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June - July, 2008
Health Disparities, by Susan Corrado
Community Parish Nurse
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The
recent publication of "The State of Black Madison 2008",
looked at the disparities between African Americans and the
larger community in Madison in regard to health care, criminal
justice, economic well-being, and education.
Focusing on health care: nationally there has always been a
considerable difference between people of color and Whites, in
percentages of people affected by various poor health issues
and poor health outcomes. Sadly the report tells us that it is
still true in Madison, where 26 % of Dane County Blacks have
no health insurance all or part of the time, compared with 9%
of the entire Dane County community, and the infant mortality
rate for Blacks in Dane County is twice that of the community
as a whole.
Blacks are also ten times more likely to suffer cases of
sexually transmitted diseases (STD), and twice as likely to
have asthma compared to other Dane County residents. The
report also tells us that Blacks in Dane County are 10 times
more likely to rely on government- provided health insurance
than the population at large. Given that government-provided
health insurance currently is based on income and disability,
this higher number simply reflects that proportionately there
is greater poverty amongst Blacks- which is directly connected
to these disparities.
I am grateful that Badger Care/Medical Assistance/Medicare
exists otherwise these disparities would be much, much higher.
When we as a nation support universal health care coverage, we
will make great strides to reducing these disparities.
Dr. Gloria Johnson-Powell reflected in the report on these
health disparities, and recommended that we as individuals and
as a community take steps toward health education, prevention,
regular check-ups and early treatment.
Even if one doesn't have insurance, there are life-style
changes that can be done to safeguard your health (such as
eating well, regular sleep, exercise and having emotional
supports). Another rather depressing recent report comes from
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that found one
in four girls from age 14 to 19 has an STD, with nearly one in
two Black teens in the study having an STD.
This is one health issue that can be prevented. Education
about STD prevention, and adults helping teens to make
responsible decisions, is vital. Valuing and taking care of
our bodies is the biggest thing we can do to protect our
overall health.
If we are to impact these racial health disparities, we
also need to look beyond improving access to care, and making
healthy choices. We need to look at our health systems and the
assumptions that are made in such things as communication, and
expectations; as well as a hard look at us as a society in the
biases and prejudices we hold.
I am grateful to the State of Black Madison Coalition for
keeping Madison to the task of bringing about equity. Unless
the gains in society include everyone, how can we count it as
accomplishment?
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The Allied Wellness Center is all about encouraging people
to make healthy choices and to live life in all its fullness.
Wellness means taking care of your mind, body and spirit. Life
doesn't always make it easy to do this, but with information,
caring support, access to resources and valuing health;
wellness can be yours. There are a number of programs and
activities that happen routinely at the Wellness Center,
participate and take advantage of what's available:
- Alcohol and Drug Program: Allied Area Partnership
Toward Recovery is a neighborhood program for anyone who
struggles with alcohol or drug abuse. Offering respectful,
confidential, support and encouragement no matter what stage
of use you are in. Individualized counseling available, call
to schedule an appointment.
- Nurse: Available Tuesdays and Wednesdays
8a.m.-4:30p.m. and Fridays 8a.m.-12 noon to do health
assessments, emotional support, health education,
information and referrals and help problem solve what
prevents you from maintaining your health.
- Doctor Is In: A doctor is here 1st Wednesday, 2nd
Friday (speaks Spanish), 3rd & 4th Tuesday of each month,
10am-12noon. Free physician consultation, and
assessment.
- Coffee Clutch: Every morning 9-11 am at the JFF
site.
- AIDS Network: Every Thursday, 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.,
HIV testing, education and counseling.
- Sista to Sista: Every Tuesday 6:30pm. Supportive
women gathering.
- Stories of Change: Every Friday 6pm. Hear
encouraging personal stories of recovery from substance
abuse from guest speakers, and get the support you are
needing in your own recovery journey.
- Prayer Meeting and Bible Study: Every Monday
6p.m.-7p.m. led by the African American Council of
Churches neighborhood chaplain, Alice Howard. Light meal
included.
- Badger Care Sign Up: Does your family need health
insurance? Come talk to Elena every Tuesday and Thursday
morning 8:30-12 noon to see if you are eligible to sign up.
Special Events
- Community Meal: Friday June 27, 6 pm at the Boys and
Girls Club (Jenewein ). Hosts- Latino Play and Learn
group with a presentation by the Dane County TimeBank Mobile
Food Pantry: Saturday, June 28, Boys and Girls Club
- Biking for exercise interested in biking with others?
Let's start a biking club, even if you have no bike...
talk to Susan and lets see if there's enough interest.
Call Susan Corrado for questions about the Wellness Center
and programs, 274-7006 or stop in at 2225 Allied Drive #2Call Susan Corrado for questions about the Wellness Center and
programs, 274-7006 or stop in at 2225 Allied Drive #2
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Hugs in the
Community
Project
HUGS provides services to Dane County families, community
members and professionals free of charge. We collaborate and
receive referrals from school districts, law enforcement,
social workers, AODA and mental health providers, human
services, and social services agencies.
Parents often self refer when they
hear about HUGS services. families served represent all levels
of the continuum - from prevention to early intervention
through court mandated treatment, detention and out of home
placements.
Project HUGS is a 501(c)3
organization funded by Dane Co DHS, United Way of Dane County
and Generous Supporters
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Come
and visit us in our new offices at 2225 Allied Drive!!
Jenny Grether, Susan Corrado, Stacy Knoll, Emily Thibedeau
and Lindsay McClernan. |
Allied Wellness Center Schedule.
The Allied Wellness Center is all about encouraging people to
make healthy choices and to live life in all its fullness.
Wellness means taking care of your mind, body and spirit. Life
doesn't always make it easy to do this, but with information,
caring support, access to resources and valuing health;
wellness can be yours. There are a number of programs and
activities that happen routinely at the Wellness Center.
Please participate and take advantage of them.Alcohol
and Drug Program: Allied Area Partnership Toward Recovery
is a new program for anyone who struggles with alcohol or drug
abuse. Offering respectful, confidential, support and
encouragement. Individualized counseling available 9-11 am
Monday-Friday & Saturdays 9am-2pm at JFF site and Mondays
8am-2pm, Thursdays 6-9 pm & Saturdays 8-12 at the Wellness
Center site. Call to schedule an appointment. Also, every
Friday from 6-7:30pm there will be a guest sharing their story
of change at the Wellness center.
Nurse: available Tuesdays and Wednesday
8a.m.-4:30p.m. and Fridays 8a.m.-12 noon to do health
assessments, emotional support, health education, information
and referrals and help problem solve what prevents you from
maintaining your health.
Dental Hygienist: there will be a dental hygienist
on the third Tuesday of the month from 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon.
The hygienist will be available to do a visual inspection of
your teeth and provide education and recommendations for oral
health.
Doctor Is In: A doctor is here (3) three times a
month: first Wednesday of the month and third and fourth
Tuesday of the month, from 10 a.m.- 12 noon; Free physician
consultation.
Women's Group Coffee Clutch: every morning 9-11 am
at the JFF site.
AIDS Network: every Thursday, 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m., HIV
testing, education and counseling.
Upcoming Special events:
- Every Monday 11:30 am 'Allied Celebrity Fit Club', come
and exercise and enjoy a light lunch, Boys and Girls Club
gym
- Every Tuesday and Thursday 6pm, 10/16-11/15. 'Within My
Reach' A series of 10 sessions to learn how to strengthen
your relationships. Dinner, college credit and child watch
offered. MUST sign up ahead of time, call 274-7006.
Call Susan Corrado for questions about the Wellness Center
and programs, 274-7006 or stop on by, 2225 Allied Dr. #2- Note
New Address |
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