Public Health Directions | Summer/Fall 2011

SUMMER/FALL 2011

Public Health

DIRECTIONS IN THIS ISSUE: A Message from Richard J. Cohen (2)… PHMC’s Connect: The New Data Warehouse (2)... Health Promotion in HD (3)... Beyond Wires: Street Outreach Endures at PHMC (4)... John Loeb Retires after 40 Years with PHMC (5)... A Public Health Mission through a Social Media Lens (6)... PHMC Welcomes Its Newest Affiliate (6)... Targeted Solutions (8)... Helping Philadelphia Students Stay on Track (9)... PHMC Welcomes COO Wayne Pendleton (10)... CHDB Report: The Barriers of Limited Internet Access (11)

TEXTING BOOSTS BEST NEST’S HIGH-TOUCH APPROACH

A

ccording to a 2010 Nielsen study,

José Rosa, a social worker for IHPS, pro-

the average teenager sends more

vides services to four families with children

than 3,000 texts a month1. But

ages one to 12. Like all IHPS casework-

not only teenagers; every age group has

ers, Rosa meets with each custodial

increased its text messaging usage2. Case-

parent in his care at least three times

workers from PHMC affiliate Best Nest,

per week. Additionally, he sees any

Inc. have taken advantage of the technol-

children under six years old twice

ogy trend to reach clients and their fami-

each week and any children over

lies. “A lot of our caseworkers and social

six once weekly. His responsibilities

workers will text parents in the morning

include accompanying clients to each

to remind them about an appointment,”

major medical appointment. “We are

says Kerri Barthel, program director of

in people’s lives a lot,” says Rosa.

Best Nest’s In-Home Protective Services

“We’re constantly calling and

(IHPS) program, which works with the

scheduling appointments.” Both

City of Philadelphia’s Department of Hu-

he and the parents he works

man Services to provide services to fami-

with find texting useful for

lies who struggle with the care of medi-

keeping the other informed of

cally fragile children. “It’s a quick and

schedules. “Knowing that we

easy way to send reminders to multitask-

are making a difference and

ing parents. All of our parents have cell

looking out for the safety of

phones and sometimes it’s easier for them

a kid is rewarding,” says Rosa. continued on page 7

if we reach them via text.”

“ We will text parents in the morning to remind them about an appointment.

IT’S A QUICK AND EASY WAY TO SEND REMINDERS TO MULTITASKING PARENTS.” 1

Parr, Ben. “The Average Teenager Sends 3,339 Texts Per Month.” Mashable. 14 Oct. 2010. Web. 29 June 2011

2

Ibid.

a publication of

PUBLIC HEALTH

management corporation

A MESSAGE from Richard J. Cohen The first thing you might notice as you look through this issue is that our newsletter has changed.

W

ith the new name Public Health

work best—such as print messages that

right time for him, and even as we will miss

Directions and an updated de-

help address hypertension and diabetes—

him we can feel very happy for his next steps.

sign, we are emphasizing our

you’ll see that we engage our audience by

Finally, you’ll also read that we are wel-

role on the leading edge of public health

borrowing from the language of technology

coming someone new—and a new role—to

service, partnership, innovation, policy, re-

with our Black Men in HD initiative.

the ranks of PHMC. But this is just a teaser;

search, technical assistance and workforce

I’m someone who loves new technology;

look forward to more comprehensive infor-

development. These are all elements of our

ask anyone who knows me whether I can

mation on what’s new at PHMC in our winter

strategic plan that support our mission to

pass up the latest handheld innovation. But I

issue, where we will look at how we are plan-

create and sustain healthier communities.

also appreciate that tried-and-true methods

ning for the organization’s second 40 years.

We’ll go into more depth about the strate-

can have persistent value (I’ll never stop

With that in mind, please put the evening

gic plan in our winter issue.

reading newspapers…in paper form). That’s

of April 3, 2012 on your calendar. More in-

As an institute that helps to set the di-

a key message behind our story on street

formation to come…but we’ll be celebrating

rection for public health in our region, it is

outreach. As leaders in public health, we

PHMC’s 40th anniversary and we hope that

fitting that this issue explores the role of

must know the cutting edge but cannot be

you—our friends, supporters, partners and

technology in the work we do. From text

blinded by the next new thing. We must ap-

employees—will be with us for a great event.

messages to Twitter, from Facebook to web-

ply our experience and our analytic skills to

based applications, technology is helping

employ the right methods in the right places,

us to bring public health messages and ser-

for the right people, at the right times.

Yours in public health,

vices to a wider audience and gain greater

Some things never have a right time, such

understanding about those we serve. As the

as saying good-bye to a colleague and friend

Community Health Data Base article shows,

who has been with PHMC from the very be-

it’s also focusing a new lens on disparities in

ginning. However, as you’ll see, while one of

Richard J. Cohen, PhD, FACHE

access. Even where traditional technologies

our founders and leaders is leaving us it is the

President and CEO of PHMC

PHMC’s Connect: The New Data Warehouse

D

id you know that, last year, PHMC

data like these that help tell the PHMC

found in the Connect database helps illus-

and affiliate programs served more

story, putting demographic and geographic

trate the synergies among affiliates and

than 10,000 children under 18

data behind the work we do every day in

components across the organization—it

years old? Or that since 2007 our programs

our communities. In an age when funders

helps connect what each of us does in rela-

have served slightly more men than wom-

request robust, objective evidence of mean-

tionship to the other.

en? Or that 7 out of 10 clients we serve re-

ingful change in the lives of the people

side in Philadelphia County?

and communities served, PHMC’s Connect

PHMC’s Connect, our new data ware-

helps provide evidence that dollars are put

house project, offers insightful and useful

to good use. In addition, the information

page 2 PHMC.ORG

For more information about PHMC’s Connect, please contact Francine Axler at francine@phmc.org or 215.985.2521.

Health Promotion in HD

F

or Jennifer Lauby, PhD, senior re-

called Journey to Men’s Health to support

search scientist at PHMC, and her

the Black Men in HD project.

Research associate Lee Carson found the men “very savvy about their condition,”

research team, the campaign to cur-

Funded by the US Department of Health

but many of the men only gained the knowl-

tail rising rates of hypertension and type 2

and Human Services, Black Men in HD—

edge informally, over a long period of trial

diabetes in African-American males doesn’t

the H stands for hypertension and the D

and error.

start with a pill or a pin prick.

for diabetes—tackles the problem in a

Traditionally, men are not “help-seekers”

It starts with a pamphlet.

three-stage, three-year approach intended

by nature and, according to Chan, this high-

Lauby is the lead investigator for Black

to run through the fall of 2013. The first

risk population often gets information in a

Men in HD, a new PHMC research initia-

stage, now underway, involves conducting

piecemeal, rather than comprehensive, way.

tive intended to create culturally relevant

a series of focus groups at local homeless

Carson hopes the Black Men in HD team

materials, including paper pamphlets and

shelters, places of worship, drug rehabilita-

can overcome those barriers by gathering

videos, that target African-American men.

tion centers, and a local jail with the goal,

much of the informal knowledge in a cen-

Lauby hopes that increased awareness will

according to Lauby, “to reach those not re-

tralized source that is “as culturally spe-

help patients better manage these devas-

ceiving optimal care.”

cific as possible to black men.”

tating diseases.

At those sessions, the participating men

During the first stage of the project, the

“It’s not enough to focus just on medica-

review and critique a series of three pam-

team will use the feedback from focus group

tion,” Lauby explains. “We’re trying to help

phlets provided by the Agency for Health-

participants to develop new pamphlets and

men take more of a lead in taking care of

care Research and Quality (AHRQ), the

a short video based on the AHRQ materi-

themselves.”

project’s primary funder. AHRQ supports

als. Chan says the research team plans to

The need is clear. Data collected through

research that helps people make more in-

make the pamphlets action-oriented and

PHMC’s Community Health Data Base

formed decisions and improves the quality

functional. “Even if we make the language

shows that 14.5% of African-American men

of healthcare services.

simple it will still contain all the important

living in Philadelphia have been diagnosed

In the early stages of this research, the

information and be geared toward an adult

with diabetes compared with just 8.1% of

team has already confronted some of the

audience. We want to make it active and focused on care,” says Chan.

In the second stage of

“

It’s not enough to focus just on medication.

WE’RE TRYING TO HELP MEN TAKE MORE OF A LEAD IN TAKING CARE OF THEMSELVES.”

the project, the researchers will test the effectiveness of the newly developed materials in clinical and community

settings.

During

stage three, the Black Men in HD team will disseminate the materials at medical and community access

African-American men nationally.

challenges in addressing health literacy

points around the region.

Similar disparities between local and

and cultural relevance. Research associate

Although it’s too early to say exactly

national rates exist for hypertension, with

Kayshin Chan noted that many of the men

what the new materials might look like,

39.5% of local African-American men re-

participating in the focus groups indicated

Carson offered a few hints.

ceiving a diagnosis compared with 26.5%

“mistrust in the medical community” and

“Something with a sports theme,” he

of African-American men nationally.

felt as though the currently available pam-

said, “like a football game or basketball

phlets developed by AHRQ were written

game...a guide on how to play the game.”

Determined to reverse those trends, Lauby’s team partnered with Health Pro-

with too much clinical detachment.

“We really frame it as a lifestyle change,”

motion Council, a PHMC affiliate with a

As one focus group participant commented

history of promoting health and preventing

about the medical terminology, “Sometimes

chronic disease in at-risk populations. To-

the doctor uses a thousand-dollar word to

gether, they convened an advisory council

convey a five-dollar idea.”

Carson elaborated, “and an ongoing commitment to yourself and your body.”

Big diseases, big changes, two little pamphlets.

Public Health DIRECTIONS SUMMER/FALL 2011 page 3

Beyond Wires: Street Outreach Endures at PHMC SABRINA THIGPEN AND SAM TIRU ARE ORIGINALS.

Both approach their jobs from intensely

der. He asked whether Tiru knew him. Tiru

personal perspectives. Tiru watched a child-

said he didn’t and, when the man introduced

Their supervisor, PHMC Associate

hood friend succumb to AIDS in the disease’s

himself as Seville, Tiru stood shocked. “He

Program Director Teresa Lamore*, calls

earliest days while Thigpen saw the virus

looked transformed,” Tiru says.

them pioneers.

ravage her father. Having grown up in the

Around his neck Seville wore the same

Tiru uses a more self-effacing term.

neighborhoods they first walked, Thigpen

chain, except that now the string held a

“We’re the last of the Mohicans,” he says

and Tiru felt the weight of their work innate-

gold-cut pendant reading “N.A.,” the abbre-

with a chuckle.

ly. “We went into shooting galleries and crack

viated symbol for Narcotics Anonymous.

For the last two decades Thigpen, an out-

houses like it was going home,” Tiru says.

Twenty years later both insist that their

out a faded business card and handed it to

outreach field specialist, have been at the

work holds the same indispensable value.

Tiru. It was Tiru’s business card, the same

forefront of PHMC’s HIV prevention street

“If we’re not out there,” Thigpen asserts,

one he gave Seville nearly two decades

outreach efforts, spearheading the program

“the community doesn’t get the informa-

prior. “He still had that card,” Tiru says,

when it first began in the late 1980s at

tion they need.”

shaking his head as if he still can’t grasp

the height of the AIDS epidemic. First dis-

Citing the continued technological gap be-

patched to North Philadelphia, Thigpen and

tween rich and poor, Thigpen and Tiru note

These moments validate Thigpen and

Tiru have since crisscrossed nearly every

that many of those in the communities they

Tiru, both personally and professionally.

corner of the city, distributing educational

serve simply don’t have access to the Inter-

As Eugenia Argires, the PHMC program

materials and forging unlikely relationships

net or cell phones. “You have to be there and

director responsible for all these projects,

in some of the roughest neighborhoods.

meet them where they are,” Thigpen says.

explains, “We [in outreach] don’t just slap

In a world increasingly beholden to fiber optics, the place of street outreach certain-

But if someday the digital divide evaporated?

the impact he’s had on so many lives.

a piece of paper in front of someone...we forge relationships.”

ly seems tenuous. Just recently, in the field

“Nothing compares to knocking on some-

Thigpen and Tiru are so good at it that

of HIV outreach, the CDC administered a

one’s door,” Tiru insists. “It says we care

they’ve become public liaisons for Phila-

much-discussed Twitter town hall meet-

about you and we need you to come back to

delphia’s most underserved areas, guiding

ing for its national testing day. Meanwhile,

the clinic and get better.” Lamore agrees.

community activists, Philadelphia Inquirer

new campaigns like the Greater Than AIDS

“It’s something about that human connec-

reporters, and even top Centers for Disease

initiative rely on the bedrock of mass com-

tion that sets outreach apart,” she says.

Control and Prevention officials through the

munication, almost completely eschewing

The stories Thigpen and Tiru tell—tales of

door-to-door efforts. Amidst online support

crushing despair and unlikely resurgence—

The minor celebrity hardly fazes them

groups such as Daily Strength and informa-

reveal the truth in that statement. Thigpen

though, and both seem more motivated by

tional one-stops like WebMD, human inter-

still mournfully recalls the scene of a broken

their communities than their connections.

action feels quaint, almost obsolete.

mother prostituting her four daughters, just

“They’re the ones helping us,” Thigpen

as she celebrates the triumph of a former ad-

says of the resilient clients who continue to

dict turned local barbershop mogul.

inspire her. “Even though we’re out to give,

And yet, PHMC has maintained its street outreach efforts through the digital revolu-

battered streets they know so well.

tion. Initiatives such as the Philadelphia

Tiru tells of a heroin user named Seville

Hepatitis Outreach Project, the Phila-

who used to serve as the “gatekeeper” at a

delphia HIV/HCV Prevention Street Out-

shooting gallery in Germantown. “They used

reach Project, and the addiction recovery-

to call him Seville because he’d steal the Ca-

“We’ll be there with canes and wheel-

focused New Pathways Project continue

dillac emblem from cars and string it around

chairs doing outreach,” Thigpen says with

to play major roles in PHMC’s efforts, sig-

his neck,” Tiru says. After working with Se-

a hearty laugh.

naling the organization’s steadfast commit-

ville for a time, Tiru finally lost him in the

ment to personal service delivery.

shuffle of raids, busts, and rehab visits.

To understand that commitment one need only understand Thigpen and Tiru.

Fifteen years later, while walking in Center City, Tiru felt a man tap him on his shoul-

*Teresa Lamore served in this role at the time this story was written. She has since left PHMC.

Reaching into his wallet, Seville pulled

reach program coordinator, and Tiru, a care

page 4 PHMC.ORG

they give to us.”

Suddenly the future of street outreach feels secure.

The manifest joy in her voice makes it hard not to believe her, and the essential goodness of her work makes one wish for such things to come true.

John Loeb Retires after 40 Years with PHMC

I

t’s what all major sport figures want to

fields one of the largest regional household

do: step down at the top of their game.

health surveys in the country and feeds the

If that’s the goal, then one of PHMC’s

public health work of more than 300 orga-

big players really got the timing right.

nizations in addition to PHMC.

PHMC’s Senior Vice President John Loeb,

Loeb helped lead the community’s pub-

one of the organization’s creators—from

lic health responses to critical challenges.

the grassroots initiative that led to PHMC’s

He provided leadership in framing PHMC’s

founding—and a driving force in its innova-

answers to homelessness and behavioral

tive work today, announced his retirement

health services for women and adolescents

just as this issue was going to press.

in Philadelphia. He played a major role

More than a quarter century ago, LOEB IMAGINED A WORLD IN WHICH PUBLIC HEALTH PLANNING COULD DRAW FROM PRIMARY DATA ABOUT INDIVIDUALS IN THE COMMUNITY—something unheard of at the time.

In 1971, Loeb joined with a handful of

in helping PHMC address the HIV/AIDS

“My decision to retire is the culmina-

public health visionaries to create what

epidemic and chaired the planning process

tion of a long exploration on which my wife

was then called Philadelphia Health Man-

in Philadelphia. And Loeb helped make

Anna Belle and I embarked several years

agement Corporation, where he began as a

PHMC the pioneer agency in launching the

ago to decide upon the next stage in our

community organizer, served ten years as

Medicaid child health program in South-

life,” says Loeb. “I count myself as incredi-

deputy executive director and since then

eastern Pennsylvania to assure access to

bly lucky to have worked in the field of pub-

has held the position of senior vice presi-

health care for children.

lic health in a truly wonderful organization

dent. “He has been instrumental in spur-

Finally, Loeb—who holds a holds a bache-

with exceptional colleagues and so many

ring and guiding the agency’s growth from

lor of arts from Trinity College and a master

partners in the community. I’ve had a great

a small, experimental, federally funded

of social services from Bryn Mawr College

career in a city I love, and I look forward to

program to the nearly $180 million organi-

Graduate School of Social Work and Social

a new adventure in New Orleans.”

zation it is today,” says Richard J. Cohen,

Research, where he is a member of the board

But first, Loeb will stick around PHMC

PHMC’s president and CEO.

of advisors and in 2009 received the Alumni

for a few more months helping to transition

It’s hard to capture 40 years of leader-

Achievement Award—has marked his years

his treasure trove of institutional knowl-

ship in a brief article, so a few compelling

at PHMC by serving as a mentor to count-

edge…as befits a star player. “I am con-

examples must suffice.

less others who have become public health

tinuing to work with Richard, with our new

and social service leaders themselves.

COO Wayne Pendleton, and with the rest

More than a quarter century ago, Loeb imagined a world in which public health

“Everyone at PHMC will greatly miss

of the leadership team, to ensure as smooth

planning could draw from primary data

John’s insight, leadership and presence,” re-

a change in structure and responsibilities

about individuals in the community—some-

marks Cohen. “We wish him well as he em-

as possible,” says Loeb.

thing unheard of at the time. From this, he

barks on his next big project—living in New

developed and won funding for PHMC’s

Orleans and working in the art gallery world

Community Health Data Base, which now

there. In fact, I think we’re all a bit jealous!”

Public Health DIRECTIONS SUMMER/FALL 2011 page 5

A Public Health Mission through a Social Media Lens Did you know that 7% of Americans actively use the microblogging website Twitter and 41% maintain an active Facebook profile?1 According to Nielsen Media Research, interest in social media continues to grow. Currently, Facebook remains among the top 10 most-visited sites in the United States, but Twitter earns the title of fastest-growing social media site. PHMC and a number of its affiliates use Twitter and Facebook to share information about the latest trends in public health, events and more with social media savvy consumers. Public Health Directions profiled some of our social media stars to learn more about their use.

Public Health Management Corporation Account Manager: Kishwer Vikaas,

clients, funders and more.

Health Promotion Council

Copywriter and Social Media Coordinator

Purpose: Spread the word about PHMC and

Account Manager: Scott Booker,

Created: Fall 2009

affiliate programs and events; network with

Administrative Assistant

Facebook URL: facebook.com/

other nonprofits that share our mission.

Created: Spring 2011

publichealthmanagementcorporation

Social Media Tips: “Always check whether

Facebook URL:

Facebook Fans: 300+

nonprofits you are working with already have

facebook.com/healthpromotioncouncil

Twitter: twitter.com/PHMCtweets

a social media presence online,” says Vikaas.

Fans: 70+

Twitter Followers: 700+

“Connecting with them on the web helps to

Audience: A wide audience including

Audience: Fellow public health institutes,

reinforce your relationship.”

funders, partners, program partici-

public health students and faculty, program

pants, board members and staff.

Purpose: Provide instant health information at a low cost and continually stay in touch with program

Students Run Philly Style

participants, raising the visibility of

Account Managers: Heather McDanel,

Purpose: Promote events, such as happy hours

the organization.

Executive Director; Amalia Petherbridge, Youth

for fundraising. Volunteer mentors also use the

Social Media Tips: “Use social media

Coordinator

pages they have created to communicate with

as an advocacy tool and fundraising

Created: Fall 2007

youth about practices and get them pumped for

strategy,” suggests executive director

Facebook URL: facebook.com/groups/

their runs.

Vanessa Briggs. “Social media are great

studentsrunphillystyle

Social Media Tips: “You have to make updating

because it can get more staff involved

Fans: 1,300+

your social media a priority,” says Petherbridge.

in marketing programs and services.”

Audience: Potential and existing partici-

“Unlike a grant proposal or project, social media

pants and supporters. In addition, many of

do not necessarily have deadlines. It’s easy to let

the program’s volunteers have started pages

it go and not think about it. But if you do commit

for the schools with which they work.

to it, it can bring a lot of rewards.”

PHMC Welcomes Its Newest Affiliate

P

HMC added Metropolitan Career

force, helping them to achieve economic

technology program. The accredited Com-

Center (MCC) to the PHMC family

independence. To further its mission,

puter Technology Institute is an approved

as an affiliate on July 1, 2011. MCC

MCC’s Computer Technology Institute

training provider through the Workforce

educates, trains and places individuals to

offers degrees and programs in computer

Investment Act.

become valuable members of the work-

technology including a health information

page 6 PHMC.ORG

41%

of Americans maintain an active Facebook profile.

National Nursing Centers Resources for Children’s Health

Consortium

Account Manager: Jeanne Ciocca,

RCH, such as parents and community members,

Account Manager: Jamie Ware,

Executive Director

but who are not necessarily service providers.

Policy Director

Created: Summer 2009

Purpose: Share information and stories that

Created: Summer 2009

Facebook URL: facebook.com/

introduce people to the issues we address as a

Facebook URL:

ResourcesforChildrensHealth

program.

facebook.com/nursingclinics

Fans: 100+

Social Media Tips: “Using social media is

Fans: 100+

Twitter: twitter.com/RCHphilly

easy! But start slowly and gradually introduce

Twitter: twitter.com/NursingCenters

Twitter Followers: 10+

services as staff time allows,” advises Ciocca.

Followers: 800+

Audience: People who may not be in social ser-

“RCH, for example, doesn’t have a person dedi-

Audience: Nurse practitioners,

vices or health care, and therefore may not come

cated to blogging or a large amount of time for

nursing students and other people sup-

in contact with RCH, its staff or its programs.

media outreach, so we started small with the

portive of the nurse model.

People who may be interested in the work of

Facebook and Twitter pages.”

Purpose: Cross-communicate and cross-pollinate ideas, and expand people’s knowledge base on policies and practice in a way that affects their work.

For instance, through Facebook a clinic

For direct links to the social media sites

in Indiana can learn something helpful from the work of a clinic in Washington.

mentioned in this article, go to our online

Social Media Tips: “Be thoughtful about what you post and share. I like

edition at PHMC.ORG/PHDIRECTIONS.

to keep the page as active as possible,” says Ware. “I think it’s important people are able to find us at some

1

point during the day.”

“Twitter Research in America: 2010.” Edison Research. 29 Apr 2010. Web. 29 June 2011.

Best Nest... continued from page 1 Other Best Nest caseworkers use text

we can exchange information about blood

tion directly during a visit. They feel more

messaging to directly communicate with

sugar numbers and I can remind them about

confident texting it later.” She receives an

older children. Nadia Lewis has worked

medical and therapy appointments.” Accord-

average of 100 texts each week from clients.

with children at Best Nest since 2009. Her

ing to Lewis, text messaging plays a role in

“Texting plays an important role in helping

current responsibilities include three fami-

furthering correspondence between case-

us communicate with families.”

lies with children ages three to 15. “I often

workers and clients. “Texting helps clients

text the older children I work with who have

verbalize more,” she says. “Some clients

diabetes,” says Lewis. “Through texting,

would rather not tell me medical informa-

To learn more about Best Nest, visit bestnest.org.

Public Health DIRECTIONS SUMMER/FALL 2011 page 7

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Helping Philadelphia Students Stay on Track

F

ifteen-year-old high school freshman

of the court system and the child services

White as another example of a BIPS success

Kendall White loves his world history

system.” Although it is a new program,

story. After coming to BIPS in March, White

class. He dreams of joining his school’s

students are already showing notable im-

resolved to better his academics. “I got a lot

football team next year and maybe the hip-

provement. For example, one set of parents

of help at BIPS,” says White. “My grades

hop club. When he grows up, he wants to

reports that their son’s “grades have gotten

definitely improved. If I could give freshmen

become an architect or an artist. But before

better, he comes to the program on a regu-

one piece of advice, it would be: ‘Go to class

White came to The Bridge Intensive Pre-

lar basis and he recently had a job interview

and go prepared.’”

vention Services (BIPS) program, he would

with a museum,” says Wood. “This popula-

often skip school and was in danger of failing.

tion, and the field as a whole, does not al-

Spring 2011 marked the start of BIPS,

ways produce immediate success, but with

a collaboration among PHMC affiliate The

patience change can happen.” Wood cites

For more information about BIPS, contact Sulaiman Wood at swood@phmc.org or 267.350.7634.

Bridge and Philadelphia’s Department of Human Services (DHS) and Family Court.

It helps students like White avoid truancy and achieve academic goals. A comprehen-

Notables

sive after-school program serving West and

Honors, Awards and Achievements

Reduced Risk of Unrecognized HIV Infection

Southwest Philadelphia, BIPS provides

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the

Among Black and Latino Men who Have Sex

intensive, in-home case management ser-

American Red Cross named the Honorable

with Men,” an article published online on

vices and counseling to students and their

Renée Cardwell Hughes, chair of the board of

July 31 by AIDS and Behavior. Lauby, with six

families. Staff members help youth develop

directors of Public Health Management Corpo-

other researchers, examined the hypothesis

social and civic skills, better their academic

ration, as its new Chief Executive Officer. Judge

that black and Latino men who have sex with

performance and avoid negative influences.

Hughes, who was chosen after a nationwide

men (MSM) and who have supportive social

“BIPS is very client-centered,” says Bridge

search, began her new position as CEO in May.

relationships with other people are less likely

Director Michael Ogden. “It’s specific to

Previously, Judge Hughes served as a trial

to have unrecognized HIV infection compared

each child. We want to help them achieve

judge in the Court of Common Pleas, the First

with MSM of color who report lower levels of

academically and also stabilize.”

Judicial District of Pennsylvania, which encom-

social support. The study used interviews with

passes the City of Philadelphia.

1,286 black and Latino MSM in three metro-

“The children here know that staff are genuinely concerned with their welfare,”

politan areas. The researchers found that men

says Program Director Sulaiman Wood.

On June 28, the DHS Parenting Collaborative

with supportive relationships were more likely

The BIPS staff includes Wood, three case

celebrated 10 years of providing parenting

to have recently taken an HIV test and were

managers, three counselors and other sup-

education as a means to prevent child abuse

less likely to report risky sexual behavior.

port personnel. DHS and the court system

and reduce the need for child protective

refer students to BIPS, which is located in

service interventions. The innovative public-

The August 2011 Best of Philly issue of Phila-

West Philadelphia. Participants begin each

private partnership uses parenting education

delphia magazine named Students Run Philly

weekday with a snack and homework. On-

to reinforce supportive behaviors of parents,

Style, a program of PHMC affiliate National

site staff assist students with homework

enhance parenting skills and teach alternative

Nursing Centers Consortium, the area’s “Best

before moving on to facilitate group ther-

approaches to child rearing. DHS Parenting

Kids’ Self-Esteem Booster.” The only program

apy sessions. Twelve students enrolled in

Collaborative operates through the support of

in Philadelphia that offers marathon training

the spring 2011 semester.

PHMC, United Way of Southeastern Pennsylva-

to help youth succeed in life, Students Run

nia, Institute for Family Professionals and the

Philly Style has served over 2,500 Philadelphia

Philadelphia Department of Human Services.

students, ages 12–18, since it began in 2004.

In addition to working directly with students, staff communicate with parents to facilitate growth and development. “We know

The program connects youth with an adult

that children thrive when they’re at home,”

Jennifer L. Lauby, PHMC’s senior research

mentor who helps them achieve both aca-

says Wood. “By working with the parents,

scientist, is the lead author of “Having Sup-

demic and fitness goals.

we hope we can better keep children out

portive Social Relationships Is Associated with

continued on page 10

Public Health DIRECTIONS SUMMER/FALL 2011 page 9

PHMC Welcomes COO Wayne Pendleton Wayne Pendleton WILL BE INSTRUMENTAL IN HELPING TO INSTITUTE STRUCTURAL CHANGES that respond to

PHMC’s rapid growth and expansion.

He has provided organizations with stra-

has also served as a senior manager at

tegic guidance and operational advances

Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, the

for over 10 years. Most recently, he has

largest office on aging in Pennsylvania and

focused his consulting efforts on partner-

fourth largest in the country.

ing with healthcare entities interested

Pendleton earned a bachelor of science

in sponsoring the nationally acclaimed

in psychology from the University of Pitts-

Medicare PACE program, and he has

burgh and a master of social administration

ublic Health Management Corporation

worked with PHMC in this area. Pendle-

from Temple University. He is a Pennsylva-

has spent much of the past year re-

ton will continue to bring this expertise

nia Licensed Social Worker, a member of

P

viewing its structure. One outcome

as part of his new role and will be instru-

the Academy of Certified Social Workers,

of that work was the decision to create the

mental in helping to institute structural

and distinguished as an Advanced Social

new role of chief operating officer. In July,

changes that respond to PHMC’s rapid

Worker in Gerontology.

Wayne Pendleton, LSW, ACSW, joined

growth and expansion.

PHMC as our first COO.

“PHMC is excited not only to welcome

Previously, Pendleton served as CEO of

Wayne and all he brings to the organiza-

Pendleton is a recognized leader in

an award-winning PACE program in the

tion,” says President and CEO Richard J.

pioneering models of health care who

Philadelphia area sponsored by Penn Nurs-

Cohen, “but also to create the new role of

founded a specialized healthcare consult-

ing, the first and largest PACE provider

Chief Operating Officer as a starting point

ing firm while serving as executive direc-

in the Commonwealth. Under Pendleton’s

to reenvisioning our structure and planning

tor of a developing PACE program and

leadership, the program almost doubled in

our second forty years serving the region.”

homecare and hospice agency with South

size while becoming nationally recognized

Look for more information on PHMC’s

Jersey Healthcare, the leading community

as an Innovative Model of Care by the Rob-

vision for the future in the next issue of

health provider in southern New Jersey.

ert Wood Johnson Foundation. Pendleton

Public Health Directions.

Notables continued from page 9

program for women in Pennsylvania, Interim

Correction

On May 9, PHMC affiliate Interim House be-

House has helped thousands of women con-

In the Spring 2011 issue of Directions, we in-

came one of 45 organizations based in North-

quer substance abuse and lead healthy, pro-

advertently listed the Philadelphia Department

west Philadelphia to receive an award from

ductive and satisfying lives.

of Human Services Parenting Collaborative as

the Northwest Fund. Presented by US Repre-

a program of PHMC affiliate Resources for Chil-

sentative Chaka Fattah, the awards recognize

PHMC President and CEO Richard J. Cohen

dren’s Health. PHMC’s Management Services

organizations that provide support for local

was named to the board of trustees of Penn-

administers the collaborative, which consists

groups involved in community building and

sylvania Presbyterian Medical Center, a hospital

of community-based parenting programs from

improving neighborhoods. The oldest residen-

located in the University City section of West

agencies throughout the city.

tial and outpatient substance abuse treatment

Philadelphia.

page 10 PHMC.ORG

The Barriers of Limited Internet Access

F

The 2010 Southeastern Pennsylvania Household

or the first time in history, the av-

a computer. This represents approximately

Health Survey shows that Internet use is linked

erage American online consumer

201,900 adults. The second most com-

to age; younger adults are more likely than older

reports spending as much time on

mon reason was lack of interest, cited by

adults to be daily Internet users and less likely to

the web as watching TV, according to a

31.7% of adult non-Internet users, or about

be non-Internet users.

2010 survey by Forrester Research . The

175,300 adults.

1

same survey found that Americans have

The survey also found a difference be-

 78.2% of adults ages 18–39 use the Internet

increased their Internet use 121% over the

tween urban and suburban users. Phila-

at least once per day, and 6.5% of adults in

last five years. However, when it comes

delphia residents are more likely to be

this age range report that they never use the

to our region, findings from PHMC’s 2010

non-Internet users than are their suburban

Internet.

Southeastern

Household

counterparts. More than a quarter (27.3%)

Health Survey show that not everyone has

of Philadelphia adults do not use the In-

 7 1.9% of adults ages 40–49 use the Internet at

the same access to the Internet. Limited

ternet, compared with 16.5% of Delaware

least once per day, and 11.4% of adults in their

access to the Internet can be a barrier to

County adults, 14.0% of Bucks County

40s report that they never use the Internet.

education, employment, health informa-

adults, 13.8% of Montgomery County

tion, social connectedness and other fac-

adults and 12.2% of Chester County adults.

Pennsylvania

tors that can impact quality of life.

When asked how frequently they used the Internet, about two-thirds of adults in Southeastern Pennsylvania (SEPA), roughly 1.9 million adults, responded that

 6 6.5% of adults ages 50–59 use the Internet at least once per day, and 16.6% of adults in their 50s report that they never use the Internet.

Philadelphia residents are more likely to be non-Internet users than their suburban counterparts

they used the Internet at least once per

 54.6% of adults ages 60–74 use the Internet at least once per day, and 20.0% of adults 60–74 report that they never use the Internet.

day. While men and women in SEPA have similar Internet usage patterns (66.8%

Poverty was also a factor. Adults living in

 24.0% of adults age 75+ use the Internet at

and 64.2%, respectively, use the Internet

poverty are much more likely to be non-In-

least once per day, and 30.8% of adults 75 and

at least once daily), they also are about

ternet users than are non-poor adults: 42.5%

older report that they never use the Internet.

equally likely to be non-Internet users,

of adults living below the federal poverty

with 17.7% of men indicating they do not

line do not use the Internet, versus 16.0%

use the Internet and 20.2% of women indi-

of adults living above the federal poverty

cating the same. In total, about one in five

line.2 Latino adults (34.7%) and black adults

adults in SEPA (19.1%) do not use the In-

(28.1%) are more likely to be non-Internet

ternet, representing about 563,000 adults.

users than white adults (15.6%).

About one in five uninsured adults

The Community Health Data Base (CHDB) South-

Two-thirds of SEPA adults

(20.9%) and one in ten insured adults

eastern Pennsylvania Household Health Survey is

(10.6%) do not use the Internet, indicating

one of the largest regional health surveys in the

use the Internet at least once per day

that many of the same individuals who have

nation, covering Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Mont-

difficulty accessing health care may face

gomery and Philadelphia Counties, and now

barriers to obtaining health information.

Schuylkill, Lancaster, Berks and Centre Counties. It

For those who do not use the Internet, the most common reason cited was lack of access. More than one-third of adults who do not use the Internet (36.5%) indicated they did not have access or did not have

has been conducted every two years since 1994. The

For more information about PHMC’s Community Health Data Base 2010 Household Health Survey, contact Rose Malinowski Weingartner at rosemw@phmc.org.

Pew Charitable Trusts, the William Penn Foundation, United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania and over 350 local agencies from the health, government, nonprofit and academic sectors help to support CHDB. For more infor-

1

Anderson, Jacqueline, et al. “Understanding the Changing Needs of the US Online Consumer, 2010: An Empowered Report: How Online and

Mobile Behaviors are Changing.” Forrester Research. 13 Dec 2010. Web. 29 June 2011.

2

mation on CHDB, visit chdbdata.org.

Poverty level is defined as below or above 100% of the federal poverty line. Poverty level is calculated based on family size and household

income. For example, a family of four with an annual income of $22,050 in 2010 was considered to be living in poverty.

Public Health DIRECTIONS SUMMER/FALL 2011 page 11

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