A new online resource is available to help connect women and adolescents to life-saving cervical cancer-related services.
The NC Cervical Cancer Resource Directory includes county-specific information on where uninsured or underinsured women can go to find screening or Pap test services. The site also has information on HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccination, answers to frequently-asked questions and additional resources.
The directory—available in both English and Spanish—was developed by Cervical Cancer-Free NC, an initiative based at the Gillings School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The program is working to eliminate or substantially reduce cervical cancer in North Carolina.
Each year, more than 12,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and more than 4,000 die from the disease in the United States. In 2011, almost 400 women in North Carolina received cervical cancer diagnoses, and more than 100 died. Health-care experts say a majority of these deaths could be avoided through regular cervical cancer screenings, commonly known as Pap tests, and timely HPV vaccination.
Noel Brewer, Ph.D., director of Cervical Cancer-Free NC and associate professor of health behavior at UNC's public health school, said he knows how important the directory and other resources could be to women throughout the state. His own mother was recently diagnosed with incurable cervical cancer.
"Screening would have caught her cancer early and saved her life, but she could not afford it," said Brewer, also a member of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. "Resources like the new directory will help other women find affordable screening and avoid what my mom is going through now. We can end cervical cancer. We have to."
African-American and Latina women, who are less likely than others to be screened, are twice as likely as white women to die from cervical cancer. Research has shown that one reason for the disparity is that, in North Carolina, African-Americans and Latinos are more likely to be uninsured or underinsured.
Connecting women to cervical cancer resources in North Carolina is an important step in reducing unnecessary deaths, according to the Cervical Cancer-Free NC initiative and its collaborators.
"Latinas are a growing component of the healthcare community and they need culturally appropriate information that is available to them in their own language," said Florence Simán, director of health programs at El Pueblo Inc., a Latino advocacy organization based in Raleigh. "This directory is a great resource for us to use to help connect women who may otherwise not know where to go."
Schatzi H. McCarthy, associate director of Cervical Cancer-Free NC, said the new resource will go a long way to help clarify access to cervical cancer prevention services in North Carolina. "Navigating through our healthcare system can be extremely challenging, especially for those who are uninsured or under-insured. It is not acceptable that women should die for lack of access to services when, in fact, they are available. We want to help match low-income women with needed services. For this reason, we are very proud of the resource directory and believe it will be an invaluable tool for women and adolescents throughout our state."
For more information, visit the directory at www.ccresourcedirectory.org or email info@ccfnc.org.
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Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Huntington's Disease Society of America hosts hoop-a-thon
We at the Huntington's Disease Society of America, North Carolina Chapter, believe it is important to help families in North Carolina affected by Huntington's Disease, including the children. This year, we are putting on a youth-focused hoop-a-thon on Saturday, Feb. 25, from 8:30 am to noon at Gravelly Hills Middle School in Orange County. Geoff Schwarts of the Carolina Panthers will be participating as a team captain of one of the teams, and we will also be auctioning off a football signed by Carolina Panthers Quarterback Cam Newton. All proceeds will be going to the North Carolina Chapter of Huntington's Disease Society of America to help families in North Carolina affected by Huntington's Disease.
Huntington's disease is a genetic disorder which is caused by an expanded gene in a person's DNA. It is is also a neurodegenerative disorder, which means the condition affects the cells of the brain and causes damage over time. This stops the brain and body from working as well as they used to. As a result, people develop symptoms of Huntington's disease. These symptoms can be divided into three main types: involuntary movements, cognitive and behavioural. Currently, there is no cure for Huntington's, and there is a 50 percent chance of it being passed on to offspring. It is fatal. About 10 percent of people diagnosed with Huntington's have a juvenile form, which is much worse than adult onset.
Huntington's disease is a genetic disorder which is caused by an expanded gene in a person's DNA. It is is also a neurodegenerative disorder, which means the condition affects the cells of the brain and causes damage over time. This stops the brain and body from working as well as they used to. As a result, people develop symptoms of Huntington's disease. These symptoms can be divided into three main types: involuntary movements, cognitive and behavioural. Currently, there is no cure for Huntington's, and there is a 50 percent chance of it being passed on to offspring. It is fatal. About 10 percent of people diagnosed with Huntington's have a juvenile form, which is much worse than adult onset.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Price supports payroll tax cut extension
Rep. David Price (NC-04) issued the following statement Friday, Feb. 17, after voting in favor of legislation to extend the Obama Administration’s payroll tax holiday and unemployment benefits for millions of Americans who have lost their jobs as a result of the recession. The measure—which will add an average of $1,000 to the paychecks of 160 million working Americans and inject $100 billion into the economy—also avoids an impending cut in Medicare payments to doctors, ensuring that millions of seniors will not lose access to affordable health care.
Although Price expressed strong support for the payroll tax cut, unemployment insurance and Medicare doctors provisions, he also criticized congressional Republicans’ insistence on offsetting the cost of these measures by increasing federal employees’ contributions to their pension funds, reducing Medicare payments to hospitals and laboratory service providers, and rescinding funding from a key provision of the Affordable Care Act.
“I am proud to stand with the President and working Americans today by supporting this measure, which will add an average of $1,000 to the paychecks of working North Carolinians this year, extend unemployment benefits for Americans who have lost jobs through no fault of their own and ensure seniors on Medicare will be able to see their doctors," Price said. "After a year in which Republicans in Congress took the country from one manufactured crisis to the next, this bipartisan agreement is a step in the right direction—and at a time when so many families are still struggling to make ends meet, it may be our last chance to help revive the economy as we head into an election year.
“... I cannot in good conscience oppose a measure that puts money in the pockets of American workers, protects our fragile economic recovery and maintains the safety net for unemployed workers and health care for seniors. But we simply must do better if we are to maintain the promise of expanding opportunity for working and middle class Americans.”
Although Price expressed strong support for the payroll tax cut, unemployment insurance and Medicare doctors provisions, he also criticized congressional Republicans’ insistence on offsetting the cost of these measures by increasing federal employees’ contributions to their pension funds, reducing Medicare payments to hospitals and laboratory service providers, and rescinding funding from a key provision of the Affordable Care Act.
“I am proud to stand with the President and working Americans today by supporting this measure, which will add an average of $1,000 to the paychecks of working North Carolinians this year, extend unemployment benefits for Americans who have lost jobs through no fault of their own and ensure seniors on Medicare will be able to see their doctors," Price said. "After a year in which Republicans in Congress took the country from one manufactured crisis to the next, this bipartisan agreement is a step in the right direction—and at a time when so many families are still struggling to make ends meet, it may be our last chance to help revive the economy as we head into an election year.
“... I cannot in good conscience oppose a measure that puts money in the pockets of American workers, protects our fragile economic recovery and maintains the safety net for unemployed workers and health care for seniors. But we simply must do better if we are to maintain the promise of expanding opportunity for working and middle class Americans.”
President Obama’s budget expands, simplifies small business health care tax credits
The Affordable Care Act includes a Small Business Health Care Tax Credit to help small businesses afford the cost of covering their workers. For tax year 2011 alone, the existing tax credit will benefit an estimated 360,000 small employers who provide health insurance to 2 million workers.
In his fiscal year 2013 budget, President Barack Obama has called for expanding and simplifying the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit. If the President’s proposal is enacted, the tax credit would benefit nearly 0.5 million employers who provide insurance to 4 million workers. Over the next 10 years, the proposal would provide an additional $14 billion in tax credits. For a particular business, these changes could mean a tax cut of tens of thousands of dollars. The President has proposed to:
• Allow small businesses with up to 50 workers to qualify for the credit. Currently the tax credit is only available to employers with fewer than 25 full-time workers. (Part-time workers are counted proportionally based on the hours they work.) The President’s budget doubles this ceiling to 50. It also doubles—from 10 full-time workers to 20—the maximum size for a firm to receive the maximum credit matching rate (which is currently 35 percent and increases to 50 percent in 2014).
• Adopt a more generous phase-out schedule. The tax credit phases out based on both the average wage paid by the employer and the number of workers it employs. The President’s budget makes the phase-out schedule more generous and permits every otherwise eligible firm that falls within the limits for size (50 full-time workers) and average wage ($50,000 per full-time worker) to receive the credit.
• Simplify the credit by streamlining the rules. The President’s budget eliminates two requirements for claiming the credit:
o Uniformity requirement. The budget eliminates the requirement that employers claiming the credit determine that they contribute the same percentage of the cost of each employee’s health insurance. This will make the credit less dependent on the specific practices of the employer and easier to claim. Employers would still be required to contribute at least 50 percent of the premium, ensuring a substantial commitment to their employees’ health coverage.
o Cap based on state average premiums. The budget eliminates the cap that limits eligible employer contributions to the amount an employer would have contributed if it offered the plan with the average premium in the state—another requirement that can be complicated to calculate and which is unnecessary given other incentives to control premiums.
Together, eliminating these requirements will significantly simplify the process of claiming the credit.
Examples of how the budget proposal affects various businesses
Example 1: Budget makes small business with 30 full-time employees eligible
Business Profile:
• Full-time employees: 30
• Wages: Average $25,000 per employee
• Employer premium contribution per employee: $5,000
Tax credit in 2012:
• Under current law: Not eligible
• Under budget proposal: $35,000
Tax credit in 2014:
• Under current law: Not eligible
• Under budget proposal: $50,000
Example 2: Budget more than doubles credit for small business with 15 full-time employees
Business profile:
• Full-time employees: 15
• Wages: Average $35,000 per employee
• Employer premium contribution per employee: $6,000
Tax credit in 2012:
• Under current law: Up to $8,400
• Under budget proposal: $18,900
Tax credit in 2014:
• Under current law: Up to $12,000
• Under budget proposal: $27,000
In his fiscal year 2013 budget, President Barack Obama has called for expanding and simplifying the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit. If the President’s proposal is enacted, the tax credit would benefit nearly 0.5 million employers who provide insurance to 4 million workers. Over the next 10 years, the proposal would provide an additional $14 billion in tax credits. For a particular business, these changes could mean a tax cut of tens of thousands of dollars. The President has proposed to:
• Allow small businesses with up to 50 workers to qualify for the credit. Currently the tax credit is only available to employers with fewer than 25 full-time workers. (Part-time workers are counted proportionally based on the hours they work.) The President’s budget doubles this ceiling to 50. It also doubles—from 10 full-time workers to 20—the maximum size for a firm to receive the maximum credit matching rate (which is currently 35 percent and increases to 50 percent in 2014).
• Adopt a more generous phase-out schedule. The tax credit phases out based on both the average wage paid by the employer and the number of workers it employs. The President’s budget makes the phase-out schedule more generous and permits every otherwise eligible firm that falls within the limits for size (50 full-time workers) and average wage ($50,000 per full-time worker) to receive the credit.
• Simplify the credit by streamlining the rules. The President’s budget eliminates two requirements for claiming the credit:
o Uniformity requirement. The budget eliminates the requirement that employers claiming the credit determine that they contribute the same percentage of the cost of each employee’s health insurance. This will make the credit less dependent on the specific practices of the employer and easier to claim. Employers would still be required to contribute at least 50 percent of the premium, ensuring a substantial commitment to their employees’ health coverage.
o Cap based on state average premiums. The budget eliminates the cap that limits eligible employer contributions to the amount an employer would have contributed if it offered the plan with the average premium in the state—another requirement that can be complicated to calculate and which is unnecessary given other incentives to control premiums.
Together, eliminating these requirements will significantly simplify the process of claiming the credit.
Examples of how the budget proposal affects various businesses
Example 1: Budget makes small business with 30 full-time employees eligible
Business Profile:
• Full-time employees: 30
• Wages: Average $25,000 per employee
• Employer premium contribution per employee: $5,000
Tax credit in 2012:
• Under current law: Not eligible
• Under budget proposal: $35,000
Tax credit in 2014:
• Under current law: Not eligible
• Under budget proposal: $50,000
Example 2: Budget more than doubles credit for small business with 15 full-time employees
Business profile:
• Full-time employees: 15
• Wages: Average $35,000 per employee
• Employer premium contribution per employee: $6,000
Tax credit in 2012:
• Under current law: Up to $8,400
• Under budget proposal: $18,900
Tax credit in 2014:
• Under current law: Up to $12,000
• Under budget proposal: $27,000
Monday, February 20, 2012
Hagan introduces bill to accelerate patient access to targeted treatments
U.S. Sen. Kay R. Hagan (D—N.C.) introduced Wednesday, Feb. 15, the Transforming the Regulatory Environment to Accelerate Access to Treatments Act to get targeted treatments to patients with serious or life-threatening diseases in a quick and safe manner. The bill will be referred to the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee that oversees healthcare issues. Hagan is a member of the HELP Committee.
“The TREAT Act is a commonsense bill that will get innovative treatments to patients more quickly, while maintaining FDA’s high standards for safety and effectiveness,” said Hagan. “Accelerated approval processes helped HIV and cancer treatments advance by leaps and bounds in the 1990s. For patients suffering today from rare diseases for which there are no current treatments, medical advances can’t come fast enough. This legislation creates a consistent process and a clear and effective pathway at FDA that will encourage the development of innovative treatments for patients otherwise dependent on the uncertainty of medical breakthroughs.
“Furthermore, in this global economy, American innovation means American jobs. I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to build support for this bill.”
The TREAT Act accelerates the review and approval process for medicines that:
• treat an unmet medical need,
• significantly advance the standard of care or
• are highly targeted therapies for serious or life-threatening diseases or conditions.
“NORD appreciates that Senator Hagan and her staff have listened to the concerns of rare disease patients in drafting this proposed legislation,” said Peter L. Saltonstall, president and CEO of the National Organization for Rare Disorders. “We look forward to working with Senator Hagan in support of this effort to accelerate the process for bringing safe, effective therapies to patients who desperately need them.”
Dr. Ellen Sigal, Chair & Founder of Friends of Cancer Research also commended Hagan's efforts.
“Friends of Cancer Research would like to applaud Senator Hagan for her continued support of the Food and Drug Administration," she said. "The bill she introduced today addresses some very important issues that will help the FDA enhance its scientific capacity, continue to review new treatments in a timely and efficient manner and assure that patients—suffering from serious illness and disease—have access to the safest and most effective therapies.”
The bill enhances FDA’s access to external scientific and medical expertise. It allows the FDA Commissioner to better utilize waivers when potential conflicts of interest are outweighed by the need to have input from leading medical and scientific experts. It also recommends that patient and disease research organizations have more representation on FDA advisory committees. This is critical in areas where research is on the cutting edge.
The TREAT Act advances regulatory science within the FDA. It ensures that drug sponsors are provided explanations when their drugs are turned down so that they might address concerns, improve the treatment and get approved medications to patients more quickly.
The TREAT Act updates the FDA mission statement to reflect FDA’s role in advancing medical innovation while promoting and strengthening the agency’s safety and effectiveness standards. The bill establishes new positions to promote innovation, integration and oversight as well as a Management Review Board to help FDA keep pace with advancing medical innovation and ensure that safety precautions are adhered to.
For more background on the TREAT Act, click here.
“The TREAT Act is a commonsense bill that will get innovative treatments to patients more quickly, while maintaining FDA’s high standards for safety and effectiveness,” said Hagan. “Accelerated approval processes helped HIV and cancer treatments advance by leaps and bounds in the 1990s. For patients suffering today from rare diseases for which there are no current treatments, medical advances can’t come fast enough. This legislation creates a consistent process and a clear and effective pathway at FDA that will encourage the development of innovative treatments for patients otherwise dependent on the uncertainty of medical breakthroughs.
“Furthermore, in this global economy, American innovation means American jobs. I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to build support for this bill.”
The TREAT Act accelerates the review and approval process for medicines that:
• treat an unmet medical need,
• significantly advance the standard of care or
• are highly targeted therapies for serious or life-threatening diseases or conditions.
“NORD appreciates that Senator Hagan and her staff have listened to the concerns of rare disease patients in drafting this proposed legislation,” said Peter L. Saltonstall, president and CEO of the National Organization for Rare Disorders. “We look forward to working with Senator Hagan in support of this effort to accelerate the process for bringing safe, effective therapies to patients who desperately need them.”
Dr. Ellen Sigal, Chair & Founder of Friends of Cancer Research also commended Hagan's efforts.
“Friends of Cancer Research would like to applaud Senator Hagan for her continued support of the Food and Drug Administration," she said. "The bill she introduced today addresses some very important issues that will help the FDA enhance its scientific capacity, continue to review new treatments in a timely and efficient manner and assure that patients—suffering from serious illness and disease—have access to the safest and most effective therapies.”
The bill enhances FDA’s access to external scientific and medical expertise. It allows the FDA Commissioner to better utilize waivers when potential conflicts of interest are outweighed by the need to have input from leading medical and scientific experts. It also recommends that patient and disease research organizations have more representation on FDA advisory committees. This is critical in areas where research is on the cutting edge.
The TREAT Act advances regulatory science within the FDA. It ensures that drug sponsors are provided explanations when their drugs are turned down so that they might address concerns, improve the treatment and get approved medications to patients more quickly.
The TREAT Act updates the FDA mission statement to reflect FDA’s role in advancing medical innovation while promoting and strengthening the agency’s safety and effectiveness standards. The bill establishes new positions to promote innovation, integration and oversight as well as a Management Review Board to help FDA keep pace with advancing medical innovation and ensure that safety precautions are adhered to.
For more background on the TREAT Act, click here.
State leaders announce 10-year goal to reduce N.C. teen pregnancies by 30%
Health and education leaders met Wednesday, Jan. 18, in Chapel Hill to announce a state goal to reduce North Carolina teen pregnancies. The Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Campaign of North Carolina released the target of reducing the state’s teen pregnancy rate 30 percent by 2020.
North Carolina’s teen pregnancy rate has declined more than 50 percent since 1990 and experienced the biggest single year-to-year drop last year, according to recently released 2010 data. Despite significant improvements, North Carolina still holds the 14th highest teen pregnancy rate in the United States.
“Oh the heels of such great success, North Carolina needs to keep momentum in reducing teen pregnancy,” said Kay Phillips, executive director of APPCNC. “This goal is intended to help inspire and challenge people to keep working toward effective solutions.”
The state goal has been endorsed by more than 40 organizations, including the North Carolina Pediatric Society, the North Carolina School Boards Association, Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina, the Institute for Emerging Issues and the North Carolina Institute of Medicine.
In addition to announcing the state goal, APPCNC released a report called the North Carolina State of Adolescent Sexual Health and Action Plan. The report details the current extent of health issues in North Carolina as well as concrete steps parents, community leaders, schools and medical professionals can take to make North Carolina’s adolescents healthier.
The Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Campaign of North Carolina is a North Carolina nonprofit leader in preventing adolescent pregnancy through advocacy, collaboration and education.
Learn more at www.appcnc.org.
North Carolina’s teen pregnancy rate has declined more than 50 percent since 1990 and experienced the biggest single year-to-year drop last year, according to recently released 2010 data. Despite significant improvements, North Carolina still holds the 14th highest teen pregnancy rate in the United States.
“Oh the heels of such great success, North Carolina needs to keep momentum in reducing teen pregnancy,” said Kay Phillips, executive director of APPCNC. “This goal is intended to help inspire and challenge people to keep working toward effective solutions.”
The state goal has been endorsed by more than 40 organizations, including the North Carolina Pediatric Society, the North Carolina School Boards Association, Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina, the Institute for Emerging Issues and the North Carolina Institute of Medicine.
In addition to announcing the state goal, APPCNC released a report called the North Carolina State of Adolescent Sexual Health and Action Plan. The report details the current extent of health issues in North Carolina as well as concrete steps parents, community leaders, schools and medical professionals can take to make North Carolina’s adolescents healthier.
The Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Campaign of North Carolina is a North Carolina nonprofit leader in preventing adolescent pregnancy through advocacy, collaboration and education.
Learn more at www.appcnc.org.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
OWASA hosts blood drive
On Friday, Feb. 24, OWASA will sponsor an American Red Cross blood drive from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Community Room on the lower floor of OWASA’s Administration Building, 400 Jones Ferry Road in Carrboro.
“The winter months are particularly challenging, so we are especially grateful to those who roll up their sleeves this time of year,” said Caroline Allison, American Red Cross Donor Recruitment Representative for the Carolinas Blood Services Region. “Patients in our area hospitals depend on the generosity of blood donors every day. There is always a special need for donors with type O negative blood. O negative is the universal blood type and can be given to patients of any type in an emergency situation.”
Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. Accident victims as well as patients with cancer, sickle cell disease, blood disorders and other illnesses receive lifesaving transfusions every day. There is no substitute for blood, and volunteer donors are the only source.
Donors must be in general good health, have photo identification, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be at least 17 years old or 16 years old with parental consent. Donors who are 18 and younger must also meet height and weight requirements
People who come to donate will have the chance to win a pair of roundtrip domestic tickets from Delta Air Lines and be entered to win one of three three-day oceanfront vacation rentals at the Islander Inn and Suites on Emerald Isle, courtesy of Bluewater Real Estate and Vacation Rentals.
Anna Maria’s and OWASA will provide food.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.redcrossblood.org or contact Kelly Chapman at (919) 537-4370 or kchapman@owasa.org. Making an appointment will allow the donation process to go more smoothly for everyone. Walk-ins are welcome after noon. Information is also available from the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED CROSS.
“The winter months are particularly challenging, so we are especially grateful to those who roll up their sleeves this time of year,” said Caroline Allison, American Red Cross Donor Recruitment Representative for the Carolinas Blood Services Region. “Patients in our area hospitals depend on the generosity of blood donors every day. There is always a special need for donors with type O negative blood. O negative is the universal blood type and can be given to patients of any type in an emergency situation.”
Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. Accident victims as well as patients with cancer, sickle cell disease, blood disorders and other illnesses receive lifesaving transfusions every day. There is no substitute for blood, and volunteer donors are the only source.
Donors must be in general good health, have photo identification, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be at least 17 years old or 16 years old with parental consent. Donors who are 18 and younger must also meet height and weight requirements
People who come to donate will have the chance to win a pair of roundtrip domestic tickets from Delta Air Lines and be entered to win one of three three-day oceanfront vacation rentals at the Islander Inn and Suites on Emerald Isle, courtesy of Bluewater Real Estate and Vacation Rentals.
Anna Maria’s and OWASA will provide food.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.redcrossblood.org or contact Kelly Chapman at (919) 537-4370 or kchapman@owasa.org. Making an appointment will allow the donation process to go more smoothly for everyone. Walk-ins are welcome after noon. Information is also available from the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED CROSS.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Triangle area’s only assistance dog organization to hold open house
Eyes Ears Nose and Paws will hold an open house with training demonstrations on Saturday, Feb. 18, from noon until 2 pm. Members of the public are invited to come to EENP’s training facility at 209 Lloyd St., Suite 320, in Carrboro to learn more about how EENP’s assistance dogs change the lives of individuals with disabilities.
The open house is an opportunity to get to know this young assistance dog organization. Demonstrations from our dogs-in-training will happen at 12:30 and 1:30 pm. Visitors will get to meet some of our dogs in training; see our training facility; talk to staff, Board members, and volunteers; and learn about our client placements, volunteer opportunities and how to become involved.
Eyes Ears Nose and Paws was started in 2008 to make assistance dogs more available to local residents and remains the only nonprofit assistance dog organization in the Triangle area. According to Executive Director Maria Ikenberry, “nationally, there is a two-to-four year waiting list to receive a service dog, and it can be nearly impossible for NC residents to get a diabetic assistance dog that has been trained by an organization.”
Kayley Thorpe was partnered with her EENP service dog Mack in August 2011, and she recently said, “Mack and I are in our second semester of high school together. I am doing so much with him that I could never do without him.”
EENP placed its first two dogs with clients in August 2010 and made a third placement in August 2011. The group has nine dogs currently in training to become assistance dogs and is planning the next public graduation ceremony for June 23. It takes up to two years to train an assistance dog.
For additional information, contact Maria Ikenberry, Eyes Ears Nose and Paws, 209 Lloyd St., Suite 320, in Carrboro; (919) 926- 0457; maria@eenp.org.
Eyes Ears Nose and Paws trains and places assistance dogs with individuals with disabilities. Diabetic assistance dogs use their noses to detect changes in blood sugar and alert their human diabetic partners before those changes become dangerous. Service dogs assist with a variety of tasks for individuals with mobility impairments. These tasks include opening doors, retrieving dropped items, flipping light switches and helping with balance. EENP was started in 2008 as the first assistance dog organization in the Triangle area, with the intent of making assistance dogs more available for local residents.
The open house is an opportunity to get to know this young assistance dog organization. Demonstrations from our dogs-in-training will happen at 12:30 and 1:30 pm. Visitors will get to meet some of our dogs in training; see our training facility; talk to staff, Board members, and volunteers; and learn about our client placements, volunteer opportunities and how to become involved.
Eyes Ears Nose and Paws was started in 2008 to make assistance dogs more available to local residents and remains the only nonprofit assistance dog organization in the Triangle area. According to Executive Director Maria Ikenberry, “nationally, there is a two-to-four year waiting list to receive a service dog, and it can be nearly impossible for NC residents to get a diabetic assistance dog that has been trained by an organization.”
Kayley Thorpe was partnered with her EENP service dog Mack in August 2011, and she recently said, “Mack and I are in our second semester of high school together. I am doing so much with him that I could never do without him.”
EENP placed its first two dogs with clients in August 2010 and made a third placement in August 2011. The group has nine dogs currently in training to become assistance dogs and is planning the next public graduation ceremony for June 23. It takes up to two years to train an assistance dog.
For additional information, contact Maria Ikenberry, Eyes Ears Nose and Paws, 209 Lloyd St., Suite 320, in Carrboro; (919) 926- 0457; maria@eenp.org.
Eyes Ears Nose and Paws trains and places assistance dogs with individuals with disabilities. Diabetic assistance dogs use their noses to detect changes in blood sugar and alert their human diabetic partners before those changes become dangerous. Service dogs assist with a variety of tasks for individuals with mobility impairments. These tasks include opening doors, retrieving dropped items, flipping light switches and helping with balance. EENP was started in 2008 as the first assistance dog organization in the Triangle area, with the intent of making assistance dogs more available for local residents.
Monday, January 30, 2012
US Department of Labor announces supplemental funding to help North Carolina residents looking for work cover health insurance payments
The U.S. Department of Labor announced a $2 million National Emergency Grant supplemental award, in the form of a National Emergency Grant, to provide an estimated 1,175 additional jobless workers in North Carolina with partial premium payments for health insurance coverage. The state qualified for funds available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
An initial award of $2 million was approved on Aug. 11, 2009, to serve about 1,800 people. A supplemental award of $2.2 million was provided on June 30, 2010, to serve an additional 2,400 individuals. January 2012's $2 million supplement brings the total funds awarded to date to $6.2 million and the number of jobless workers served to 5,375.
“Health insurance is an important benefit for millions of American workers and their families,” said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. “These additional funds will ensure that these North Carolinians keep their health insurance while they search for new jobs.”
Awarded to the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Division of Employment and Training, the funding will be used to make payments for unemployed individuals who are receiving Trade Adjustment Assistance benefits and are eligible for the Health Coverage Tax Credit. The “gap filler” payments enabled by this funding cover up to three months, which is the amount of time it takes to complete Internal Revenue Service enrollment, processing and first payments under the Health Coverage Tax Credit program. Through the credit, eligible individuals can receive 72.5 percent of premium costs for qualified health insurance programs.
National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary of labor’s discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state’s ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information, visit http://www.doleta.gov/NEG.
An initial award of $2 million was approved on Aug. 11, 2009, to serve about 1,800 people. A supplemental award of $2.2 million was provided on June 30, 2010, to serve an additional 2,400 individuals. January 2012's $2 million supplement brings the total funds awarded to date to $6.2 million and the number of jobless workers served to 5,375.
“Health insurance is an important benefit for millions of American workers and their families,” said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. “These additional funds will ensure that these North Carolinians keep their health insurance while they search for new jobs.”
Awarded to the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Division of Employment and Training, the funding will be used to make payments for unemployed individuals who are receiving Trade Adjustment Assistance benefits and are eligible for the Health Coverage Tax Credit. The “gap filler” payments enabled by this funding cover up to three months, which is the amount of time it takes to complete Internal Revenue Service enrollment, processing and first payments under the Health Coverage Tax Credit program. Through the credit, eligible individuals can receive 72.5 percent of premium costs for qualified health insurance programs.
National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary of labor’s discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state’s ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information, visit http://www.doleta.gov/NEG.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
First Lady Michelle Obama announces coordinated effort by America’s academic institutions to combat PTSD & TBI
130 medical schools and research facilities to join forces to serve veterans and families
As part of First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden’s Joining Forces initiative, the Association of American Medical Colleges and the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine committed to creating a new generation of doctors, medical schools and research facilities that will make sure our heroes and their families receive the care worthy of their sacrifice. Recognizing veterans, service members and their families’ dedication and commitment, 130 schools associated with the AAMC and AACOM—including UNC-Chapel Hill—pledged to leverage their missions in education, research and clinical care to train the nation’s physicians to meet the unique health care needs of the military and veterans communities.
“I’m inspired to see our nation’s medical schools step up to address this pressing need for our veterans and military families," Obama said. "By directing some of our brightest minds, our most cutting-edge research, and our finest teaching institutions toward our military families, they’re ensuring that those who have served our country receive the first-rate care that they have earned."
Together, the AAMC and AACOM are committing to improve the education in their medical schools, the research in their laboratories and the clinical care in their hospitals to better address the health issues that military families face. Specifically, these organizations are committing to:
• Train their medical students as well as their current physicians, faculty and staff to better diagnose and treat our veterans and military families;
• Develop new research and clinical trials on PTSD and TBI so that we can better understand and treat those conditions;
• Share their information and best practices with one another through a collaborative web forum created by the AAMC; and
• Continue to work with the VA and the Department of Defense to make sure that everyone is providing the best care available.
“Because of our integrated missions in education, clinical care and research, America’s medical schools are uniquely positioned to take a leadership role in this important effort,” said Darrell G. Kirch, M.D., president and CEO of the Association of American Medical Colleges. “Medical schools have long recognized the sacrifice and commitment of our military, veterans and their families. The relationship between the Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers and academic medicine dates back to the end of World War II and serves as a model for successful partnerships between public and private institutions. Our work with the White House on Joining Forces is a natural extension of our efforts in this area and renews our commitment to the wellness of our nation’s military.”
“A central component of the White House Joining Forces Initiative is wellness, and I am pleased to announce AACOM’s participation in a new Joining Forces effort that could have a significant impact on the health and well-being of our nation’s veterans.” Dr. Stephen C. Shannon, President and CEO of AACOM, said.
Obama and Biden created Joining Forces to bring Americans together to recognize, honor and take action to support veterans and military families as they serve our country and throughout their lives. The initiative aims to educate, challenge and spark action from all sectors of society to ensure veterans and military families have the support they have earned. The initiative focuses on key priority areas—employment, education and wellness while raising awareness about the service, sacrifice and needs of America’s veterans and military families. More information is available at www.JoiningForces.gov.
The following is a list of the 130 universities and colleges participating in this program:
· University of Alabama School of Medicine
· University of South Alabama College of Medicine
· University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine
· Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
· AT Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine of Arizona
· University of Arizona College of Medicine
· Loma Linda University
· Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California
· Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine
· Stanford University School of Medicine
· UC Davis Health System
· University of California, Irvine School of Medicine
· David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
· Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
· Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
· University of Colorado School of Medicine
· Yale School of Medicine
· Georgetown University School of Medicine
· George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences
· Howard University College of Medicine
· Florida State University College of Medicine
· Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine Florida International University
· Nova Southeastern University College os Osteopathic Medicine
· University of Florida College of Medicine
· USF Health Morsani College of Medicine
· Emory University School of Medicine
· Medical College of Georgia at Georgia Health Sciences University
· Mercer University School of Medicine
· Morehouse School of Medicine
· University of Hawaii at Manoa, John A. Burns School of Medicine
· Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine
· University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
· Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
· Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
· Rush University Medical Center, Chicago
· Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
· The Chicago Medical School in conjunction with the Lovell Federal Health Care Center
· University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
· University of Illinois College of Medicine
· Indiana University
· University of Kansas Medical Center
· University of Kentucky College of Medicine
· University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine
· Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans
· Tulane University School of Medicine
· Boston University School of Medicine
· Harvard Medical School
· Tufts University School of Medicine
· University of Massachusetts Medical School
· Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
· Uniformed Services University of the Health Science's F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine
· University of Maryland School of Medicine
· University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
· Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
· Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
· University of Michigan Medical School
· Wayne State University School of Medicine
· University of Minnesota Medical School
· Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
· Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine AT Still University
· Saint Louis University
· University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine
· University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Medicine
· Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine
· University of Mississippi School of Medicine
· Creighton University School of Medicine
· University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine
· The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University
· Wake Forest School of Medicine
· University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine
· University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences
· Dartmouth Medical School
· Cooper Medical School of Rowan University.
· University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey - New Jersey Medical School
· University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey - Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
· University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey - School of Osteopathic Medicine
· University of New Mexico School of Medicine
· University of Nevada School of Medicine
· Hofstra North Shore - LIJ School of Medicine
· New York Institute of Technology New York College of Osteopathic Medicine
· State University of New York Upstate Medical University
· Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine
· University at Buffalo State University of New York School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
· Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
· The Ohio State University
· Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine
· University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
· University of Toledo College of Medicine
· Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine
· Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
· University of Oklahoma College of Medicine
· Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine
· Pacific Northwest University of Health Science College of Osteopathic Medicine
· Commonwealth Medical College
· Drexel University College of Medicine
· Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University
· Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
· Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
· Penn State University College of Medicine
· Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
· Temple University School of Medicine
· University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
· Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine
· Ponce School of Medicine and Health Sciences
· Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine
· University of South Carolina School of Medicine
· University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Greenville
· University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine
· Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
· Meharry Medical College
· Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
· Baylor College of Medicine
· The Texas A & M Health Science Center College of Medicine
· Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine
· Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine Paul L. Foster School of Medicine
· The University of North Texas Health Science Center Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
· The University of Texas School of Medicine at San Antonio
· University of Texas Medical School at Houston
· University of Utah School of Medicine
· Eastern Virginia Medical School
· University of Virginia School of Medicine
· Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
· Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
· Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
· University of Washington School of Medicine
· Medical College of Wisconsin
· University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
· The Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University
· West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
· West Virginia University School of Medicine
As part of First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden’s Joining Forces initiative, the Association of American Medical Colleges and the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine committed to creating a new generation of doctors, medical schools and research facilities that will make sure our heroes and their families receive the care worthy of their sacrifice. Recognizing veterans, service members and their families’ dedication and commitment, 130 schools associated with the AAMC and AACOM—including UNC-Chapel Hill—pledged to leverage their missions in education, research and clinical care to train the nation’s physicians to meet the unique health care needs of the military and veterans communities.
“I’m inspired to see our nation’s medical schools step up to address this pressing need for our veterans and military families," Obama said. "By directing some of our brightest minds, our most cutting-edge research, and our finest teaching institutions toward our military families, they’re ensuring that those who have served our country receive the first-rate care that they have earned."
Together, the AAMC and AACOM are committing to improve the education in their medical schools, the research in their laboratories and the clinical care in their hospitals to better address the health issues that military families face. Specifically, these organizations are committing to:
• Train their medical students as well as their current physicians, faculty and staff to better diagnose and treat our veterans and military families;
• Develop new research and clinical trials on PTSD and TBI so that we can better understand and treat those conditions;
• Share their information and best practices with one another through a collaborative web forum created by the AAMC; and
• Continue to work with the VA and the Department of Defense to make sure that everyone is providing the best care available.
“Because of our integrated missions in education, clinical care and research, America’s medical schools are uniquely positioned to take a leadership role in this important effort,” said Darrell G. Kirch, M.D., president and CEO of the Association of American Medical Colleges. “Medical schools have long recognized the sacrifice and commitment of our military, veterans and their families. The relationship between the Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers and academic medicine dates back to the end of World War II and serves as a model for successful partnerships between public and private institutions. Our work with the White House on Joining Forces is a natural extension of our efforts in this area and renews our commitment to the wellness of our nation’s military.”
“A central component of the White House Joining Forces Initiative is wellness, and I am pleased to announce AACOM’s participation in a new Joining Forces effort that could have a significant impact on the health and well-being of our nation’s veterans.” Dr. Stephen C. Shannon, President and CEO of AACOM, said.
Obama and Biden created Joining Forces to bring Americans together to recognize, honor and take action to support veterans and military families as they serve our country and throughout their lives. The initiative aims to educate, challenge and spark action from all sectors of society to ensure veterans and military families have the support they have earned. The initiative focuses on key priority areas—employment, education and wellness while raising awareness about the service, sacrifice and needs of America’s veterans and military families. More information is available at www.JoiningForces.gov.
The following is a list of the 130 universities and colleges participating in this program:
· University of Alabama School of Medicine
· University of South Alabama College of Medicine
· University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine
· Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
· AT Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine of Arizona
· University of Arizona College of Medicine
· Loma Linda University
· Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California
· Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine
· Stanford University School of Medicine
· UC Davis Health System
· University of California, Irvine School of Medicine
· David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
· Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
· Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
· University of Colorado School of Medicine
· Yale School of Medicine
· Georgetown University School of Medicine
· George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences
· Howard University College of Medicine
· Florida State University College of Medicine
· Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine Florida International University
· Nova Southeastern University College os Osteopathic Medicine
· University of Florida College of Medicine
· USF Health Morsani College of Medicine
· Emory University School of Medicine
· Medical College of Georgia at Georgia Health Sciences University
· Mercer University School of Medicine
· Morehouse School of Medicine
· University of Hawaii at Manoa, John A. Burns School of Medicine
· Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine
· University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
· Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
· Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
· Rush University Medical Center, Chicago
· Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
· The Chicago Medical School in conjunction with the Lovell Federal Health Care Center
· University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
· University of Illinois College of Medicine
· Indiana University
· University of Kansas Medical Center
· University of Kentucky College of Medicine
· University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine
· Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans
· Tulane University School of Medicine
· Boston University School of Medicine
· Harvard Medical School
· Tufts University School of Medicine
· University of Massachusetts Medical School
· Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
· Uniformed Services University of the Health Science's F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine
· University of Maryland School of Medicine
· University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
· Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
· Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
· University of Michigan Medical School
· Wayne State University School of Medicine
· University of Minnesota Medical School
· Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
· Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine AT Still University
· Saint Louis University
· University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine
· University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Medicine
· Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine
· University of Mississippi School of Medicine
· Creighton University School of Medicine
· University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine
· The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University
· Wake Forest School of Medicine
· University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine
· University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences
· Dartmouth Medical School
· Cooper Medical School of Rowan University.
· University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey - New Jersey Medical School
· University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey - Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
· University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey - School of Osteopathic Medicine
· University of New Mexico School of Medicine
· University of Nevada School of Medicine
· Hofstra North Shore - LIJ School of Medicine
· New York Institute of Technology New York College of Osteopathic Medicine
· State University of New York Upstate Medical University
· Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine
· University at Buffalo State University of New York School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
· Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
· The Ohio State University
· Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine
· University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
· University of Toledo College of Medicine
· Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine
· Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
· University of Oklahoma College of Medicine
· Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine
· Pacific Northwest University of Health Science College of Osteopathic Medicine
· Commonwealth Medical College
· Drexel University College of Medicine
· Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University
· Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
· Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
· Penn State University College of Medicine
· Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
· Temple University School of Medicine
· University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
· Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine
· Ponce School of Medicine and Health Sciences
· Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine
· University of South Carolina School of Medicine
· University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Greenville
· University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine
· Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
· Meharry Medical College
· Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
· Baylor College of Medicine
· The Texas A & M Health Science Center College of Medicine
· Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine
· Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine Paul L. Foster School of Medicine
· The University of North Texas Health Science Center Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
· The University of Texas School of Medicine at San Antonio
· University of Texas Medical School at Houston
· University of Utah School of Medicine
· Eastern Virginia Medical School
· University of Virginia School of Medicine
· Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
· Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
· Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
· University of Washington School of Medicine
· Medical College of Wisconsin
· University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
· The Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University
· West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
· West Virginia University School of Medicine
Friday, December 30, 2011
UNC to recieve funds to improve access to education and health care in rural areas
U.S. Senator Kay R. Hagan (NC) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that North Carolina will receive more than $1.5 million to improve access to health care and educational services in rural communities.
“Nearly half of all North Carolinians live in rural areas,” said Hagan. ”We need to make sure that people in all corners of our state have access to the same educational opportunities and medical care available in metropolitan areas. This funding will help rural schools prepare students for success in the 21st century economy and ensure that residents in these areas have access to the quality, affordable health care they need and deserve.”
The USDA funding will support six distance learning and telemedicine projects across the state, including the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which will receive $81,324.
James Sprunt Community College in Duplin County will receive a $192,870 grant that will enable faculty to offer college-level and advanced placement courses to a network of five surrounding high schools.
The East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine will receive $392,748 to expand their rural residency program by implementing a telemedicine system. The system will allow dental residents to receive academic lessons via teledentistry equipment while working at four rural clinics in underserved areas of Eastern North Carolina.
A full list of North Carolina grant recipients is:
• East Carolina University – $392,748
• James Sprunt Community College – $192,870
• The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – $81,324
• Mission Healthcare Foundation, Inc. – $419,351
• Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia, Inc. – $251,235
• Sampson Regional Medical Center, Inc. – $169,852
Funding is provided through the USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Program.
“Nearly half of all North Carolinians live in rural areas,” said Hagan. ”We need to make sure that people in all corners of our state have access to the same educational opportunities and medical care available in metropolitan areas. This funding will help rural schools prepare students for success in the 21st century economy and ensure that residents in these areas have access to the quality, affordable health care they need and deserve.”
The USDA funding will support six distance learning and telemedicine projects across the state, including the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which will receive $81,324.
James Sprunt Community College in Duplin County will receive a $192,870 grant that will enable faculty to offer college-level and advanced placement courses to a network of five surrounding high schools.
The East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine will receive $392,748 to expand their rural residency program by implementing a telemedicine system. The system will allow dental residents to receive academic lessons via teledentistry equipment while working at four rural clinics in underserved areas of Eastern North Carolina.
A full list of North Carolina grant recipients is:
• East Carolina University – $392,748
• James Sprunt Community College – $192,870
• The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – $81,324
• Mission Healthcare Foundation, Inc. – $419,351
• Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia, Inc. – $251,235
• Sampson Regional Medical Center, Inc. – $169,852
Funding is provided through the USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Program.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Hagan introduces coin legislation to commemorate the March of Dimes’ 75th anniversary
U.S. Senators Kay R. Hagan (D-NC) and Susan Collins (R-ME) were joined by Senate co-sponsors Chuck Schumer (NY), Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Daniel Akaka (D-HI) on Thursday, Dec. 1, in introducing bipartisan legislation to commemorate the work and legacy of the March of Dimes. The March of Dimes Commemorative Coin Act of 2011 would mint coins in celebration of the organization 75th anniversary in 2014. Proceeds from the commemorative coin will be used to support the March of Dimes’ Prematurity Campaign, an intensive multi-year initiative to find the causes of prematurity and raise awareness among health professionals and the general public.
“I cannot think of a more appropriate way to recognize the March of Dimes than to mint actual coins honoring its work,” said Hagan. “From its efforts to help end the polio epidemic to its work today to prevent birth defects and the number of babies born prematurely, the March of Dimes has made a difference in the lives of our families for more than seven decades. A commemorative coin will serve both as a celebration of the March of Dimes’ 75 years of accomplishments and a reminder of the work we still need to accomplish to combat diseases that strike our youngest children."
Collins agreed.
“Since its beginning, the March of Dimes has made monumental vaccine breakthroughs, invested in research to study and prevent premature births and provided essential aid to mothers-to-be,” she said. “This coin, which will be minted at no cost to American taxpayers for the 75th anniversary of the March of Dimes, is a fitting tribute to the organization’s truly outstanding work.”
The March of Dimes was founded in 1938 by President Franklin Roosevelt as the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis at a time when polio was on the rise. The foundation established a polio patient aid program and funded research for the vaccines that effectively ended epidemic polio in the United States. Since that time, the March of Dimes has focused on preventing birth defects, prematurity and infant mortality.
“For 75 years, the March of Dimes has done critical work in protecting the health of our nation’s children,” Schumer said. “This commemorative coin would help mark the invaluable role that March of Dimes has played in our country’s history, starting with its work to end polio up to today’s fight against birth defects and premature births. What’s more, this commemorative coin would help fund new research into the causes of premature births and would allow March of Dimes to continue its incredible work for years to come.”
The March of Dimes Commemorative Coin Act directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint 500,000 $1 coins in recognition and celebration of the founding of the March of Dimes. The design of the coin will be selected by the Treasury Secretary in consultation with the March of Dimes and the Commission of Fine Arts.
“Once again, a coin has the opportunity to help this nation fight a threat to its children,” said Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes. “During the Great Depression, citizens sent their precious dimes—four billion of them—to the White House to fund research in the successful fight against polio. This time, the sale of these commemorative coins will help fund research and programs to identify the causes of premature birth. A dime defeated polio; this special dollar will help fight premature birth. We thank Sen.s Kay Hagan and Susan Collins for introducing the March of Dimes Commemorative Coin Act.”
“I cannot think of a more appropriate way to recognize the March of Dimes than to mint actual coins honoring its work,” said Hagan. “From its efforts to help end the polio epidemic to its work today to prevent birth defects and the number of babies born prematurely, the March of Dimes has made a difference in the lives of our families for more than seven decades. A commemorative coin will serve both as a celebration of the March of Dimes’ 75 years of accomplishments and a reminder of the work we still need to accomplish to combat diseases that strike our youngest children."
Collins agreed.
“Since its beginning, the March of Dimes has made monumental vaccine breakthroughs, invested in research to study and prevent premature births and provided essential aid to mothers-to-be,” she said. “This coin, which will be minted at no cost to American taxpayers for the 75th anniversary of the March of Dimes, is a fitting tribute to the organization’s truly outstanding work.”
The March of Dimes was founded in 1938 by President Franklin Roosevelt as the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis at a time when polio was on the rise. The foundation established a polio patient aid program and funded research for the vaccines that effectively ended epidemic polio in the United States. Since that time, the March of Dimes has focused on preventing birth defects, prematurity and infant mortality.
“For 75 years, the March of Dimes has done critical work in protecting the health of our nation’s children,” Schumer said. “This commemorative coin would help mark the invaluable role that March of Dimes has played in our country’s history, starting with its work to end polio up to today’s fight against birth defects and premature births. What’s more, this commemorative coin would help fund new research into the causes of premature births and would allow March of Dimes to continue its incredible work for years to come.”
The March of Dimes Commemorative Coin Act directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint 500,000 $1 coins in recognition and celebration of the founding of the March of Dimes. The design of the coin will be selected by the Treasury Secretary in consultation with the March of Dimes and the Commission of Fine Arts.
“Once again, a coin has the opportunity to help this nation fight a threat to its children,” said Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes. “During the Great Depression, citizens sent their precious dimes—four billion of them—to the White House to fund research in the successful fight against polio. This time, the sale of these commemorative coins will help fund research and programs to identify the causes of premature birth. A dime defeated polio; this special dollar will help fight premature birth. We thank Sen.s Kay Hagan and Susan Collins for introducing the March of Dimes Commemorative Coin Act.”
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Air quality officials continue health notice for central and eastern North Carolina
Rains have improved air quality, but shifting winds could carry smoke from wildfires further north and west in central and eastern North Carolina on Friday, air quality officials say.
Residents as far west as the Triangle and Fayetteville and as far north as Rocky Mount could experience unhealthy air quality, and people are advised to avoid or reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors if they can see and smell smoke.
Wildfires in the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge in Dare and Hyde counties, the Holly Shelter Game Land in Pender County and along the Bladen and Cumberland county line are affecting communities with smoke that could contain high levels of particle pollution. Smoke from the fires is drifting downwind. For more information about the North Carolina fires, check out the link on the national interagency website.
Air quality monitors operated by the N.C. Division of Air Quality, or DAQ, have shown elevated particle pollution due to smoke from the fire. People who live in counties close to the fire, particularly sensitive groups, should limit their outdoor activities if they can see and smell heavy smoke.
Some of the highest particle pollution levels that DAQ has ever measured were in smoke plumes from wildfires. Recent concentrations have reached Code Purple, or very unhealthy, at times in counties close to the fires. The highest particle concentrations have tended to occur during the evening and early morning hours. Particles can be harmful to breathe and contribute to haze and other air quality problems.
The air pollution forecast for Friday shows that fine particle levels in the coastal region could exceed the standard of 35 micrograms per cubic meter averaged over 24 hours. High particle levels can impair breathing and aggravate symptoms in people with heart and respiratory problems and irritate the lungs in healthy individuals. People with chronic lung and heart ailments as well as children and older adults should reduce physical exertion and outdoor activity.
Fine particles can penetrate deeply into the lungs and be absorbed into the bloodstream, causing or aggravating heart and lung diseases. Persons most susceptible to particle pollution include those with heart and respiratory conditions, older adults and young children. Symptoms of exposure to high particle levels include: irritation of the eyes, nose and throat; coughing; phlegm; chest pain or tightness; shortness of breath and asthma attacks.
Lyme disease fundraiser!
Whitney Corn, a Hillsborough native battling late-stage Lyme disease—which isn't covered by insurance—will hold a raffle and fundraiser on Saturday, July 9, at 4 p.m. at Schley Grange Hall. Money raised at the event will go toward funding Whitney's treatment as well as paying for various bills the family has had to put on hold to be able to pay medical fees.
To buy raffle tickets, make a donation or help in any way possible, call (919) 602-5555 for Kathy Corn, Whitney's mother. Raffle prizes include:
For more information on the Corn family's struggles, see the Wednesday, May 19, edition of the News of Orange or read it online. For further information about Whitney's ordeal and the politics of Lyme disease, see the Wednesday, July 6, edition of the News of Orange.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Help Whitney Corn battle Lyme
Whitney Corn of Hillsborough has been battling a disease for five years. Only in the last three months did doctors finally confirm that she had what Whitney and her mother had suspected all along—Lyme Disease. and late stage Lyme at this point. On top of her expensive medical treatment—which isn't covered by insurance—Whitney's father died two years ago this month. Not only did the stress of that loss send Whitney's disease into an accelerated downward spiral, it also put the family in financial jeopardy. The Corns lost the family business Whitney's parents had run together, since everything was in her father's name. They fell behind on bills trying to pay for the many, many, many doctor's visits, tests and medication as Whitney was continually misdiagnosed.
To help mitigate the costs and ease the financial strain, Whitney and her mother—together with family and friends—are holding a raffle on July 9 at 4 p.m. at Schley Grange Hall. Free hot dog supper, karaoke and baseball will be offered in addition to the three raffle prizes: a 55=inch Vizio LCD HDTV for first place; a sitting and 11-by-14 portrait, valued at $300, donated by Kent Murray for second place; and a full auto detail, worth $150, donated by Superior Auto Detail.
For more information about the raffle, call (919) 602-5555. For more information about Whitney and her struggles, visit her website.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Breaking ground on UNC Hospitals Hillsborough Campus!
Officials and community members gathered at the site of UNC Hospitals Hillsborough Campus for a ground breaking on Wednesday, April 20. The hospital will be located in the Waterstone development right off of I-40.
The hospital will be a two-phase, $200 million project. Construction on the first phase will begin in early May and will include a 60,000 square-foot physician office building, which is set to open in 2013.
Phase two should begin in 2012 and includes the hospital itself, complete with 50 acute care beds, 18 intensive care beds, six operating rooms, two procedure rooms and an emergency department. The entire project is set for completion in 2015.
For more information, see the Wednesday, April 27, edition of the News of Orange.
First picture: Bill Roper, left, CEO of UNC Health Care, with Rep. David Price (D-NC).
Second picture: Hillsborough Mayor Tom Stevens with state Rep. Bill Faison.
Friday, April 8, 2011
April declared Public Health Month
While local health departments work diligently year round to protect the community from health threats, many people are unaware of this resource and how it benefits their quality of life. To raise awareness of the value of public health, the Orange County Health Department will celebrate North Carolina Public Health Month throughout April.
“The Orange County Health Department has many reasons to celebrate Public Health Month this year,” said Dr. Rosemary Summers, Orange County Health Director.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation released its 2011 County Health Rankings report on March 30, naming Orange County as the second healthiest county in the state. In February, Orange County Board of Commissioners approved the bid award for renovating the lower level of Whitted Human Services Center in Hillsborough to expand clinical facilities. Renovations will serve health and dental clinic needs and provide additional space for support staff. Construction began in late February with a completion date set for June.
“We are excited about the renovated facility and anticipate that our clients will receive more efficient services with updated equipment in more pleasant surroundings,” Summers said.
The Health Department will use Public Health Month to promote its motto “Prevent, Promote, Protect… Partnering for the Public’s Health” and the services offered to carry out these functions. The health director will release the department’s fiscal year 2009-2010 annual report, Highlighting Health, which presents financial and program outcomes. Staff will participate in a variety of events, including the Chapel Hill-Carrboro YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day on April 16, which will include Healthy Carolinians of Orange County’s Real Men Rock educational display to prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome.
The North Carolina Division of Public Health began sponsoring NC Public Health Month in 1978. Local health departments are encouraged to implement activities that build off the national Public Health Week observance (April 4 through 10) and raise awareness of local public health efforts.
The Orange County Health Department has served residents’ public health needs for more than 30 years by offering affordable programs and services through its Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough offices. For more information about Public Health Month in Orange County, visit the health department’s Public Health Month website.
“The Orange County Health Department has many reasons to celebrate Public Health Month this year,” said Dr. Rosemary Summers, Orange County Health Director.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation released its 2011 County Health Rankings report on March 30, naming Orange County as the second healthiest county in the state. In February, Orange County Board of Commissioners approved the bid award for renovating the lower level of Whitted Human Services Center in Hillsborough to expand clinical facilities. Renovations will serve health and dental clinic needs and provide additional space for support staff. Construction began in late February with a completion date set for June.
“We are excited about the renovated facility and anticipate that our clients will receive more efficient services with updated equipment in more pleasant surroundings,” Summers said.
The Health Department will use Public Health Month to promote its motto “Prevent, Promote, Protect… Partnering for the Public’s Health” and the services offered to carry out these functions. The health director will release the department’s fiscal year 2009-2010 annual report, Highlighting Health, which presents financial and program outcomes. Staff will participate in a variety of events, including the Chapel Hill-Carrboro YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day on April 16, which will include Healthy Carolinians of Orange County’s Real Men Rock educational display to prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome.
The North Carolina Division of Public Health began sponsoring NC Public Health Month in 1978. Local health departments are encouraged to implement activities that build off the national Public Health Week observance (April 4 through 10) and raise awareness of local public health efforts.
The Orange County Health Department has served residents’ public health needs for more than 30 years by offering affordable programs and services through its Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough offices. For more information about Public Health Month in Orange County, visit the health department’s Public Health Month website.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Help conduct a community health opinion survey
The Orange County Health Department is required to conduct a community health assessment every four years. To assess the health of the county, a large group of volunteers have been working for many months. They are reviewing the available data related to various health issues and talking with community members and service providers. Their goal is to find out where there are gaps and needs for people living in Orange County and also what emerging issues or trends may be affecting the health of residents.
A key component of the assessment process is a community survey. Staff and volunteers from the Health Department will be traveling door-to-door to survey a random sample of households across the county. The survey will take about 45 minutes to complete and will be confidential. The name of the person who is surveyed will not be asked nor will it be connected to their responses in any way.
Teams of surveyors will be working in Chapel Hill and surrounding areas of the southern part of the county on Friday, March 18, and Saturday, March 19. The following weekend on Friday, March 25, and Saturday, March 26, teams will be working in Hillsborough and the northern portion of the County. All volunteers will be wearing Orange County Health Department or Healthy Carolinians of Orange County T-shirts and identification badges; many will be driving county cars.
If a surveyor comes to your door, please take the time to share your opinions with them. Also, please secure pets for the safety of the surveyor teams. Participants will not be paid, but will receive a small gift of appreciation and informational materials about Orange County services.
The results of the survey will be compiled and included in the final report of the community health assessment, which will be completed in November 2011. People’s responses and opinions will help to determine the direction of future programs for the health department and other agencies across the county who depend on the community assessment process to determine what the needs of the county are in terms of health.
Volunteers are still needed to help conduct the surveys. If you are able to work from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on any of the survey days listed above and would like to be involved in this important community process, please contact Amanda Bartolomeo at abartolomeo@co.orange.nc.us or 245-2388.
Bilingual English-Spanish speakers are needed as well as. Volunteers need no prior experience; training will be offered on each survey day from 8 to 9 a.m. Breakfast, lunch, snacks and refreshments will be provided to all volunteers.
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