Free Program Helps Members Manage Chronic Conditions
As a registered nurse and marathon runner Judy Ables-Morin wants to help members manage their chronic health problems for the long run. Ables-Morin coordinates outreach to Local 99 for the Arizona Healthy Together program.
“America is in an epidemic of chronic illnesses,” Ables-Morin said. “One in three Americans has a high risk of chronic illness. They account for some 90 percent of the country’s health care costs.”
The Healthy Together program helps participants and their dependents deal with conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, diabetes, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure and low back pain.
A staff of registered nurses, dieticians, physical and respiratory therapists, certified diabetes educators, behavioral health therapists and physicians offers support, guidance and education on chronic conditions.
Following enrollment, the program provides participants with a personal health coach who will:
• assess health care and resource needs;
• follow up at agreed-upon times;
• send information and educational materials;
• help answer questions;
• work with doctors and other health care providers; and
• help patients improve their health and quality of life.
“Chronic illnesses are manageable and in many cases preventable,” Ables-Morin said. “Unfortunately, many people do not have the knowledge or support necessary to make healthy lifestyle choices and follow their prescribed care plans. Healthy Together is there to help. And it’s free.”
Ables-Morin invites members to call her at (866) 273 8618 with questions or to make an appointment to meet with her to discuss the program.
Members can enroll in the Healthy Together program at (866) 273-8618.
Esperanza Women's Center
Helps Women in Need
When Renee Culbertson worked as a labor delivery nurse early in her career, she observed that too many low-income, pregnant women and their families “fell through the cracks” of the social service support system.
Culbertson vowed that she would do something to help them.
Ten years ago, with the support of her husband, Bruce, a Phoenix obstetrician, she founded Esperanza Center, an outpatient clinic that helps disadvantaged women and their families deal with unplanned pregnancies and related problems.
“We see about 400 women a month,” Culbertson said. “Most are ages 16 to 22. But we’ve assisted girls as young as 13 and women in the mid-40s. About 75 percent are single and half of our clients speak only Spanish.”
The center has three employees and relies primarily on volunteers. It offers free pregnancy tests, peer counseling and professional counselors who treat clients at no charge or on a sliding scale.
Culbertson said that if other problems are present, such as drug or alcohol abuse, clients are referred to an appropriate agency.
“We educate pregnant women about the options that are available to them,” Culbertson said. “They can keep the child, place the baby up for adoption or terminate the pregnancy.”
She said that 90 percent of the women decide to keep their babies.
“We attempt to build relationships with the women and help them make the choice that is right for them and their families,” Culbertson said.
Culbertson said that the center’s counselors encourage clients to examine their lifestyles and choices and make changes that will help them and their children.
“We seek to build up their self-confidence and self-esteem,” she said. “We encourage them to leave their environments and make concerted efforts to improve their lives.
“We follow up with every client to ensure that she has followed through with the plan of action we developed with her.”
Most clients hear about the center through word-of-mouth or by referral from the Arizona Department of Economic Security.
“We welcome anyone who would like to help,” Culbertson said. “Everyone has a skill he or she can bring to our center. Whether it’s answering the phone, helping with administrative tasks, working as a peer or professional counselor or working in our on-site maternity store, everyone is welcome.”
She said that Local 99 retirees have volunteered their time by helping to decorate the center prior to the holidays.
The Esperanza Center is at 1500 East Thomas Road, Suite 101, in Phoenix and is open Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Call (602) 222-3513 for details. |
