Health Homepage Notes

Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence Offers Help to Domestic Violence Victims

March 28, 2020 by Spy Desk 1 Comment

We have all heard the pleas from our political leaders, our actors and athletes, our schools, our neighbors, even our favorite local businesses: Stay Home and Stay Safe. Unfortunately, for victims of family violence, home may not be the safest place. Being stuck home with an abuser increases the risk for all kinds of abuse, including physical, emotional, health/medical, economic and isolation. Combine this with the confusion of having courts closed, and victims can feel trapped.

Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence wants all victims of domestic violence to know that they can get help during this time of uncertainty, that that they can still get protective orders, and that we are here for them.

· Our Hotline WILL NOT close. It is available 24/7/365. Please make sure to share this number with anyone that can use it: 1-800-927-4673. Victims can also contact our hotline through our Website and from our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Accounts.

· We can provide Emergency Shelter for victims and their children, and pets on a case-by- case basis (Call the Hotline)

· You can still get a protective order, and we can help you remotely.

· MSCFV Case Managers are still available to help clients through the phone and email – reach out to your case manager just to check in. If you don’t know their number, call 410- 690-3222 during business hours.

· Our legal team is still working on our clients’ cases even while the courts are closed. If

you have new legal challenges, reach out to your case manager.

· Other services are available on a case by case basis through case managers, so call them.

If you are experiencing domestic violence and want help, we are here. You are not alone. Please call our hotline at 1-800-927-4673.

For more information on getting help, including protective orders, during this time of quarantine, visit www.mscfv.org

Shore Regional Health Announces Imaging Changes Due to COVID-19

March 27, 2020 by UM Shore Regional Health Leave a Comment

Regional Health has announced a reduction in diagnostic imaging services for the time being due to COVID-19. According to Dr. Kim Oster, MD, president, Shore Radiology, and Dr. Dale Johnson, MD, chairman,Shore Regional Health Radiology Departments, and in keeping with the directive of the Secretary of Health of the State of Maryland, as of March 24, 2020, all elective/non-urgent imaging at all facilities are postponed and only critical imaging is being performed.

Critical imaging services include trauma, oncology, infection, ischemia, acute bleeding, and acute neurologic changes. Other requests are reviewed by the imaging team on a case by case basis.

“We are calling patients with appointments scheduled in the next several weeks to inform them of this change, but we also want potential ‘walk-ins’ to know that their test will not be conducted at this time so they will not make an unnecessary trip,” says Penny Olivi, director Diagnostic Imaging for UM Shore Regional Health. “We expect to begin accepting appointment requests for elective/non-urgent imaging in mid-April. If you have a question about your appointment or whether or not an imaging location is we open, please call 410-822-1000, extension 2600.”

In addition, the Diagnostic & Imaging Center has cancelled Saturday hours until further notice.

As part of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), University of Maryland Shore Regional Health is the principal provider of comprehensive health care services for more than 170,000 residents of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. UM Shore Regional Health’s team of more than 2,200 employees, medical staff, board members and volunteers works with various community partners to fulfill the organization’s mission of Creating Healthier Communities Together.

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COVID-19 Response: Community Conversations

March 25, 2020 by UM Shore Regional Health Leave a Comment

There will be Community Conversations with UMMS hospital communities regarding COVID-19 preparation and response on March 26, 2:00pm.

Why: Inform our communities by discussing current developments, advice and recommendations regarding infection prevention (including but not limited to social distancing and large gatherings)

Who: University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) Corporate Leadership and COVID-19 Incident Command Leadership and Faith based and community organizations represented in UMMS hospital service areas.

HOW TO CONNECT:
No pre-registration required.
https://onlinexperiences.com/Launch/Event/ShowKey=86880
Click the above link up to five minutes before the start of the webcast to participate.

Note: Attendees who participate via the above link will be able to see the slides on their computer or smart phone.

To participate via audio only, please dial 1-866-469-3239 Access code: 620 660 783

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Telehealth Services in Place at For All Seasons for COVID-19

March 25, 2020 by For All Seasons, Inc. Leave a Comment

For All Seasons, Headquarters on 300 Talbot Lane, Easton, MD.

For All Seasons continues to offer in-person services while providing teletherapy and telepsychiatry for those who require this platform. As outlined in Governor Hogan’s latest COVID-19 update, mental health services are considered essential, which enables the agency to continue providing in-person services for individuals throughout the region.

The agency continues to follow safety regulations, as outlined by the CDC, for in-person appointments including – illness screening measures, 20-second handwashing at the entry to all facilities, social distancing guidelines, increased office sanitation, and restrictions on individuals’ movements to areas necessary for the purpose of the visit.

If someone has cold or flu-like symptoms such as a cough or fever, newly developed shortness of breath, or has recently traveled to an area inside OR outside the United States with known coronavirus (COVID-19) within the last 14 Days, or have been in contact with someone who has traveled or contracted the virus, he or she should call For All Seasons at 410-822-1018 to reschedule an appointment or to make arrangements for teletherapy or telepsychiatry.

According to Beth Anne Langrell, CEO of For All Seasons, “As a Mid-Shore healthcare partner, we have a critical role to play at this time when people must have access to mental health services. We are finding the telehealth is an effective addition to our services and adds to our ability to reach all clients. There continue to be clients requiring in-person assistance, such as sexual assault survivors, clients in crisis, some psychiatry patients, and those without internet capability.”

Throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, For All Seasons is actively monitoring and following state guidelines regarding best health practices. The agency has put a plan in place to utilize the advantages of telehealth so that therapy, psychiatry, advocacy, and education can continue as usual across the five counties of the Mid-Shore.

For All Seasons serves Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne, and Talbot counties. For All Seasons Rape Crisis Center offers certified sexual assault victim advocates, counseling and support groups, free and confidential services in English and Spanish, support in the hospital, police department, and court and referrals to social and legal services. For All Seasons English Hotline is 1-800-310-RAPE (7273) and Spanish Hotline is 410-829-6143.

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Compass Regional Hospice Receives Donation from the United Way of Caroline County

March 14, 2020 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

In late 2019, Compass Regional Hospice revealed a plan for expanded services in Caroline County. The United Way of Caroline County announced a gift of $6,000 towards the construction of a new facility in Denton.

The United Way of Caroline County supports agencies in the community that provides human service needs to the county. Since 1982, the United Way of Caroline County has distributed approximately $1,750,000 in gifts from local businesses and individuals. “Compass Hospice provides such an important service to our community and does so with care and compassion. We are pleased to be able to use funds provided by our generous donors to support their vision for a new facility that will serve our residents for decades to come,” said Sara Visintainer, UWCC Vice President.

The United Way of Caroline County presents Compass Regional Hospice with a check of support towards the construction of a new facility in Denton. From left to right: Sara Visintainer, UWCC Vice President; Holly Trice, CRH Director of Clinical Services; Ken Pryer, UWCC Board Member; Samantha Parker, UWCC Board Member; Heather Guerieri, CRH Chief Executive Officer.

“We are in the process of building a hospice facility in Caroline County. The new facility will house six residential beds, as well as host space for grief counseling and other specialty services. We are committed to providing equal services to the residents in the three counties we serve, and believe Caroline County residents have the right to seek our care in the comfort of their own community,” said Chief Executive Officer, Heather Guerieri. Compass has been serving the residents of Caroline County since 2014, and has since provided hospice and supportive care to over 800 patients, and grief support to nearly 600 more residents.

The new facility will be housed on land donated by the County. The property is currently county-owned, and located adjacent to the Caroline County Health and Human Services Building in the town of Denton. When announcing the donation, the Commissioners noted the need for a brick and mortar facility in the County, and their commitment and determination on moving this project forward. The Caroline Hospice Foundation has also agreed to help make this facility a reality and will be donating proceeds of the Caroline House sale and bequests for this project.

Compass Regional Hospice

Since 1985, Compass Regional Hospice has been dedicated to supporting people of all ages living with a life-limiting illness, and those learning to cope following the death of a loved one. Today, the organization is a regional provider of hospice care, supportive care, and grief services in Caroline, Kent, and Queen Anne’s counties. Whether serving their patients in private residences, skilled nursing facilities, or Compass’ residential centers in Centreville and Chestertown, staff and volunteers are guided by their mission to provide comprehensive and compassionate care. Grief support services are offered to families of all patients, as well as to all children and adults in the community through grief groups, one-on-one counseling, and in-school support. As a Level 4 partner of the We Honor Veterans program, they also offer veteran-centric care that meets the unique needs of men and women who have served our country. Compass Regional Hospice is a fully licensed, independent, community-based nonprofit organization certified by Medicare and the state of Maryland, and accredited by the Joint Commission. It is affiliated with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the Hospice & Palliative Care Network of Maryland. For more information about Compass Regional Hospice, call 443-262-4100 or visit compassregionalhospice.org.

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Intelligent Lives Film Viewing at Chesapeake College March 24

March 11, 2020 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

INTELLIGENT LIVES, a documentary by award-winning filmmaker Dan Habib, has it’s Eastern Shore premiere at Chesapeake College-Higher Education Building on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at 6:30 p.m., followed by a moderated discussion with Cody Drinkwater, Regional Self-Advocacy Specialist for the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), Eastern Shore Regional Office (ESRO), Maryland Department of Health (MD DOH).

INTELLIGENT LIVES stars three pioneering young American adults with intellectual disabilities – Micah, Naieer, and Naomie – who challenge perceptions of intelligence as they navigate high school, college, and the workforce. Academy Award-winning actor and narrator Chris Cooper contextualizes the lives of these central characters through the emotional story of his son Jesse, as the film unpacks the shameful and ongoing track record of intelligence testing in the U.S. New Hampshire-based filmmaker Dan Habib, is the producer, director and cinematographer of INTELLIGENT LIVES.

“People with intellectual disabilities are the most segregated of all Americans,” Habib says. “Only 17 percent of students with intellectual disabilities are included in regular education. Just 40 percent will graduate from high school. And of the 6.5 million Americans with intellectual disability, barely 15 percent are employed.”

INTELLIGENT LIVES is a catalyst to transform the label of intellectual disability from a life sentence of isolation into a life of possibility for the most systematically segregated people in America.

Following the screening, the Queen Anne’s County Special Education Citizen’s Advisory Committee (SECAC) will provide a moderated post-film discussion, facilitated by Cody Drinkwater of the DDA. The screening and discussion are free and open to the public. Refreshments and snacks will be provided.

Advance registration is strongly encouraged. Please email SECAC to register: secac.qac@gmail.com.

The Queen Anne’s County (QAC) Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee (SECAC) is committed to ensuring the provision of quality services to students with disabilities ages birth to 21 by working collaboratively with families, community, school staff, and other professionals to provide a forum to discuss issues related to and advocate for positive changes in special education in Queen Anne’s County Public Schools. The Queen Anne’s County SECAC is a part of a statewide network of advisory committees that are required by state and federal law. The Maryland State Department of Education supports the development of local advisory committees in each local school system. A Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee enables a local director of special education to seek meaningful input from parents and families, community partners, service providers, educators and administrators on local issues relative to the provision of a free appropriate public education and the achievement of students with disabilities.

Cody Drinkwater, is the Regional Self-Advocacy Specialist for the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), Eastern Shore Regional Office (ESRO), Maryland Department of Health (MD DOH). Drinkwater has been a strong self-advocate for many years and uses his experience to help support others in their own self-advocacy. In his role as the Regional Self-Advocacy Specialist for the Developmental Disabilities Administration, Drinkwater provides his clients with support in understanding DDA services; coordinates training on DDA waivers; administers tailored self-advocacy training; and provides information and referrals for supports and services available outside of DDA. For more information, contact him at cody.drinkwater@maryland.gov or 410-572-5949.

Dan Habib is the director and producer of INTELLIGENT LIVES, and the creator of the award-winning documentaries Including Samuel, Who Cares About Kelsey?, Mr. Connolly Has ALS and many other films. Habib is a filmmaker at the University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability. His films have been broadcast internationally, nominated for Emmy awards and translated into 17 languages. Habib gave the TEDx talk, “Disabling Segregation” and received the Justice for All Grassroots Award from the American Association of People with Disabilities. In 2014, Habib was appointed by President Obama to the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities.

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Mental Illness Support Groups in Kent and Queen Anne’s Counties

March 11, 2020 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Kent and Queen Anne’s Counties is pleased to inform the public of our Family Support Groups. These groups are peer-led groups for family members, caregivers, and loved ones of individuals living with mental illness. The groups are offered to the public at no cost. Support group members gain insight from the challenges and successes of other group members
facing similar circumstances.

Family members or friends of someone with mental illness find from the support group that they are not alone and that they can find the support they need from the group. The family support group is unique because it follows a structured model, ensuring everyone the opportunity to be heard and to get information and the support that they need. The support groups are free, confidential, and led by people
who have loved ones with mental illness.

By sharing your experiences with a group in a safe and confidential setting, you gain hope and develop supportive relationships. The group encourages empathy, productive discussion and a sense of community. Members benefit through others’ experiences, discover inner strengths, and learn how to identify and use local resources.

One group member said, “The most beneficial thing for me to learn was that I am not alone. I found the NAMI Family Support Group at the time I really needed it!”

NAMI offers its Family Support Program on the first Tuesday of the month in Centreville and the third Tuesday of the month in Chestertown, from 7:00 – 8:30 pm. For more information contact: 443-480-0565 or namikentandqueenannes@gmail.com

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Compass Regional Hospice to Host Spring Volunteer Training in Caroline County

March 10, 2020 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Compass Regional Hospice will be offering their three-day spring training session in Denton for any individuals interested in becoming a patient care volunteer.

The training session is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 24, 25 and 26, and will take place at the St. Luke’s Methodist Church, 100 S 5^th Avenue, Denton. Registration is required and completing the entire class is necessary for volunteers who wish to provide companionship and support to Compass Regional Hospice’s patients and their loved ones in Queen Anne’s, Kent and Caroline counties.

“Most often, patient volunteers give companionship to patients by reading, playing cards, or just watching television with our patients. They also give caregivers a chance to have a much needed break to tend to other responsibilities.” said Robyn Affron, volunteer manager at Compass Regional Hospice. “Occasionally our patients need some gardening or laundry done, or a quick errand run. Our volunteers provide the added support that our patients and families need during what can be an overwhelming time.”

Topics taught during the training will include an overview of hospice, the process of dying, spiritual care and its place in hospice care, the stages of grief, effective communications techniques, family dynamics, stress management and self-care for caregivers.

Compass Regional Hospice relies on more than 300 volunteers of all ages to support its mission, and these individuals volunteer their time in a variety of ways. In addition to patient care volunteers, Compass is currently seeking volunteers for Estate Treasures, their upscale retail shop whose proceeds support Compass’ hospice program.Whatever your motivation to volunteer, there is a place for you at Compass Regional Hospice.

To register or find out more information about becoming a volunteer for Compass Regional Hospice, contact Robyn Affron at 443-262-4112 or raffron@compassregionalhospice.org.

Compass Regional Hospice

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Prevent Unintentional Poisonings with a Few Simple Steps

March 3, 2020 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Help prevent unintentional poisonings with a few simple steps, in honor of National Poison Prevention Week that starts March 15.

Poisoning is the #1 cause of injury-related death in America, with most of these deaths due to drug and medicine misuse and abuse. Each year, more than two million poisonings are reported to poison control centers across the country. Most of these occur in the home, with half of all non-fatal poisonings in children younger than 6.

The third week in March each year is designated National Poison Prevention Week, which is dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of poisonings and how to prevent them. As part of this observance, the Kent County Behavioral Health Prevention Office is reminding our community about the importance of proper medication storage and disposal.

Recent trends indicate that teens and young adults are increasingly misusing prescription drugs or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. In fact, prescription medicines have become the most commonly abused drugs among 12- to 13-year-olds.

We can all help prevent medicine abuse with a few simple actions:

Talk with your teen or young adult. Children who learn the risks from parents are up to 50 percent less likely to use drugs than those who don’t get these critical messages at home.

Safeguard your medicine. Keep your medications locked up, and count and monitor the pills you have.

Properly dispose of unused medication.There are three permanent, 24-hour, drop-off locations in Kent County:

Kent County Sheriff’s Department
104 Vickers Drive Unit B, Chestertown

Rock Hall Police Department
5885 N. Main St., Rock Hall

Chestertown Police Department
601 High St, Chestertown

You also can take part in national drug take back day next month, which is scheduled at state police barracks across the country, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on April 28. Check with your local barrack for information.

If you’re unable to get to a disposal location, the local health department offers free Deterra bags. Deterra bags safely deactivate medications for at-home disposal. Call Annette Duckery, Alcohol and Other Drugs Prevention Coordinator for Kent County Behavioral Health, at 410-778-7918 for bags, or for other information and resources.

If you suspect accidental poisoning, always call 911.

The Kent County Behavioral Health Prevention Office helps community groups, agencies and individuals in providing programs and activities to prevent alcohol and other drug abuse, and to build a healthier community.

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