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
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