Men's Health Day April 14th

From Middlesex Hospital's eVita Newsletter:

Annual special event focuses on men's health needs

Often, men are less likely than women to seek out healthcare services on a regular basis. This especially holds true for those men who may have limited or no access to these types of services.

Dorothy Carvalho, R.N., O.C.N., the urology nurse navigator at the Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center, identified a need in the local community last year for the underserved population of men in the local area. Her response to this need was to hold the first annual "Men's Health Day" in downtown Middletown. The event is free and run entirely by volunteers. The day-long event allows participants to discuss health issues with a variety of physicians, nurses and radiologists. In addition, a dietitian is available to talk about nutrition. A social worker is also available. The men can also receive foot care and be screened for prostate cancer and blood pressure, and can talk with a fitness trainer. They are also treated to chair massage and reflexology. A hot luncheon is served and gift cards to the local supermarket are provided to the first 100 attendees.

As a result of developing this special program, Carvalho was chosen as one of the 2010 Connecticut Hospital Association's "Healthcare Heroes," for her contributions to the community.This year's event will take place on April 14, 2012, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., at the First United Methodist Church in Middletown. For more information, call (860) 358-2043

New Community Program Addresses Children's Behavioral Health Issues

submitted by Peg Arico / Middlesex Hospital:

A newly formed partnership program among a group of community organizations will provide early identification of behavioral health needs and early intervention for children during their elementary school years. The key partners in this program, entitled Identifying Children and Responding Early (iCARE), include Middlesex Hospital and its Family Advocacy Program and Center for Behavioral Health, Middletown Public Schools and the Middletown Youth Services Bureau, and the Middletown-based Ministerial Alliance. The new initiative is funded through the Connecticut Health Foundation’s Children’s Mental Health Initiative.

Middletown is one of only four communities in the state to receive funding for this program, which will initially be piloted for children and families of Bielefield School.

“As a school district, we are looking at early intervention as a key to school success,” said Middletown Superintendent of Schools, Michael J. Frechette. “iCARE is able to respond to children’s social and emotional needs, with a focus on prevention and a connection to valuable community resources.”

Bishop William McKissick, president of the Ministerial Alliance, stated, “It is important that families feel connected to their community and their schools. Kids are successful when families are supported.”

According to Terri DiPietro, Director of the Middlesex Hospital Outpatient Center for Behavioral Health, “For many years, the Middlesex Hospital Behavioral Health Department has been committed to providing specialized services to help improve the lives of children and their families. The new iCARE Program will be another valuable resource for the Hospital and its community partners to continue to provide additional support for children and families in need.”

The Connecticut Health Foundation is the state’s largest, independent health philanthropy organization dedicated to improving lives by changing health systems. Since it was established in July 1999, the Foundation has supported innovative grantmaking, public health policy research and technical assistance to improve the health of the people of Connecticut.

Health Care Film to Get Wesleyan Screening

What: A screening of "Diagnosis: NOW!" (approx. 12 minutes) and Discussion about Health Care

When: Tuesday October 14, 2008 at 7:00 PM

Who: Wesleyan Student Group, "Health Care Access Now!" with guests Paul Wessel from the healthcare4every1 campaign, Suzanne Haviland a health policy analyst for AFSCME, and a representative from Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro's office

Where: The event is in Woodhead Lounge, located inside the Exley Science Center. Parking is available on Lawn Avenue (the address is approximately 54 Lawn Avenue). You can view this custom Google map for walking directions to the event from that point: http://snurl.com/46rah