downtowner Trenton’s City Paper
February 2021 |
communitynews.org
It’s always Christmas at Joe Festa’s barber shop. Page 6.
The 411 on the COVID vaccine in New Jersey, page 3; Meet Trenton’s LGBTQ liaison, 10.
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UP FRONT The state of area COVID-19 vaccinations By BILL SanSerVInO
W
hile the COVID-19 pandemic continued to rage throughout the United States during the month of January, the government struggled to provide enough vaccine doses to those looking to be protected from the deadly virus. Across the country, states have struggled to meet demand, and the doses shipped have been significantly outweighed by the number of people looking to be vaccinated. When appointments do open up at vaccination sites, available slots are often booked up within hours or less. People have been left confused and frustrated — wondering how, when, and where they will get inoculated. Currently, there are three ways for qualified individuals to make an appointment. To start, all people should register with the N.J. Vaccine Scheduling System (covidvaccine.nj.gov). They will be emailed an invitation to schedule an appointment when they are eligible and slots open up. The state has also set up an NJVSS call center to assist individuals, including those with no computers, in pre-registering and scheduling a COVID-19 vaccine appointment. For assistance call 855-568-0545. The second is to make an appointment directly with one of the many
designated vaccination sites across the state. In Mercer, these include: Capital Health System in Hopewell; the Henry J. Austin Health Centers in Trenton; Hunterdon Family and Sports Medicine in Pennington; the Princeton Health Deparment; Riverside Urgent Care in Ewing; Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton; the ShopRite at Hamilton Marketplace Boulevard; and the ShopRite in Pennington. Other nearby sites include: Princeton Medical Center in Plainsboro; the Middlesex County megasite in Edison; the Burlington County megasite at Moorestown Mall; Boyd’s Pharmacy in Columbus; and the Burlington County Health Department in Westampton. Select healthcare facilities, including many hospitals, are offering vaccines directly to their workers. Anyone who works at one of these facilities should contact their employer to learn if the vaccine is available there. For a full list of vaccination sites in New Jersey and contact information, go to covid19.nj.gov/pages/vaccine. Due to the high demand, there is a high likelihood that the sites on this list will be fully booked. As of January 24, the state had administered more than 550,000 doses of vaccine. This is about half the overall doses that have been received by the state. The rest were delivered to commercial entities for distribution, such as See VACCINE, Page 4
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Phone: (609) 396-1511 Fax: (609) 844-0180 Website: communitynews.org SENIOR EDITOR Dan Aubrey MANAGING EDITOR Sara Hastings SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jennifer Steffen (Ext. 113) ADMINISTRATIVE ADVERTISING ASSISTANT Gina Carillo
A publication of Community News Service, LLC © Copyright 2021 All rights reserved. CO-PUBLISHER Jamie Griswold MANAGING EDITOR, METRO DIVISION Sara Hastings SENIOR COMMUNITY EDITORS Bill Sanservino Samantha Sciarrotta
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DO YOU SUFFER FROM
PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY?
WHO QUALIFIES FOR THE VACCINE NOW? As of January 14, 2021 the following groups are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine and can begin to make their appointments.
• Frontline First Responders • Long Term Care Facility Residents FREE 15 Minute consultation for the first 30 callers!
DO YOU SUFFER FROM
PERIPHERAL DO YOU HAVE ANYNEUROPATHY? OF THESE SYMPTOMS? Numbness Pain when you walk Sharp, electrical-like pain Burning or tingling Difficulty sleeping from leg or foot discomfort Muscle weakness Sensitivity to touch?
PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVE NERVE DAMAGE? PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY is a condition that affects millions of Americans, commonly resulting in pain, tingling, numbness, and other painful symptoms in the hands, legs and feet. This pain changes your life and affects how you work, how you play and how you live.
Peripheral neuropathy is the consequence of damage to your peripheral nerves. There are over 100 different kinds of peripheral nerve disorders or
• Paid/unpaid persons working/volunteering in a healthcare setting • Persons ages 65 and older • Persons ages 16-64 years old who have at least one chronic medical condition that poses high-risk for severe COVID-19. These include cancer, chronic kidney disease, COPD, Down syndrome, heart conditions, obesity, Sickle cell disease, smoking and Type 2 diabetes mellitus. At this time, the best place to register for the vaccine is through the N.J. Vaccine Scheduling System at covidvaccine.nj.gov. For more information on the vaccine and vaccination locations, go to covid19.nj.gov/pages/vaccine.
is a condition that affects millions of Americans,commonly resulting inofpain, neuropathies – some are the result a diseasetingling, like diabetes, while others can VACCINE, continued from Page 3 be triggered by a viral infection. Still others are the result of an injury or numbness, and other painful symptoms in the hands, legsonand feet.NoThis compression the nerves. matterpain where changes the problems begin, it is imperative nerve disorders are resolved as soon as possible to prevent pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens. NEW TREATMENTS HOPEyou play and how you live. yourFDA-CLEARED life and affects how youPROVIDE work, how permanent damage. Many people suffer with pain for years, not realizing that AllCure Spine and Sports Medicine is pleased to announce their new program for For several reasons, Mercer County their symptoms may be due to Peripheral Neuropathy. Symptoms start treating Peripheral Neuropathy, which includes a combination of advanced gradually, then get worse, including numbness, burning or tingling sensations sat near the bottom of the state in the FDA-cleared treatments with breakthrough technology thatTREATMENTS aids in healing the NEW FDA-CLEARED HOPE and sharp,PROVIDE electrical-like pain. Treatment options have been limited to a small damaged nerves. The effects of this program can be felt on the first few visits. assortment of pain medications, which can lead to further issues. Ignoring the number of people vaccinated by the This treatment restores, stabilizes, and rebuilds the nerves in your extremities. problem or masking the symptoms has never been a viable solution. If you AllCure Spine and Sports isofpleased to announce their new program for Treatment has also been effective in addressingMedicine painful symptoms arthritis, suffer from any of the aforementioned symptoms, we can help. end of January. MS, and other forms of chronic pain. Patients generally feel relief physically treatingthe Peripheral includes a combination of advanced FDA-cleared throughout treatment period Neuropathy, and even feel betterwhich emotionally after New Jersey began vaccinating resiexperiencing a reduction in pain. treatments with breakthrough technology that aids in healing the damaged nerves. dents starting on December 15, but The effects of this program can be felt on the first few visits. This treatment restores, Mercer didn’t hold its first vaccination NEW CBD OILand TREATMENTS AVAILABLE! stabilizes, rebuilds NOW the nerves in your extremities. Treatment has also been effective clinic until December 28. CBD oils Have had successful results with treating patients with Inflammation, Pain whenof you walk Sharp, electrical-like pain inNumbness addressing painful symptoms arthritis, muscle, joint, and nerve related pains. CBD is a especially promising due to its MS, and other forms of chronic pain, Patients The state of New Jersey reported on lack of any intoxicating effects and lower potential for side effects compared to generally feel relief physically throughout the treatment period and even feel better many other pain medications. At AllCure, we want to maximize patients efforts Burning or tingling Difficulty sleeping from leg or foot discomfort its COVID-19 Information Hub that as Healthy Damaged in getting them back to the quality of life that they want and deserve, and CBD Nerve Cell emotionally after experiencing a reduction in pain. Nerve Cell of mid-day January 24, Mercer County treatment is the newest tool to help us do so. Please call us today and we will Muscle weakness Sensitivity to touch? be happy to answer any questions had vaccinated 13,587 people. NEW CBD OIL TREATMENTS NOW AVAILABLE! Mercer County Executive Brian FREE 15 minute Hughes said that CBD oils Have had successful results with treating patients with Infl ammation, muscle, PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVE NERVE DAMAGE? consultation is a condition that affects of Americans, part of the probjoint, andmillions nerve relatedcommonly pains.resulting CBDinispain, a especially promising due to its oflack oftoany Peripheral neuropathy is the consequence damage your nerves. forperipheral the first tingling, numbness, and other painful symptoms in the hands, legs and feet. This There are over 100 different kinds of peripheral nerve disorders or 30 callers! 350youForsgate Monroe–compared Township, NJ lem with rolling andhowlower for sideDr, effects toof08831 many pain pain changesintoxicating your life and affectseffects how you work, you playpotential and how live. neuropathies some are the result a diseaseother like diabetes, while others can triggered byefforts a viral infection. Still others are the result to of an injury or out vaccinations medications. At AllCure, we want to maximize be patients in getting them back the compression on the nerves. No matter where the problems begin, it is allcurespineandsports.com Wetreatment accept most insurances andhelp medicare! was that fact that nerve disorders as soon as possible to us prevent quality of life that they want and HOPE deserve, and imperative CBD isaremajor theresolved newest tool to NEW FDA-CLEARED TREATMENTS PROVIDE permanent damage. Many people suffer with pain for years, not realizing that there is no counAllCure Spinedo andso. SportsPlease Medicine is call pleasedus to announce their newwe program todayMEDICINE and willforbe happy answer any their to symptoms may be duequestions to Peripheral Symptoms start INTERVENTIONAL PAIN MANAGEMENT • SPORTS • ACUPUNCTURE • PHYSICAL THERAPY • CHIROPRACTIC SERVICESNeuropathy. • POST-SURGICAL REHABILITATION treating Peripheral Neuropathy, which includes a combination of advanced gradually, then get worse, including numbness, burning or tingling sensations ty department of FDA-cleared treatments with breakthrough technology that aids in healing the and sharp, electrical-like pain. Treatment options have been limited to a small damaged nerves. The effects of this program can be felt on the first few visits. health in Mercer. of pain medications, which can lead to further issues. Ignoring the HOW DOandYOU IF YOU assortment HAVE PERIPHERAL NERVE This treatment restores, stabilizes, rebuilds theKNOW nerves in your extremities. problem or masking the symptoms has never been a viable solution. If you Treatment has also been effective in addressing painful symptoms of arthritis, Health departsuffer from any of the aforementioned symptoms, we can help. MS, and other forms of chronic pain. Patients generally feel relief physically DAMAGE? ments in the throughout the treatment period and even feel better emotionally after experiencing a reduction in pain. county are run by Peripheral neuropathy is the consequence each of the muof damage to your peripheral nerves. nicipalities, some NEW CBD OIL TREATMENTS NOW AVAILABLE! Symptoms start gradually, then get worse, CBD oils Have had successful results with treating patients with Inflammation, of which contract numbness, burning or tingling muscle, joint,including and nerve related pains. CBD is a especially promising due to its lack of any intoxicating effects and lower potential for side effects compared to with other towns. sensations sharp, electrical-like pain. many other pain medications. Atand AllCure, we want to maximize patients efforts Healthy Damaged Hughes said in getting them back to the quality of life thathave they want and deserve, and CBD Nerve Cell Nerve Cell Treatment options been limited to a treatment is the newest tool to help us do so. Please call us today and we will vaccine deployment in Mercer County be happy to small answer any questions assortment of pain medications, which has been a collaborative effort becan lead to further issues. Ignoring the problem or masking the symptoms has never been FREE tween the Mercer County Division of a viable solution. If you suffer from any of the aforementioned symptoms, we can help. 15 minute Public Health, the County Health Ofconsultation ficers Association, Capital Health Sysfor the first 30 callers! 350 Forsgate Dr, Monroe Township, NJ 08831 tem, and a number of other entities *Expires 8/1/19. (such as the nursing school at Mercer County Community College). allcurespineandsports.com We accept majorDrive, insurances and medicare! 100most Cabot Suite A “While it might seem like Mercer Hamilton, 08691 ERVENTIONAL PAIN MANAGEMENT • SPORTS MEDICINE • ACUPUNCTURE • PHYSICAL THERAPY • CHIROPRACTICNJ SERVICES • POST-SURGICAL REHABILITATION was lagging, many Mercer towns conducted their own vaccine clinics based allcurespineandsports.com on the capacity they could manage, and only for people who met the 1A catACUPUNCTURE • PHYSICAL THERAPY • CHIROPRACTIC SERVICES egory, including their local police, fire,
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and EMTs,” Hughes said in an email. “The state and counties are all behind because the federal government has released so little vaccine to New Jersey, and this has impacted our ability to ramp up and get more individuals vaccinated,” said Marygrace Billek, Mercer County director of human services. She said that the county has had a distribution plan in place for more than 15 years, but that plan is predicated on the availability of the Strategic National Stockpile from the federal government. “For COVID-19, we have all had to rethink our plans and processes ‘For COVID-19, we have and do things differently, and all had to rethink our to that end Merplans and processes and cer will stand up and support two do things differently, regional vaccination sites, someercer will stand up and thing that has not been part of our support two regional past plan,” Billek vaccination sites.’ said. Officials were hopeful that the situation would improve with the opening of a regional vaccination site on January 25 at CURE Insurance Arena in Trenton. The regional site, a joint effort between the county and Capital Health, opened planning to vaccinate 200 people a day using a separate doses allocated to Capital Health by the state. The plan is to also use Mercer County Community College as a regional site along with the municipal sites as the number of vaccines increases. Hughes said he anticipates this will happen in mid-February.
ENCORE! ENCORE! WEEKEND REWIND
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allcurespineandsports.com ACUPUNCTURE • PHYSICAL THERAPY • CHIROPRACTIC SERVICES February 2021 | Trenton Downtowner5
Trenton barber lathers up good feelings and kindness By Dan Aubrey
‘I
’m a professional barber. I make people feel good and look good. Mostly feel good,” says Joe Festa — affectionately known as the “Mayor of South Warren Street” in the heart of Trenton. The appellation comes from Festa’s longtime presence as the owner of State Barbershop — now celebrating its 60th anniversary “It’s a man’s barbershop — that’s what this is,” says Festa, who also recently celebrated another milestone: his 85th birthday. Standing in a two barber-chair shop that has seen hair fashions and hair lines come and go, Festa, fit and dressed in black tight duds — runs down the shop’s services, “Shaves, facials, all haircuts. We make working people feel good.” The clientele runs the gamut from clerks and laborers to state governors, legislators, congressmen, monsignors, and Trenton mayors. There is also the occasional celebrity drop-in — like former Yankee right fielder Reggie Jackson. As Festa tells it, the unrecognized Jackson was in town for some unnamed reason, walked in the shop, and asked if he could get a cut. Festa — a longtime body builder with weights in the shop’s basement and a gym behind the building — says it wasn’t until he sized-up Jackson’s shoulder muscles that he asked if he was an athlete and learned “Mr. October” was under his shop’s shears. Talking about his choice of career, Festa says he started across the street in another shop for an unplanned reason: A judge told him to get a profession or go to jail. “I was arrested for bookmaking in my young 20s,” he says. “I worked for the mob. That was in North Trenton where all the big guys were, the kings.” It’s also where Festa grew up in a household of 13 children headed by a Bayer Aspirin black seal worker father from Italy and stay-at-home mom.
85-year-old barber Joe Festa, the ‘Mayor of South Warren Street.’ “I got an education with (the mob),” he says and the provides examples: “Like ‘never be a sucker.’ That means people will take advantage of you. And no one takes advantage of me. And ‘never argue with a fool,’ they get you on their level and then beat with you with their experience.” Festa says when the judge gave him a three-year suspension, another bookmaker, who also happened to be a barber, gave him a job in his Warren Street shop. “I never took a lesson,” Festa says. Instead he got serious, got to the shop early, and learned on the job by cutting hundreds of heads of hair in order to perfect his craft. “I had to learn a legitimate job. Cutting hair saved my life,” he says. He then mentions a few other choices that helped him get a handle on his life and his profession. “My success is that I married the right lady,” he says of his wife of 57 years, Marie. Marie, sister-in-law of one of Festa’s friends, and Festa courted and were married in Trenton — but now live in Ewing. “She is more attractive than the day I married,” he says of the mother of their three grown daughters and six grandchildren. Another choice? “Being nice. That’s
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what got me through life.” That includes finding himself the owner of four Warren Street properties because someone appreciated his kindness to his wife. Since then Festa has become an apostle of kindness and has a personal mantra: “Keep kindness to yourself, it destroys you.”
A
nd word on the street and the occasional newspaper article say Festa does more than talk and is involved with helping people get back on their feet by finding them places to stay and finding support. “If you want to feel good, be nice to someone else,” he says, adding “I teach children to be nice to people.” Thinking more about children he says, “We need to work more with the young people. We need to start with the seed rather than the plant. We’re starting too late. I’m think it starts at the home. Children don’t have the homes we had when we were kids. I think this epidemic came with a message. We need to clean things up.” Festa says he’s a happy man working in what he calls an “old fashioned neighborhood” with shoe makers, restaurants, lawyers, and barber shops. But he also laments that the city seems to have lost its sense of self-direction. “I’m looking at our city where our country started here. But we’re not taking care of it. We have a hotel that has been closed for three years. The governor should be doing something.” Taking a more than half-full glass attitude he adds, “But in tough times, that’s when you find out what you’re about. Things are happening for a purpose.” “We have the 40,000 state workers who haven’t been working down here. We’re having hard time without the state people. We should be nice to them when we get them back. “The people who live in Trenton have to want a better city. They have got to want it. There is always a way. We’re not giving up.”
“We” includes fellow Warren Street area business owners — Classic Books, Giaquinto’s Shoes, Smoke House Restaurant, and others who have been supporting one another as the city’s fortunes and pandemic restrictions change — like when Festa had to close for several months. “There’s kind of a harmony here (on Warren Street),” he continues. “When you promote your neighbor, you promote your own business.” Upbeat and quick with homespun wit and wisdom, Festa moves to the topic of education and starts with a joke, “Know why Italian women are smart? Because they have to deal with dumbbells like me.” After a few other groaners, he gets serious and says he dropped out of school in seventh grade and recently taught himself to read. “Get the lesson out that it is never too late,” he says. Now one of the joys of his new found skill is learning more about one of his heroes, Abraham Lincoln, represented in a picture near his cutting station. “I love him. I think he’s is still here. Life is important, but what is more important is the impression you leave. I’m going to leave great memories.” Some of those memories are also in pictures filling a good portion of the shop’s north wall, where clients wait. There, a colorful line of images show Festa with Marie, his daughters and grandchildren, mayors, shop visitors, and images of Festa at his body-building prime. Then he is quick to point out a single framed card on another wall. It’s from one of his daughters and poetically thanks him for “working hard to make my dreams come true.” “I read it every day,” he says as he leans against the barber chair and stretches his legs. “Got to move,” he says about his actions. “Good health is vital to success. The difference between failure and success is energy. A lot of people don’t have the energy. ” But that’s not all, “When you’re 85 and can put 12 hours in a day, you have to love what you’re doing.” Then he goes into his own personal love-fest: “I can’t tell you how much I love Trenton. My lifestyle came from Trenton — three cars with college stickers on them. This town has been good to me. I’ve been here 60 years, and I feel like I’m just starting.” As the interview — and a very close haircut — ends, Festa heads to the door and stands next to the Christmas tree next to the window and says, “It makes people feel good. So it stays up all year.” State Barber Shop, 116 South Warren Street. Wednesdays through Fridays, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cash only. 609-3922211 or www.facebook.com/ statebarbershop.
HEALTH
FEBRUARY 2021
@capitalhealthnj
HEADLINES
B I - M O N T H LY N E W S F R O M C A P I TA L H E A LT H
COVID-19 VACCINE DISTRIBUTION
Staying Safe During The Pandemic
EXPANDING IN NEW JERSEY
IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY
Who is currently eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine? The COVID-19 vaccine continues to be distributed in phases throughout New Jersey according to prioritization guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the New Jersey Department of Health. To find the most up-to-date groups who are eligible for the vaccine in New Jersey, visit covid19.nj.gov. Previously, the vaccine was available only to health care workers (including Capital Health employees and active and associate medical staff), residents of long-term care facilities and police and fire personnel in New Jersey. AS OF JANUARY 14, 2021, new state guidelines for vaccine eligibility expanded to include paid or unpaid persons working or volunteering in health care settings, residents of long-term care facilities and other congregate settings, front-line first responders, persons age 65 and older, and persons age 16 to 64 years old who have at least one chronic medical condition that poses a high-risk for severe COVID-19. FOR CURRENT, UPDATED INFORMATION, VISIT COVID19.NJ.GOV/VACCINE. This includes individuals who have cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Down syndrome, heart conditions, sickle cell disease, and type 2 diabetes mellitus as well as those who are immunocompromised, pregnant, obese, or smokers. Anyone in New Jersey falling into these eligible groups can register for a COVID-19 vaccine by visiting covidvaccine.nj.gov. How does the COVID-19 vaccine work? The COVID-19 vaccine gives the immune system a preview of the coronavirus, so it learns how to stop it if you are exposed. It triggers antibodies in your blood to attack the virus’ unique spike protein. Your immune system learns from the vaccine how to quickly recognize the actual virus and stop it from multiplying. The idea is to stop SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, from getting into cells, replicating itself and making you sick. Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe? Like most new medicines and vaccines, the COVID-19 vaccines are tested for safety in large clinical trials. During the clinical trials, volunteers receive the vaccine and then regularly check in with scientists to report any side effects or illnesses. If the vaccine has data to support its safety and effectiveness, the scientists apply for Emergency Use Authorization from the Food and Drug Administration. Scientists continue to follow the volunteers for at least two years to report any long-term or rare side effects and safety concerns. Where Can I Get the Vaccine? Information about open vaccination sites in New Jersey, vaccine registration, and eligibility updates is available at covid19.nj.gov/vaccine. For information about public vaccination at Capital Health, please visit capitalhealth.org/coronavirus or call 609.537.7468 (SHOT).
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, it’s important to remember that some of the most effective steps we can take to prevent its spread begin right at home. Wear a mask that fits properly and covers your mouth AND nose (no scarves or gaiters). Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place. When soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol. Limit or avoid indoor gatherings with people outside of your household and host outdoors when possible. This is important for adults more than 65 years of age or people with underlying medical conditions, who are at higher risk of getting very sick. Practice social distancing and stay at least six feet from others when possible. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or cough or sneeze into your elbow if tissues are not available. With either method, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water afterward. Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily. This includes tables, light switches, sinks, countertops, and bathroom surfaces. Most common household disinfectants work, but be sure to follow instructions on the product label.
IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO COVID-19, CALL YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER. You can find the most up-to-date information on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov. Helpful information is also available from the New Jersey Department of Health online at covid19.nj.gov or by phone at 1.800.222.1222.
Health Headlines by Capital Health | Trenton Downtowner 7
SUPPORT COUNSELING
FOR ALL FRONTLINE HEALTHCARE WORKERS To address the emotional needs of all health care workers and emergency medical services personnel on the front lines of our region during the COVID-19 pandemic, Capital Health is offering a Support Counseling Program (SCP). The program is a joint effort of Capital Health, NJ Hope and Healing, and the New Jersey Department of Human Services. The SCP is funded by a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). “The pandemic presents significant medical challenges, but it is also taking an enormous mental toll, and not just on patients and their loved ones.” said DR. CHRISTI WESTON, medical director of Capital Health – Behavioral Health Specialists. “For health care and emergency services workers who are treating COVID-19 patients every day, the experiences can be physically and emotionally exhausting. The SCP is designed to help them cope with the challenges of the pandemic through individual and group counseling, education, and support services.” The SCP provides health care workers individual assessment and counseling, virtual support groups, mindfulness-based stress relief techniques, and referrals to mental health and substance abuse disorder treatment, if needed. If you or someone you know is a health care worker who needs emotional support and guidance during the pandemic, call Capital Health’s Support Counseling Helpline at 609.303.4129, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
This program is brought to you through the New Jersey Hope and Healing Crisis Counseling Program (CCP). The CCP is provided by Capital Health in collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Human Services’ Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services and is funded through a FEMA/SAMHSA grant.
LIFE AFTER LOSS
A 10-Week Therapy Group for Grieving Thursdays starting February 4, 2021 | 3 p.m. LOCATION: Zoom Meetings Coming to terms with the loss of a loved one is one of the most difficult challenges we face in life. Although everyone copes with grief differently, many find comfort in sharing their experiences with others who are going through the process. CHELSEA HOAGLAND, a licensed clinical social worker from Capital Health – Behavioral Health Specialists, leads this 10-week support and therapy group. You’ll connect with group members who are dealing with loss and learn healthy strategies for moving forward. This event will be taking place virtually using Zoom. To sign up, call Capital Health – Behavioral Health Specialists at 609.689.5725. This group therapy program will be billed to your health insurance. Zoom meeting details will be provided via email 2-3 days before the program date.
8Trenton Downtowner | Health Headlines by Capital Health
Capital Health Expands Behavioral Health to Include CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY Capital Health has recently expanded its Behavioral Health Specialists practice in Hamilton and Bordentown, New Jersey to include more providers who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of children, adolescents, and young adults. DR. IRENE GABRIAL, a board certifed, fellowship trained psychiatrist recently joined Capital Health – Behavioral Health Specialists to lead the practice’s Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Program. Dr. Gabrial leads a team of trusted providers with expertise in child and adolescent behavioral health that includes DR. RACHEL BADEN SHERRILL, a licensed clinical psychologist, and TATYANA GRAY, a licensed clinical social worker. “Children and teenagers today face many challenges, some of which simply didn’t exist for previous generations,” said Dr. Christi Weston, medical director of Capital Health – Behavioral Health Specialists and director of Outpatient Psychiatry at Capital Health. “Through our patient-centered approach to care, our team provides support and guidance to individuals and families as they cope with challenges to their emotional wellbeing.” Dr. Irene Gabrial is board certified in child and adolescent and general psychiatry. She completed her psychiatry residency training at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and was fellowship trained in child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Piscataway, New Jersey. Dr. Gabrial received her medical degree at Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine in Cairo, Egypt. Before joining Capital Health, Dr. Gabrial was a staff psychiatrist and interim director of the Counseling, Alcohol and Other Drug Assistance Program & Psychiatric Services (CAPS) at Rutgers University, where she evaluated and treated undergraduate
and graduate students. Dr. Gabrial was also a clinical assistant professor for the University’s Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship program. Dr. Sherrill is a licensed clinical psychologist who works with individuals across the lifespan, with a strong specialty in child and adolescent assessment and treatment. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology (with honors) from Duke University. She earned her master’s degree and PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Alabama. She completed a postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric neurodevelopmental disabilities and related disorders through the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Program at the Civitan-Sparks Clinics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Sherrill provides therapy to children, adolescents, and adults with a range of presenting concerns and psychological testing to children and adults presenting with symptoms of ADHD. Tatyana Gray’s areas of professional interest include intergenerational trauma, anxiety/depression, neurodevelopmental disorders, relationships, and marginalized populations with a focus on collaborative and integrated care. After completing her undergraduate studies at State University of New York at Potsdam in Potsdam, New York she received her Master of Social Work degree at Florida International University (FIU) in Miami, Florida. Before joining Capital Health, Tatyana was a staff therapist at Syracuse University’s Barnes Center at the Arch Counseling in Syracuse, New York, where she provided mental health and wellness services in person and via telemedicine for a diverse student population. Call 609.689.5725 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Gabrial at Capital Health – Behavioral Health Specialists, or visit capitalhealth.org/behavioralhealth for more information.
Health Headlines by Capital Health | Trenton Downtowner 9
Capital Health Cancer Center Earns
NATIONAL ACCREDITATION FOR RADIATION ONCOLOGY
FEBRUARY IS
AMERICAN HEART MONTH
Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell has been awarded a three-year term of reaccreditation in radiation oncology services by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Radiation oncology is the careful use of high-energy radiation to treat cancer or relieve a patient’s cancer pain.
KNOW THE SIGNS OF A HEART ATTACK AND WHAT TO DO IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS HAVING ONE
“We are extremely pleased to be awarded this accreditation. It is a testament to the commitment and efforts of our entire staff of radiation oncology specialists — oncologists, physicists, dosimetrists, therapists, nurses, navigators, and office support staff — all focused on providing every patient safe, evidenced-based care,” said DR. SHIRNETT WILLIAMSON, medical director of Radiation Oncology.
This puts you in contact with a trained dispatcher who will tell you what to do and sends an ambulance to your location. When the ambulance arrives, treatment begins in your home and the emergency department is prepared for your arrival at the hospital. Because your symptoms may get worse, driving yourself is a bad idea.
The ACR accreditation team recognized the Radiation Oncology Department’s outstanding organization of the treatments, medical records, policies, procedures and quality improvement processes — specifically Capital Health’s detailed, modalityspecific treatment directives and robust peer quality review process. In addition, ACR acknowledged the department’s outstanding teamwork, camaraderie, and patient-focus. “Patients want to know their medical team is knowledgeable about their health care issues and they want to be sure they are receiving the most advanced treatments and technologies available,” said DR. TIMOTHY CHEN, medical director of Stereotactic Radiosurgery at Capital Health. “This accreditation lets patients know we passed a rigorous review process meeting nationally-accepted standards of care.” Capital Health offers many options for radiotherapy, brachytherapy and stereotactic radiosurgery that provide patients greater convenience and efficiency while minimizing side effects. Physicians and multidisciplinary teams are able to manage complex cancers with unparalleled ease and precision anywhere in the body for all cancer types, including the abdomen, breast, central nervous system, head and neck, liver, lung, pelvis, and prostate. Patients have access to a full complement of leading-edge treatment modalities, such as traditional 3-D radiation, intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), CyberKnife® radiosurgery and high dose rate brachytherapy radiation (HDR). Stereotactic radiosurgery and high dose rate brachytherapy radiation (HDR) are delivered through advanced technologies that include Varian TrueBeamTM Linear Accelerator, CyberKnife® and Varian GammaMed technology (HDR brachytherapy), with surface-guided radiation therapy (SGRT) coming soon. To learn more about the Capital Health Cancer Center and the radiation oncology services that are available at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell, please visit capitalhealth.org/cancer or call 609.537.4244. 10Trenton Downtowner | Health Headlines by Capital Health
If you or a loved one is experiencing the signs of a heart attack, call 911.
The Chest Pain Center at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell is accredited by the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care and the American College of Cardiology. This means the Center meets high standards for diagnosing and treating cardiac emergencies, such as heart attacks. When someone is having a heart attack, time to treatment is critical. Capital Health’s pre-hospital alert system allows ambulance patients to be tested in their homes and mobilizes an interventional team at the hospital if there is evidence of a heart attack, saving time for an initial EKG test or faster bedside blood tests for troponin, a protein that enters the blood stream during a heart attack. If you or a loved one is having a severe heart attack caused by prolonged restricted blood flow due to a clot or ruptured plaque, Capital Health’s Cardiac Catheterization Lab is ready to provide an emergency stent placement. After you or your loved one has recovered, your last step is preventing another heart attack or heart-related illness. The Cardiac Rehabilitation Center, located at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell, offers a team of physicians, nurses, exercise physiologists and registered dietitians who provide individually prescribed education and exercise. All program candidates are interviewed prior to entering the Cardiac Rehabilitation program, which allows a team to develop and implement a personalized care plan. Participants include those who have experienced:
… Acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) within the past 12 months
… Coronary artery bypass surgery … Current, stable chest pain (angina pectoris) … Heart valve repair or replacement … Angioplasty or stenting to open blocked coronary arteries
… Heart or heart-lung transplant surgery … Stable, chronic heart failure Talk to your doctor about participating in cardiac rehabilitation. Visit capitalhealth.org/cardiacrehab for more information.
City liaison connects Trenton’s LGBTQ community By Dan Aubrey
R
ick Kavin sits at his desk in his second floor office of Trenton City Hall and readies to talk about his small place in city history — Trenton’s first LGBTQ Liaison. “(The position) was created in June,” says Kavin, who voluntarily bundles the non-budgeted liaison duties into his $65,000-per-year full-time job as an aide to Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora. Kavin says over the past several months he has been collecting resources to support the city’s LGBTQ community members — many of whom experience general urban problems related to homelessness and addiction but with additional problems related to bias and bullying. Although Trenton has no hard statistics regarding the city’s LGBTQ population, partially because current census reporting excludes information on sexual orientation, Kavin says the city is using a working formula that estimates between 7 to 12 percent of any given area of citizenship can be classified as LGBTQ. He also says gathering data is sometimes complicated by other social factors. “In some areas people are open about their orientation, but people of color may not be as open.” Part of the reason is that some community members are in social environments that makes them tentative about being openly gay. Additionally LGBTQ youths who “come out” are sometimes disowned by their families, become homeless, and need support services.
C
ontinuing on the topic of Trenton’s younger LGBTQ community, Kavin says, “I’ve been surprised by how many students have reached out to me about problems at home. Right now, during COVID, there are very few recreational activities. Safe havens for students were taken away. Staying at home in an unsupportive and violent environment has been a challenge.” Although New Jersey is a “good place” for LGBTQ people in general, he says there needs to be more support for homeless LGBTQ youth. According to Kavin, the project’s growing network of support includes the Trenton Rescue Mission, City of Trenton Health Department, and the Trenton Free Public Library, which he calls “one of the most helpful resources. I’m the mayor’s liaison with them. We have been putting together community conversations that deal with the LGBT population and HIV and created a social justice corner that includes materials. We’re also talking about HIV testing and community programs. This would be down the road after COVID.”
Planned Parenthood and the Hyacinth Foundation, an HIV service provider located on West State Street, are also mentioned. Kavin says his involvement as a board member of the Highland Parkbased Pride Center of New Jersey, an all-volunteer nonprofit self-described as “dedicated to the health and wellbeing of all individuals in the LGBTQ community,” and as a political science graduate student and instructor of LGBTQ rights at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, provided the proper foundation for his community liaison duties. An Eagleton Institute of Rutgers work scholarship brought him to Trenton in the summer of 2019. “I came in the summer and then started as a fulltime employee. It was a great fit.” The now-Trenton resident says the following about his background: “I grew up in the Woodbridge area and moved out to Hunterdon County and went to North Hunterdon County High School.” He says he also attended Boston University, where he pursued a double major in psychology and anthropology and spent time teaching English in South Korea and then Honduras. “I ended up coming back to New Jersey and did my master’s in political science at Rutgers in Newark and decided to keep going to pursue my Ph.D. (in New Brunswick). “My mom just retired as a special education teacher. My dad passed away when I was 15. My stepdad ran a sandwich shop in New Brunswick, Jersey Subs, right on George Street He’s happily retired, but (the shop) is still going, even during COVID. I worked there in my college years on breaks and even while doing my master’s. It was a great part-time job.” Kavin says his interest in political science was sparked when he was teaching abroad and saw “how different programs and initiatives worked in different places. In South Korea schools are very regimented. Students work hard and parents oversee them. In Honduras, it is different. I was looking at where those policies came from and worked. “There were also elections that took
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place. I saw that they were so different and asked what the U.S. could learn from them.” His interest in LGBTQ support came from “existing very publicly as an out person — as I do in all my roles. I’m just a person coming to work, but I am publicly defined by who I am.” He says one of the biggest challenges of his City of Trenton job was making the transition from “academia to on-the-ground politics — serving a municipal government. It has been learning experience. Coming from a theoretical environment and studying and then dealing with on-the-ground realities is different than discussing and writing about them as a removed person. At the same time it gives me a pretty unique perspective, and I come in with some theoretical knowledge of what worked in other places and situations in other locations. I have been lucky here to be guided by people who have been successful in their fields and having those perspectives has been helpful to move the city forward.”
T
o create the Trenton LGBTQ liaison office model, Kavin says he has taken ideas “from other municipalities in New Jersey and other places. I have talked to people in Newark and Asbury Park. A colleague of mine has had a similar role in Massachusetts. And she’s been helpful regarding challenges and programs. She has been a great resource to develop a template for Trenton.” Asked about how an office dealing with sexuality and gender fits into a larger picture of need, Kavin says while most people talk about racism, sexism, and ageism, they do not understand that sexual orientation is also protected by the Civil Rights Act of 1964, something reinforced in by the June 2020 Supreme Court Case Bostov v. Clayton County. “This is the most important case for LBGT since the marriage equality case. This opens the door for future cases, such as health care. I think you’re going to see more cases coming before the courts,” he says. Kavin adds that part of the decision to create the position is because grants are available. “Some of them are small-
Rick Kavin in his Trenton office. er grants and directed towards initiatives. Because the program exists, we can apply for that kind of money.” And since grant funds are dedicated to one project, it doesn’t compete with other funding needs. “As we have seen, some of the problems overlap,” he says. Kavin says some assistance is also coming from Trenton clergy members who have “reached out to me to explain what services they offered, shelters and safe places for youth. Even though there can be tension between religion and sexual orientations, the churches here have been active in addressing problems.” And while one Trenton city council member recently made national news for making biased remarks against Trenton’s openly gay mayor, Kavin says, “We want to create an environment of inclusion. Any person using a type of speech like that should be held accountable. City hall has been supportive. Trenton is a more welcoming community than people will give credit for.” Rick Kavin, City of Trenton, Office of the Mayor, 609-989-3052 or rkavin@ trentonnj.org.
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12Trenton Downtowner February 2021