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Vol. 13, No. 3 |
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Our first national event brought together professionals from 32 states. Twenty workshops were held with topics ranging from Hepatitis B global vaccination initiatives, to advocacy of HCV and HIV issues. We were excited to host over 30 nationally known presenters, including Dr. Samuel So of Stanford University and Dr. Joanna Buffington of the Centers for Disease Control. "I am very excited about the material and information I brought back from the conference," commented Ted Ziegler. "I was truly inspired by some of the workshops and the professionals I met during the event." Overall, 91% of conference attendees believed that the conference accurately fulfilled their expectations and was well executed. The Blood Borne conference was sponsored by the Community Health Center, Gate House of Summit County, The Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services (ODADAS) and the American Liver Foundation. Educational grants were received from Merck, Roche Laboratories, Inc. and GlaxoSmithKline.
CHC selected as pilot site for vaccine The CHC was selected to participate in a Pilot Vaccine Initiative Project sponsored by the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT). The CHC voluntarily tests all new IV drug using patients for Hepatitis A, B & C as well as HIV. This new program allows us to enhance the services by offering free vaccinations against Hepatitis A & B to our patients. The goal of this new initiative is to learn how to better integrate vaccinations for Hepatitis into current treatment programs. The CHC, with Gate House of Summit County, has implemented the TwinRix vaccinations offering the three injection series to those with the highest risk factors. The vaccine is offered to our patients who are on methadone, HIV/HCV positive or at-risk, or IV drug users. We are also partnering with Meridian Health Services to offer the vaccine to high risk individuals in the Youngstown area. In total, we will be vaccinating 400 patients for Hepatitis A & B. Our results will be used to set national standards for Hepatitis vaccines in treatment clinics all around the country. |
At the annual holiday board meetings of the Community Health Center, CHC Foundation and OMCDC on December 7, awards were given recognizing distinguished individuals who helped to make a difference in the lives of the patients we serve every day. The 2006 award winners included: Pat Barnhart Award Michael Powell Humanitarian Award Corrine Rho Award President’s Award Qualitis Award Friend of the Field Award of Excellence Congratulations Everyone!
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CHC welcomes new doctor
Dr. Anne has a particular interest in women’s health and pediatrics. We are now accepting new patients at the CHC Family Practice. We are conveniently located on E. Market Street in Akron, right near City Hospital and The University of Akron. Click here for directions. Please call 330.315.3706 to learn more about our quality health care and laser treatment services. Same day appointments are often available.
Ziegler named chair of Summit Forum Ted Ziegler, CEO of the Community Health Center , was elected by his peers as the Chair of The Summit Forum, a group made up of 25 public officials and chief executive officers of agencies in Summit County that provide services, care and/or protection to children and their families.The Summit Forum was established in 1989 with the goal of uniting decision makers to enable cooperation and coordination among various provider organizations. The Forum meets quarterly to focus on enhancing child and adolescent services through collective problem solving, leadership and child advocacy. Ziegler will serve as chair until 2008. |
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Like a toddler taking their first steps, Horizon House made it through its first year with a few stumbles and a lot of lessons learned. “It has been a learning experience,” said program coordinator Joe Scalise, of his experience with the house residents. “Figuring out exactly what kind of support these kids need versus what we had slated in our original plans has been a process. I am confident however, that we have a good system in place and have our residents on a track for success.” Horizon House is a program for young adults ages 18–22 who are homeless. The program offers one home for females and one for males in Akron. Each resident is engaged in a life management plan which includes goals for education, employment and other needs. “Our residents have weekly house meetings and support from a case manager, vocational counselor, mentor and myself. If they show the need, we will find a way to help them out.” Joe also indicated that most of the Horizon House residents are seeking grants to further their education at The University of Akron . “We are just showing our kids that if there’s a will, there’s a way to become successful.” Horizon House was made possible by several private organizations in Summit County including InfoCision Management Corp ., Ron & Stacy Kara, Brunswick Cos ., TriMor Corp., Alcon Tool Co ., and many more responsible corporate citizens. |
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The CHC recently purchased the old Visiting Nurse Services building located right near our treatment centers on E. Market Street. This 8,600 sq. ft. building will serve as the location for our new child care center — KidSpace. “Our new location will allow us to serve more children, and accommodate the needs of families with children of all different ages,” said Maureen Earle, child care coordinator at CHC. With combined experience of over 20 years, the child care staff is ready for the new building and more children to fill the space. KidSpace will be open for business in April 2007. For information about rates and availability, please call 330.253.KIDS or visit us online at www.chckidspace.com .
LEARN MORE ABOUT…
For over 20 years Project PANDA ( Prevent and Neutralize Drugs and Alcohol ) has successfully provided positive peer support to thousands of teens in Northeast Ohio. Below, you will learn more about PANDA from volunteer Youth Staffer Annie Horning, a junior at Copley-Fairlawn High School. Annie started as a PANDA camp participant, and now helps organize camps. My personal experience on Youth Staff is one that I will never forget. We are not only a bunch of teens that come together; we are a family who is always there for each other. Being on youth staff is the best job I could ever ask for. By being on youth staff you get to meet adults and teens that you may never have had the chance to meet. The adults and coordinators also put countless hours of work into making camp possible. One person alone could not run PANDA; we are a team that works together in everything that we do. The kids who come through camps are wonderful, they come in with an open mind, not knowing what will happen. This camp experience should be one that every teen goes through in their life. Visit the student-run PANDA web site at www.projectpanda.org . To see if a group is available in your local school system or to become a volunteer, contact Lauren Bush at 330.315.2689. PANDA is funded primarily by the Summit County ADM Board. |
THE CHC IS FUNDED IN PART BY:
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“Steve” entered OMCDC’s Project Hope after establishing a 60-day period of sobriety at the Interval Brotherhood Home. Two years later he is a successful graduate, moving towards a bright future. “When Steve came to us in need of housing he was a perfect candidate for Project Hope because he was independent, sober and committed to his recovery program,” said Jackie Hemsworth. Project Hope offers single participants a two-year rent subsidy in a private apartment while they continue to participate in our recovery programs. Hope offers after-care treatment, vocational services, case management and community support while residents work toward self-sufficiency. In 2005 20 single individuals participated. Four graduated and gained total independent living. “Within a week of entering the program he had secured a full time permanent job, and continued with this same job the entire time he was in the Hope program,” added Jackie. Soon Steve was also able to share a large portion of the parenting of his two young children. One major benefit of Project Hope is a built-in savings account for each resident. A portion of their rent (meaning $25 or 30% of gross income per month) is placed into a savings account on their behalf. After completion of the program, the savings is presented to the graduate to be used at their discretion for their next home or possibly a car. In Steve’s case, he has walked away with over $10,500 in savings that he will put towards his future.
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Straight News is a publication of the Community Health Center and the Community Health Center Foundation.
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The Community Health Center facilities and services are certified by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. 