Program Administrator for Harlem Hospital's AIDS Initiative Program; as an AIDS consultant for Narcotic Drug and Research Institute (NDRI); and was the first AIDS Coordinator for Interfaith Medical Center's Methadone Clinics.

In addition, Seele has done extensive work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta; Memorial Sloan-Kettering; Rockefeller University; and The Research Foundation for the City of New York.

The mission of The Balm In Gilead is to prevent the further transmission of HIV/AIDS among African Americans and to support those already infected by mobilizing the religious community to address HIV/AIDS effectively. Recognizing that mainstream HIV-related messages were often missing the mark in reaching members of minority communities, Seele set out to educate, mobilize and serve African Americans by using the single most effective voice within their reach - religious leaders.

Pernessa Seele conceived, developed, and implemented:

The Annual Harlem Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS - a citywide, week-long event during which workshops and worship provide a familiar and a non-threatening context to discuss the difficult issues of HIV.

The Black Church National Education and Leadership Training Conferences of HIV/AIDS - biannual skills building conference that gather renowned scholars, theologians, medical professionals, and people living with HIV to address the hard core issues of HIV/AIDS in African American Communities.

The African American National Clergy Task Force - an advisory group of 60 renowned religious leaders from across the country representing church denominations, religious scholars and university professors who advise The Balm In Gilead on how to strategically design HIV/AIDS education and support services in to the fundamental structure of the Black Church.

The Black Church National Day of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS - a nationwide effort to mobilize every parishioner and church auxiliary to create awareness and compassion for those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.

The First African American Religious Leaders Summit on HIV/AIDS at The White House - convened on February 28, 1994 in Washington, D.C. in partnership with the Office of the National AIDS Policy Coordinator.

These programs are recognized nationally and internationally as successful HIV/AIDS education models for addressing the issues of HIV/AIDS and the African American church.

Seele has received numerous awards for her work in HIV/AIDS and issues concerning the Black Church and has appeared on many television and radio programs. She received her master of science degree in Immunology from Atlanta University and a bachelor of science in Biology from Clark College.

Ethnic NewsWatch SoftLine Information, Inc., Stamford, CT

FREE CLINIC TO OFFER HOLISTIC TREATMENT THE NEW STOUGHTON CENTER WILL TRY TO PROVIDE CARE FOR THE BODY, MIND AND SOUL OF UNINSURED PATIENTS.(LOCAL) - The Wisconsin State Journal (Madison, WI)

Byline: HEATHER LaROI hlaroi@madison.com 608-252-6143

At a time when 15-minute doctor's appointments tend to be routine, founders of the Shalom Holistic Health Services clinic say its patients should expect to spend a couple of hours there with care providers.

Quick fixes, after all, are not what Stoughton's new free health-care clinic is all about.

Shalom Holistic Health Services, slated to open June 12 in a tiny yellow house on Ridge Street not far from downtown Stoughton, aims to offer care for the body, mind and soul of the growing number of area residents who don't have health insurance.

Providing such holistic - or whole person - care is not a new concept, but it is a fairly non-traditional approach for health care targeting the uninsured. For many without insurance, doctor's visits typically are more about immediate care issues rather than chronic conditions or general wellness.

'Often when we think of health, we get too stuck on disease,' said Dorothy Petersen, a registered nurse at Stoughton Hospital who was a driving force behind founding the clinic. 'We pretty much deal with the physical component and a lot of the rest is lost. We forget the components of health that we could be learning about and improving us overall ... the emotional components, social components, spiritual components.'

The Shalom clinic, accordingly, will be routinely staffed with a mental health provider or counselor as well as a clergy member in addition to a registered nurse and physician.

'To be able to offer the kind of health care that is pretty inexpensive to provide but also incorporates health and wellness for those who don't have anything is very appealing,' said Dr. Roger Luhn, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Rogers Memorial Hospital in Oconomowoc and vice chairman of the new clinic's board.

Uninsured need

It was a report that Stoughton Hospital's urgent care unit saw nearly 300 'self-pay' patients in 2004 that prompted some members of the community to seek out something more. For a city of 12,000 people, that number just seemed 'very significant' and suggested a larger hidden need, said the Rev. Lamarr Gibson of United Methodist Church, who serves as chairman of the clinic's advisory board.

Stoughton's needs clearly reflect a larger, nationwide problem. The number of Americans without health insurance reached 47 million in 2006, up more than 2 million from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In Wisconsin, about 9 percent of residents do not have insurance.

The Shalom clinic also joins an increasing number of free clinics in the area, largely funded by donations, that attempt to bridge gaps in health care for people who are uninsured or who find their coverage too costly. In the last two years, free clinics opened in Dodgeville, Richland Center and Boscobel. In Madison, federally funded clinics such as Access Community Health Centers on the East Side offer low-cost care to patients on a sliding fee scale.

Bobby Peterson, founder and executive director of Madison's ABC for Health, a nonprofit, public interest law firm dedicated to linking people in the area to health-care benefits and services, saluted the intent of the Shalom clinic while also acknowledging the 'big task' ahead.

'From a social service perspective, we do see the families that are getting services have multiple stresses in their lives and taking a look at the big picture is sometimes very important to help,' Peterson said.

'I think part of the effort to do this as a free community clinic can be, quite frankly, overwhelming because it's not a quick hit. It's then linking people to the appropriate resources in the community that can provide the longer, ongoing, sustainable effort. ... It's not a simple process.'

Ties to church

The Shalom clinic grew out of the START program - or Stoughton Area Resource Team program - based at the United Methodist Church since 1999. Over the years, START has expanded into an interfaith organization involving many Stoughton churches and other civic organizations.

Everyone who works at the nonprofit clinic will be a volunteer. Everything in the clinic - from the computers to the carpets to the crutches hanging in the closet - has been donated.

Skaalen Retirement Services, the adjacent nursing home which owns the house, offered the use of the building to the clinic. The local McGlynn Pharmacy and Stoughton Hospital will provide discounts to clinic patients for medications and services such as lab tests and X-rays.

Organizers have raised about $5,000 so far, primarily from local churches, community organizations and individual donations. Fundraising is expected to be an ongoing challenge.

'Shalom,' a Hebrew word that broadly means peace and well-being, ultimately speaks to what the clinic is hoping to provide, according to Gibson.

'From the pastoral point of view, it makes sense to look at all aspects of a person's health, the physical, mental, spiritual and social,' he said, noting that these areas of people's lives frequently can and do overlap. Mental health issues or economic difficulties may affect compliance with taking medications, for example.

'If you don't treat the whole person, you can give them all the drugs in the world but you're really not fixing the problem,' said Brenda Dottl, a registered nurse who's on the clinic's board. 'We want to go beyond the Band-Aid to treat the real cause and improve people's lives.'

SHALOM HOLISTIC HEALTH SERVICES

The Shalom Holistic Health Services clinic will offer free service to adults with no health insurance who live in the Stoughton School District. Children who are covered under BadgerCare will not be treated.

The clinic initially will provide service one day a week for four hours. It will not take walk-in appointments and is not intended to provide emergency care or perform invasive procedures. The clinic also will not carry any drugs on site.

TO FIND OUT MORE

Shalom Holistic Health Services, 1119 Ridge Street, Stoughton. Phone: 205-0505. E-mail: shalomhhs@gmail.com, Web site: www.shalomhs.com (both to be activated in early June).

Donations may be forwarded to Mary Smith, Treasurer, 1116 Ridge Street, P.O. Box 149, Stoughton, WI 53589.

CAPTION(S):

CRAIG SCHREINER State Journal

The new Shalom Holistic Health Services clinic in Stoughton, scheduled to

open June 12, will offer health care that spans body, mind and soul to

Stoughton adults who don't have health insurance. Registered nurse Dorothy

Schreiner and the Rev. Lamarr Gibson, of Stoughton's United Methodist Church,

HEALTH CALENDAR - The Washington Post

BLOOD DRIVE, 2:30-7:30 p.m. tomorrow, Liberty High School, 6300Independence Ave., Bealeton. 540-349-2516; 2-6 p.m. tomorrow,Foxcroft School, Foxcroft Road (Route 626 north of Middleburg). 540-687-4322 or blamond@foxcroft.org; 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday,Crossroads United Methodist Church, 43454 Crossroad Dr., Ashburn.703-777-7171; 3:30-8 p.m. May 8, Round Hill Elementary School, 17115Evening Star Dr. 703-777-7171; 3:30-8:30 p.m. May 8, Sterling SafetyCenter, Patton Hall, 47600 Middlefield Dr. 703-777-7171; 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. May 11, Loudoun County Fire and Rescue, Classroom 3, 16600Courage Ct., Leesburg. 703-777-7171.

ADULT, INFANT AND CHILD CPR AND FIRST AID, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. firstSaturdays, 333 Carriage House Lane, Warrenton. Registrationrequired. $55. 540-349-2516.

DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER, providing technological help throughthe Department for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing and with loans fromthe Technology Assistance Program, referrals to other agencies andpresentations to businesses, civic groups and schools, 2-5 p.m.third Thursdays, the Workplace, 205 Keith St., Warrenton. Free; callfor appointment. 800-648-6324 or TDD 540-373-5890.

HEARING-LOSS OUTREACH, free information and referral services.Walk-ins, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. fourth Thursdays, Loudoun County Departmentof Social Services, 102 Heritage Way, Leesburg. For one-on-oneappointments, call 703-444-0101 or TDD 703-430-2906. For hearingloss, tinnitus or Meniere's disease support, 2 p.m. first Fridays,Loudoun County Senior Center, 21060 Whitfield Pl., Sterling. For allages, including parents of children with hearing loss. 703-444-0101.

LOUDOUN ASSOCIATION FOR CHILDREN WITH HEARING LOSS, support forparents, families and professionals who work with hearing-impairedchildren in Loudoun County. 7 p.m. second Fridays, September-May,Leesburg Executive Airport, third floor, 1001 Sycolin Rd. SE. Forinformation on membership, educational and social events, links torelated Web sites, contact information and recommended reading, goto www.loudounhearing.org or mphotinaksi@netzero.com.

LOUDOUN CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR THE MENTALLY ILL,7:30 p.m. first Tuesdays, Friendship House, 16480 Meadowview Ct.,Leesburg. If you are interested in attending or know someone who maybenefit, call so that facilitators can arrange an appointment toexplain the nature of the course and its benefits. Free. 703-444-5326.

LOUDOUN CSB COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER, provides information aboutmental health, mental retardation and substance abuse for countyresidents. Lending library and help with computer research available9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 906 Trailview Blvd., Suite C,Leesburg. Drop-ins welcome if coordinator is available. Free. Forappointment, 703-737-8977. For information, www.loudoun.gov/mhmr/crc.htm.

RECOVERY INC., provides support for people suffering fromanxiety, fear, depression, panic and other emotional problems, 8p.m. Fridays, Friendship House, 16480 Meadowview Ct., Leesburg.Free. 703-777-1708.

ADVANCE DIRECTIVES SEMINAR, 10 a.m.-noon May 19, FauquierHospital Tower, main lobby information desk, 500 Hospital Dr.,Warrenton. Register. Free. 540-349-0588.

BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING, noon-2 p.m. May 9, Fauquier Hospitallobby, 500 Hospital Dr., Warrenton. Free. 540-341-0845.

EMERGENCY FOOD SUPPLIES, Loudoun residents can receive a freethree-day supply of nutritious groceries. Supplies are distributedMondays-Saturdays by Loudoun Interfaith Relief. 703-777-5911 orwww.interfaithrelief.org.

FAUQUIER FREE MEDICAL CLINIC, patients must call between 1:30 and3:30 p.m. Thursdays to register for that evening. No advanceappointments for another evening. Fauquier and Rappahannockresidents only. Bring proof of address residency//I changedresidency to address because, for many immigrants, 'residency' is acomplex and loaded term. Some might associate it with a requirementfor a 'green card.' And if they don't have that sort of legalstatus, they may not bother to seek care at this facility-Gilbert//for the first visit. To be eligible for treatment, patients cannothave Medicaid, Medicare or private health insurance. If you havequestions, call between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tuesdays or Thursdays. 540-347-0394.

MEN'S ANGER MANAGEMENT, sponsored by Services to Abused Families,6-7:30 p.m. Mondays, confidential location. Free. 540-825-8876.

NEW VOICE CLUB, support and education program for laryngectomypatients and their families, including free speech therapy. Monthlymeetings. Free. 703-938-5550.

NORTHERN VIRGINIA LONG-TERM-CARE OMBUDSMAN, investigates andworks to resolve complaints made by or for residents of long-termcare facilities. 703-324-5861.

REMEMBERING MY MOM, 7-9 p.m. May 11, Spiritual Care SupportMinistry Center, 76 W. Shirley Ave., Warrenton. Share memories ofmothers. Register. Free. 540-349-5814.

ROAD TO RECOVERY, for cancer patients in need of transportationto treatments. Free. 703-938-5550.

SEPARATION AND DIVORCE WORKSHOP FOR WOMEN, eight-week program, 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays, $15 a session. 199-B Liberty St. SW, Leesburg.Call for date of next session. 703-391-8599.

SEXAHOLICS ANONYMOUS, 12-step program of recovery for those whowant to stop self-destructive sexual behavior. Free. 703-866-6929.

VEHICLES FOR CHANGE, a nonprofit organization that collects usedvehicles and prepares them for distribution to eligible recipients.703-771-5871.

WARRENTON LIONS CLUB EYEGLASS RECYCLING PROGRAM, donate unneededeyeglasses to help others. Drop-off locations in Warrenton areWarrenton Professional Center, 493 Blackwell Rd.; Wal-Mart VisionCenter, 8728 James Madison Hwy.; Lindsey's Vision Center, 71 W.Shirley Ave. 540-347-3164 or 540-341-1006.

BIRTH CLASS, 'Have an Unmedicated Birth,' 6:30-9 p.m. May 9,Inova Loudoun Hospital, Family Education Room, 44045 RiversidePkwy., Leesburg. Learn tools to see you through natural birth.Register. $55, per couple. 703-858-6360 or www.thebirthinginn.org.

BIRTH MATTERS VIRGINIA, 'Birth Circle' discussions, 7-9 p.m.first Thursdays alternating between Leesburg and Purcellville.Information and support offered for pregnancy, birth and postpartumissues. Call for location. Free. 540-338-4398 or birthmattersva.org.

BIRTHRIGHT OF LOUDOUN COUNTY INC., free pregnancy tests, clothes,baby clothing, transportation and support throughout pregnancy, 18Loudoun St. SE, Leesburg. 703-777-7272.

BOND BETWEEN US INC., nonprofit organization offering support tobirth parents and their significant others when a child has beenplaced for adoption, 7:30 p.m. fourth Tuesdays. Call for location.Free. 703-771-7844.

BREAST-FEEDING CLASSES, noon-1 p.m. Wednesdays, Inova LoudounHospital Birthing Inn, 44045 Riverside Pkwy., Leesburg. Classes arefacilitated by a lactation consultant. Registration is not required.Free. 703-858-6000 or www.thebirthinginn.org.

FAMILIES IN TRANSITION SUPPORT, 'For the Children's Sake,' forLoudoun and Fauquier parents separating or divorcing, help indeveloping co-parenting skills. Four-hour session weekly. Free. 703-391-8599 or www.fitsfoundation.org.

LIFE LINE, pregnancy care center offering free testing, practicalcare and counseling in a confidential setting. 703-729-1123 orwww.pregnancylifeline.org.

LOUDOUN COUNTY COMMUNITY FATHERHOOD PROGRAM, fathers and fatherfigures learn about and discuss the joys and challenges offatherhood. Meet every other Saturday for two hours for four months.Sponsored by Northern Virginia Family Service. Free. Call forinformation. 703-404-1901 or dadsproject@adelphia.net.

LOUDOUN FAMILIES FOR CHILDREN, providing short-term emergencycare and mentoring to children who have been abused or neglected orare experiencing family crises. Call 703-771-9505 for information onorientation and training sessions or e-mail kburk@burkinc.com.

MOMS RUNNING/WALKING GROUPS, for mothers and infants. Free. 703-586-5037 or www.seemommyrun.com.

MOM-VISION, support group for mothers and other women with home-based businesses. Free. For location and information, call 703-669-6348.

MOTHERNET/HEALTHY FAMILIES LOUDOUN, program links first-timeparents with medical, social and educational resources needed togive children a socially and physically healthy start in life.Family-support workers meet with participants in homes. English-Spanish translation provided. 703-444-4477, Ext. 217, orwww.inmed.org.

MOTHERS FIRST, discussions, lectures, field trips, play groupsand moms' night out. 10:30 a.m.-noon first and third Tuesdays,Eastern Loudoun Regional Library, 21030 Whitfield Pl., Sterling; 10a.m. first and third Tuesdays, Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Rd.,Leesburg. ; 10:15 a.m. second and fourth Tuesdays, Ashburn Library,43316 Hay Rd. $28 for membership. 703-827-5922 orwww.mothersfirst.org.

NEW MOTHERS AND BABIES SUPPORT, MotherNet/Healthy FamiliesLoudoun provides free in-home mentoring and health education tofirst-time mothers, especially those facing teenage or singleparenthood, poverty, substance abuse, family violence andunemployment. 703-444-4477.

PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTHING RESOURCE, Childbirth SolutionsResource Center, 8393 W. Main St., Marshall. Education and supportfor women interested in learning about birthing options. 571-344-0438.

YOUNG-PARENT SERVICES, support program for teenage parentsoffering individual case management and weekly support group,Loudoun County Department of Family Social Services, 52 Sycolin Rd.,Leesburg. Free. Call for times. 703-771-5375.

10TH ANNUAL SENIOR EXPO, showcases resources for seniors inLoudoun County, 3-6:30 p.m. May 10, Community Church, 19790 AshburnRd., Ashburn. Display booths featuring financial, estate and legalplanning, traveling, home health and medical resources, facilitiesand residential communities, independent living support andgovernment services. Wellness screenings for blood pressure, bonedensity, cholesterol and glucose. Includes entertainment,refreshments and door prizes. Sponsored by the Loudoun SeniorInterest Network. Free. 703-777-2777, 703-531-6097 orwww.lsininfo.com.

EXERCISE TAPE, National Council on Aging video for people 55 andolder, 9-10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Leesburg Senior Center,215 Depot Ct. Free. 703-737-8039.

LIFELINE, 24-hour personal response service for seniors. CallInova Loudoun Hospital for information. 703-858-8094.

SPEAKERS PROGRAM, 11 a.m. first Tuesdays, Leesburg Senior Center,215 Depot Ct., Leesburg. Free. 703-737-8039.

ADULT FOSTER-CARE PROGRAM, enables people with mentaldisabilities to become more independent through interaction and theroutines of family life. Loudoun County Mental Retardation HealthServices is seeking new families for the program. Foster familiesreceive a monthly stipend and are provided with training and in-home support. 703-737-8977.

AL-ANON SERVICE CENTER OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, volunteer on duty 24hours with information for spouses, relatives and friends of problemdrinkers. 703-764-0476. Meetings 12:15 p.m. Wednesdays, LeesburgPresbyterian Church, 207 W. Market St., and 8 p.m. Thursdays, InovaLoudoun Hospital, 224 Cornwall St., Leesburg, 703-764-0476; 8 p.m.Mondays, Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 125 W. Washington St.,Middleburg, 540-554-2747; 8:30 p.m. Fridays, Grace Episcopal Church,6507 Main St., The Plains, 800-344-2666; noon Tuesdays, WarrentonChurch of Christ, Route 29 North, and 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, WarrentonPresbyterian Church, 91 Main St., 800-344-2666.

ALATEEN, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Warrenton Baptist Church, 123 W.Main St.800-344-2666.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, many meeting times and locations inLoudoun. Free. 800-208-8649 or www.nvintergroup.org.

ALZHEIMER'S SUPPORT, 9-10:30 a.m. first Thursdays, Sunrise ofLeesburg, 246 W. Market St. Free. 703-777-1971. For schedules andlocations of groups, call Alzheimer's Association, 866-259-0042.

CHILDREN'S PROGRAM, ages 5-12 who have a relative with cancer.Group activities, artwork and discussion. Learn helpful ways toexpress and deal with feelings. 4:30-5:30 p.m. Tuesdays, InovaLoudoun Hospital, Radiation Oncology Center, 44035 Riverside Pkwy.,Suite 100, Leesburg. Register. Free. 703-208-5623.

'CREATING AND CONNECTING,' two-hour art therapy and relaxationworkshop for patients, 12:30-2:30 p.m., meets every other month,Inova Loudoun Hospital Radiation Oncology Center, 44035 RiversidePkwy., Suite 100, Leesburg. Free. 703-858-8850.

DAD'S SUPPORT, 'Usopen_loudoundads,' 8 p.m. Tuesdays, InovaLoudoun Hospital, 44045 Riverside Pkwy., Leesburg. Provides a placefor new and expectant fathers to ask questions, share ideas and feelcomfortable with their role. The name of the group was chosenbecause the men's U.S. Open golf tournament is played on Father'sDay; the aim of the group is to have a group of dads being open.Free. 703-858-6360 or www.thebirthinginn.org.

'LOOK GOOD, FEEL BETTER,' for women undergoing or emerging fromcancer treatment, 6:45-9 p.m., meets every other month, InovaLoudoun Hospital Radiation Oncology Center, 44035 Riverside Pkwy.,Suite 100, Leesburg. Free. 703-858-8850.

'REACH TO RECOVERY,' home-visitation program for mastectomy andlumpectomy patients, sponsored by the American Cancer Society;temporary prostheses, exercise instruction, and encouragement. Free.703-938-5550.

CEREBRAL PALSY SUPPORT, parents with children newborn to 10 yearswho have cerebral palsy. Leesburg and Purcellville areas. Call forinformation. Free. 540-668-6832.

CHRONIC ILLNESS SUPPORT, 10:30-11 a.m. Tuesdays, FauquierHospital Bistro on the Hill restaurant (wheelchair accessible), 500Hospital Dr., Warrenton. Sponsored by the Spiritual Care SupportMinistries. 540-349-5814 or www.scsm.tv.

COMPASSIONATE FRIENDS, for parents who have experienced the deathof a child, 7:30 p.m. first Wednesdays, St. James' Episcopal Church,14 Cornwall St. NW, Leesburg. Free. 540-882-9707.

CRISISLINK, suicide and crisis prevention, intervention andresponse organization. Nonprofit organization serves NorthernVirginia. Organization also provides community education andtraining in mental health issues, has a certified volunteer crisisresponse team and offers CareRing, a free, daily telephone outreachprogram for elderly and disabled people. Help is needed for thesuicide and crisis hot line. Call for training schedule. 703-527-6016, www.crisislink.org or volunteer@crisislink.org.

DUAL DIAGNOSIS ANONYMOUS, support group for people with substanceabuse and mental health challenges, 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Inova LoudounHospital, Cornwall campus, 224 Cornwall St., Leesburg. Free. 301-827-7220.

FOREVER CHANGED, support for those who have lost children throughmiscarriage, stillbirth or infant death or because of othercircumstances, 7-8:30 p.m. first and third Tuesdays, Hospice Supportof Fauquier County, 42 N. Fifth St., Warrenton. Free. 540-347-5922.

GRIEF SUPPORT, for individuals and family members who needsupport in the aftermath of the Virginia Tech shootings. SpiritualCare Support Ministry Center, 76 W. Shirley Ave., Warrenton. Allservices are non-denominational. Free. 540-349-5814 or www.scsm.tv.

GRIEF SUPPORT, 'The Bereaved Parent,' 10:30 a.m.-noon first andthird Saturdays, Spiritual Care Support Ministry Center, 76 W.Shirley Ave., Warrenton. Free. 540-349-5814.

GRIEF SUPPORT, sponsored by Hospice Support of Fauquier County,individual counseling available, open to anyone who has experiencedthe death of a loved one, 3:30-5 p.m. every other Thursday, HospiceSupport Office, 42 N. Fifth St., Warrenton. Free. Register. 540-347-5922.

GRIEFSHARE SUPPORT, 7:30-9 p.m. Tuesdays, Spiritual Care SupportMinistry Center, 76 W. Shirley Ave., Warrenton. Non-denominational.Free. 540-349-5814 or www.scsm.tv.

HOSPICE SUPPORT, a medical equipment loan closet that serves allresidents of Fauquier County at no cost, needs hospital beds,wheelchairs, many kinds of medical equipment and supplies. Donationswill be accepted 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, hospice office,42 N. Fifth St., Warrenton. Wheelchairs are especially needed. 540-347-5922.

HOSPICE SUPPORT, 3:30-5 p.m. first and third Thursdays, 42 N.Fifth St., Warrenton. Open to anyone who has experienced the deathof a loved one. Register. Free. 540-347-5922 orhospicesupport@verizon.net with inquiries.

HOSPICE SUPPORT OF FAUQUIER COUNTY, four weekly training sessionsfor Fauquier residents. Participants attend all sessions and committo at least a year. Training covers hospice concept, patient comfortcare and body mechanics, listening skills, family dynamics,spiritual values, bereavement, documentation, confidentiality andfuneral home tour. For time, dates, location and to sign up, callJoy LeBaron or Gil Brooker at 540-347-5922.

LOUDOUN-FAIRFAX COLORECTAL CANCER SUPPORT, 7 p.m. every otherWednesday in Herndon. Free. 703-327-1472.

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS, 12-step program for those with eatingdisorders, 8-9 p.m. Fridays, Ashburn Presbyterian Church, 20962Ashburn Rd., 703-823-6682; 7:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, LeesburgPresbyterian Church, 207 W. Market St., 540-338-7483 days, 540-882-3988 evenings; 7 p.m. Thursdays, Seventh-day Adventist Church, 7485Lee Hwy., Warrenton, 540-439-0790; 8:45 a.m. Saturdays, second-floor sunroom, Inova Loudoun Hospital, Cornwall campus, 224 CornwallSt. Leesburg. Use the south entrance and follow the signs toelevators. Free. 540-751-0685; 7:30-8:30 p.m. Mondays, St. Peter'sEpiscopal Church, 37018 Glendale St., Purcellville. Free. 540-338-7483; 7-8 p.m. Tuesdays, Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Pl.,Potomac Falls. Free. 703-437-1521.

PARKINSON'S SUPPORT, 'Yoga-Lite for Parkinson's,' 1:30-3:30 p.m.Mondays in Leesburg. Increase flexibility, balance and strength andlearn stress management and correct breathing. Registrationrequired. Doesn't want drop-ins or location published. She canevaluate their situation over the phone and know their limitationsbefore class. $20 session. 540-668-6755 or mnhollyfield@yahoo.com.

PARKINSON'S SUPPORT, 1:30 p.m. first Tuesdays, Wingler HouseWest, 20903 Runnymeade Terr., Ashburn. Free. 703-723-0919.

PET LOSS SUPPORT, Spiritual Care Support Ministry Center, 76 W.Shirley Ave., Warrenton. Free. 540-349-5814.

PFLAG SUPPORT, first Tuesdays, meet at the Sterling Starbucks,21800 Towncenter Plaza, to carpool to meeting. For parents andfriends of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Works tohelp keep families together. Free. 703-431-0882 orwww.equalityloudoun.org.

SEPARATION AND DIVORCE SUPPORT, 7:30-9 p.m. first Wednesdays,Leesburg United Methodist Church, 107 W. Market St.; 7:30-9 p.m.first Mondays, Sterling United Methodist Church, Room 105, 304 E.Church Rd. Free. 703-777-8766.

SEXUAL ASSAULT AND INCEST SURVIVORS GROUP COUNSELING, allservices provided by Loudoun Citizens for Social Justice and LoudounAbused Women's Shelter are free and confidential. 703-771-9020.

SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVORS EMPOWERMENT SUPPORT, sponsored by SexualAssault Victims Volunteer Initiative, Mondays. Child care availablewith 48-hour notice. Call for time and location. Free. 540-349-7720.

SINGLEPOINTE, singles 30 and older, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Fridays,Christian Fellowship Church, 21673 Beaumeade Cir., Ashburn. Livemusic, discussions, practical principles for living the single life.Refreshments available; child care available for those 2 and older.Free. 703-724-4916 or www.singlepointe.org.

SPIRITUAL CARE SUPPORT MINISTRIES, provides support, educationand a biblical perspective through individual sessions, supportgroups, retreats, Bible studies and social events. Training providedfor those who would like to know how to minister to people who aresick or grieving the loss of loved ones. Free. 540-349-5814.

SPOUSE-LOSS SUPPORT, 7:30-9 p.m. Tuesdays, Spiritual Care SupportMinistry Center, 76 W. Shirley Ave., Warrenton. Free. 540-349-5814.

WOMEN'S CANCER SUPPORT, 6:30-8 p.m. first Wednesdays, InovaLoudoun Hospital Radiation Oncology Center, 44035 Riverside Pkwy.,Leesburg. Free. 703-858-8850.

WOMEN'S SUPPORT, sponsored by Services to Abused Families, 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesdays. Confidential location. Free. 540-825-8876.

CHOICES WEIGHT-LOSS SUPPORT, 7 p.m. Mondays, Loudoun ValleyCommunity Center, Purcellville. $5 to join; $2 monthly. Firstmeeting free. 540-338-4854.

NORTHERN DISTRICT VIRGINIA DIETETIC ASSOCIATION, speakers bureauof registered dietitians and diet technicians who address topicssuch as weight management, vegetarian diets, quick and healthfulmeals, planning and preparation, sports nutrition, understandingfood labels, nutrition for seniors and diet needs for heart diseasepatients and diabetics. Available to schools and civic and businessgroups in Loudoun, Fairfax and Prince William counties.www.northernvirginiadietitians.org.

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY, weight-loss support group, 5-6 p.m.weigh-in, 6-7 p.m. meeting, Tuesdays, Midland Church of theBrethren. $25 a year. 540-439-3739. TOPS support group meets at 6:15p.m. Tuesdays, SunTrust Bank, Routes 29 and 17, Warrenton. $20 ayear. 540-439-3671.

WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY SUPPORT, group forming in Loudoun. 703-967-4379 or supportgroup4wls@aol.com.

-- Compiled by SANDY MAUCK

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