DIRECTIONS fall 2008

FALL 2008 IN THIS ISSUE A Message from Our President & CEO (2)… TS Awarded Grant (2)... PHMC New Manager for City Contract (4)... Book Examines Public Health Approach to Youth Violence Prevention (4)... LCH Welcomes New E.D. (5)...

Volunteers Help Fugitives Surrender (7)... NNCC Continues Advocacy Work (7)... PHMC Welcomes Linda Creed (8)... Fall Training (10)...

CHDB: Voice of the Community (11)

DIRECTIONS Making the Rising Sun Shine Brighter

W

“

hen Elaine Fox was approached

Rising Sun Health Center provides quali-

council board, Hayward helped initiate the

by local volunteers inquiring

ty, comprehensive health services to people

project and is very pleased with the results.

about community projects, she

underserved by traditional health care pro-

“It’s beautiful! Everything turned out really

had one thought in mind: freshening up the

viders. It serves a broad immigrant com-

good.”

exterior of Rising Sun Health Center. “We

munity. Due to standard wear and tear, the

Within a few hours, the volunteers

were thrilled at the chance to have some

health center was in need of some helping

planted new flowers and bushes around the

help in cleaning up the health center’s land-

hands–preferably with green thumbs.

facility, helping Rising Sun to truly shine.

scape. We needed new plants–new every-

HLNDV often provides volunteers for

thing,” says Fox, vice president of special-

community projects, and as member and

dream come true,”

ized health services at PHMC.

volunteer organizer David Balinksi ex-

says Fox.

On Saturday, July 12, 2008, a large group

plains, “Typical projects include non-skilled

of volunteers from Health Leadership Net-

manual labor such as painting, moving,

work of the Delaware Valley (HLNDV)

planting, and any other creative projects to

came together with PHMC staff to beau-

benefit the community.”

tify Rising Sun Health Center in Northeast

For Dorphine Hayward, a resident of

Philadelphia. From 8:30 a.m. until noon,

Hill Creek, a housing project adjacent to

Brad Baker, Certified Pennsylvania Hor-

the center, helping to beautify Rising Sun

ticulturist, guided the eager volunteers in

was a dream come true. “We had nothing

redesigning the health center’s landscape.

out there in front of the building,” she re-

He also brought in the materials at whole-

calls. “A health center should look nice.”

sale cost.

As the president of Hill Creek’s resident

“This was a long-awaited

The health center was in need of

some helping hands–preferably

with green thumbs.“ a publication of

PUBLIC HEALTH

management corporation

A MESSAGE from Our President & CEO

A

s friends and supporters of PHMC,

opment of a strategy for succession plan-

readers of Directions often have

ning and infrastructure expansion, resource

heard us speak about our “affiliate

sharing and cost savings achieved through

organizations.” These nonprofits are inte-

economies of scale, strengthening financial

gral to PHMC’s mission, helping us to grow,

management or providing other infrastruc-

better serve our communities and constant-

ture support. PHMC’s criteria for affiliation

ly expand our impact on public health. So

reflect our win-win philosophy. We ask:

in many ways, when we took on the new

D o the missions extend, enhance or

name Public Health Management Corporation

complement each other?

in July, we were better reflecting not only

W ill the organizations likely be able to

PHMC as a whole but also the role of our

expand their offerings to vulnerable

affiliates in our evolution.

populations?

cover the start-up costs of affiliation, which

Our approach to affiliation has, in fact,

 I f affiliation did not occur, would the af-

vary based on specific needs and priorities

become a national model; we are asked to

filiate’s service community lose a vital

and can range from moving costs to revised

talk about it to nonprofit groups across the

health and human service resource?

HR manuals, technology improvements to

country. I thought it might be valuable to

W ill the affiliation help to enhance each

share with you what we tell them.

The concept of affiliation started with the

organization’s reputation and potential to serve?

program development, to name a few.

Of course, there are challenges involved in simultaneously merging and sustaining

realization that PHMC had developed such

 Is there potential for future financial sta-

separate organizational cultures, in manag-

effective internal capacities that we had

bility and growth through the affiliation?

ing bureaucratic changes, and in adapting

something of value to help other nonprofits

C an the organizations’ boards positively

to new systems. But our nearly 20 years

ensure their ongoing strength. The basis of our affiliation process is that it should provide a win-win opportunity, benefiting all

impact each other?  Does the affiliation fit into both organi-

of experience with affiliations has taught us that the opportunities make the journey

zations’ strategic plans?

worthwhile. We have been able to expand

parties involved. We generally are brought

If we can answer "yes" to these ques-

the range of services available to PHMC

together with potential affiliates when they

tions, what follows is a period of mutual

and affiliate clients as well as the profes-

approach us through their management,

due diligence that—after both parties agree

sional development and career advance-

board member, staff person or funder. Orga-

to proceed—leads to board approvals, reso-

ment opportunities for PHMC and affiliate

nizations pursue affiliation with PHMC for

lutions, the signing of legal documents and

staff. Affiliate directors benefit from a built-

a variety of reasons, often including devel-

the pursuit of critical juncture funding to

in peer group. We engage in joint program

Targeted Solutions Awarded TA Matching Fund Grant

T

argeted Solutions, the consulting arm

vices from web site development and stra-

like typical dollar-for-dollar matching fund

of Public Health Management Cor-

tegic communications plans to outcomes

programs, Targeted Solutions’ TA Match-

poration, was recently awarded the

measurement and service delivery assess-

ing Fund clients will pay a percentage of

ments.

the overall costs based on agency finances

Technical Assistance (TA) Matching Fund grant through the William Penn Founda-

Nonprofit organizations in Philadelphia

tion. The TA Matching Fund grant supports

and the surrounding region providing ser-

consulting and capacity-building projects

vices to children and youth are eligible and

for eligible nonprofit organizations.

encouraged to apply for the Targeted So-

Through Targeted Solutions’ TA Match-

lutions’ TA Matching Fund. The selection

ing Fund, nonprofit agencies can access a

process is on a first-come, first-served ba-

variety of low-cost capacity building ser-

sis, based on the availability of funds. Un-

and the scope of the project.

To apply for the TA Matching Fund, please visit www.phmc.org/ts or contact Liza M. Rodríguez at lrodriguez@phmc.org or 215.731.2407 for more information.

PHMC briefs

development that enriches all our services.

Affiliation is just one example of our in-

We bring to the affiliates expanded capabil-

novative efforts to expand the work and

ities in research and evaluation, marketing

reach of PHMC. Our mission is public

and communications, human resources and

health, and our vow is to be a trusted part-

Announcements

training, fiscal control and administration.

ner in achieving that mission because we

Lisa Kleiner, MSS, MLSP, senior research

We inaugurated the affiliate model in

know that we work better when we work

associate, has been elected President of the

1989 with Interim House, the first special-

together. So our success is not just about

Board of Directors of the Summit Children’s

ized treatment program for women in Penn-

the approximately 250 programs we run, or

Program (SCP). Approximately 100 children,

sylvania and a national model for its holis-

the management practices we bring to bear

ages 18 months to 12 years, are served by

tic approach to treating addiction. Our most

on those programs, or the extensive data

SCP, which provides child care, after-school

recent affiliation is with Linda Creed Breast

from our research and evaluation team on

care and summer camp.

Cancer Foundation, which joined PHMC in

which those programs are built. Our ability

January and is highlighted on page 8 of this

to impact public health reflects the unpar-

PHMC Chief Financial Officer Marino Puliti

issue. For more than 20 years, Linda Creed

alleled work of our affiliates and the great-

won top honors when he was named 2008

has promoted breast health through advo-

er strength we bring by functioning as an

CFO of the Year in the Large Nonprofit cat-

cacy, education and support, particularly to

integrated team across all our affiliates and

egory. The Philadelphia Business Journal

uninsured and underinsured women, and it

the whole of PHMC. We also thrive on the

and Drexel University’s LeBow College of

vows to be there until breast cancer is not.

collaborations and relationships we build

Business sponsored the awards.

In September, our affiliate La Comunidad

with our many other supporters and part-

Hispana (LCH), which serves the Hispanic

ners, such as you. With your help, PHMC

farm labor population and other under-

and our affiliates will continue to expand

served individuals and families in Chester

to meet the growing public health needs of

County, welcomed Margarita Queralt Mirkil

the individuals, families and communities

as its new executive director. Ms. Mirkil will

we serve.

lead the organization’s operations including its exciting plans to build a new home for

The 2008 United Way Campaign kicked off

LCH’s services. Please read more about Ms.

on October 10. This year’s campaign, Pub-

Mirkil and her vision for LCH in the Q&A

lic Health–It's in Our Nature, seeks to raise $119,000. The more PHMC’s efforts bring

on page 5. Throughout this and every issue of Directions, in fact, you will find

Richard J. Cohen, Ph.D., FACHE

in for the United Way, the more PHMC can

snapshots of the great work our affiliates do

President and CEO of PHMC

do for our programs … and for our fellow employees who work tirelessly at all our

every day.

locations. Last year alone PHMC employees, board members and other supporters pledged $124,000 to PHMC, its affiliates

Directions Offered Paperless We are beginning to provide DIRECTIONS as an electronic newsletter for

and other United Way agencies.

The Donor Choice codes are: PHMC: 2050, The Bridge: 1547, HPC: 589, Interim House, Inc.: 2673,

those who choose to receive it by email. Don't miss out! Please send a

JJPI: 1828, LCH: 2302, Linda Creed: 9544, NNCC: 15887, RCH: 9218

note to communications@phmc.org, with the subject line DIRECTIONS, PHMC thanks you for your continued sup-

to ensure that we have your email address in our records. Thank you for

port of the United Way, PHMC and our affiliates during this year’s fundrais-

helping us improve our environment by reducing the use of paper.

-The editorial staff of DIRECTIONS

ing campaign. continued on page 5

DIRECTIONS FALL 2008 page 3

PHMC Named New Manager for City Contract

O

n July 1, 2008, the City of Philadelphia designated PHMC as the new fiscal and management intermediary

for Out-of-School Time (OST), a city initiative that provides after-school and summer services to more than 20,000 Philadelphia

Based on findings made possible by grants to PHMC R&E

Y

outh violence has become one of the

Medicine. PHMC managed and oversaw the

most serious public health problems

multi-organizational, cross-sector collab-

in the United States. Research is

orative initiative that serves as the founda-

essential to the public health approach to

tion of the book’s findings.

schoolchildren and their families. PHMC

ending youth violence. A new book pub-

For more than a decade, PHMC has con-

assumed full responsibility for operations

lished by the American Public Health As-

ducted research and program evaluations

on July 1 as part of the $38 million con-

sociation (APHA) examines the public

on youth violence, helping to provide a

tract with the city, $36 million of which is

health approach to address-

framework for youth violence intervention

designated to pass through to the agencies

ing youth violence through

and prevention programs

providing direct services.

hospital-initiated preven-

across the region. Addi-

tion and intervention pro-

tionally, our diverse dis-

Out-of-School Time is a citywide initiative that strives to provide children and their

grams. Youth Violence:

ciplines and collaborative

families with a safe, enriching environment

Interventions for Health

partnerships allow PHMC

to pursue various extracurricular activities.

Care Providers, released

to play an increasingly im-

OST offers two types of programs to Phila-

in June 2008, includes

portant role in the effort to

delphia schoolchildren: the After-School Ini-

a comprehensive re-

prevent youth violence.

tiative (ASI) and Beacon. ASI brings a vari-

view of the causes

ety of activities to children in grades K-12

and

including sports, homework assistance and

of intentional youth

other traditional after-school activities. The

violence and identi-

evaluation work, please contact

Beacon program engages both children and

fies evidence-based

Kristin Minot at 215.985.2519

adults in activities centered around schools

programs and strategies for health

in their communities.

care providers responding to intentional

Kotranski, Ph.D., at 215.985.2552 or lynne@phmc.org.

consequences

As the intermediary for OST, PHMC sup-

youth violence. The book is based on re-

ports providers in numerous ways, such

search coordinated by PHMC’s Research

as program planning and quality improve-

and Evaluation (R&E) component, made

ment, compliance with fiscal and contrac-

possible through grants to PHMC from the

tual requirements and budget development.

William Penn Foundation and the National

PHMC is also responsible for the manage-

Institutes of Health/National Library of

ment information system that supports OST. “PHMC is pleased to partner with the City of Philadelphia in assuring that children, families and communities have access to quality out-of-school time services,” says Amy Friedlander, vice president of PHMC’s Management Services.

Over the years, PHMC has provided intermediary services to a number of organizations and government agencies. In addition to OST, PHMC currently partners with the City of Philadelphia in the DHS Parenting Collaborative, serving as the fiscal and program monitor for the provider agencies.

New Book Examines Public Health Approach to Youth Violence Prevention

page 4 PHMC.ORG

For about

more PHMC’s

information violence-

related research and program

or kristin@phmc.org, or Lynne

For more information on Youth Violence: Interventions for Health Care Providers, please visit the APHA website: www.apha.org/publications/bookstore.

LCH Welcomes New Executive Director

PHMC briefs

In August 2008, Margarita Queralt Mirkil was

continued from page 3

appointed as the new executive director of La

Health Promotion Council’s WISE SNAC

Comunidad Hispana (LCH), an affiliate of PHMC

(Wellness Initiative for the School Environ-

serving the southern Chester County area. Mirkil

ment Smart Nutrition and Activity Collabor-

brings more than 20 years of experience in mar-

ative) program received the 2008 Nemours

keting, communications, program management

Vision Award, which was presented at the

and strategic planning from the for-profit and

Third Annual Nemours Conference on Child

corporate sectors. In our Q&A, Mirkil, whose ré-

Health Promotion in October. The Vision

sumé includes Vanguard and MCI Communica-

Award recognizes exemplary programs in

tions, talks about her new position.

child health promotion and disease prevention and includes a $5,000 grant.

Q A

In sales, like in fundraising, much of my

Barry Zakireh, Ph.D., JJPI director of adult

success was attributed to my communi-

outpatient and forensic evaluations, pub-

The executive director needs to provide

cation skills and my ability to educate key

lished an article in the September 2008 is-

leadership so that the agency can realize

decision makers on the value of a given

sue of Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research

its mission, which is to improve the qual-

product or service, and then relentlessly

and Treatment. He is the lead author of “In-

ity of life, health and well-being of low-

follow up until the deal was signed. Final-

dividual Belief, Attitudes, and Victimization

income Hispanics and other underserved

ly, my experience in communications is

Histories of Male Juvenile Offenders.”

people through advocacy and bilingual

invaluable in everything I will do to help

programs in health care, education, and

promote LCH to the broader community.

How do you define the role of executive director?

social services. For 35 years LCH has provided successful, meaningful, quality programs in the southern Chester County area and this spring (2009), we are moving to a new, state-of-the-art facility that

Q A

Amy Augustine, director of operations for PHMC’s Forensic Services, was elected in September to a two-year term as Treasurer

What attracted

of the Pennsylvania Association for Drug

you to LCH?

I love that LCH is a bilingual, community-

Court Professionals.

based organization addressing critical human needs on a daily basis. Also the

On Saturday, May 10, Donna Brian and

education and social services under one

fact that it’s an affiliate of PHMC is a ben-

Andrea Vettori, nurse practitioners from

roof. I see my role as helping the agency

efit giving us, a small agency, the ability

PHMC Health Connection, participated in

to define its vision for the next five to

to rely on the support of a large organi-

the Fifth Annual Black Male Development

10 years and organize to best meet the

zation. Working at LCH is a wonderful op-

Symposium held at Arcadia University and

needs of the community in the future.

portunity for me to combine my Hispanic

hosted by Arcadia University and Village

will allow us to integrate our health care,

roots, my language skills and my interest

Builders Concepts, Inc. The practitioners

You previously have worked primarily

in the community with my career goal of

provided over 300 men with information

in the corporate world. How did that

leading a small organization. I am really

on diabetes, cardiovascular health, and

prepare you for the nonprofit world?

excited to be here!

prostate and testicular cancer, as well as

Q A

After going to business school, I did pursue a career in the private sector. My background and experience are mostly in product marketing, sales and communications where I honed skills that translate into the not-for-profit world. For

Q A

general health information. They also of-

What do you want to establish as your legacy at LCH?

fered blood pressure, stroke and body mass screenings.

It is awfully hard to think about a legacy just now. My long-term vision for the agency is that it will continue to be able

example, as a product marketing man-

to provide services to the Hispanic and

ager, I managed large cross-functional

underserved communities in Chester

teams over a three to six month period of

County, growing with the needs of the

time and achieved goals within very tight

community and expanding into other

deadlines without going over budget.

areas as the demand for services grow.

DIRECTIONS FALL 2008 page 5

Targeted Solutions

Helping Organizations Plan for the Future As the workload for many nonprofits has increased, many resources have grown scarcer and many funders— and even volunteers—want to see evidence that their gifts will be put to good use.

And they do not just want to see 990s and annual reports. The item they are beginning to request is a strategic plan.

about

W

hy a strategic plan? Because a

A strategic plan is not a wish list or

strategic

communicates

magic cure for everything challenging

plan

that the organization has set its

an organization. It is a valuable tool to

priorities, established realistic goals and

help an organization assess where it

objectives consistent with its mission, and

is, determine where it wants to go and

seeks to implement and achieve them in a

map out a route to get there.

defined timeframe within the organization’s capacity. If your operating costs are rising,

a significant funding source or the opportu-

your board is overtaxed with responsibili-

nity to gain a new one, or by the recognition

ties, or five years have passed since you

that their clients are changing, nonprofits

last revised your strategic plan, it may be

can find the expertise and resources to help

time to engage in a strategic planning pro-

develop and design effective strategic plans

cess. But who has the time to develop such

at Targeted Solutions.

a plan and ensure that it is successful and

Our interdisciplinary teams work closely

yields meaningful results? In today’s chang-

with each client to review the organiza-

ing nonprofit environment, with strains on

tion's mission and management operating

resources and staff, many organizations do

structure, assess underlying strengths and

not have the time or available expertise to

weaknesses, evaluate current systems and

devote to strategic planning.

processes, conduct environmental assess-

For more than 15 years, PHMC has en-

ments, and identify opportunities and chal-

abled nonprofit organizations to think and

lenges central to future success—all in an

act more strategically in a competitive

effort to determine strategic options and

market. Whether prompted by the loss of

develop a sound strategic plan.

Targeted Solutions, the consulting arm of Public Health Management Corporation, helps nonprofit 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, at lrodriguez@phmc.org or 215.731.2407.

PHMC Employees Volunteer to Help Fugitives Surrender

E

mployees

numerous

care and support to fugitives as they

District of Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia

PHMC programs volunteered with

working

in

entered the church. “There was just an

District Attorney’s Office, the Defender As-

the Fugitive Safe Surrender (FSS)

outpouring of humanity from the people

sociation of Philadelphia, the Philadelphia

program held in Philadelphia this past

coming from PHMC,” says Greg Thomp-

Adult Probation and Parole Department,

September. The FSS program, which is

son, project manager for FSS and the

the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office, Philadel-

managed by the U.S. Marshals Service,

program manager for True Gospel Taber-

phia Police Department, and several local

encourages persons wanted for a non-

nacle’s Kingdom Care Re-Entry Network,

social service organizations.

violent felony or misdemeanor to surren-

which helps ex-inmates transition back to

Thanks to PHMC, legal help was not

der to the law in a designated faith-based

their communities. “Wherever there was

the only thing offered at the church.

or neutral setting. “Philadelphia is the

a need, PHMC employees filled it,” says

“PHMC provided social workers and

largest city in which FSS has been imple-

Thompson. “It just made the day smoother

nurses who volunteered on a daily basis

mented and the eleventh city so far,” says

and less worrisome.”

to interact with those who were turning

Yvette Rouse, who coordinated volunteer

An extraordinary number of people

themselves in,” says Deborah McMillan,

services for FSS and serves as clinical

turned themselves in—1,249 to be exact.

assistant vice president of PHMC’s Spe-

director for PHMC’s Forensic Services

“It was overwhelming,” says Thompson.

cialized Health Services. Along with her

component.

“We had no idea what to expect.” Many

staff, McMillan provided information on

Rouse directed 150 volunteers, about 30

of the offenders who surrendered through

housing, employment and other services

from PHMC, from September 17 to 20 as

the program received favorable consider-

to fugitives.

they helped fugitives surrender at Phila-

ation for taking personal responsibility for

McMillan felt the program was suc-

delphia’s True Gospel Tabernacle Church

their legal matters and many charges were

cessful. “One man drove four hours from

in South Philadelphia. The church’s pas-

dropped or scaled down.

Virginia to clear charges from 1996,” she

tor, Reverend Doctor Earnest McNear,

In most cases, participants were able to

recalls. “It was just a monkey on his back.

brought the FSS program to Philadelphia

see a judge and have their cases adjudicat-

The relief he felt afterward was just amaz-

after reading about it on the Internet.

ed on-site. In addition to PHMC, key par-

ing. All of our staff felt they were better off

ticipants in FSS included the First Judicial

from participating in this.”

Volunteers provided information, child-

NNCC Continues Advocacy Work

S

ince PHMC affiliate National Nursing

legislation in Pennsylvania that recognizes

bill would help them access those funds.”

Centers Consortium (NNCC) first be-

nurse-managed clinics as primary health

NNCC is working on a similar bill intro-

gan in 1998, policy and advocacy on

care centers and gives nurse practitioners

duced in the U.S. Senate that would help

behalf of nurse-managed health care cen-

the authority to prescribe drugs to their pa-

nurse-managed health centers to access

ters have been essential parts of its agenda.

tients, among other achievements.

funds. “Lack of funding causes access

The organization has positively influenced

NNCC engages in this work both regional-

points in communities all over the nation to

several policies and legislation affecting

ly and nationally. Currently, NNCC is work-

shut down–we’re trying to make sure that

such centers, as well as accessiblility to af-

ing on legislation that would provide new

doesn’t happen,” says Ritter.

fordable, quality primary healthcare. “Most

sources of funding to nurse-managed health

Affiliation with PHMC is an integral as-

policy change is small and incremental,”

care centers. “We work with Democratic

pect of NNCC’s policy and advocacy work.

says Tine Hansen-Turton, NNCC’s execu-

and Republican lawmakers in Pennsylvania

“You need partners to make it happen,”

tive director and vice president of Health

to make sure nurse-managed health centers

says Hansen-Turton. “It’s great to build on

Care Access and Policy at PHMC, “but we

are recognized and included in new legisla-

the knowledge and experience base of the

really made a significant impact on the

tion,” says Ann Ritter, NNCC’s policy and

PHMC nurse-managed health care centers’

nurse practitioner profession.” NNCC was

program strategist. “Many nurse-managed

directors to inform NNCC’s policy and advo-

most recently successful in helping pass

health care centers can’t get funding–this

cacy strategies,” adds Ritter.

DIRECTIONS FALL 2008 page 7

PHMC Welcomes Affiliate Linda Creed

W

hen Linda Creed Breast Cancer

direct women toward local resources via a

of the National Breast Cancer Coalition.

Foundation began operating 21

toll-free hotline. They answer more than

“We’ve really expanded our organization

years ago, it was the first breast

a 1,000 calls every year. “Women call us

to the national level due to our advocacy

cancer nonprofit organization in Pennsyl-

from all over the country,” says Duncan.

efforts,” says Fran Orodeckis, director of

vania and the only one to offer free mam-

“We know what resources are out there.

development at Linda Creed. “We’ve got-

mograms to women. Over the years, Linda

We navigate women through a complex,

ten much more involved in breast cancer

Creed has partnered with local hospitals to

difficult system and show them the quick-

research and guiding that research,” says

provide screenings and diagnostic testing

est way to get services.”

Duncan. “Many of our advocates sit on re-

to more than 8,000 women in the region.

Educating local women about breast

Today, Linda Creed is a PHMC affiliate and

cancer is a major aspect of Linda Creed’s

In 2004 Linda Creed’s reputation as a

poised to reach more women than ever.

search review boards.”

work. Linda Creed reaches women at

local resource provider for women and a

Linda Creed was established with the

health fairs and workshops, and through

national advocate for breast cancer re-

premise of helping women who otherwise

two peer groups it established—Safe Cir-

search attracted the attention of Deborah

would not be able to afford breast cancer

cle, an outreach and education program

Schlater, vice president of Forensic Pro-

screenings. “Most of the women Linda

targeting African American women, and

grams at PHMC, a breast cancer survivor,

Creed serves are working women who

Rainbow Circle, a similar program for the

and now a former Linda Creed board mem-

don’t have health insurance,” says Donna

lesbian community.

ber. “It was one of the only breast cancer

Duncan, executive director of Linda Creed.

Linda Creed also advocates for breast

organizations in our community providing

At Linda Creed, volunteers and employees

cancer research and is a founding member

hands-on clinical and financial services to

Linda Creed The Woman Behind the Name

page 8 PHMC.ORG

Born in the Mount Airy section of Phila-

as Teddy Pendergrass and George Benson.

delphia in December 1949, Linda Creed

She was co-writer of “The Greatest Love of

was active in music at Germantown High

All,” which was originally recorded in 1977

School. After graduation, Linda decided

by George Benson for the Muhammed Ali

against college and devoted her energies

biopic, The Greatest.

to writing and producing music. She found

While her public life was one of fame

her first writing success in 1971 at the age

and success, her private life was filled with

of 22, when Dusty Springfield recorded her

family and friends, the joy of motherhood,

song “Free Girl.”

and the shadow of breast cancer. At the

After living a few years in Los Angeles,

age of 26, Linda was diagnosed with breast

where she met her future husband Stephen

cancer. Her indomitable spirit helped her

Epstein, she returned home to Philadelphia

survive ten more years. The private Linda

where she connected with Kenny Gamble

was known for her generous and nurturing

and teamed up with Thom Bell. Her work

heart. Despite her illness, she continued

with Bell, initially with The Stylistics and

to work and made herself available to her

then with The Spinners, brought her huge

family and friends, helping them in any way

commercial success and was an integral

she could.

part of what became known as the “Philly

Linda died of breast cancer on April 10,

Sound.” She wrote for other notables such

1986, at the age of 37, survived by her hus-

women—a small agency doing big things

from home while I was undergoing chemo-

on their core mission. “In order for the or-

locally,” recalls Schlater. Linda Creed’s Pa-

therapy, but not many employers would do

ganization to grow and expand services we

tient Assistance program, which provides

so.” In 2004 Schlater co-founded “Chip In,”

needed the infrastructure support as well

financial support to women undergoing

a golf tournament designed to raise funds

as access to resources,” says Kathleen

breast cancer treatment for daily living

for Linda Creed, which has a budget sup-

Lentini, president of Linda Creed’s Board

expenses such as rent, child care and utili-

ported solely by fundraising. As of 2008,

of Directors. Orodeckis agrees: “The affiliation with PHMC is good for us because

“ We would really like to . . . put ourselves out of business. That would be a great goal.“

that’s what PHMC does best–provide support services so a small organization can do what it does best.”

Linda Creed’s future goals are clear.

“We would really like to eradicate breast cancer–put ourselves out of business. That

ties, is one of the programs Schlater has

Chip In Golf (chipingolf.com) has raised

actively supported. During her own treat-

more than $120,000 for Linda Creed.

ment for breast cancer, Schlater was able

To Schlater and everyone associated

to continue working at PHMC. “PHMC sup-

with Linda Creed, the affiliation with

ported me by allowing me to have a flex-

PHMC is an important step as it will al-

ible schedule and conduct some of my work

low Linda Creed employees time to focus

band, Stephen, their two daughters, her

ute. Linda was posthumously inducted into

parents and siblings. A little more than a

the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1992.

month after her death, her most well-known

In 1987, Linda’s friends and family

song, “The Greatest Love of All,” became a

founded Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foun-

#1 hit for pop icon Whitney Houston.

would be a great goal,” says Duncan.

To learn more abo ut Linda Creed, visit www.lindacreed.org or call toll-free 1.877.99.CREED.

Upcoming Linda Creed Events

dation to honor the private Linda–the care-

11.15.08 First Person Arts Festival

Before her death, Linda Creed along

giver and nurturer. While her songwriting

Luncheon and Screening of

with Thom Bell served as the lyricists for

fame has faded somewhat 22 years after

“Crazy Sexy Cancer“

Phyllis Hyman’s hit song “Old Friend” on

her death, her inner spirit lives on, provid-

Painted Bride, 230 Vine Street, Philadelphia

her 1987 album Living All Alone. In 1990,

ing women access to mammograms, diag-

while performing in Japan, Hyman dedicat-

nostic tests, and other vital resources.

ed a rendition of the song to Linda as a trib-

12.6.08 Enchanted Holidays

I decided long ago, never to walk in anyone's shadows // If I fail, if I succeed //

17th Annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon & Fashion Show

At least I'll live as I believe // No matter what they take from me // They can't

Crystal Tea Room, Wanamaker Building 100 Penn Square East, Philadelphia

take away my dignity // Because the greatest love of all // Is happening to me // I found the greatest love of all // Inside of me // The greatest love of all // Is easy to achieve // Learning to love yourself // It is the greatest love of all Lyrics from Linda Creed's hit song “The Greatest Love of All,” 1977

DIRECTIONS FALL 2008 page 9

Fall Calendar The fall training calendar is now beginning. Here are just a few of the offerings:  An In-Depth Look at HIV/AIDS  Ethics and Substance Abuse Treatment  Public Health 101  TB/STD Current Trends

 Clinical Documentation: Formulas for Success  Word Management: Professional Writing for Managers

 Fundamentals of Breast Health  Boundary Issues in Professional Relationships  The History of PHMC

Visit phmc.org/training for a full calendar or contact training@phmc.org for more info.

It's not too late to join the

The Butterfly Bush A Thicket of Ticket Options

$550 Monarch’s Court Group discount on standard ticket pricing 4 tickets to event

$150 Butterfly

Everything we do is public health. So we’ve changed our name to

Public Health Management Corporation.

Please join us in celebration on 11 18 08 from 6-9 PM at Philadelphia's Academy of Natural Sciences, located at 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Standard ticket

$135 Chrysalis Special pricing for public health professionals age 35 and under

$100 Caterpillar Special student pricing

To become a sponsor, register, or get more information, visit phmc.org/evolution or call 267.773.4346.

page 10 PHMC.ORG

CHDB’s 2008 Household Health Survey: Voice of the Community

A Closer Look at the Numbers

“Research shows that one in five adults in Philadelphia smokes cigarettes every day.“ You hear these kinds of statistics all the time–ever wonder where they come from? How this research is obtained? What this research represents?

13,000 Households included in the information collected by the 2008

Where does this research come from?

How is this information used locally?

Research and data about the Southeast-

There are many ways in which this infor-

ern Pennsylvania (SEPA) region, which

mation is applied, from planning more ef-

includes Philadelphia, Montgomery, Dela-

fective programs to informing policy deci-

350 Local agencies from the health,

ware, Chester, and Bucks Counties, often

sions. For example, data from the 2004

government, nonprofit, and academic sec-

comes from right here at PHMC through

Household Health Survey revealed that one

tors that support CHDB

our Community Health Data Base (CHDB).

in five adults in Philadelphia smokes every day or on most days. Philadelphia City

Household Health Survey

How is this research obtained?

Council used this information to document

300 Users contacted via cell phone

Research information on SEPA is obtained

the associated health effects of smoking in

in the SEPA region by the 2008 Household

through the Household Health Survey,

its smoking ban hearings.

Health Survey

CHDB just wrapped up its 2008 House-

Why is the survey important?

hold Health Survey and PHMC will report

The survey represents an opportunity for

8 Counties contacted by CHDB about

results in early 2009. In addition, for the

area residents to inform local health care

health and health care experiences

first time the CHDB survey will include

providers about their collective health and,

data collected from Berks, Lancaster and

in turn, improve health care and social ser-

Schuylkill County residents, providing cru-

vices in the region. Participation is free and

7 New topics added to the 2008 House-

cial data on health status and health needs

all responses are completely confidential.

hold Health Survey

in these counties and across the region.

The CHDB Household Health Survey is a

which has been conducted since 1983. The

unique initiative and rare regional resource.

How does the survey work?

The Household Health Survey is a large-

What are some new features of the 2008

The Community Health Data Base (CHDB) South-

scale telephone survey, a tested method

Household Health Survey?

eastern Pennsylvania Household Health Survey is

to obtain crucial information from diverse

For the first time, 300 interviews were

the largest regional health survey in the nation,

populations that is used to examine the

conducted by cell phone in addition to lan-

covering Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery

health and health care experiences of area

dline-based interviews. By including a cell

and Philadelphia counties, and now Schuylkill,

residents. This year, approximately 13,000

phone sample, CHDB expects to increase

Lancaster and Berks Counties. It has been conduct-

households were contacted. Residents are

its response rate for traditionally hard-to-

ed every two years since 1994. The Pew Charitable

chosen at random and asked questions

reach population subgroups—young adults

Trusts, The William Penn Foundation, United Way

about health screenings, use of health ser-

(18-30 years), racial and ethnic minorities

of Southeastern Pennsylvania and over 250 local

vices, health insurance and personal health

and adults living in poverty—potentially

agencies from the health, government, nonprofit

behaviors, among other topics.

yielding richer data about these subgroups.

and academic sectors help to support CHDB. For

In addition, CHDB will be able to assess

more information on CHDB, visit phmc.org/chdb.

Who uses this information?

whether differences exist between popula-

Data are used by the media, local public

tions with only cell phones and populations

health departments, hospitals, health in-

with landlines. Most important, findings

surers, universities and community-based

from the cell phone sample will enhance

nonprofits to target health programs for at-

the ability of local organizations to identify

risk populations in the region. Additionally,

and meet the needs of hard-to-reach popu-

PHMC uses the findings to inform its pro-

lation subgroups and will contribute to a

gram development and strategic planning.

small but growing body of knowledge.

DIRECTIONS FALL 2008 page 11

management corporation 260 South Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19102

PUBLIC HEALTH

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 1734 Philadelphia, PA 19102-5085

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 267.773.4346 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 Community Partner

Š 2008 Public Health Management Corporation

DIRECTIONS IS PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER

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