Community Health Connections
August 2022 - Vol.3, Issue 8
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Being that support system: Meet new Community Health Worker Jordan Chuhran |
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Meet the Community Care HUB's newest Community Health Worker (CHW) Jordan Chuhran. She is employed by HUB Care Coordination Agency Alleghenies United Cerebral Palsy.
"A community health worker to me means being that support system for someone who is unsure of how to navigate through life alone. We are the lifeline and a friend to these individuals as we help them become more independent and while living long and healthy lives."
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Community Health Summit held at Pitt-Johnstown to review area needs |
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In an all-day conference August 9, social service organizations, healthcare providers, community-based organizations, and non-profit groups from Cambria and Somerset counties gathered at the Living-Learning Center on the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown’s campus for a Community Health Summit, as part of the 2022 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) process.
The summit featured morning sessions presented by local leaders who work in substance use prevention, physical health, early childhood initiatives, behavioral health, and social determinants of health. Speakers explained what their groups have done to help the community through their tireless work over the past three years since the last CHNA was performed.
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Overdose Awareness Day falls on August 31 |
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Raising community awareness and remembering those who lost their lives to an overdose is the goal of International Overdose Awareness Day, which falls on August 31.
· 117 Black
· 47 White
In Somerset County, the Rankings showed 53 overdose deaths (it didn’t include numbers based on race).
Overdoseday.com reports that North America experiences the highest drug-related mortality rate in the world – it accounts for one in four drug-related deaths globally.
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August is Immunization Awareness Month |
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National Immunization Awareness Month is observed annually in August to highlight the importance of vaccination for everyone, especially children.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “On-time vaccination throughout childhood is essential because it helps provide immunity before children are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases.”
Extensive lab testing is done before vaccines are ever given to people, sometimes it takes years. The goal of vaccines, especially in babies, is to strengthen immune systems.
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Wellness Isn't Scary Health Fair looking for vendors, sponsors |
The Cambria County Health & Welfare Council and Cambria County Suicide Prevention Task Force is hosting a "Wellness Isn't Scary" health fair October 22 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Greater Johnstown High School. The event is open to the public.
There are exciting sponsorship and workshop opportunities as well as vendor space. Sponsorship packets are due Sept. 9.
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Kids going back to school? Learn more about mental health |
Parents can help their children by:
- Creating rituals of communications and safe spaces to talk
- Making sure your child has downtime
- Encouraging healthy media habits
- Making sure your child is getting enough sleep and some exercise
- Keeping in touch with teachers, coaches, and other adults in your child's life
- Trying to make your home a judgement-free safe haven
- Paying attention to your own mental health
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Monkeypox is a rare disease that is part of the family causes smallpox. Its symptoms are similar to smallpox, but milder, and is rarely fatal. Monkeypox typically lasts 2-4 weeks.
Symptoms:
- Rash on or near genitals or anus and could be on the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth
- Fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, muscle aches and backache, headache, respiratory symptoms
If you have monkeypox symptoms, you should talk to your healthcare provider.
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CDC releases new Covid guidance |
- Those exposed to the virus are no longer required to quarantine
- Unvaccinated people now have the same guidance as vaccinated people
- Students can stay in class after being exposed to the virus
- It's no longer recommended to screen those without symptoms
*Remember, if you are experiencing symptoms, take an at-home Covid test and isolate yourself from others.
*This guidance is recent as of 8/11/22
If you are in need of test kits, email CPHInfo@jefferson.edu.
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