Opiate forum set for The Murphy Theatre in Wilmington, Ohio in Clinton County in Southwest Ohio

http://www.wnewsj.com/news/50861/opiate-forum-set-for-wilmington

Grants Available for the Health of It

Interact for Health announced that it will focus its grant-making and health policy work on ways to eliminate key barriers to better health in Greater Cincinnati, including Clinton County. Interact for Health invests in projects that serve a 20-county area surrounding Cincinnati.

          For the next five years, Interact for Health will address three core areas:

·       reducing tobacco use in low-income communities;

·       creating a regional infrastructure to turn the tide in the opioid epidemic;

·       and continuing its leadership in providing access to healthcare through growth of school-based health centers serving the entire community.

          Interact also provides classes and consultations for all non-profits. Additional details are available at https://www.interactforhealth.org/interact-for-health-refines-its-health-promotion-strategy

Second Graduation Set for You-Turn Recovery (Drug) Docket

       WILMINGTON, Ohio — The You-Turn Recovery Docket will stage its second graduation ceremony Friday, April 28, at the Wilmington Presbyterian Church. The public is invited to the event which will begin at 7 p.m. at the church, 840 Timber Glen Drive, Wilmington. It will follow a private dinner at the church from 6 to 7 p.m. for participants, supporters and friends of the docket.

          Clinton County Common Pleas Court Judge John W. (Tim) Rudduck said the event will celebrate the graduation of Sandra Lamb, as well as the progress of the other 24 participants in the specialized docket for those addicted to alcohol and/or other drugs.

          The keynote speaker will be Wilmington College graduate Charles (Eddie) Philabaun III, executive director of the STAR Community Justice Center in Franklin Furnace. STAR is a community-based correctional facility utilized by Judge Rudduck for some drug docket participants.

          Philabaun has been the executive director since June of 2008. He began his career there as a case manager in 2001, was promoted to program coordinator in 2003, operations director in 2005, and deputy director in 2007. Philabaun has a bachelor’s of science degree in psychology and criminal justice from Wilmington College and a master’s of science in criminal justice, specializing in corrections and offender rehabilitation, from the University of Cincinnati.

          STAR utilizes cost-effective programming that aims to address the seven key areas (criminogenic needs) that place offenders at risk of recidivating. Staff works with each offender to address barriers that exist that may prohibit that individual from living a crime-free, pro-social lifestyle upon release.

          Offenders participate in intensive cognitive-behavioral treatment in addition to educational, vocational and restorative activities during their stay of up to 180 days. Prior to release, an aftercare plan is developed to promote long-term success and potentially reduce the threat to public safety.

          Several past and current drug docket participants have taken part in STAR programming since the docket was started in January of 2015.

          You-Turn Recovery Docket participants are supervised by the judge as the head of a treatment team which also includes court supervision officers and area alcohol and drug treatment providers. The team meets twice a month before status review hearings for participants that are held en masse in the Clinton County Common Pleas Courtroom and are open to the public.

          Many people from the community regularly attend the status review hearings to lend support to the participants, including those from local churches and others battling addiction who want to share their stories and offer encouragement.

          To ensure accountability, participants are regularly and randomly tested for substance use, rewarded for meeting goals, and sanctioned for not meeting clearly stated obligations.

          For more information on the docket, go to www.you-turn-drug-docket.org, follow it on Facebook at You-Turn Recovery Docket, like it on Twitter at You-Turn@UturnDrugDocket, or call 937-382-4276, ext. 1141.

-U-

HealthFirst Re-Organizes Board; Reflects on $640,000 In Contributions

By Dana Dunn

For HealthFirst for Clinton County

          WILMINGTON, Ohio -- $640,000.

          That is how much money HealthFirst for Clinton County has contributed more or less under the radar to healthy charitable causes in the area since 2011 when all of its $3.2 million in endowments, restricted and unrestricted funds were consolidated within the Clinton County Foundation.

          The additional significance of that move six years ago is that the original fund has actually grown by nearly a half a million dollars to $3.7 million, insuring that HealthFirst’s efforts to positively impact individual and organizational health and wellness in Clinton County will continue for years to come.

          “Through conscientious and judicious control of its fund, HealthFirst has made an impressive impact on the Clinton County community while preserving its assets,” said Jan Blohm, executive director of the Clinton County Foundation. “Its board should be proud of the value they have brought to our community and be aware of the economic impact HealthFirst has made.”

           HealthFirst originated as the Clinton Memorial Hospital Foundation in the early 1990s and became an independent, volunteer board-driven community foundation in December of 2010 upon the sale of Clinton Memorial Hospital to a for-profit entity.

          Its most visible ongoing community service is the Patient Medication Assistance Program, which is operated by lone employee Jane Vandervort and volunteers at the Clinton County Annex, 111 S. Nelson Ave., Wilmington.

          Another impactful health service is the Clinton County Diabetes and Wellness Program, a HealthFirst partnership with the Clinton County Health Department and Clinton County Commissioners.

          HealthFirst also hosts the You-Turn Recovery Docket Fund, which serves to support participants and program needs of the drug docket within Clinton County Common Pleas Court.

          In 2015, HealthFirst collaborated with Clinton Memorial Hospital, the Clinton County Health Department, and Mental Health Services of Warren and Clinton County to conduct the first comprehensive community health needs assessment in more than a decade. It has proven to be an excellent resource for area organizations and grant writers and can be found on the HealthFirst web site at www.healthfirst-cc-oh.org.

          Over the years, HealthFirst has financially supported a number of organizations and causes, including Stepping Stones Ranch, the Clinton County Homeless Shelter, patients at  Clinton Memorial Hospital, the Health Alliance of Clinton County, United Way of Clinton County, Honor Flight, Leadership Clinton, Harvest of Gold, Wilmington City Parks and Recreation, the American Legion Bus Project, the Business Advisory Council, WALH radio, the Blanchester Recreation Center Project, and the local chambers of commerce.

          For the first time in several years recently, HealthFirst reorganized its board and added three new board members. Pat King is the new chairperson, Andrew McCoy is the new vice-chair, Pam Bauer is the new secretary, and Scott Holmer retained the post of treasurer.

          King, a retired registered nurse with more than three decades of experience in community health at CMH, has several goals and plans for HealthFirst. Among them include adopting a budget for frequent grantees such as some of those mentioned above; a quarterly meeting with the Clinton County Commissioners and other bodies to seek potential partnerships; and to create a simple funding application to assure consistent information when making funding decisions.

          McCoy is an assistant prosecuting attorney for Clinton County; Bauer is the health commissioner for Clinton County; and Holmer is business development officer for First State Bank.

          New board members are Jeff Drapalik, Dr.  Mike Newman and Kelsey Swindler. Former chairman Dana Dunn is now an emeritus member but will continue to focus on communication/media/internet relations for HealthFirst.

          Dr. Newman is a semi-retired general surgeon who also serves as the medical advisor to the You-Turn Recover Docket; Swindler is coordinator for marketing/communications at CMH Regional Health System; and Drapalik retired from a career in finance/operations side for non-profit healthcare organizations.          Dunn is the former director of CMH public relations and the CMH Foundation who is now the part-time coordinator for the You-Turn Drug Docket and a freelance journalist/blogger (DunnWrites).

          For more information about HealthFirst, go to www.healthfirst-cc-oh.org, like it on Facebook and follow it on Twitter.

-HealthFirst-

Diabetes Program: “I think it saved my life.”

Bill LaSeur, 77, had struggled to get his diabetes under control for several years until mid-2016 when his wife, Mary, noticed an article in the Wilmington News-Journal about a diabetes nutrition class being offered through the Clinton County Health Department.

          Six months later, LaSeur’s diabetes issues are under control and because of that he is among the many happy cheerleaders for the year-old Clinton County Diabetes and Wellness Program. LaSeur credits the program with helping him start to make healthier decisions, particularly through November and December, the traditional over-eating and sedentary season of every year.

          Uncontrolled diabetes is a leading cause of blindness, kidney disease, heart failure and stroke, according to Laura Knisley, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator, who coordinates the educational program--a collaborative initiative of the Clinton County Health Department, HealthFirst for Clinton County and United Way of Clinton County.

          “Simple lifestyle changes can prevent or delay the development of Type 2 diabetes and complications,” Knisley says.

          The program is a response to the findings of the 2015 Community Health Needs Assessment commissioned by the health department, HealthFirst and Clinton Memorial Hospital. The assessment found that Clinton County’s age-adjusted death rate from diabetes and incidence of diabetes and high blood sugar are significantly higher than the state and country.

          Clinton County’s age-adjusted death rate from diabetes and incidence of diabetes/high blood sugar are significantly higher than the state and country, according to information contained in the 2015 community health needs assessment commissioned by HealthFirst for Clinton County, the Clinton County Health Department and Clinton Memorial Hospital.

          Diabetes education and prevention efforts are key components of the current shared plan of the Clinton County Family and Children First Council--a committee of public and private agencies, parents and others that assist in coordinating systems and services that positively engage and benefit families.

          Mr. LaSeur had been discouraged, uninspired and unsuccessful in impacting his diabetes after taking other diabetes education classes, but says he quickly took to Knisley’s positivity and style of teaching.

          “I am trying to be the perfect patient and Laura has really helped us out,” Mr. LaSeur said. “I have lost weight, I am watching my carbs, my blood pressure is running better, and I feel better.”

           Knisley said that by the third class, “he was doing great—he caught on quickly.” She credits his success and that of others to small classes which allow for a lot of personalized education and follow-up support.

          The LaSeurs are so thrilled with the program that you would think they could teach the classes after spending an hour with them in their household kitchen. They excitedly  exhibit or talk about some of the foods (grilled fish and chicken, fruit) that have become their diet staples, the smaller portions they limit themselves to, and the other healthy habits (such as regular exercise) that are now just part of their routine.

          “The LeSeurs are happy with the lifestyle changes they have made,” Knisley said. “Even though she is not diabetic, Mary has been able to learn with Bill about reading food labels and meal planning. Family members and support people are encouraged to attend and participate in the classes, they need to be knowledgeable about healthy choices as well in order for the person with diabetes or pre-diabetes to succeed.”

          Like many people diagnosed with diabetes, Mr.  LaSeur set some unrealistic goals when starting out. Knisley helped him understand that diabetes is different for everyone and needs change, “particularly as we age.”

          He says his family physician, who also treats him for cardiac issues, has been impressed with the recent progress he has made and told him to “keep up the good work” at a recent check-up.

          LaSeur says the program has saved his life. “I wish I could convince others to get in this program,” he said.

           “People really like the fact that they are getting evidence-based information from a registered dietitian and not a layperson who has taken a class about diabetes, as many of other free programs offer,” Knisley says.

          She says the response in the first-year has been near overwhelming. More than 200 people have participated in various aspects of the program which she presents in area libraries and churches as well as at the Clinton County Annex and Clinton Memorial Hospital.

          To hear about the program in William LaSeur’s own words, check out this video on the HealthFirst for Clinton County Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/HealthFirstCC/videos/1228935413831769/

          For more information about the program, contact Laura Knisley at (937) 382-7221 extension 114 or at lauraknisley.cchd@gmail.com.

Free Cook Out, Senior Scam Program Set For Wilmington Savings Bank Clinton County Senior Center

WILMINGTON, OHIO — Members of the Wilmington Savings Bank Clinton County Senior Center are invited to a free cookout lunch to be followed by an informative presentation on senior scams.

Wilmington Savings Bank will sponsor the cookout on Friday, July 15, at the center, 717 N. Nelson Ave. The cookout (featuring picnic fare like hamburgers, hot dogs, etc.) will start at noon.

A representative of The Ohio Attorney General’s office will give the consumer awareness program at 1 p.m. According to the OAG web site, seniors are particularly vulnerable to fraud and scams, but many incidents likely go unreported. The program presenter will focus on the latest scams targeting the senior population and share how seniors can protect themselves and loved ones.

“We are pleased to offer this cookout and glad to schedule this program for seniors in the community,” said Tom Burns, president of Wilmington Savings Bank, which made a major financial gift that helped build the center in 2001.

(This cookout is not sponsored by, nor affiliated with, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. The Ohio Attorney General’s office does not endorse or recommend Wilmington Savings Bank or any products or services affiliated with Wilmington Savings Bank. Goods or services are being offered or provided by Wilmington Savings Bank.)

Members planning to attend the cookout/presentation are asked to call 382.7170 to confirm their attendance so that the proper amount of food can be prepared.

An annual membership to the center is $20. Non-members can get more information about the center and inquire about membership by contacting Stella Cramer at 382.7170 or at stellacarter@clintoncap.org. Information can also be found on the web site: www.clintoncountycap.org

For more information about Wilmington Savings Bank, call 937-382-1659 or toll free at 800-951-9958, or go to www.wilmingtonsavings.com.

Community Forum On Opiate Epidemic Scheduled for Thursday, April 7, at Wilmington High School

WILMINGTON, Ohio — A community forum on the opiate epidemic will be held Thursday, April 7, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Wilmington High School Auditeria, 300 Richardson Place.

            Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine’s Heroin Unit is organizing the forum, which will feature community leadership who deal with the repercussions of opiate abuse every day.

          Speakers will include representatives from local law enforcement, local courts, alcohol and drug counseling agencies, and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

            Attorney General DeWine’s Heroin Unit has held forums throughout southern Ohio and they have all been well attended by community members. “The opiate epidemic and shift to heroin is causing great concern throughout the State of Ohio,” DeWine says. “Through this meeting, we hope to work together with local officials and community members to develop an action plan specific to the needs of this area.”

            DeWine says there is much good work already being done on several fronts locally, and during the meeting, his staff will share other ideas that have been effective in other parts of the state. “Our goal is not to replace activities already in place, but to understand the services that currently exist, fill in the gaps, share ideas for additional strategies, programs and services, and develop a strategy that incorporates them all,” he says.

            Some of that strategical process has also already been undertaken locally by a coalition that received a $10,000 planning grant from Interact for Health, a Cincinnati-based community foundation. A preliminary report from that group will be presented at the April 7 meeting.

          For more information about the event, contact Jill Del Greco at 614-728-4946, or at jill.delgreco@OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov.