SUMMER 2008 IN THIS ISSUE A Message from our President & CEO (2)… Advocating for Pennsylvanians to Breathe a Little Easier (3)… A PA Public Health Institute (3)… Love Thy Neighbor, Heal Thyself? (4)… Summer Training (5)… Treatment Court Celebrates 11 years (5)… Commited to the Environment (5)… A New Path to Recovery for Women (7)
’s
DIRECTIONS Philadelphia Gets Focused on Fatherhood
“
Fathers want to take an active parenting
Focus on Fathers. “After joining Focus on
role in the lives of their children, and
thers like Job since it began in 1997. The
Fathers I was more than happy.” Focus on Fathers has been helping faonly federally-funded fatherhood program in Philadelphia, Focus on Fathers is also fund-
should be supported in their efforts.”
ed through the Philadelphia Department of Human Services Parenting Collaborative. In addition to helping fathers with cus-
F
tody issues, Focus on Fathers provides
ocus on Fathers Case Manager Larry
met in the middle of Job’s custody troubles.
citywide weekly parenting classes. “Our
Woody knows parenting. For the first
“I started fighting for more time with my
program is one of the few places where men
three years of his son’s life, Woody
daughter six months after she was born,”
can come together as fathers and engage
served as the primary caretaker. He learned
notes Job, “and it’s been going back and
in parenting issues,” says Sulaiman Wood,
the basics of childhood development first-
forth ever since.”
who has been working with Focus on Fa-
hand as he fed, diapered and played with
Both Job and Woody know the frustra-
thers for more than six years and is now
his son. “I just had a knack for parenting,”
tion fathers can face in family court. A cus-
its project manager. Jeanne Ciocca, ex-
he says. “I was an educated man but I was
tody-battle veteran himself, Woody helped
ecutive director of RCH, agrees. “Too often,
also a stay-at-home dad.”
Job to gain more court-allocated time with
services for men do not focus on parenting
Now, Woody brings that same parent-
his daughter. “Fathers deserve the same
or fatherhood, but instead focus on employ-
ing knowledge to fathers in the Focus on
chance as mothers,” says Woody. “Kids
ment, child support or legal issues. Focus
Fathers program, one of the many posi-
need both parents. If fathers aren’t there,
on Fathers operates in a unique way,” says
tive and supportive parenting programs of
kids are missing half the picture!”
Ciocca. “[We] start with the premise that
PHMC affiliate Resources for Children’s
Woody’s commitment to his clients is un-
fathers want to take an active parenting
Health. Woody helps fathers like 24-year
wavering. Each father he works with has
role in the lives of their children, and should
old Job* spend more quality time with their
Woody’s cell phone number and can reach
be supported in their efforts to do so.”
children. A single father, Job shares equal
him at any time. “I will go through the
Woody believes the best part of Focus on
custody of a daughter he adores. “It’s the
fire for these guys,” he says. “They need
Fathers is the impact it has on children’s
little things that you appreciate,” he says
someone who will empathize with them
lives. “It’s about the child always,” he says.
of his daughter, “like walking her to school,
in a real way.” The fathers in the program
“Kids do better when the father is involved.
or the first time she tied her shoe.”
acknowledge Woody’s dedication. “Woody
Everybody benefits, society benefits.”
“Job is a good guy,” recalls Woody. “He’s
goes beyond just helping me in court,” says
become a great father.” The two men
Job, who tried various groups before finding
*Last name withheld by request a publication of
PUBLIC HEALTH
management corporation
A MESSAGE from our President & CEO We’re Changing Our Name
E
years of success and extensive knowledge
verything we do is public health. To
base give us opportunities to positively
reflect that, this summer we unveil a
affect public health throughout the Com-
new name: Public Health Management
monwealth and across the country. Often,
Corporation. PHMC has grown considerably
this broader reach has been spurred by the
in the nearly four decades since the Phila-
work of our excellent affiliate organiza-
delphia Department of Public Health cre-
tions, such as Health Promotion Council
ated it as a federal demonstration project in
with its statewide work, La Communidad
1971. In recent years, that expansion has
Hispana in Chester County, PA and the na-
been especially rapid, bringing the positive
tionwide National Nursing Centers Consor-
impact of our management capabilities,
tium, among others.
collaborative approach and direct services
As PHMC (the familiar acronym hasn’t
public health, with evolution ! PHMC’s Brand
to more people and organizations in more
changed!) embarks on this transition, our
Celebration, a major event at Philadelphia’s
communities throughout the region. Our
goal is to do more than simply alter the
Academy of Natural Sciences. It is conve-
new name encompasses this breadth.
name and logo. Our aim is to use the con-
niently planned to coincide with the Penn-
Public Health Management Corporation
text of this change to continue communi-
sylvania Public Health Association confer-
also speaks more effectively to the suc-
cating and demonstrating, consistently and
ence in Philadelphia. Please save the date
cessful, 37-year marriage of our nonprofit
compellingly, our role as a trusted partner
and look for your invitation in the mail.
public health mission to our rigorous busi-
that brings value, strength and experience
ness model. As a public health institute, it
wherever we operate.
work to meet the public health needs of the
is our aim to assist communities in becoming healthier with approaches grounded in
We hope you will join us as we celebrate in November, and each and every day as we
What to Look for
region and beyond…for today and tomor-
sound management principles and exten-
As our strongest friends and supporters,
sive research. PHMC’s work in Philadel-
recipients of this issue of Directions are
phia is at our core, reflecting our historic,
enjoying a sneak preview of the new face of
continuing and unwavering commitment to
PHMC. In mid-July, we will unveil our re-
respond to emerging public health issues.
freshed identity to the rest of our friends,
As PHMC has grown, we also have in-
colleagues and potential future partners
creasingly applied our experience and ex-
with the launch of our new website. And on
pertise to communities throughout South-
November 18 we will celebrate the transi-
Richard J. Cohen, Ph.D., FACHE
eastern Pennsylvania and beyond. Our
tion, and all that the PHMC brand brings to
President and CEO of PHMC
SAVE THE DATE for. . .
row. It’s something we know we can do with your continued and loyal support.
renewed flight a solid history Join us at evolution! to mingle & enjoy refreshments among the museum’s towering dinosaurs & captivating butterflies.
at the Academy of Natural Sciences
11 18 08
Advocating for Pennsylvanians to Breathe a Little Easier
O
PHMC briefs Announcements Training at PHMC presented "Celebrating
n April 15, PHMC and its affiliate,
ous illnesses such as lung cancer, asthma,
Public Health Week: The Role of the Built
Health Promotion Council of South-
and emphysema.”
Environment" on April 9, in observance of
eastern Pennsylvania (HPC), joined
Deborah Brown, vice president of com-
Public Health Week (April 7-13). Arthur
a number of Pennsylvania organizations
munity outreach and advocacy for the
Frank, M.D., Ph.D., Professor and Chair of
supporting the American Lung Associa-
American Lung Association of the Mid-
the Department of Environmental and Oc-
tion’s Clean Indoor Air initiative. Vanessa
Atlantic, spearheaded the effort to obtain
cupational Health at the Drexel University
Briggs, HPC’s executive director, and Dina
support from local organizations. “We are
School of Public Health, presented research
Wolfman Baker, PHMC’s vice president
pleased that organizations such as PHMC
and led a discussion on today's global pub-
of communications, each signed a letter
and HPC are committed to clean indoor
lic health issues with a focus on the built
pledging organizational support of clean
air,” she says. “Tobacco use is a public
environment and climate change.
indoor air in Pennsylvania. The letter,
health issue that affects many lives.”
which calls for the right of Pennsylvanians
The Clean Indoor Air Act, which bans
On April 15, in honor of Social Work Day,
“to breathe clean, safe, smoke-free air,” is
smoking in virtually all public places and
Deborah McMillan, assistant vice presi-
part of a campaign to urge the Harrisburg
most work sites throughout Pennsylva-
dent for Social Service Programs, and
legislature to pass a clean indoor air law.
nia, was signed into effect on June 13 by
several of PHMC’s licensed and clinical
“The issue of clean indoor air is very im-
Governor Edward Rendell. Pennsylvania
social workers partnered with Training at
portant,” says Briggs. “As advocates for
now joins 32 states—including New Jersey
PHMC to present opportunities for learn-
public health, we want to make sure the
and Delaware—with some type of smoking
ing, recognition and continuing education.
general public is not involuntarily exposed
ban.
Discussions included strength-based models of care, substance abuse and addictive
to second-hand smoke – resulting in seri-
behavior, successful engagement strategies, home health assessments, forensic
A Pennsylvania Public Health Institute
O
population issues and strategies, and the strengths of fathers and male partners.
n April 3, The Pennsylvania Sen-
The Senate’s resolution recognizes:
Health Promotion Council of Southeast-
ate passed Resolution Number 31,
O ur focus on disease prevention and
ern Pennsylvania (HPC) expanded its of-
recognizing PHMC as a Pennsylva-
health promotion with the goal of keep-
fices in May and moved a portion of its staff
nia Public Health Institute. The resolution
ing people out of emergency rooms and
into a new, environment-friendly office in
acute care facilities
Colmar, Montgomery County, PA. Named
states: “ RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize the Philadelphia Health Management
O ur role as a trusted partner to government since 1972
Community Health Partners for Health and Human Services, the facility meets the
Corporation as a Pennsylvania Pub-
O ur increased ability, as a Pennsylva-
needs of HPC’s new contract role with the
lic Health Institute, support its ongo-
nia Public Health Institute, to leverage
Southeastern Pennsylvania Tobacco Con-
ing efforts to improve the health of all
funds for unique partnerships with gov-
trol Project and with its continued WISE
residents of southeastern Pennsylvania
ernment, business, academia, founda-
SNAC (Wellness Initiative for the School
and encourage its use as a public health
tions and other nonprofit organizations
Environment: Smart Nutrition and Activity
research, evaluation, demonstration,
PHMC greatly appreciates this strong rec-
policy, planning and staffing agent.”
ognition of our work from the Common-
Collaborative) initiative.
wealth of Pennsylvania.
continued on page 5
PHMC'S DIRECTIONS SUMMER 2008 page 3
Love Thy Neighbor, Heal Thyself? Figure 1. Distribution of Social Capital Among Adults (18+), SEPA, 2006
33.7 %
38.7 % 27.7 %
low social capital
medium social capital
high social capital
H
ow well do you know your neigh-
Roughly a quarter (23.7%) of those identi-
bors…do you have their spare house
fied as having low social capital also are
key…would you baby-sit their child?
identified as being in fair or poor health. In
And when was the last time you coached a
comparison, only 18.1% of those rated with
Little League Baseball team? Baked brown-
medium social capital, and 12.8% of those
ies for a local benefit? Attended a barbecue
rated with high social capital, are identified
or block party? According to new research,
as in fair or poor health. Similarly, a greater
the answers to these questions may influ-
percentage of adults with low social capital
ence – or at least be an indicator of – your
were identified as lacking health insurance
overall health and well-being.
coverage, receiving no form of regular care,
Since 1983, researchers for PHMC’s
Figure 2. Fair or Poor Health Status Among Adults (18+), SEPA, 2006
Community Health Data Base (CHDB) have
and perceiving discrimination when getting medical care.
conducted the Southeastern Pennsylvania
23.7 %
(SEPA) Household Health Survey. Administered every two years since 1994, the
18.1 % 12.8 %
survey provides organizations with local, community-based data. For the 2006
low social capital
medium social capital
high social capital
Source: PHMC’s Community Health Data Base Southeastern Pennsylvania Household Health Survey, 2006.
Household Health Survey, CHDB asked participants not only about their health, but also about neighborhood connections. The connections a person makes within his or her community are known to re-
“ Nearly
half of adults
who speak a language other than English have low social capital.”
searchers as social capital. According to
CHDB Household Health Survey to Begin June 2008
CHDB’s report, “Social Capital and Health
More than 10,000 SEPA households will be inter-
encompasses “civic participation, trust in
viewed from June through August.
neighbors, and a sense of belonging.”
The survey showed that some populations are more prone to low social capital
The results of the survey revealed that
than others. Within SEPA, Philadelphia
one-third of Southeastern Pennsylvanians,
County has the highest percentage of adults
roughly 851,400 people, are identified as
with low social capital (42.2%). In addi-
The 2008 survey will reach out to residents
having low social capital. Such persons
tion, Latino adults in SEPA have the lowest
in three additional counties in Pennsylvania:
tend to feel disconnected from their com-
social capital (52.3%) compared with other
Schuylkill, Lancaster and Berks
munity and neighbors. And there is a con-
racial and minority groups. Nearly one-half
nection to their overall health.
of adults who speak a language other than
Additions to the 2008 Survey include: A pproximately 300 adults in Philadelphia will be contacted by cell phone.
The Community Health Data Base (CHDB) South-
Among Adults in SEPA,” social capital
eastern Pennsylvania Household Health Survey is
The CHDB survey disclosed that partici-
the largest regional health survey in the nation,
pants identified as having low social capital
Research on the issue is ongoing. “It is
covering Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery
are at greater risk for compromised health
important to continue to examine social cap-
and Philadelphia counties, and now Schuylkill,
than are other Pennsylvanians. “Our pre-
ital and its impact on health as we go for-
Lancaster and Berks counties; it has been conduct-
liminary analyses show that adults with
ward,” says Axler. The Community Health
ed every two years since 1994. The Pew Charitable
low social capital are more likely to be in
Database plans to include questions mea-
Trusts, The William Penn Foundation, United Way
fair or poor health, have more unhealthy
suring social capital in its 2008 survey.
of Southeastern Pennsylvania and over 250 local
days per month, experience higher levels
agencies from the health, government, non-
of stress, and be diagnosed with a mental
profit and academic sectors help to support
health condition, compared with adults
CHDB. For more information on CHDB,
with higher social capital ratings,” says
visit phmc.org/chdb
Francine Axler, CHDB project director.
page 4 PHMC.ORG
English have low social capital.
Summer Training at PHMC Visit phmc.org for a full training calendar or contact training@phmc.org for more info. CPR Certification Viral Hepatitis Overview
PHMC briefs continued from page 3
W rite Right: Professional Writing
PHMC affiliate National Nursing Centers
Skills That Make a Difference
Consortium hosted its annual celebration of
Good Taste & Good Health
P HMC Moves Philly Style!
nurses on May 2, in conjunction with Train-
Eating Disorders: Tools for
W ord Management: Professional
ing at PHMC, to commemorate Nurses Week
Effective Treatment What the PHMC Brand Means to You
(May 6-12). Nurses from PHMC’s health ser-
Writing for Managers P ass the Popcorn: Screening and
vices programs gathered for lunch, network-
Discussion of Unnatural Causes
ing and presentations featuring a HIPAA update, OSHA news and discussion of the Nurse Family Partnership, a research-based home visiting program in Philadelphia.
Treatment Court Celebrates 11 years
P
On August 28, Bryn Athyn College students will conduct their 7th Annual Outreach Day
hiladelphia Treatment Court celebrat-
Graduation indicates that a participant suc-
for PHMC’s HELP Philadelphia program.
ed its 11th Anniversary Graduation
cessfully completed the program, which in-
A group of up to 20 students will gather at
on May 21. Philadelphia Treatment
cludes a minimum of one year of treatment
the HELP site to paint, reupholster chairs
Court, a Forensic Intensive Recovery
and judicial supervision. Graduates who re-
and complete other needed tasks at the
(FIR) initiative, offers first time, non-vio-
main arrest-free for one year following grad-
facility. At the same time, approximately
lent drug felony offenders the opportunity
uation have their charges expunged from
15 of the HELP children will head to the
for rehabilitation in lieu of incarceration.
their record. The event was held in May
Bryn Athyn campus to enjoy a day of fun
With this year's celebration, more than
to coincide with National Drug Treatment
activities. HELP Philadelphia is a transi-
2,000 individuals have participated in the
Court Month, as declared through a procla-
tional living facility for families previously
program and 1,529 have graduated to date.
mation by Mayor Michael A. Nutter.
in shelters. Families can live at HELP for up to two years while developing their vocational, daily living, parenting and money
Commited to the Environment
Y
management skills.
New Grants
ou may have noticed that the back
As a Public Health Institute, "going green" isn't
HELP Philadelphia, located at 4910 Wy-
page of this newsletter includes two
just a good idea—it's an obligation inherent to
alusing Avenue in West Philadelphia, was
new logos. These indicate that each
our mission. So later in 2008, we will begin to
awarded $50,000 from the Homeless As-
issue of DIRECTIONS is printed using re-
provide Directions as an electronic Newsletter
sistance Fund to continue providing fami-
newable wind energy on paper that is For-
for those who are able to receive it by email.
lies with critical on-site support services to
est Stewardship Council (FSC) certified.
help them move from homelessness to per-
FSC certified paper comes from forests that
Don't miss out! Please send a note to
are managed according to the highest en-
communications@phmc.org, with the subject
vironmental standards. Printing with wind
line Directions, to ensure that we have your
The Philadelphia Youth Network awarded
energy reduces greenhouse emissions and
email address in our records. Thank you for
the West Philadelphia-based E3 Center a
displaces the need for non-renewable en-
helping us improve our environment.
$588,000 grant to create a literacy program for youth ages 14 to 21. The E3 Center, op-
ergy sources such as coal, natural gas and oil. Every printed issue of DIRECTIONS
manent housing and self-sufficiency.
- The editorial staff of Directions
erated by The Bridge, is a Philadelphia
reinforces PHMC’s ongoing commitment
Youth Network initiative that serves out-
to supporting environmental sustainability.
of-school youth and youth returning
Issues of DIRECTIONS are also available
from the juvenile justice system.
paper-free on our website at phmc.org.
PHMC'S DIRECTIONS SUMMER 2008 page 5
Targeted Solutions
Helping Organizations Engage Immigrant Communities New Cultural Competency Offerings
The need for culturally- and linguistically-appropriate services is driven by the demographic realities of our nation.
D
need to tailor programs and interventions to their increasingly diverse constituencies.
Strengthening your organization’s cultural competency enables it to: 1. Effectively communicate and interact with people across cultures 2. Remain vibrant and effective in rapidly changing communities
Targeted Solutions now offers customized consultation, training and problem-
3. D evelop data-driven programs
solving strategies to organizations seeking
and services that reach targeted
to overcome cultural, linguistic, racial, eth-
audiences
nic and socio-economic barriers in the communities they serve. This service calls on the multi-disciplinary expertise of PHMC
4. Establish strong links with other agencies and civic groups
staff and its long history of providing cutting-edge health and social services to the region’s increasingly diverse population.
ramatic demographic and socio-eco-
Our group and individualized training
nomic changes over the past decade
and coaching introduce non-profit leaders
effectively reach out to and engage community stakeholders.
have significantly altered the compo-
to concepts, strategies and practices that
In addition to tailored, interactive train-
sition of communities across Pennsylvania.
enable their organizations to build collab-
ing and coaching services, the Targeted So-
Communities with new immigrant popula-
orative relationships across increasingly
lutions cultural competency suite includes
tions struggle to engage their newest mem-
diverse communities. These sessions foster
community and organizational assessments
bers and devise adequate strategies to help
the skills and knowledge of participants so
as well as organizational diversity strategic
them. At the same time, communities with
they can reach a deeper understanding of
planning.
established immigrant groups realize the
the communities in which they operate and
Culture plays a complex role in the development of health and human service delivery programs. Understanding culture helps service providers foster an environment of openness and respect while avoiding biases that can undermine their efforts.
about
Targeted Solutions, the consulting arm of the Public Health Management Corporation, helps non-profit organizations in the region address many of the challenges of today's changing health and human services environment. From improving communications with funders and donors to solving mission-critical initiatives and increasing operating efficiencies, PHMC’s Targeted Solutions offerings bring practical, strategic, proactive consulting services and products tailored to meet the needs of client organizations. For a full list of Targeted Solutions products and services, please contact Liza M. Rodríguez, Ph.D., Director, Targeted Solutions, at lrodriguez@phmc.org or 215.731.2407.
PHMC briefs
PHMC Offers a New Path to Recovery for Women
continued from page 5 Interim House Inc., in Philadelphia’s
hen PHMC’s Pathways Project
W
To date, nearly 50 women have enrolled
Mt. Airy neighborhood, received a 3-year,
and the subsequent New Path-
in the program’s pre-treatment counseling
$150,000 grant from The Pew Charitable
ways started in North Philadel-
and about 20 women regularly attend the
Trusts to implement an enhanced vocation-
phia nine years ago as an HIV prevention
weekly group sessions. Some women find
al services program as part of the continu-
program aimed at assisting African Ameri-
the program by reading the New Pathways
um of comprehensive services it provides to
can and Latino drug users, nearly nine out
for Women flyers posted in high drug-use
women recovering from substance abuse.
of 10 of its clients were men. Even as the
areas, but most are found by street outreach
number of HIV-positive women skyrocketed
teams, which identify and engage the wom-
nationally and locally, the program contin-
en, then invite them to the project’s commu-
ued to attract mainly men.
nity-based office to enroll in services.
“ We
Staff Awards & Honors
are creating a sanctuary and recovery
community of women.” To address the gap, New Pathways staff
Through enrollment in the program, the
created women-only activities. “We started
women can participate in weekly peer sup-
having women’s groups, women’s days—
port sessions and receive individual pre-
various things to encourage women to
treatment counseling, case management,
come to the program,” says Eugenia Ar-
support services, on-site rapid HIV testing
Deborah Schlater, PHMC vice president of
gires, MFA, MSS, New Pathways program
and, as needed, referral and accompani-
Forensic Intensive Recovery (FIR), won a
director. “We wanted to find out what was
ment to confirmatory HIV testing, HIV pri-
Supportive Service Award from the Presi-
wrong.”
mary care and case management services,
dent Judge of Municipal Court, Louis J. Pre-
substance abuse treatment, and other sup-
senza, on May 15, 2008, at the Philadelphia
port services.
Municipal Court Award Ceremony. She was
Upon questioning, the women revealed uneasiness at being enrolled in a program with men, many of whom they knew from
The New Pathways for Women site also
chosen for the award in recognition of her
the street. “They asked for, and needed, a
features a drop-in center with contem-
years of service and commitment to the
women-only space,” says Argires.
porary furniture and colorful artwork—
Treatment Courts, DUI Court and Community Court projects.
In response, the New Pathways for
reflecting the vibrant community it serves.
Women project opened its doors in Janu-
Every day, a hot cup of coffee, food and a
ary 2008, at 2539 Germantown Avenue in
comfortable sofa await the women. “We’re
On May 29, 2008, Rachel Kirzner, proj-
North Philadelphia. Using the community
creating a sanctuary and recovery commu-
ect director of the Maximizing Participa-
outreach model of New Pathways, the new
nity of women,” says Argires.
tion Project (MPP) and Joel Tumberello,
5-year, federally-funded initiative serves
For more information on New Pathways
nurse practitioner supervisor, presented
substance-involved African American wom-
for Women, please contact Eugenia Argires
“Hidden Wounds: Using In-depth Assess-
en at high risk for HIV infection. The proj-
at 215.985.2526 or eargires@phmc.org.
ments of Disabled Long-Term TANF Re-
ect is conducted by PHMC in collaboration
cipients to Inform Policy and Programs,”
with the Black Women's Health Alliance, a
a workshop they were invited to lead
Philadelphia-based non-profit health, educa-
at the 11th Annual Welfare Research
tion, advocacy and self-help organization.
and
Evaluation
Conference
in
Washington, DC.
PHMC'S DIRECTIONS SUMMER 2008 page 7
management corporation 260 South Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19102
PUBLIC HEALTH
Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 1734 Philadelphia, PA 19102-5085
PHMC's DIRECTIONS SUMMER 2008 Public Health management corporation (PHMC) is a nonprofit public health institute that builds healthier communities through partnerships with government, foundations, businesses and other community-based organizations. It fulfills its mission to improve the health of the community by providing outreach, health promotion, education, research, planning, technical assistance and direct services.
Paul A. Dandridge, Esq. Chairman of the Board
PHMC has served the region since 1972. For more information on PHMC, visit phmc.org
PHMC provee servicios bilingues para nuestros clients sin costo alguno.
If you know someone who would like to receive a copy of DIRECTIONS or you would like to request a change of address, please call 215.985.6890 or email communications@phmc.org.
Richard J. Cohen, Ph.D., FACHE President and CEO John G. Loeb, M.S.S. Senior Vice President Marino Puliti, M.B.A. Chief Financial Officer
A United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania Member Agency
Š 2008 Public Health Management Corporation
DIRECTIONS IS PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
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