Healthy Teen Network. ABA Center on Children and the Law.
Understanding the legal rights of the youth you work with is one way to help address these challenges. Healthy Teen Network and the American Bar Association Center on Children and the Law collaborated2 to provide answers to some common questions practitioners face when advocating for pregnant and parenting teens. The answers can be helpful in your advocacy efforts.
TO VIEW MORE:
http://www.healthyteennetwork.org/index.asp?Type=B_PR&SEC=%7b2AE1D600-4FC6-4B4D-8822-F1D5F072ED7B%7d&DE=%7b579DEBC2-6325-4FEC-AC1F-43F5C75188AF%7d
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
A Public Health Approach to Children's Mental Health: A Conceptual Framework
Miles, Jon. Espiritu, Rachele C. Horen, Neal M. Sebian, Joyce. Waetzig, Elizabeth.
Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development, National Technical Assistance Center for Children's Mental Health.
Searchlight Consulting.
2010
Sponsoring Organization: United States. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
In the fall of 2007, the Center for Mental Health Services at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, in conjunction with the National Technical Assistance Center for Children's Mental Health at Georgetown University began to develop a monograph that would present a conceptual framework for a public health approach to children's mental health. The proposed monograph would: Draw on well-established public health concepts to present a conceptual framework that was grounded in values, principles, and beliefs; Link environmental supports, services, and interventions across child-serving systems; Identify and promote shared language and definitions that could form a platform for communication between the various child-serving sectors that are integral to success of a public health approach; Provide examples of interventions and policies that have shown promise as components of the new framework; and Suggest how partners, providers, decision-makers, and consumers might use the framework in their communities to strengthen the mental health and resilience of all children. This monograph, written for a broad range of leaders who have a role in bringing about change in their system(s) or organizations and influencing children's mental health and wellbeing, represents the culmination of efforts to develop consensus around the central ideas of the conceptual framework. Because the audience for this monograph is broad, different users will find the content useful in different ways. This document can be used as a whole, or each of the chapters can be used on their own, to educate and provide a foundation for a leader to build upon. Once leaders determine how the information and ideas apply to relevant constituencies, the monograph can be helpful for implementing plans that will benefit children, youth, and families. Each chapter has a distinct purpose and content. The first chapter, in addition to providing an overview and a context, also demonstrates a sense of urgency and a justification for a public health approach. This chapter could be helpful to those who must convince stakeholders or policy makers to engage in this work. The second chapter provides a starting point for groups and coalitions in their work together to build consensus around how to communicate about the effort. Chapters 3 and 4 provide information about the practice of public health and how it has been and could be used to support the mental health of children. In Chapter 5, the conceptual framework of the public health approach to children's mental health and the intervention model are presented. This chapter provides a detailed explanation of the framework as well as a visual representation in both graphic and table form. In chapter 6, leaders will find practical information about how to move this transformation forward. This chapter includes questions that could be used as checklists for groups in any stage of their process as well as examples from the field of how a group has accomplished one or more components of the work. (Author abstract modified)
http://gucchdtacenter.georgetown.edu/public_health.html
Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development, National Technical Assistance Center for Children's Mental Health.
Searchlight Consulting.
2010
Sponsoring Organization: United States. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
In the fall of 2007, the Center for Mental Health Services at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, in conjunction with the National Technical Assistance Center for Children's Mental Health at Georgetown University began to develop a monograph that would present a conceptual framework for a public health approach to children's mental health. The proposed monograph would: Draw on well-established public health concepts to present a conceptual framework that was grounded in values, principles, and beliefs; Link environmental supports, services, and interventions across child-serving systems; Identify and promote shared language and definitions that could form a platform for communication between the various child-serving sectors that are integral to success of a public health approach; Provide examples of interventions and policies that have shown promise as components of the new framework; and Suggest how partners, providers, decision-makers, and consumers might use the framework in their communities to strengthen the mental health and resilience of all children. This monograph, written for a broad range of leaders who have a role in bringing about change in their system(s) or organizations and influencing children's mental health and wellbeing, represents the culmination of efforts to develop consensus around the central ideas of the conceptual framework. Because the audience for this monograph is broad, different users will find the content useful in different ways. This document can be used as a whole, or each of the chapters can be used on their own, to educate and provide a foundation for a leader to build upon. Once leaders determine how the information and ideas apply to relevant constituencies, the monograph can be helpful for implementing plans that will benefit children, youth, and families. Each chapter has a distinct purpose and content. The first chapter, in addition to providing an overview and a context, also demonstrates a sense of urgency and a justification for a public health approach. This chapter could be helpful to those who must convince stakeholders or policy makers to engage in this work. The second chapter provides a starting point for groups and coalitions in their work together to build consensus around how to communicate about the effort. Chapters 3 and 4 provide information about the practice of public health and how it has been and could be used to support the mental health of children. In Chapter 5, the conceptual framework of the public health approach to children's mental health and the intervention model are presented. This chapter provides a detailed explanation of the framework as well as a visual representation in both graphic and table form. In chapter 6, leaders will find practical information about how to move this transformation forward. This chapter includes questions that could be used as checklists for groups in any stage of their process as well as examples from the field of how a group has accomplished one or more components of the work. (Author abstract modified)
http://gucchdtacenter.georgetown.edu/public_health.html
Peer Mentors: Alliances at Work (Spring 2010 issue of The Source)
When parents are separated from their children, the
experience often engenders profound feelings of anxiety;
parents may feel isolated from family and friends, and
their sense of hopelessness may interfere with their
capacity to engage in services and to fight for reunification
(Frame, Conley, & Berrick, 2006). Recent changes in child
welfare practice have brought parents into the planning
process, giving them voice to help structure the case plan,
to identify appropriate alternative caregivers, and to
identify natural and informal helpers (Kemp, Marcenko,
Hoagwood, & Vesneski, 2009). These are welcome adjustments,
and they reflect child welfare’s ongoing commitment
to develop more family-centered practice strategies
that address parents’ needs.
TO VIEW MORE:
http://aia.berkeley.edu/media/pdf/TheSourceSpring2010.pdf
experience often engenders profound feelings of anxiety;
parents may feel isolated from family and friends, and
their sense of hopelessness may interfere with their
capacity to engage in services and to fight for reunification
(Frame, Conley, & Berrick, 2006). Recent changes in child
welfare practice have brought parents into the planning
process, giving them voice to help structure the case plan,
to identify appropriate alternative caregivers, and to
identify natural and informal helpers (Kemp, Marcenko,
Hoagwood, & Vesneski, 2009). These are welcome adjustments,
and they reflect child welfare’s ongoing commitment
to develop more family-centered practice strategies
that address parents’ needs.
TO VIEW MORE:
http://aia.berkeley.edu/media/pdf/TheSourceSpring2010.pdf
The Nation's Children
Child Abuse and Neglect Facts
• In 2007, approximately 3.2 million allegations of child abuse and neglect, representing 5.8 million children, were made to child protective services agencies. Of those, 2,085,443 reports were referred for investigation, as reported by 37 states.18
• During FFY 2007, an estimated 794,000 children in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico were determined to be victims of abuse or neglect. Of these children, 59.0% were neglected, 10.8% were physically abused, and 7.6% were sexually abused. The victimization rate was 10.6 per 1,000 children, representing a 12.4% decrease from 2006, which can be explained by definitional changes.19
• Of the children substantiated as abused and neglected, only 62% received follow up services. Of the children reported as abused and neglected but not substantiated, 31.2% received follow up services. One-fifth (20.7%) of children substantiated as abused or neglected were placed in foster care as a result of an investigation.20
TO VIEW MORE:
http://www.cwla.org/advocacy/statefactsheets/2010/nationalfactsheet10.pdf
• In 2007, approximately 3.2 million allegations of child abuse and neglect, representing 5.8 million children, were made to child protective services agencies. Of those, 2,085,443 reports were referred for investigation, as reported by 37 states.18
• During FFY 2007, an estimated 794,000 children in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico were determined to be victims of abuse or neglect. Of these children, 59.0% were neglected, 10.8% were physically abused, and 7.6% were sexually abused. The victimization rate was 10.6 per 1,000 children, representing a 12.4% decrease from 2006, which can be explained by definitional changes.19
• Of the children substantiated as abused and neglected, only 62% received follow up services. Of the children reported as abused and neglected but not substantiated, 31.2% received follow up services. One-fifth (20.7%) of children substantiated as abused or neglected were placed in foster care as a result of an investigation.20
TO VIEW MORE:
http://www.cwla.org/advocacy/statefactsheets/2010/nationalfactsheet10.pdf
NYS Vulnerable Children Fact Sheet
2010 State Fact Sheets
The State Fact Sheets provide descriptive information on the condition of vulnerable children in all fifty states and the District of Columbia, using indicators of child protection, health, child care, education, and income support.
TO VIEW FACTS:
http://www.cwla.org/advocacy/statefactsheets/statefactsheets10.htm
The State Fact Sheets provide descriptive information on the condition of vulnerable children in all fifty states and the District of Columbia, using indicators of child protection, health, child care, education, and income support.
TO VIEW FACTS:
http://www.cwla.org/advocacy/statefactsheets/statefactsheets10.htm
OJJDP Funding Opportunities
OJJDP Announces FY 2010 Funding Opportunities The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) has announced the following funding opportunities:
Family Drug Court Programs
Multi-State Mentoring Initiative
National Mentoring Programs
Resources: To obtain further information about the above and other current OJJDP solicitations, including eligibility criteria and application deadlines, visit http://ojjdp.ncjrs.gov/funding/FundingList.asp .
Family Drug Court Programs
Multi-State Mentoring Initiative
National Mentoring Programs
Resources: To obtain further information about the above and other current OJJDP solicitations, including eligibility criteria and application deadlines, visit http://ojjdp.ncjrs.gov/funding/FundingList.asp .
Monday, March 29, 2010
WHAT WORKS FOR OLDER YOUTH DURING THE TRANSITION TO ADULTHOOD:
Major strides have been made in the field of youth development. However, youth transitioning into adulthood have not received similar attention. These older youth have frequently been overlooked by policymakers and practitioners who have been more focused on designing programs and services for adolescents and young children. Because older youth face a unique set of challenges and risks as they move into adulthood,i it is important to identify intervention strategies that can enhance the development and success of these individuals in domains such as employment, independent living, drug and alcohol use, pregnancy, parenting, life skills, mental health, release from the foster care system, homelessness, violence, education, and literacy.
This synthesis examines the role that programs designed to serve older youth can play in promoting positive development and subsequent self-sufficiency in adulthood. We synthesize the findings from 31 studies that implemented random assignment intent-to-treat experimental evaluations to examine the impacts of various intervention strategies on youth well-being outcomes during the transition to adulthood (ages 18 to 25). While all programs evaluated outcomes for these emerging adults, programs varied in the ages of targeted youth: 10 programs targeted youth from as early as 12 years and into their early twenties; eight programs served youth from 16 years and into their early twenties; and 11 programs began at 18 years of age.ii
This review of experimental evaluations indicates that education and career programs can be effective
TO READ MORE:
http://www.childtrends.org/Files/Child_Trends-2010_03_09_FS_WWOlderYouth.pdf
This synthesis examines the role that programs designed to serve older youth can play in promoting positive development and subsequent self-sufficiency in adulthood. We synthesize the findings from 31 studies that implemented random assignment intent-to-treat experimental evaluations to examine the impacts of various intervention strategies on youth well-being outcomes during the transition to adulthood (ages 18 to 25). While all programs evaluated outcomes for these emerging adults, programs varied in the ages of targeted youth: 10 programs targeted youth from as early as 12 years and into their early twenties; eight programs served youth from 16 years and into their early twenties; and 11 programs began at 18 years of age.ii
This review of experimental evaluations indicates that education and career programs can be effective
TO READ MORE:
http://www.childtrends.org/Files/Child_Trends-2010_03_09_FS_WWOlderYouth.pdf
The Cost of Failure to Enact Health Reform: 2010 - 2020 (Updated)
This report assesses the changes in coverage patterns and health care costs that will occur nationally if major reforms are not enacted. The authors find that by 2015, there could be 59.7 million people uninsured. The number could swell to 67.6 million by 2020, up from an estimated 49.4 million in 2010. As premiums nearly double, employees in small firms would see offers of health insurance almost cut in half, dropping from 41 percent of firms offering insurance in 2010 to 23 percent in 2020. Individual spending could jump 34 percent by 2015 and 79 percent by 2020.
READ MORE HERE:
http://www.urban.org/publications/412049.html
READ MORE HERE:
http://www.urban.org/publications/412049.html
Landmark health care overhaul bill heads to Obama's desk
Passage of the bill was a huge boost for Obama, who made health care reform a domestic priority. Aides said Monday that Obama exchanged handshakes, hugs and "high-fives" with staffers when the outcome of the House vote became apparent.
"I haven't seen the president so happy about anything other than his family since I've known him," said senior adviser David Axelrod, adding that Obama's jubilation Sunday night exceeded his election victory in November 2008. "He was excited that night, but not like last night."
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/03/22/health.care.main/index.html?hpt=T1
"I haven't seen the president so happy about anything other than his family since I've known him," said senior adviser David Axelrod, adding that Obama's jubilation Sunday night exceeded his election victory in November 2008. "He was excited that night, but not like last night."
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/03/22/health.care.main/index.html?hpt=T1
How to Train Your Dragon
Dear Group Facilitator:
This curriculum for How To Train Your Dragon is structured for use in conjunction with watching the
movie and reading one or more of the books by Cressida Cowell about the heroic misadventures of Hiccup
Horrendous Haddock III.
How To Train Your Dragon is a story for ages 8 -12. The themes of many of the questions in this guide
are appropriate for all ages, but may need to be reworded when used with younger youth. The activity
pages marked with a pencil icon are appropriate for youth 8 and up.
The guide offers discussion topics, activities and service-project ideas for youth. Exploring relationships,
exploration and adventure, and changing perceptions are key themes in this guide.
Synopsis
From the studio that brought you Shrek, Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda comes How To Train Your
Dragon. Set in the mythical world of burly Vikings and wild dragons, and based on the book by Cressida
Cowell, the action comedy tells the story of Hiccup, a Viking teenager who doesn’t exactly fit in with his
tribe’s longstanding tradition of heroic dragon slayers. Hiccup’s world is turned upside down when he
encounters a dragon that challenges he and his fellow Vikings to see the world from an entirely different
point of view.
To View More: http://www.trulymovingpictures.org/Movie%20Documents/How%20To%20Train%20Your%20Dragon_Discussion%20Guide.pdf
This curriculum for How To Train Your Dragon is structured for use in conjunction with watching the
movie and reading one or more of the books by Cressida Cowell about the heroic misadventures of Hiccup
Horrendous Haddock III.
How To Train Your Dragon is a story for ages 8 -12. The themes of many of the questions in this guide
are appropriate for all ages, but may need to be reworded when used with younger youth. The activity
pages marked with a pencil icon are appropriate for youth 8 and up.
The guide offers discussion topics, activities and service-project ideas for youth. Exploring relationships,
exploration and adventure, and changing perceptions are key themes in this guide.
Synopsis
From the studio that brought you Shrek, Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda comes How To Train Your
Dragon. Set in the mythical world of burly Vikings and wild dragons, and based on the book by Cressida
Cowell, the action comedy tells the story of Hiccup, a Viking teenager who doesn’t exactly fit in with his
tribe’s longstanding tradition of heroic dragon slayers. Hiccup’s world is turned upside down when he
encounters a dragon that challenges he and his fellow Vikings to see the world from an entirely different
point of view.
To View More: http://www.trulymovingpictures.org/Movie%20Documents/How%20To%20Train%20Your%20Dragon_Discussion%20Guide.pdf
Child Welfare Information Gateway E-lert! March 2010
Encourage your colleagues to subcribe to E-lert! to request a print copy, if available.
What's New
2010 National Child Abuse Prevention Month Website Visit the 2010 National Child Abuse Prevention Month website to find resources and strategies for engaging communities and supporting families. The site features:
Strengthening Families and Communities: 2010 Resource Guide, a guide to help service providers strengthen families by promoting key protective factors that prevent abuse.
A calendar with activities for each day related to the Five Protective Factors that help protect children and strengthen families.
A video showing how Child Welfare Information Gateway helps connect professionals with information and resources on preventing child abuse and neglect.
www.childwelfare.gov/preventing/preventionmonth
Updates
Preventing Child Abuse & Neglect Web Section We have enhanced the Preventing Child Abuse & Neglect section of our website (www.childwelfare.gov/preventing
Evaluating Prevention Programs www.childwelfare.gov/preventing/evaluating
Early Childhood and Child Care Services www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/service_array/earlychildhood
Respite Care Services www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/service_array/respite
In This Month's CBX
Award-winning Children’s Bureau Express (CBX) celebrates its 10th anniversary in the March issue, which takes a look at child welfare in the past decade. Read about some of the significant changes in the field and articles from special guest contributors. CBX covers news, issues, and trends of interest to professionals and policymakers in the interrelated fields of child abuse and neglect, child welfare, and adoption. cbexpress.acf.hhs.gov
Did You Know?
Information Gateway’s library holds more than 60,000 resources, with more than 16,000 available in full text. Our library offers you an array of literature relating to child welfare, including child abuse prevention, out-of-home care, and adoption. Items include peer-reviewed articles, books, evaluation reports, grantee final reports, program reports, and audiovisual materials. Access our Library Search page at http://library.childwelfare.gov/cwig/ws/library/docs/gateway/SimpleSearchForm
Connect With Information Gateway on Facebook
Child Welfare Information Gateway is on Facebook. Visit our page to learn about the latest child welfare resources, news, and events. Become a fan today, and start connecting with others in child welfare and related professions. www.facebook.com/childwelfare
What's New
2010 National Child Abuse Prevention Month Website Visit the 2010 National Child Abuse Prevention Month website to find resources and strategies for engaging communities and supporting families. The site features:
Strengthening Families and Communities: 2010 Resource Guide, a guide to help service providers strengthen families by promoting key protective factors that prevent abuse.
A calendar with activities for each day related to the Five Protective Factors that help protect children and strengthen families.
A video showing how Child Welfare Information Gateway helps connect professionals with information and resources on preventing child abuse and neglect.
www.childwelfare.gov/preventing/preventionmonth
Updates
Preventing Child Abuse & Neglect Web Section We have enhanced the Preventing Child Abuse & Neglect section of our website (www.childwelfare.gov/preventing
Evaluating Prevention Programs www.childwelfare.gov/preventing/evaluating
Early Childhood and Child Care Services www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/service_array/earlychildhood
Respite Care Services www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/service_array/respite
In This Month's CBX
Award-winning Children’s Bureau Express (CBX) celebrates its 10th anniversary in the March issue, which takes a look at child welfare in the past decade. Read about some of the significant changes in the field and articles from special guest contributors. CBX covers news, issues, and trends of interest to professionals and policymakers in the interrelated fields of child abuse and neglect, child welfare, and adoption. cbexpress.acf.hhs.gov
Did You Know?
Information Gateway’s library holds more than 60,000 resources, with more than 16,000 available in full text. Our library offers you an array of literature relating to child welfare, including child abuse prevention, out-of-home care, and adoption. Items include peer-reviewed articles, books, evaluation reports, grantee final reports, program reports, and audiovisual materials. Access our Library Search page at http://library.childwelfare.gov/cwig/ws/library/docs/gateway/SimpleSearchForm
Connect With Information Gateway on Facebook
Child Welfare Information Gateway is on Facebook. Visit our page to learn about the latest child welfare resources, news, and events. Become a fan today, and start connecting with others in child welfare and related professions. www.facebook.com/childwelfare
Friday, March 26, 2010
NYS Kincare Coalition
Dear New York State Kincare Coalition Members:
We are pleased to announce that the new “Grandparents Raising Grandparents: A Right to Care” brochure and Non-Parent Caregiver Grant flyers (Spanish and English versions) are available. I have attached an electronic version of the brochure and English version of the flyer for your convenience.
Please let me know if you would like printed versions of these materials, noting the amount you would like for each. I will send them out as soon as I receive your order.
Thank you for your patience!
Rachel Vo | Social Work Intern | AARP New York
780 Third Avenue | 33rd Floor | New York NY 10017
Office: (212) 407-3784 | Fax: (212) 644-6390 |
Email: rvo@aarp.org | Web: http://www.nysnavigator.org/
We are pleased to announce that the new “Grandparents Raising Grandparents: A Right to Care” brochure and Non-Parent Caregiver Grant flyers (Spanish and English versions) are available. I have attached an electronic version of the brochure and English version of the flyer for your convenience.
Please let me know if you would like printed versions of these materials, noting the amount you would like for each. I will send them out as soon as I receive your order.
Thank you for your patience!
Rachel Vo | Social Work Intern | AARP New York
780 Third Avenue | 33rd Floor | New York NY 10017
Office: (212) 407-3784 | Fax: (212) 644-6390 |
Email: rvo@aarp.org | Web: http://www.nysnavigator.org/
Experts: Head Start Programs
Expert Perspectives: Child policy experts answer your questions about Head
Start
The Head Start program is perhaps the most well-known early childhood
program in the United States. Despite hundreds of research studies conducted
on the Head Start program over nearly half a century, controversy remains
regarding the effectiveness of Head Start in achieving its multidimensional
goal of promoting school readiness by providing educational, health,
nutritional, social and other services to enrolled children and families.
Recently published first grade follow-up results of the Head Start Impact
Study have refueled this debate with the finding that Head Start
participants achieve cognitive gains at the end of their Head Start year
that fade out by the end of the first grade year.
In PPN's newest Expert Perspectives feature, we invite you to ask three
leading experts your questions about Head Start's effectiveness. Be sure to
visit the Expert Perspectives page to submit your question to the experts
and to read the related information PPN has to offer on this topic,
including our new issue brief and program summary on Head Start, and our
newly updated program summary on Early Head Start.
Visit the Head Start experts page to submit your question and read more
about Head Start:
http://www.promisingpractices.net/experts/experts_headstart.asp
Start
The Head Start program is perhaps the most well-known early childhood
program in the United States. Despite hundreds of research studies conducted
on the Head Start program over nearly half a century, controversy remains
regarding the effectiveness of Head Start in achieving its multidimensional
goal of promoting school readiness by providing educational, health,
nutritional, social and other services to enrolled children and families.
Recently published first grade follow-up results of the Head Start Impact
Study have refueled this debate with the finding that Head Start
participants achieve cognitive gains at the end of their Head Start year
that fade out by the end of the first grade year.
In PPN's newest Expert Perspectives feature, we invite you to ask three
leading experts your questions about Head Start's effectiveness. Be sure to
visit the Expert Perspectives page to submit your question to the experts
and to read the related information PPN has to offer on this topic,
including our new issue brief and program summary on Head Start, and our
newly updated program summary on Early Head Start.
Visit the Head Start experts page to submit your question and read more
about Head Start:
http://www.promisingpractices.net/experts/experts_headstart.asp
Spring 2010 Issue of IMPACT
Dear Colleagues:
We are happy to share the Spring 2010 issue of IMPACT, the quarterly
newsletter of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN).
The Spring 2010 issue of IMPACT showcases a new training developed for
resource parents, a story of how a former foster child is working to improve
the foster care and child welfare systems, the reach of the San Diego
International Conference on Child and Family Maltreatment, the incredible
growth of the NCTSN Learning Center for Child and Adolescent Trauma, and the
NCTSN partnership with the Communication and Social Marketing Center.
We invite you to share this newsletter within your organization and with
other appropriate groups outside your organization who may find it
beneficial. We also welcome you to submit any feedback on IMPACT or story
ideas/submissions to Mary Jo Thatcher, NCCTS Product Development
Coordinator, at mjthatcher@mednet.ucla.edu.
A PDF of the newsletter is attached. It can also be downloaded at the
following link:
http://www.nctsn.org/nctsn_assets/pdfs/newsletters/Impact_Spring_10.pdf
Sincerely,
Susan Ko, on behalf of the National Center for Child Traumatic Stress
We are happy to share the Spring 2010 issue of IMPACT, the quarterly
newsletter of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN).
The Spring 2010 issue of IMPACT showcases a new training developed for
resource parents, a story of how a former foster child is working to improve
the foster care and child welfare systems, the reach of the San Diego
International Conference on Child and Family Maltreatment, the incredible
growth of the NCTSN Learning Center for Child and Adolescent Trauma, and the
NCTSN partnership with the Communication and Social Marketing Center.
We invite you to share this newsletter within your organization and with
other appropriate groups outside your organization who may find it
beneficial. We also welcome you to submit any feedback on IMPACT or story
ideas/submissions to Mary Jo Thatcher, NCCTS Product Development
Coordinator, at mjthatcher@mednet.ucla.edu.
A PDF of the newsletter is attached. It can also be downloaded at the
following link:
http://www.nctsn.org/nctsn_assets/pdfs/newsletters/Impact_Spring_10.pdf
Sincerely,
Susan Ko, on behalf of the National Center for Child Traumatic Stress
The Parent-Child Home Program
2010 Annual Conference
May 17-18, 2010
Long Island Marriott Hotel & Conference Center
Uniondale, NY
Please join us for The Parent-Child Home Program 2010 Annual Conference May 17 and 18, 2010 at the Long Island Marriott in Uniondale, NY! See below for this year’s conference highlights.
Register <#register> by April 17 and receive an early bird discount!
May 17-18, 2010
Long Island Marriott Hotel & Conference Center
Uniondale, NY
Please join us for The Parent-Child Home Program 2010 Annual Conference May 17 and 18, 2010 at the Long Island Marriott in Uniondale, NY! See below for this year’s conference highlights.
Register <#register> by April 17 and receive an early bird discount!
Be a Great Volunteer!
Find Your Volunteer Match
Looking to find a great volunteer opportunity in your community? VolunteerMatch makes it easy. To get started, type your ZIP code into the Search box. Once you find something that interests you, click "I want to help" to let the organization know you want to volunteer with them.
Be a Great Volunteer
New to volunteering? Want to get more out of your volunteer work? How To Be a Great Volunteer is a free webinar that will prepare you to ask the right questions to determine if an organization is a good fit for you and your skills.
Thursday, April 15
11am PST / 2pm EST
Register
Thursday, May 20
11am PST / 2pm EST
Register
Looking to find a great volunteer opportunity in your community? VolunteerMatch makes it easy. To get started, type your ZIP code into the Search box. Once you find something that interests you, click "I want to help" to let the organization know you want to volunteer with them.
Be a Great Volunteer
New to volunteering? Want to get more out of your volunteer work? How To Be a Great Volunteer is a free webinar that will prepare you to ask the right questions to determine if an organization is a good fit for you and your skills.
Thursday, April 15
11am PST / 2pm EST
Register
Thursday, May 20
11am PST / 2pm EST
Register
CAUSE CALENDAR
Women's History Month
March 1-31
National Volunteer Week
April 18 - 24
National AmeriCorps Week
May 8 - 15
National Volunteer Week is April 18 - 24
March 1-31
National Volunteer Week
April 18 - 24
National AmeriCorps Week
May 8 - 15
National Volunteer Week is April 18 - 24
New Report Shows Volunteering Trends in 2009
While most news during tough times tends to focus on the bad, a new report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
In a press release "Volunteering Up Amid Tough Economic Times," Stephen Goldsmith, board chair of the Corporation for National and Community Service, says "We're seeing a compassion boom across this country, where communities are banding together and neighbors are reaching out in service to others. It is truly the generosity of the American spirit at its best. The need is great, the momentum is strong, and potential is unlimited for ushering in a new era of service in America."
So what does a compassion boom look like? Here are some highlights:
1.5 million more Americans say they volunteered between September 2008 and September 2009 than during the previous year.
The total number who reported volunteering was 63.4 million people (26.8% of the population), compared to 61.8 million in 2008.
Volunteer rates for women increased from 29.4% to 30.1%.
People with full-time jobs showed a .9% increased volunteer rate.
Volunteer rates among unemployed men increased 1.2%.
Those between ages of 35 and 54 were the most likely to volunteer.
At VolunteerMatch.org, 2009 also saw great success including a 20% rise in volunteer referrals, 10.4% more visitors, and nearly 20% more participating organizations.
The report comes just in time. We're weeks away from National Volunteer Week, a week for celebrating volunteerism and highlighting the important role it plays in communities across the nation. What better way to kick it off than to take a look back at 2009 – a year when, despite economic hardship, Americans were motivated to go out and do something great for themselves, their neighbors, and the world.
How did you give back in 2009? How are you giving back today?
Share your story.
In a press release
So what does a compassion boom look like? Here are some highlights:
1.5 million more Americans say they volunteered between September 2008 and September 2009 than during the previous year.
The total number who reported volunteering was 63.4 million people (26.8% of the population), compared to 61.8 million in 2008.
Volunteer rates for women increased from 29.4% to 30.1%.
People with full-time jobs showed a .9% increased volunteer rate.
Volunteer rates among unemployed men increased 1.2%.
Those between ages of 35 and 54 were the most likely to volunteer.
At VolunteerMatch.org, 2009 also saw great success including a 20% rise in volunteer referrals, 10.4% more visitors, and nearly 20% more participating organizations.
The report comes just in time. We're weeks away from National Volunteer Week, a week for celebrating volunteerism and highlighting the important role it plays in communities across the nation. What better way to kick it off than to take a look back at 2009 – a year when, despite economic hardship, Americans were motivated to go out and do something great for themselves, their neighbors, and the world.
How did you give back in 2009? How are you giving back today?
Share your story.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Health Care Reform Bill Summary
Coverage:
Would expand coverage to 32 million Americans who are currently uninsured.
Health Insurance Exchanges:
The uninsured and self-employed would be able to purchase insurance through state-based exchanges with subsidies available to individuals and families with income between the 133 percent and 400 percent of poverty level.
Separate exchanges would be created for small businesses to purchase coverage -- effective 2014.
Funding available to states to establish exchanges within one year of enactment and until January 1, 2015.
Subsidies:
Individuals and families who make between 100 percent - 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and want to purchase their own health insurance on an exchange are eligible for subsidies. They cannot be eligible for Medicare, Medicaid and cannot be covered by an employer. Eligible buyers receive premium credits and there is a cap for how much they have to contribute to their premiums on a sliding scale.
Federal Poverty Level for family of four is $22,050
TO READ MORE VISIT:
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20000846-503544.html
Would expand coverage to 32 million Americans who are currently uninsured.
Health Insurance Exchanges:
The uninsured and self-employed would be able to purchase insurance through state-based exchanges with subsidies available to individuals and families with income between the 133 percent and 400 percent of poverty level.
Separate exchanges would be created for small businesses to purchase coverage -- effective 2014.
Funding available to states to establish exchanges within one year of enactment and until January 1, 2015.
Subsidies:
Individuals and families who make between 100 percent - 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and want to purchase their own health insurance on an exchange are eligible for subsidies. They cannot be eligible for Medicare, Medicaid and cannot be covered by an employer. Eligible buyers receive premium credits and there is a cap for how much they have to contribute to their premiums on a sliding scale.
Federal Poverty Level for family of four is $22,050
TO READ MORE VISIT:
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20000846-503544.html
Health Care Reform Bill PASSES!
The 60-39 vote on a cold winter morning capped months of arduous negotiations and 24 days of floor debate. It also followed a succession of failures by past congresses to get to this point. Biden presided as 58 Democrats and two independents voted "yes."
No Republicans voted for the bill. Sen. Jim Bunning, R-Ky., did not vote due to what his office called "family commitments."
During the vote, an exhausted Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., initially cast a "no" vote by mistake, but then quickly corrected himself as fellow senators burst out laughing.
TO READ MORE:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/12/24/politics/main6017779.shtml
No Republicans voted for the bill. Sen. Jim Bunning, R-Ky., did not vote due to what his office called "family commitments."
During the vote, an exhausted Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., initially cast a "no" vote by mistake, but then quickly corrected himself as fellow senators burst out laughing.
TO READ MORE:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/12/24/politics/main6017779.shtml
Friday, March 19, 2010
Substance Abuse Prevention Dollars and Cents: A Cost-Benefit Analysis
Policymakers and other stakeholders can use cost-benefit analysis as an informative tool for decision making for substance abuse prevention. This report reveals the importance of supporting effective prevention programs as part of a comprehensive substance abuse prevention strategy. The following patterns of use, their attendant costs, and the potential cost savings are analyzed:
Extent of substance abuse among youth;
Costs of substance abuse to the Nation and to States;
Cost savings that could be gained if effective prevention policies, programs, and services were implemented nationwide;
Programs and policies that are most cost beneficial.
1.1. Costs of Substance Abuse
Studies have shown the annual cost of substance abuse to the Nation to be $510.8 billion in 1999 (Harwood, 2000). More specifically,
Alcohol abuse cost the Nation $191.6 billion;
Tobacco use cost the Nation $167.8 billion;
Drug abuse cost the Nation $151.4 billion.
To view the entire report visit:
http://download.ncadi.samhsa.gov/prevline/pdfs/SMA07-4298.pdf
Extent of substance abuse among youth;
Costs of substance abuse to the Nation and to States;
Cost savings that could be gained if effective prevention policies, programs, and services were implemented nationwide;
Programs and policies that are most cost beneficial.
1.1. Costs of Substance Abuse
Studies have shown the annual cost of substance abuse to the Nation to be $510.8 billion in 1999 (Harwood, 2000). More specifically,
Alcohol abuse cost the Nation $191.6 billion;
Tobacco use cost the Nation $167.8 billion;
Drug abuse cost the Nation $151.4 billion.
To view the entire report visit:
http://download.ncadi.samhsa.gov/prevline/pdfs/SMA07-4298.pdf
SAMHSA is Accepting Applications for $31.7 Million in Grants For Family Centered Substance Abuse Treatment
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Center for Substance Abuse Treatment is accepting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2010 Family Centered Substance Abuse Treatment Grants for Adolescents and their Families.
The purpose of this program is to provide substance abuse services to adolescents and their families and primary caregivers in geographic areas with unmet need. Grantees will implement evidence-based practices, specifically the Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA) coupled with Assertive Continuing Care (ACC), that are context specific, focusing on the interaction between youth and their environments; are family centered and community-based. Families and primary caregivers are an integral part of the treatment process and their inclusion increases the likelihood of successful treatment and reintegration of the adolescents into their communities following the period of formalized treatment.
SAMHSA expects that $31.7 million will be available to fund up to 35 grants for up to three years. The annual award amount will be up to $300,000 per year.
WHO CAN APPLY: Eligible applicants are domestic public and private nonprofit entities. For example, State and local governments, federally recognized American Indian/Alaska Native Tribes and tribal organizations, urban Indian organizations, public or private universities and colleges; and community and faith-based organizations may apply.
HOW TO APPLY: Applications for No.TI-10-002 are available by calling SAMHSA’s Health Information Network at 1-877-SAMHSA7 or by downloading the application http://www.samhsa.gov/Grants/2010/TI-10-002.aspx. Applicants are encouraged to apply online using http://www.grants.gov/.
APPLICATION DUE DATE: April 23, 2010.
The purpose of this program is to provide substance abuse services to adolescents and their families and primary caregivers in geographic areas with unmet need. Grantees will implement evidence-based practices, specifically the Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA) coupled with Assertive Continuing Care (ACC), that are context specific, focusing on the interaction between youth and their environments; are family centered and community-based. Families and primary caregivers are an integral part of the treatment process and their inclusion increases the likelihood of successful treatment and reintegration of the adolescents into their communities following the period of formalized treatment.
SAMHSA expects that $31.7 million will be available to fund up to 35 grants for up to three years. The annual award amount will be up to $300,000 per year.
WHO CAN APPLY: Eligible applicants are domestic public and private nonprofit entities. For example, State and local governments, federally recognized American Indian/Alaska Native Tribes and tribal organizations, urban Indian organizations, public or private universities and colleges; and community and faith-based organizations may apply.
HOW TO APPLY: Applications for No.TI-10-002 are available by calling SAMHSA’s Health Information Network at 1-877-SAMHSA7 or by downloading the application http://www.samhsa.gov/Grants/2010/TI-10-002.aspx. Applicants are encouraged to apply online using http://www.grants.gov/.
APPLICATION DUE DATE: April 23, 2010.
Parent-Child Home Program conference
Dear Colleagues, You are invited to the 2010 Parent-Child Home Program Conference, taking place on May 17-18 at the Long Island Marriott in Uniondale, New York. Anyone who is interested in home visiting, early literacy, or working with families with young children challenged by poverty, low levels of education, and/or language/cultural barriers would find this conference of interest. Breakfast and lunch are included in the conference fee. The conference will feature our popular Conference Marketplace, where exhibitors feature the latest in educational toys and books for toddlers and preschoolers. To download a conference registration form, get hotel/travel information, or to see the conference agenda, please go to our website: www.parent-child.org
WEBINAR: The National Cecnter for Child Traumatic Stress
On Tuesday, March 23rd at 10:00am PST/12:00pm CST/1:00pm EST, The National Center for Child Traumatic Stress (NCCTS) Military Families Learning Community will be hosting a live webinar with COL David Benedek, M.D., Professor/Deputy Chair and Associate Director, Center for Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Service University, School of Medicine.
Title - Military Mission and Deployment: Impact on Service Members
COL Benedek describes the range of psychosocial issues related to deployment and their potential effects on Service Member and family well-being, highlights findings of Mental Health Assessment Team Studies of deployed Service Members and briefly describes intervention approaches.
Please join us for the webinar. The last 30 minutes will be dedicated to a moderated question & answer session with the speaker.
To View the Slides & Listen Online:
Login the NCTSN Learning Center for Child and Adolescent Trauma and enroll in the Military Families Learning Community
To Listen by Phone:
> Call 1-866-295-5950 and enter guest code 5318986#
To Interact with the Speaker:
Online participants: Submit a question by clicking on the chat bubble icon in the top left of the screen.
Phone participants: Submit a question by email question@nctsn.org
Help Desk:
Technical Problems? Email help@nctsn.org
**Now Available through the NCTSN Learning Center Military Families Learning Community**
Essentials for Those Who Care for Military Children and Families
Brief 20 minute audio presentations from top military experts
Over 15 Podcasts from top military experts discussing Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps cultures, available mental health services for Active Duty, Veteran, National Guard and Reserve, impact of deployment on military children and families, becoming a TRICARE provider, Military OneSource, and building community capacity to serve military families.
Dr. Stephen J. Cozza’s presentation titled “Military Children and Families: Supporting Health and Managing Risk” is now available in the NCTSN Learning Center for Child and Adolescent Trauma at http://learn.nctsn.org/. Earn 1.5 CEU’s for watching this presentation and correctly answering the post-test questions.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Gregory Leskin, Ph.D. at gleskin@mednet.ucla.edu.
Title - Military Mission and Deployment: Impact on Service Members
COL Benedek describes the range of psychosocial issues related to deployment and their potential effects on Service Member and family well-being, highlights findings of Mental Health Assessment Team Studies of deployed Service Members and briefly describes intervention approaches.
Please join us for the webinar. The last 30 minutes will be dedicated to a moderated question & answer session with the speaker.
To View the Slides & Listen Online:
Login the NCTSN Learning Center for Child and Adolescent Trauma and enroll in the Military Families Learning Community
To Listen by Phone:
> Call 1-866-295-5950 and enter guest code 5318986#
To Interact with the Speaker:
Online participants: Submit a question by clicking on the chat bubble icon in the top left of the screen.
Phone participants: Submit a question by email question@nctsn.org
Help Desk:
Technical Problems? Email help@nctsn.org
**Now Available through the NCTSN Learning Center Military Families Learning Community**
Essentials for Those Who Care for Military Children and Families
Brief 20 minute audio presentations from top military experts
Over 15 Podcasts from top military experts discussing Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps cultures, available mental health services for Active Duty, Veteran, National Guard and Reserve, impact of deployment on military children and families, becoming a TRICARE provider, Military OneSource, and building community capacity to serve military families.
Dr. Stephen J. Cozza’s presentation titled “Military Children and Families: Supporting Health and Managing Risk” is now available in the NCTSN Learning Center for Child and Adolescent Trauma at http://learn.nctsn.org/. Earn 1.5 CEU’s for watching this presentation and correctly answering the post-test questions.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Gregory Leskin, Ph.D. at gleskin@mednet.ucla.edu.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
National Child Traumatic Stress Network Training
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network is offering a training curriculum that is designed to be taught by a mental health professional
with foster parents as co-facilitators. The workshop materials include a Facilitator’s Guide, a Participant Handbook, and a Slide Kit.
Caring for Children Who Have Experienced Trauma: A Workshop for Resource Parents (2010) is funded by the Substance Abuse
and Mental Health Services Administration and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The program was created to educate resource
parents about the impact of trauma on the development and behavior of children in foster care and to provide them with the knowledge and skills
needed to help children develop coping strategies and healthy behaviors. To access these materials visit:
http://www.nctsn.org/nccts/nav.do?pid=ctr_rsch_prod_rpc_guide&Type=rpc
with foster parents as co-facilitators. The workshop materials include a Facilitator’s Guide, a Participant Handbook, and a Slide Kit.
Caring for Children Who Have Experienced Trauma: A Workshop for Resource Parents (2010) is funded by the Substance Abuse
and Mental Health Services Administration and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The program was created to educate resource
parents about the impact of trauma on the development and behavior of children in foster care and to provide them with the knowledge and skills
needed to help children develop coping strategies and healthy behaviors. To access these materials visit:
http://www.nctsn.org/nccts/nav.do?pid=ctr_rsch_prod_rpc_guide&Type=rpc
Strengthening Families and Communities
Strengthening Families and Communities, Preventing Abuse
Order your free copies of Strengthening Families and Communities: 2010 Resource Guide today! Developed for service providers, the guide highlights strategies to strengthen families by promoting key protective factors that prevent child abuse and neglect. It also includes tip sheets in both English and Spanish to share with parents.
The Resource Guide is produced annually by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Children's Bureau, Office on Child Abuse and Neglect, Child Welfare Information Gateway, and the FRIENDS National Resource Center for Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention. The 2010 guide was developed with input from numerous national organizations, Federal partners, and parents committed to strengthening families and communities.
The guide can be downloaded or ordered at www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/res_guide_2010
Or contact Child Welfare Information Gateway at 1.800.394.3366 or info@childwelfare.gov
Service providers can find additional materials in the Preventing Child Abuse & Neglect section of the Information Gateway website. This web section includes resources for National Child Abuse Prevention Month, as well as information on evaluating and funding prevention programs, enhancing protective factors, and effective parenting.
For more details, go to:
www.childwelfare.gov/preventing
Order your free copies of Strengthening Families and Communities: 2010 Resource Guide today! Developed for service providers, the guide highlights strategies to strengthen families by promoting key protective factors that prevent child abuse and neglect. It also includes tip sheets in both English and Spanish to share with parents.
The Resource Guide is produced annually by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Children's Bureau, Office on Child Abuse and Neglect, Child Welfare Information Gateway, and the FRIENDS National Resource Center for Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention. The 2010 guide was developed with input from numerous national organizations, Federal partners, and parents committed to strengthening families and communities.
The guide can be downloaded or ordered at www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/res_guide_2010
Or contact Child Welfare Information Gateway at 1.800.394.3366 or info@childwelfare.gov
Service providers can find additional materials in the Preventing Child Abuse & Neglect section of the Information Gateway website. This web section includes resources for National Child Abuse Prevention Month, as well as information on evaluating and funding prevention programs, enhancing protective factors, and effective parenting.
For more details, go to:
www.childwelfare.gov/preventing
Global Youth Service Day
Mark your calendars - GYSD 2010 will be April 23-25
Global Youth Service Day is an annual campaign that celebrates and mobilizes the millions of children and youth who improve their communities each day of the year through service and service-learning.
Established in 1988, GYSD is the largest service event in the world and is now celebrated in over 100 countries. On GYSD, children and youth address the world’s most critical issues in partnership with families, schools, community and faith-based organizations, businesses, and governments.
To learn more visit:
http://www.gysd.org/
Global Youth Service Day is an annual campaign that celebrates and mobilizes the millions of children and youth who improve their communities each day of the year through service and service-learning.
Established in 1988, GYSD is the largest service event in the world and is now celebrated in over 100 countries. On GYSD, children and youth address the world’s most critical issues in partnership with families, schools, community and faith-based organizations, businesses, and governments.
To learn more visit:
http://www.gysd.org/
Call to action: Volunteer Week
National Volunteer Week is April 18 - 24
It's that time of year again: time to honor the volunteers who have helped your organization be its best. Whether they've donated an hour, a day, or have made a long-term commitment, National Volunteer Week is the time to say thank you.
Take a moment to think about the ways you can show volunteers your appreciation. Remember, even a simple gesture such as a handmade card or a pizza party can go a long way. Over at HandsOn Network , organizations can nominate volunteers for a number of awards that honor outstanding commitment to making a difference. You can also download the National Volunteer Week Toolkit [pdf] for ideas and guidelines for promoting the week to your community and the media.
But beyond saying thank you to current volunteers, National Volunteer Week is also a time for your organization to build lasting relationships with new volunteers. Across the nation, people from all backgrounds, beliefs, and skill levels will be looking for the volunteer opportunity that is right for them.
To help them find a great place to volunteer during National Volunteer Week, VolunteerMatch is creating a webpage that will feature a volunteer opportunity feed specific to the week.
It's that time of year again: time to honor the volunteers who have helped your organization be its best. Whether they've donated an hour, a day, or have made a long-term commitment, National Volunteer Week is the time to say thank you.
Take a moment to think about the ways you can show volunteers your appreciation. Remember, even a simple gesture such as a handmade card or a pizza party can go a long way. Over at HandsOn Network
But beyond saying thank you to current volunteers, National Volunteer Week is also a time for your organization to build lasting relationships with new volunteers. Across the nation, people from all backgrounds, beliefs, and skill levels will be looking for the volunteer opportunity that is right for them.
To help them find a great place to volunteer during National Volunteer Week, VolunteerMatch is creating a webpage that will feature a volunteer opportunity feed specific to the week.
VolunteerMatch for the iPhone
Cultivating Capacity
Pro Bono Tech: An Interview with imc²
In the coming days our first application for mobile devices, VolunteerMatch for the iPhone, will be available in the App Store and on iTunes. For the first time, individuals will be able to find and sign up for your VolunteerMatch opportunities on the go.
We're especially pleased to have produced our latest release with the pro bono contribution of imc²
One of the programs that we piloted last year was something we call Weekend of Love . It promotes skills-based volunteering by allowing our people to be champions for the nonprofits they are passionate about. With some help from the Taproot Foundation
Pro Bono Tech: An Interview with imc²
In the coming days our first application for mobile devices, VolunteerMatch for the iPhone, will be available in the App Store and on iTunes. For the first time, individuals will be able to find and sign up for your VolunteerMatch opportunities on the go.
We're especially pleased to have produced our latest release with the pro bono contribution of imc²
One of the programs that we piloted last year was something we call Weekend of Love
Nonprofit Spotlight
Micki Magee, Transcription Program for the Blind
She wishes she could say that she started volunteering because she wanted to. But as Micki Magee puts it, "the truth is, someone asked me to join and I said okay!"
It was almost 27 years ago in Brooklyn, New York when Micki was invited to join the Columbiettes, the women's division of the Knights of Columbus. Each week, the ladies met in the evenings to work on various charitable projects, but it was one project in particular that stood out to Micki: The Transcription Program for the Blind.
Started in 1972 by the Columbiettes, the Transcription Program for the Blind provides educational aids and grants to the visually impaired. Among the services offered is the creation of a three-dimensional alphabet book, "A Funny Alphabet," to help young children learn to read in Braille. The handcrafted books are free to any parent, teacher, or school that requests one, and are assembled using a variety of recycled and donated materials -- old scarves, yarn, zippers, to name a few. In addition, the book comes with an accompany audiotape so that students can read along.
To read further:
http://www.volunteermatch.org/nonprofits/stories/spotlight.jsp?id=51&utm_source=enewsletter&utm_medium=spotlight_mickimagee&utm_campaign=npnews_310
She wishes she could say that she started volunteering because she wanted to. But as Micki Magee puts it, "the truth is, someone asked me to join and I said okay!"
It was almost 27 years ago in Brooklyn, New York when Micki was invited to join the Columbiettes, the women's division of the Knights of Columbus. Each week, the ladies met in the evenings to work on various charitable projects, but it was one project in particular that stood out to Micki: The Transcription Program for the Blind.
Started in 1972 by the Columbiettes, the Transcription Program for the Blind provides educational aids and grants to the visually impaired. Among the services offered is the creation of a three-dimensional alphabet book, "A Funny Alphabet," to help young children learn to read in Braille. The handcrafted books are free to any parent, teacher, or school that requests one, and are assembled using a variety of recycled and donated materials -- old scarves, yarn, zippers, to name a few. In addition, the book comes with an accompany audiotape so that students can read along.
To read further:
http://www.volunteermatch.org/nonprofits/stories/spotlight.jsp?id=51&utm_source=enewsletter&utm_medium=spotlight_mickimagee&utm_campaign=npnews_310
Friday, March 12, 2010
What are NACHRIS & NACH??
About N.A.C.H.R.I.
The National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions is an organization of children's hospitals with 218 members in the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Italy, China, Mexico and Puerto Rico. NACHRI promotes the health and well-being of all children and their families through support of children's hospitals and health systems that are committed to excellence in providing health care to children. NACHRI works to ensure all children’s access to health care and children's hospitals’ continuing ability to provide services needed by children. Children’s hospitals work to ensure the health of all children through clinical care, research, training and advocacy.
About N.A.C.H.
The National Association of Children’s Hospitals – N.A.C.H. – is the public policy affiliate of NACHRI. N.A.C.H. is a trade organization of 141 children’s hospitals and supports children’s hospitals in addressing public policy issues that affect their ability to fulfill their missions to serve children and their families. N.A.C.H. fulfills its mission and vision through federal advocacy, collaboration and communication designed to strengthen the ability of children’s hospitals and health systems to influence public policy makers, understand federal and state policy issues, advance access and quality of health care for all children, and sustain financially their missions of clinical care, education, research and advocacy. Find out more about N.A.C.H.
The National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions is an organization of children's hospitals with 218 members in the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Italy, China, Mexico and Puerto Rico. NACHRI promotes the health and well-being of all children and their families through support of children's hospitals and health systems that are committed to excellence in providing health care to children. NACHRI works to ensure all children’s access to health care and children's hospitals’ continuing ability to provide services needed by children. Children’s hospitals work to ensure the health of all children through clinical care, research, training and advocacy.
About N.A.C.H.
The National Association of Children’s Hospitals – N.A.C.H. – is the public policy affiliate of NACHRI. N.A.C.H. is a trade organization of 141 children’s hospitals and supports children’s hospitals in addressing public policy issues that affect their ability to fulfill their missions to serve children and their families. N.A.C.H. fulfills its mission and vision through federal advocacy, collaboration and communication designed to strengthen the ability of children’s hospitals and health systems to influence public policy makers, understand federal and state policy issues, advance access and quality of health care for all children, and sustain financially their missions of clinical care, education, research and advocacy. Find out more about N.A.C.H.
Supreme Court accepts appeal over vaccine safety
Parents who say that a range of preventive vaccines given their young children can cause serious health problems will have their appeal heard by the U.S. Supreme Court.
The justices Monday agreed to decide whether drug makers can be sued outside a special judicial forum set up by Congress in 1986 to address specific claims about safety. The so-called vaccine court has handled such disputes and was designed to ensure a reliable, steady supply of the drugs by reducing the threat of lawsuits against pharmaceutical firms.
The questions in the latest case are whether such liability claims can proceed, if the vaccine-related injuries could have been avoided by better product design, and if federal officials had approved another, allegedly safer drug. Oral arguments in the dispute will be held in the fall.
The lawsuit was brought by the parents of Hannah Bruesewitz, a girl from the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, area. They said she was in fine health as an infant in 1992 when given a series of DPT shots -- a combination of vaccines to prevent diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough) and tetanus. After the third series, according to court briefs, the child began having seizures and became disabled. Now a teenager, Hannah continues to suffer what is described as "residual seizure disorder."
A federal appeals court eventually ruled for Wyeth, now owned by Pfizer Inc., concluding that all design-defect claims were barred under statute. Despite that victory, the company urged the high court to hear the case, saying it seeks final resolution on broader legal questions. The Obama administration also urged review and is supporting the company and the federal law in question.
The justices Monday agreed to decide whether drug makers can be sued outside a special judicial forum set up by Congress in 1986 to address specific claims about safety. The so-called vaccine court has handled such disputes and was designed to ensure a reliable, steady supply of the drugs by reducing the threat of lawsuits against pharmaceutical firms.
The questions in the latest case are whether such liability claims can proceed, if the vaccine-related injuries could have been avoided by better product design, and if federal officials had approved another, allegedly safer drug. Oral arguments in the dispute will be held in the fall.
The lawsuit was brought by the parents of Hannah Bruesewitz, a girl from the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, area. They said she was in fine health as an infant in 1992 when given a series of DPT shots -- a combination of vaccines to prevent diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough) and tetanus. After the third series, according to court briefs, the child began having seizures and became disabled. Now a teenager, Hannah continues to suffer what is described as "residual seizure disorder."
A federal appeals court eventually ruled for Wyeth, now owned by Pfizer Inc., concluding that all design-defect claims were barred under statute. Despite that victory, the company urged the high court to hear the case, saying it seeks final resolution on broader legal questions. The Obama administration also urged review and is supporting the company and the federal law in question.
Obama unveils health care plan that combines Senate and House bills
President Obama and the White House unveiled a new $950 billion health plan today that seeks to combine existing House and Senate bills, and to serve as a starting point for Thursday's high-profile summit with Republican and Democratic congressional leaders.
The combined plan calls for new federal oversight of health insurance company practices, including rate hikes; new tax credits to offset the cost of insurance premiums; excise taxes on high-cost, so-called "Cadillac" health care plans; and closing the "doughnut hole" coverage gap in the existing prescription drug plan for seniors.
There is also a proposed 2.9% tax assessment on income from interest, dividend, annuities, royalties, and rents, applying to individuals who make more than $200,000 annually and families that make more than $250,000.
The Obama health care proposal also calls for fines on businesses that don't insure their employees for at least $2,000 per person, as well as individuals who refuse to obtain health care insurance.
The package "puts American families and small business owners in control of their own health care," said the proposal
The combined plan calls for new federal oversight of health insurance company practices, including rate hikes; new tax credits to offset the cost of insurance premiums; excise taxes on high-cost, so-called "Cadillac" health care plans; and closing the "doughnut hole" coverage gap in the existing prescription drug plan for seniors.
There is also a proposed 2.9% tax assessment on income from interest, dividend, annuities, royalties, and rents, applying to individuals who make more than $200,000 annually and families that make more than $250,000.
The Obama health care proposal also calls for fines on businesses that don't insure their employees for at least $2,000 per person, as well as individuals who refuse to obtain health care insurance.
The package "puts American families and small business owners in control of their own health care," said the proposal
Children's Hospitals This Week now available as an iPhone app
National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions (NACHRI) understands the need to deliver timely, relevant industry news to its members and other pediatric healthcare professionals. In partnering with MultiBriefs to create Children’s Hospitals This week, the association committed itself to delivering this news on a weekly basis. That partnership has now expanded to provide another convenient avenue to receive this information. Children’s Hospitals This Week is now part of the new MultiBriefs app, now available for the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch in the App Store.
Simply search "MultiBriefs" in the App Store and download the app free of charge. Once the MultiBriefs application is downloaded, you can add the NACHRI feed. News is streamed into your iPhone or iPod Touch each week.
Simply search "MultiBriefs" in the App Store and download the app free of charge. Once the MultiBriefs application is downloaded, you can add the NACHRI feed. News is streamed into your iPhone or iPod Touch each week.
America’s Edge Leaders Tout Economic Benefits From Early Learning Investments
Investing in early care and education boosts economy, creates jobs and improves workforce
America’s Edge is urging an expansion of early care and education programs, which now serve about 4 of every 10 children under 6 in New York. Fully funding early learning in New York would generate a significant return on each new dollar invested, generating billions in new spending across the state. The new America’s Edge research further demonstrates that nearly all of the dollars generated in New York would stay in New York – maximizing the benefits for local businesses and communities, while also creating tens of thousands of new jobs.
The also report documents that investments in early care and education would save New York businesses by reducing absenteeism and turnover and improve productivity by helping to attract better trained workers to the state. The report confirms the long-term economic impact highlighting research that shows high-quality early education can deliver a return of $16 for every $1 invested.
Visit this report:
http://www.americasedge.org/files/1003%20NY%20Report.pdf
America’s Edge is urging an expansion of early care and education programs, which now serve about 4 of every 10 children under 6 in New York. Fully funding early learning in New York would generate a significant return on each new dollar invested, generating billions in new spending across the state. The new America’s Edge research further demonstrates that nearly all of the dollars generated in New York would stay in New York – maximizing the benefits for local businesses and communities, while also creating tens of thousands of new jobs.
The also report documents that investments in early care and education would save New York businesses by reducing absenteeism and turnover and improve productivity by helping to attract better trained workers to the state. The report confirms the long-term economic impact highlighting research that shows high-quality early education can deliver a return of $16 for every $1 invested.
Visit this report:
http://www.americasedge.org/files/1003%20NY%20Report.pdf
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Kids overlooked in reform debate
State Children's Health Insurance Program has recently been accepted by the Senate and signed by President Barack Obama. SCHIP has been a 12 year national success story that has provided coverage to more than 7 million low-income children, and hopefully that number will increase to 14.1 million children by 2013.
SCHIP guarantees that children who do not qualify for Medicaid will still have health care. SCHIP has cut the rate of uninsured children to less than 10%, compared with 20% for adults. Even when the rate of uninsured adults is increasing, the rate for uninsured children is decreasing. The Senate will fund SCHIP until 2019.
This is definitely a program that works.
SCHIP guarantees that children who do not qualify for Medicaid will still have health care. SCHIP has cut the rate of uninsured children to less than 10%, compared with 20% for adults. Even when the rate of uninsured adults is increasing, the rate for uninsured children is decreasing. The Senate will fund SCHIP until 2019.
This is definitely a program that works.
GetWell :) Network
Get Well Network is a leading provider of Interactive Patient Care (IPC) solutions. Get Well Network has been helping hospitals achieve an exceptional patient and family experience. This program's goal is to inform patients of their status, keep family members updated, and lead the patient to a safe, speedy recovery with a pleasant and comforting environment that suits them.
The goal of Get Well Network is not to have patients lying in bed impatiently waiting to hear results from their surgery. Most patients lie awake after surgery too uncomfortable to do anything but stare at a television that usually doesn't even get any good movie channels. Patients after surgery crave answers, communication, and interaction with their friends and loved ones. Today, they can get that satisfaction with the help of Get Well Network.
Get Well Network is a more personal way of dealing with patients after surgery. It is enabling hospitals to achieve great results in improved patient satisfaction as well as financial and clinical outcomes by engaging the patient and the family directly at their bedside.
Get Well Network provides a solution to hospital patient education by turning an in-room television monitor into an interactive experience for patients, families, caregivers, and administrators.
For patients and families, they have anytime access to an array of education, entertainment, services and Internet resources. These are all beneficial to the patients health and a speedy recovery with a positive outcome.
Caregivers are able to obtain the right type of support for their particular patient as well as their wants and needs more clearly. This will also gear the patient in the direction of a speedy recovery. The caregiver's job is to lead the patient in the right direction of health and guide them after surgery to advise them on their progress, what is healthy for them, and any possible ways in which the patient will be able to recover faster.
Administrators are able to achieve their vision through real time resources that inform service delivery decisions, ease the administration of regulatory compliance, and improve financial performance.
Get Well Network works with more than 60 leading hospitals and healthcare systems.
Interactive Patient Care (ICP) technology has emerged as one of the most effective ways to proactively inform and engage families and patients in the care process. There are many positive things that can result from engaging patients in patient safety, service management, and hospital discharge.
Engaging patients can:
-Improve care measures performance
-Improve HCAHPS scores in priority focus areas
-Lower the average length of stay
-Provide new workflow efficiencies for nurses and patient care providers.
The American Hospital Association uses the Interactive Patient Care solution. They have a television in the patients room that transforms into an interactive resource during a hospital stay. Using a wireless keyboard, touchscreen, or handheld device, patients can access an education library, entertainment options, surveys, and service request menus directly at their bedside.
The goal of Get Well Network is not to have patients lying in bed impatiently waiting to hear results from their surgery. Most patients lie awake after surgery too uncomfortable to do anything but stare at a television that usually doesn't even get any good movie channels. Patients after surgery crave answers, communication, and interaction with their friends and loved ones. Today, they can get that satisfaction with the help of Get Well Network.
Get Well Network is a more personal way of dealing with patients after surgery. It is enabling hospitals to achieve great results in improved patient satisfaction as well as financial and clinical outcomes by engaging the patient and the family directly at their bedside.
Get Well Network provides a solution to hospital patient education by turning an in-room television monitor into an interactive experience for patients, families, caregivers, and administrators.
For patients and families, they have anytime access to an array of education, entertainment, services and Internet resources. These are all beneficial to the patients health and a speedy recovery with a positive outcome.
Caregivers are able to obtain the right type of support for their particular patient as well as their wants and needs more clearly. This will also gear the patient in the direction of a speedy recovery. The caregiver's job is to lead the patient in the right direction of health and guide them after surgery to advise them on their progress, what is healthy for them, and any possible ways in which the patient will be able to recover faster.
Administrators are able to achieve their vision through real time resources that inform service delivery decisions, ease the administration of regulatory compliance, and improve financial performance.
Get Well Network works with more than 60 leading hospitals and healthcare systems.
Interactive Patient Care (ICP) technology has emerged as one of the most effective ways to proactively inform and engage families and patients in the care process. There are many positive things that can result from engaging patients in patient safety, service management, and hospital discharge.
Engaging patients can:
-Improve care measures performance
-Improve HCAHPS scores in priority focus areas
-Lower the average length of stay
-Provide new workflow efficiencies for nurses and patient care providers.
The American Hospital Association uses the Interactive Patient Care solution. They have a television in the patients room that transforms into an interactive resource during a hospital stay. Using a wireless keyboard, touchscreen, or handheld device, patients can access an education library, entertainment options, surveys, and service request menus directly at their bedside.
Viagra may help children with heart defects
Underdeveloped heart chambers is a rare, but serious defect in children. This defect can be fatal in some children. Recent studies have shown that a medication that a lot of men throughout the world use, can also be used to treat these heart problems in children.
This medication is called sildenafil, although the more common, recognized name is Viagra. So why should a medicine that is used to help treat erectile dysfunction in men also treat heart defects in children?
The heart works in a very meticulous way. It has 4 chambers pumping deoxygenated blood in one direction through all 4 valves, resulting in oxygenated blood coming out of the valves supplying the rest of the body with the oxygen needed for life.
When a child has a single ventricle defect, it makes it difficult for the heart to function properly and supply oxygen to the blood. An underdeveloped heart is also another defect that can prevent the correct flow of oxygen through the ventricles. The underdeveloped left side forces the blood returning from the lungs to flow through an opening in the wall separating the right and left atrium.
Children with these defects usually go through a series of operations, the third being the Fontan operation. In this system, blood is redirected to the pulmonary arteries, bypassing the heart and greatly improving the oxygenation of blood.
If you've had this surgery for a single-ventricle defect, you can live a relatively normal life. The only thing that would be altered is the ability to exercise rigorously. Although, new studies have shown that the use of sildenafil will help you achieve your full exercise ability.
In a study, 28 children and young adults who had the operation were given the sildenafil pill and the other half were given a placebo pill. The results of this study show that the half which received the sildenafil showed significant improvements in heart condition and performance.
Sildenafil works by directly improving the squeeze of the heart muscle making it easier for oxygenated blood to be delivered throughout the body.
This represents great promise for patients with single-ventricle heart disease. Enhanced heart performance can contribute to a greater ability to exercise and a general improvement of the quality of life.
This medication is called sildenafil, although the more common, recognized name is Viagra. So why should a medicine that is used to help treat erectile dysfunction in men also treat heart defects in children?
The heart works in a very meticulous way. It has 4 chambers pumping deoxygenated blood in one direction through all 4 valves, resulting in oxygenated blood coming out of the valves supplying the rest of the body with the oxygen needed for life.
When a child has a single ventricle defect, it makes it difficult for the heart to function properly and supply oxygen to the blood. An underdeveloped heart is also another defect that can prevent the correct flow of oxygen through the ventricles. The underdeveloped left side forces the blood returning from the lungs to flow through an opening in the wall separating the right and left atrium.
Children with these defects usually go through a series of operations, the third being the Fontan operation. In this system, blood is redirected to the pulmonary arteries, bypassing the heart and greatly improving the oxygenation of blood.
If you've had this surgery for a single-ventricle defect, you can live a relatively normal life. The only thing that would be altered is the ability to exercise rigorously. Although, new studies have shown that the use of sildenafil will help you achieve your full exercise ability.
In a study, 28 children and young adults who had the operation were given the sildenafil pill and the other half were given a placebo pill. The results of this study show that the half which received the sildenafil showed significant improvements in heart condition and performance.
Sildenafil works by directly improving the squeeze of the heart muscle making it easier for oxygenated blood to be delivered throughout the body.
This represents great promise for patients with single-ventricle heart disease. Enhanced heart performance can contribute to a greater ability to exercise and a general improvement of the quality of life.
Can soda make you fat?
Everyone knows that the added sugar and calories in regular soda is one of the causes of obesity in America. The reason for this is because when most children and adults consume sugary drinks, they don't realize how many calories they are actually consuming. A beverage is not as fully satisfying as solid food. If you drink a regular soda before dinner you will still be just as hungry, but if you have dessert before dinner with the same amount of calories as the soda, you will be less likely to eat as much.
The reason to worry now is because in the past years, children have been drinking soda as an alternatives to other beverages such as water and milk. This adds to the obesity epidemic without people even noticing.
The government has now issued a 2 cent per ounce tax on sugary drinks like soda. Will this help the obesity epidemic? Some researchers say it will because the extra dollar that is added to one beverage will halt people from purchasing soda on a daily basis. They will have to substitute regular soda for either diet soda or bottled water, which is generally sold at the same stores that regular soda is sold at.
In Philadelphia however, they government wants to make a greater tax on soda. This is because in inner city areas such as Philadelphia, most African Americans and Hispanics are more likely to purchase sugary drinks than most other Americans. When the prices become steeper, most people are not willing to travel to another city to purchase a sugary drink, therefore they will have to settle for diet soda or bottled water.
A $1 increase on the price of a 2 liter bottle of soda will save people 124 fewer calories a day and 2.34 lbs a year.
David S. Ludwig, a pediatric endocrinologist at Children's Hospital Boston conducted a study that tracked drink consumption by 548 children in Massachusetts public schools for 19 months. He found that each additional can of sugar sweetened drink a day increased the odds of becoming obese by 60%.
He also conducted another study that followed 50,000 nurses, old and young, for 8 years. This research concluded that increased consumption of regular soda was linked to greater weight gain and increased risk of Type II diabetes.
Both of these studies done by Ludwig were included in over 30 research papers. Some research papers found clear links between soda and obesity. Some concluded that there was no such associated between drinking soda and being obese. One study suggested that drinking soda only affected people who were already obese. And one study linked diet soda, as well as regular soda leads to increased body fat.
This wide range of findings leads to question whether or not there really is a link between soda and obesity. Some say that it's not just the soda that leads to obesity but it is a series of things. Things such as lack of exercise, metabolism, and other junk food containing sugar. If you put all of these things together, they will most definitely cause obesity. But how much of that obesity can be attributed to sugary drinks alone?
One study can be considered biased to some. The soda company conducted a study in which their results found that there was no link between drinking regular soda and being obese. In society today, this is clearly not 100% accurate, but rather a marketing campaign to keep people buying their products.
Philadelphia health commissioner Donald F. Shwartz states that no one action is going to stop obesity. "It is a series of actions, policy changes, and pilot programs that are likely to make a difference." He said a soda tax, besides hypothetically reducing consumption would also provide revenue to subsidize healthy foods, fund nutrition education campaign, and expand pedestrian and bike networks.
The soda tax, if fully implemented would raise about $77 million a year; $20 million of that would go towards helping the obesity epidemic.
To read the full Philly Times article on soda tax, click here.
The reason to worry now is because in the past years, children have been drinking soda as an alternatives to other beverages such as water and milk. This adds to the obesity epidemic without people even noticing.
The government has now issued a 2 cent per ounce tax on sugary drinks like soda. Will this help the obesity epidemic? Some researchers say it will because the extra dollar that is added to one beverage will halt people from purchasing soda on a daily basis. They will have to substitute regular soda for either diet soda or bottled water, which is generally sold at the same stores that regular soda is sold at.
In Philadelphia however, they government wants to make a greater tax on soda. This is because in inner city areas such as Philadelphia, most African Americans and Hispanics are more likely to purchase sugary drinks than most other Americans. When the prices become steeper, most people are not willing to travel to another city to purchase a sugary drink, therefore they will have to settle for diet soda or bottled water.
A $1 increase on the price of a 2 liter bottle of soda will save people 124 fewer calories a day and 2.34 lbs a year.
David S. Ludwig, a pediatric endocrinologist at Children's Hospital Boston conducted a study that tracked drink consumption by 548 children in Massachusetts public schools for 19 months. He found that each additional can of sugar sweetened drink a day increased the odds of becoming obese by 60%.
He also conducted another study that followed 50,000 nurses, old and young, for 8 years. This research concluded that increased consumption of regular soda was linked to greater weight gain and increased risk of Type II diabetes.
Both of these studies done by Ludwig were included in over 30 research papers. Some research papers found clear links between soda and obesity. Some concluded that there was no such associated between drinking soda and being obese. One study suggested that drinking soda only affected people who were already obese. And one study linked diet soda, as well as regular soda leads to increased body fat.
This wide range of findings leads to question whether or not there really is a link between soda and obesity. Some say that it's not just the soda that leads to obesity but it is a series of things. Things such as lack of exercise, metabolism, and other junk food containing sugar. If you put all of these things together, they will most definitely cause obesity. But how much of that obesity can be attributed to sugary drinks alone?
One study can be considered biased to some. The soda company conducted a study in which their results found that there was no link between drinking regular soda and being obese. In society today, this is clearly not 100% accurate, but rather a marketing campaign to keep people buying their products.
Philadelphia health commissioner Donald F. Shwartz states that no one action is going to stop obesity. "It is a series of actions, policy changes, and pilot programs that are likely to make a difference." He said a soda tax, besides hypothetically reducing consumption would also provide revenue to subsidize healthy foods, fund nutrition education campaign, and expand pedestrian and bike networks.
The soda tax, if fully implemented would raise about $77 million a year; $20 million of that would go towards helping the obesity epidemic.
To read the full Philly Times article on soda tax, click here.
Can vaccines have adverse effects?
Most parents believe that vaccines prevent diseases in their children, however recent studies show that 1 in 4 parents believe that some vaccines can cause autism in an otherwise healthy child. And 1 in 8 parents are refusing the necessary vaccinations because they are scared they could possibly be harmful to their child.
A study was done where researchers asked 1500 parents with children 17 and under about the use of vaccines to prevent diseases. The vaccine that is most commonly rejected by parents is the vaccine for human papillomavirus or HPV, which is used to prevent against cervical cancer. Some other common vaccines parents rejected were the chicken pox vaccine, the meningococcal conjugate vaccine, and the MMR, which prevents measles, mumps, and rubella.
Dr. Gary L. Freed, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Michigan was shocked to discover that 1 in 4 parents believe that vaccines can cause autism. Although they think this, an overwhelming number of parents are still vaccinating their children, fortunately.
Although a lot of parents think that vaccines can cause illnesses among their children, they are still vaccinating them. In the future, hopefully physicians and researchers can relax the minds of parents who think that vaccines cause serious health problems. Maybe in the future there will be no defect in vaccines, although some parents are still bound to believe otherwise. Until 100% of vaccinations are proved to be completely safe, parents will always worry about the well being of their children when it come to receiving vaccines.
A study was done where researchers asked 1500 parents with children 17 and under about the use of vaccines to prevent diseases. The vaccine that is most commonly rejected by parents is the vaccine for human papillomavirus or HPV, which is used to prevent against cervical cancer. Some other common vaccines parents rejected were the chicken pox vaccine, the meningococcal conjugate vaccine, and the MMR, which prevents measles, mumps, and rubella.
Dr. Gary L. Freed, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Michigan was shocked to discover that 1 in 4 parents believe that vaccines can cause autism. Although they think this, an overwhelming number of parents are still vaccinating their children, fortunately.
Although a lot of parents think that vaccines can cause illnesses among their children, they are still vaccinating them. In the future, hopefully physicians and researchers can relax the minds of parents who think that vaccines cause serious health problems. Maybe in the future there will be no defect in vaccines, although some parents are still bound to believe otherwise. Until 100% of vaccinations are proved to be completely safe, parents will always worry about the well being of their children when it come to receiving vaccines.
Small amount of lead in children's blood can lead to health problems
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention have said that a 10 micro gram "thresh hold" of lead in the blood is the cause to worry about liver functions. The amount of lead in the blood is correlated with the ability of the liver to function and filter out harmful materials. They have done a test in which children whose lead content is 1.5 micro grams were compared to children's whose lead content was 2.9. The higher the lead content in the blood, the worse the liver functions. With each doubling of lead levels, the filtration capacity dropped.
This is one out of many studies finding that lead levels below the CDC's "thresh hold" may have detrimental impact on children's health. No amount of lead in the blood is a healthy thing, however the question comes where you can reasonably mount a public health response.
Some of the sources of lead can be found in old paint, drinking water, and contaminated soil.
Approximately 1.4% of children had a lead content of 10 micro grams or higher in 2006. This figure is down from 9% in 1988. We can attribute this factor to the fact that lead is no longer found in gasoline and paint.
Lead exposure affects cognitive ability and behavior. Studies show that children with elevated blood lead levels have problems such as hyperactivity, attention dysfunction, and lowered IQ. Lead can also harm the kidneys, reproduction, and cause hypertension and gastrointestinal problems such as colic, nausea, and constipation.
In 1991, the CDC's "thresh hold" went from 30 micro grams to 10 micro grams due to the vast amount of studies showing that a lower blood lead level can lead to health problems. For children with levels higher than 10, many states have an intervention program. When children test higher than 20 micro grams of lead in the blood, medical evaluation and environmental remediation is performed. When children test higher than 45 micro grams, medical treatment may be necessary.
There has been growing concern from researchers and physicians about lower levels of lead being toxic. Studies show that, on average, children whose blood lead level was 1 micro gram had an IQ 7 points higher than children with blood lead levels of 10.
Children with blood lead level from 5-10 micro grams had 49% lower reading scores and 59% lower writing scores than children with blood levels of 1-5 micro grams.
A study done in 2009 by the State University of New York at Oswego found a link between lead levels and cardiovascular function. The study took 140 children ages 9-11 all with blood lead levels of 3.8 or lower. The children were given a mildly stressful computer test, and the study showed that the kids who had slightly higher levels of lead in their blood had more constricted flow of blood vessels while they were stressed.
Researchers and physicians state that their is no healthy amount of lead in the blood, so the question is what we can do about it. Parents who are aware of their child's blood lead level have cleaned their homes of all toxic lead chemicals. There is no evidence, however, that this helps children with higher or lower blood lead levels. Drug therapy is not a very effective way to eliminate lead from the blood either.
The best thing that can be done is to create an environment in which kids who suffer the health consequences due to higher blood levels can be helped and ensured a safe environment to deal with their health problems and work past the hurdles they face.
This is one out of many studies finding that lead levels below the CDC's "thresh hold" may have detrimental impact on children's health. No amount of lead in the blood is a healthy thing, however the question comes where you can reasonably mount a public health response.
Some of the sources of lead can be found in old paint, drinking water, and contaminated soil.
Approximately 1.4% of children had a lead content of 10 micro grams or higher in 2006. This figure is down from 9% in 1988. We can attribute this factor to the fact that lead is no longer found in gasoline and paint.
Lead exposure affects cognitive ability and behavior. Studies show that children with elevated blood lead levels have problems such as hyperactivity, attention dysfunction, and lowered IQ. Lead can also harm the kidneys, reproduction, and cause hypertension and gastrointestinal problems such as colic, nausea, and constipation.
In 1991, the CDC's "thresh hold" went from 30 micro grams to 10 micro grams due to the vast amount of studies showing that a lower blood lead level can lead to health problems. For children with levels higher than 10, many states have an intervention program. When children test higher than 20 micro grams of lead in the blood, medical evaluation and environmental remediation is performed. When children test higher than 45 micro grams, medical treatment may be necessary.
There has been growing concern from researchers and physicians about lower levels of lead being toxic. Studies show that, on average, children whose blood lead level was 1 micro gram had an IQ 7 points higher than children with blood lead levels of 10.
Children with blood lead level from 5-10 micro grams had 49% lower reading scores and 59% lower writing scores than children with blood levels of 1-5 micro grams.
A study done in 2009 by the State University of New York at Oswego found a link between lead levels and cardiovascular function. The study took 140 children ages 9-11 all with blood lead levels of 3.8 or lower. The children were given a mildly stressful computer test, and the study showed that the kids who had slightly higher levels of lead in their blood had more constricted flow of blood vessels while they were stressed.
Researchers and physicians state that their is no healthy amount of lead in the blood, so the question is what we can do about it. Parents who are aware of their child's blood lead level have cleaned their homes of all toxic lead chemicals. There is no evidence, however, that this helps children with higher or lower blood lead levels. Drug therapy is not a very effective way to eliminate lead from the blood either.
The best thing that can be done is to create an environment in which kids who suffer the health consequences due to higher blood levels can be helped and ensured a safe environment to deal with their health problems and work past the hurdles they face.
The Dangers of Vaccines
Parents whose children suffer from serious health problems due to vaccines are now having their case heard in the Supreme Court. Many young children receive all of the vaccinations that are required to enter schools and by the health care system. That doesn't always mean they are safe. Some common vaccinations used to prevent minor health issues in the future have an adverse affect and cause many young children to become seriously ill.
Hannah Bruesewitz from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania had some minor vaccines for diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanus when she was an infant. After the vaccinations, Hannah became ill and frequently had seizures and became disabled. She is now suffering from residual seizure disorder as a teenager. Her parents claimed that the vaccine company, Wyeth Laboratories failed to warn them about the possible risks associated with the vaccine. The vaccine court rejected the initial claim, so the family moved the case to the federal courts. A federal appeals court eventually ruled in favor of Wyeth Laboratories, concluding that all design-defect claims were barred under statute.
In another similar case, Stefan Ferrari suffered severe neurological damage 12 years ago from booster shots. Stefan's parents took this to the federal court and the Georgia Supreme Court became the first appeals court in the US to allow families to sue outside the special vaccines court. Due to the vaccine containing the mercury based preservative thimerosal, Stefan is unable to speak. Since then, the preservative has been taken out of all standard vaccines.
Despite winning at the state level, the family withdrew it's case from the federal court, but the liabilities resulting from that decision remains in force in Georgia.
As a result of all these serious health injuries, the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Compensation Act was passed to establish a nationwide strategy to secure vaccine supply, ensure that all vaccinations are healthy and safe for everybody, and to compensate innocent victims who have been injured by vaccinations.
Hannah Bruesewitz from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania had some minor vaccines for diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanus when she was an infant. After the vaccinations, Hannah became ill and frequently had seizures and became disabled. She is now suffering from residual seizure disorder as a teenager. Her parents claimed that the vaccine company, Wyeth Laboratories failed to warn them about the possible risks associated with the vaccine. The vaccine court rejected the initial claim, so the family moved the case to the federal courts. A federal appeals court eventually ruled in favor of Wyeth Laboratories, concluding that all design-defect claims were barred under statute.
In another similar case, Stefan Ferrari suffered severe neurological damage 12 years ago from booster shots. Stefan's parents took this to the federal court and the Georgia Supreme Court became the first appeals court in the US to allow families to sue outside the special vaccines court. Due to the vaccine containing the mercury based preservative thimerosal, Stefan is unable to speak. Since then, the preservative has been taken out of all standard vaccines.
Despite winning at the state level, the family withdrew it's case from the federal court, but the liabilities resulting from that decision remains in force in Georgia.
As a result of all these serious health injuries, the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Compensation Act was passed to establish a nationwide strategy to secure vaccine supply, ensure that all vaccinations are healthy and safe for everybody, and to compensate innocent victims who have been injured by vaccinations.
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