Queens Health Coalition

In recognition of the national celebration of Grandparents’ Day, Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation hosted a day of family fun that included live music, stilt walkers, magicians, a petting zoo and ice cream. The Queens Health Coalition (QHC) participated in the festivities by providing an “up-and-coming” performer, Marge Colombraro, age 95 (pictured in pink) who enthusiastically entertained the appreciative audience. QHC’s Executive Director, Phyllis Shafran noted: “This was a great time for the entire family to come together to formally offer the “thanks” we often forget to say for the tremendous role our grandparents play in our daily lives and our overall well being. Margie embodies the spirit and message of the day”.

The Queens Health Coalition (QHC) recently joined health care and social service providers at the Jamaica Market’s Harvest Room for the “Healthy Living Forum” sponsored by the Global Healthy Living Foundation. Community members heard from experts on issues of nutrition and chronic illness and received informative materials. As QHC Executive Director, Phyllis Shafran noted: “We loved being at this event because it provided us with an excellent opportunity to let the public know that the words ‘affordable’ and ‘accessible’ as they relate to health care, are not just wishes but can become the reality. We’re here to tell them where and how.”

The Queens Health Coalition (QHC), convened a meeting of its Community Advisory Support Program (CASP). The CASP is made up of community-based organizations as well as other service providers who counsel QHC on ways to best meet the health care and social needs of Queens residents. QHC, a non-profit organization started 15 years ago, provides vital links between those in need of care and those who provide it. With an emphasis on the hard-to-reach, at-risk populations of the borough who may not know what types of affordable health and social services exist—or how to access them—QHC has a multi-lingual staff of professionals who specialize in educating, advising or referring individuals who suffer from barriers to care due to factors such as economics, education, age and cultural diversity. The CASP is a means of strategizing the ways to help insure that the challenges of serving the underserved are met. The focus of the recent CASP meeting was on an upcoming annual event, the Community Baby Shower, a project of QHC’s Comprehensive Prenatal/Perinatal Services Network (CPPSN), which is a New York State Department of Health funded program dedicated to promoting positive birth outcomes. The baby shower, a huge success last year with more than 100 in attendance, is free and open to Queens moms with children under the age of 4 and mothers-to-be and their families. This year it is planned for December 11.

As Phyllis Shafran, Executive Director of QHC explained: “Our meeting in June to talk about December is indicative of our desire to help make this event even bigger and better than the last one. This meeting also underscores the need to give help and hope to pregnant women and their children. We let them know there are services that will give their babies the best chances for a bright future. We are grateful to CASP members for providing insight and advice on the problems and the solutions that assist the most vulnerable segments of our population lead healthier lives.”

If you are interested in joining the CASP or in attending the baby shower call Rose Marie Dorvily, CPPSN Program Director at 718-762-0346 x14.

Staff members from the Queens Health Coalition (QHC) received certificates today in recognition of having completed basic training in domestic violence. The program was offered by CONNECT, an organization that counsels, trains and advocates on behalf of victims of domestic violence. QHC is a coalition of over 60 agencies and community-based organizations that provide health and social services with a special emphasis on high-risk individuals who experience barriers to quality care due, in part, to cultural, educational, economic and age-related factors. QHC has partnered with CONNECT to help combat domestic violence ranging from intimate partner dating among teens to elder abuse.

CONNECT instructor Anindita Chatterjee Bhaumik taught QHC staff about the various signs of domestic violence and how to best advise victims. QHC Executive Director, Phyllis Shafran noted: “We are every grateful to CONNECT not only for the work it does when dealing directly with domestic violence victims, but for also taking the time to train our staff so that together, we can offer additional resources to
this most vulnerable segment of our population. A person who suffers abuse at the hands of loved ones and friends, shouldn’t have to feel further betrayal by thinking that there is no where to turn. There is. We’re here. So is CONNECT.”

For questions call QHC at 718-762-0346 or visit CONNECT’s web site at: www.connectnyc.org.

Gina Porras, QHC Peer Educator; Lorena Flores, QHC Health Educator; CONNECT instructor Anindita Chatterjee Bhaumik; Phyllis Shafran, QHC Executive Director; Rose Marie Dorvily, Program Director of QHC’s Comprehensive Prenatal/Perinatal Services Network and Moona Syed, QHC Case Manager.

NYCITYWIDE REGIONAL PERINATAL FORUM HOSTS HEALTHY CHOICES CONFERENCE
Features “The Next Step In Preconception Care”

Health care professionals specializing in all aspects of obstetrics and neonatal services throughout the City recently gathered at Kings County Hospital to exchange information and ideas on ways to improve birth outcomes among high-risk women.

Key note speakers: Dr. Men-Jean Lee and Dr. Margaret Spinelli, addressed the audience on two vital topics: “You Are What Your Grandmother Ate” and “I’m Pregnant, How Can I Be Depressed?” The participants then attended their choice of three “breakout sessions” with the theme: “Your Today Determines Your Tomorrow”, focusing on “Adolescent Health”; “Maternal Mental Health” and “Obesity and Nutrition”. The sessions were followed-up by a summary exchange and suggestions dialogue shared by the entire reconvened audience.

The NYCitywide Regional Forum is comprised of Regional Perinatal Centers and the Comprehensive Prenatal/Perinatal Services Networks (CPPSN)—which are community-based organizations sponsored by New York State Department of Health—dedicated to reducing infant mortality and low-birth weight babies. They target areas that have the highest number of poor birth results. CPPSN is a program of the Queens Health Coalition (QHC) and Co-Chair of the Queens Perinatal Forum. QHC is a member of the Regional Perinatal Forum Steering Committee too, which also includes the March of Dimes, a partner on many projects committed to enhancing prenatal and perinatal care.

For women and men of child-bearing age who would like more information including educational materials, referrals and participation in future events call Queens Health Coalition at 718-762-0346.

At the podium, moderator, Marta Baez, Director of Family Health Program, NYS Department of Health, describes the work of the Citywide Regional Perinatal Forum and presents an overview of the day’s events.

Break out session: “Adolescent Health” facilitated by Queens Perinatal Forum Chairwomen: Phyllis Shafran, Executive Director, Queens Health Coalition (QHC), Sascha James, Perinatal Manager at Long Island Jewish Medical Center (LIJ) and Christine Grippi, Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist at LIJ.

QHC’s Lorena Flores, Health Educator for CPPSN distributes valuable educational materials to an attendee of the conference.

At the podium, Sheila Wheeler-Wright, NYC Regional Perinatal Forum Coordinator, thanking participants for not only attending the conference, but for their caring and commitment to improving birth outcomes.

Phyllis Shafran / Queens Health Coalition - Teen Forum News All Morning NY1 (IND) New York 05/13/09 7-8 AM Length: 00:41

Queens Health Coalition : Health Care Providers Meet News All Day NY1 (IND) New York 05/12/09 2-3 PM Length: 00:36

Queens Health Coalition Holds Teen Convention
Youth Learn They Are What Their Grandmas Ate

300 Queens High School students recently enjoyed a day of free food, facts and fun compliments of Comprehensive Prenatal and Perinatal Services Network, a project of the Queens Health Coalition (QHC). Working in partnership with LaGuardia Community College and the March of Dimes, the teens heard from experts on such topics as: Dream Careers, Making Positive Social Choices, Healthy Habits for Healthy Living, Teen Pregnancy Prevention, STIs, HIV/AIDS Prevention and Healthy Relationships. They were also treated to live entertainment by performing artist VIP, in addition to a rousing game of Jeopardy, raffle prizes and lunch. This year’s theme: “Yes We Can!” was selected because, as QHC Executive Director Phyllis Shafran noted: “If this powerful concept can move a nation, we’re hoping that young people will apply it to their own personal lives too. Today we hope to show them that by making good choices, there are no limits to what they can do.”

Queens teens register at the Teen Convention

Dr. Lee Men-Jean of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine and the National Vanguard Children’s Study, warns the teens that unhealthy eating can be felt for generations because “You are what your grandmother ate”. .

Allison Hauser encouraged the teens to volunteer as youth leaders for the March of Dimes, where they will be promoting positive birth outcomes.

"Let’s Play Jeopardy!” with LYFE program coordinator, Diane Whitaker-Brown

Annindita Chatterjee Bhaumik from Connect, talked to the teens about knowing the signs of abusive relationships

Claudia Baldonedo, QHC Executive VP and LaGuardia administrator discussed with the audience how to put their best foot forward when looking for a job.

Teen Convention
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
10:00am-2:00pm
LaGuardia Community College
E-BUILDING, MAIN STAGE THEATER, 2nd Floor
31-10 Thomson Avenue
Long Island City, New York
Presented by Comprehensive Prenatal and Perinatal Services Network, a program of
Queens Health Coalition
your link to quality health care

*Dream Careers*Making Positive Social Choices
*Healthy Habits Affect Your Future
*Teen Pregnancy Prevention*STIs and HIV/AIDS Prevention
*Healthy Relationships
and much more

Lunch, Music, Gifts
For more information call Queens Health Coalition
718-762-0346. Ask for Rose ext. 14 or Lorena ext. 11

HEALTH CARE IN CRISIS: WHAT’S A NON-PROFIT PROVIDER TO DO?
Queens Health Coalition

The Queens Health Coalition (QHC) held its annual membership meeting of more than 60 health care providers and community-based organizations throughout Queens. David Weprin, New York City Councilman and Chair of the Finance Committee was the keynote speaker. He urged the audience to develop innovative ways to streamline their operations and to cultivate partnerships that “help the non-profit do more with less in these troubled economic times.”

Dr. Gail O. Mellow, President of LaGuardia Community College, which hosted the event, thanked the Councilman and the participants for their caring and commitment to health care.

Phyllis Shafran, Executive Director of Queens Health Coalition then turned the proceedings to a panel discussion kicked-off by quoting a New York State Health Foundation’s findings that stated: “It has been projected that at least 100,000 non-profits nationwide will be forced to close their doors in the next two years as a result of the financial crisis.” Ms. Shafran also noted that: “Running a non-profit always has its challenges, but for us today, it’s a constant grind of matching our desire to help with the dollars available to achieve.”

A panel of experts offered valuable “Tips of the Trade” that included advice on the importance of being prepared with written proposals for economic recovery funds, to the need for collaborating on projects. The panel consisted of QHC’s Executive Board members, who also hold leading positions in their own organizations including: Claudia Baldonedo, Program Director Employment and Career Services, LaGuardia Community College; Betty Cheng, Chief Operating Officer, Charles B. Wang Community Health Center; Thomas Early, CEO, Health Plus; Sarina Jean-Louis, Multi-Site Director, MIC @ Astoria A Program of Public Health Solutions; Rabbi Robert Kaplan, Director, CAUSE-NY The Intergroup and Community Building division of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York and Martha S. Wolf, Director, Alzheimer Center, Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care
and Rehabilitation.

Queens Health Coalition’s
General Membership Meeting
Monday, May 11, 2009, 9am
LaGuardia Community College
(“E” Building, Room 500)

A PANEL OF EXPERTS WITH INSIGHTS AND SUGGESTIONS ON WAYS OF
DOING MORE WITH LESS

Monday, May 11, 2009, 9am to noon,
LaGuardia Community College, 31-10 Thomson Avenue, Long, Island City, NY, “E” Building, room 500, 5th floor

The keynote speaker is the Honorable David Weprin, City Councilman and Chair of the Finance Committee. He will address the health of our health care system in light of budget cuts on City, State and Federal levels, and provide insights on how they affect the non-profit. His remarks will be followed by a panel discussion on the topic of “Doing More With Less” detailing ways health care providers and community-based organizations can unite forces to maintain the integrity of their service to the consumer.

Registration and breakfast begin at 9am. Seating is limited.
RSVP: 718-762-0346x16 by May 6th.

PROTECT YOUR BABY FOR LIFE
QUEENS PERINATAL FORUM’S SPRING CONFERENCE FOCUSES ON BREASTFEEDING

The Queens Health Coalition (QHC), in partnership with the Queens Regional Perinatal Center, hosted the annual event at Flushing Hospital, featuring the advantages of breastfeeding for both the baby and the mother. With more than 50 health professionals in attendance, speakers addressed the scientific evidence backing the many pluses to the developing baby while also emphasizing the tremendous emotional bond that breastfeeding helps to produce. The health care providers were urged to encourage mothers-to-be to breastfeed and to know their rights, especially in the workplace, where, by law, they can not be denied an area to engage in the practice. The audience also heard from a mother who breastfed her four children describe the need for professional and community support which enables the new mom to not only know how, but want to breastfeed.

Phyllis Shafran, Executive Director of QHC noted: “Just as we want the new mother to provide a nurturing environment for her newborn, health care providers must nurture her to understand the benefits of breastfeeding to her own well being and the overall health of her child. She needs to feel comfortable and knowledgeable with the process, and be convinced of the medical, emotional and economic advantages that breastfeeding can provide. As natural and time-tested that breastfeeding is, the modern mom needs to know something new about something old so that she is enlightened and enthused to try something her grandmother did.”

For more information on breastfeeding and other health-related matters, call the Queens Health Coalition at 718-762-0346.

QUEENS HEALTH COALITION HOSTS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE FORUM
Partners With Groups Aiding Abused Immigrant Women

Working in partnership with Connect and Women for Afghan Women, Queens Health Coalition (QHC) recently hosted a forum to discuss issues of domestic violence especially dedicated to the immigrant populations of Queens. In attendance was an immigration attorney who addressed the specific concerns of women who may lack legal status themselves, and rely on an abusive spouse to remain in this country. Compounding their plight, is that for many women, returning to their own families back home is not an option because of the stigma that is usually associated with a “failed marriage.” “These women are trapped in a cultural ‘Catch 22’, noted QHC’s Executive Director, Phyllis Shafran. “They fear to stay and fear to leave their abusive marriages because they will be ostracized and perhaps even punished by both their in-laws and their own families.” Connect’s Anindita ChatterjeeBhaumik, urged them to seek professional counsel where they can learn their rights and receive help. She also warned them to avoid immigration scam artists who are ill-informed and known to prey on the vulnerable.

Women receive professional advice from counselors provided by Connect and Women for Afghan Women, two groups brought together at a forum hosted by the Queens Health Coalition to offer guidance to victims of domestic violence.

“Junior-Senior Partnership” Explores Healthy Relationships
Hosts Workshop at Voces Latinas

“The Junior-Senior Partnership” is an intergenerational program created by the Queens Health Coalition (QHC) which taps into the experiences and expertise of young and older adults to engage and empower both ends of the spectrum with healthy tips for healthy living. Administered through the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development with funds provided by City Council Member David Weprin, juniors and seniors exchange ideas and advice on a variety of health-related issues.

A recent workshop, hosted by Voces Latinas located in Woodside, featured the topic of ‘Healthy Relationships’. A lively discussion, in English and Spanish, ensued. One young man told the senior participants: “We need our own space…and we need you to respect it!” For her part, one senior made an impassioned plea for youngsters to “come to your parents first with your problems…we’re on your side. We’re your friends too.”

As QHC Executive Director Phyllis Shafran noted: “All too often, we forget or refuse to see, the wealth of knowledge that a child or a grandmother has, which when shared, one to the other, benefits both. The “Junior-Senior Partnership” is not only an opportunity to learn, but a chance to listen.”

The next workshop will take place in March. A small stipend is paid to the participants, as well as a MetroCard and light refreshments provided. For more information call Moona or Lorena at 718-762-0346.

Pictured: the Junior-Senior Partnership discussion group at Voces Latinas.

The “Junior-Senior Partnership” Kicks Off
at the Queens Health Coalition

“The Junior-Senior Partnership” an intergenerational community resource center for mentoring and monitoring by and for both ends of the spectrum in our society, recently held its first workshop. Administered through the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development with funds provided by City Council Member David Weprin, this program taps into the experience, expertise and know-how of young and older adults to engage and empower Queens residents with healthy tips for healthy living. Seniors, for example, might address groups of new moms or mothers-to-be on parenting skills from the heart, or give lessons on tasty cooking for nutritional eating, while teens can help organize the medicine chests of their elderly partners, assist them in writing to a relative, reading the newspapers or learning how to access the Internet. The first workshop featured home remedies that included advice on using veggies to produce beautiful skin and the benefits of ginger to beating the common cold.

This is a program built on the concept that one is never too old to learn---or teach, and refutes the adage: “Youth is wasted on the young”. The “Junior-Senior Partnership” also underscores the fact that both groups have a wealth of knowledge that is often untapped or worse, disregarded. And, the mutual benefits are great: pride in sharing cultures and traditions while providing an education no mere textbook could give. A small stipend is paid to the participants and a MetroCard is provided. The next workshop is scheduled for March. If you are interested in participating, call Moona at 718-762-0346x13.

Participants in the “Junior-Senior Partnership swap tips on home remedies.

QHC 'Junior-Senior Partnership' Kicks Off - Members of the Queens Health Coalition "Junior-Senior Partnership" recently joined in a workshop to exchange advice on ... READ MORE

‘Junior-Senior Partnership’ center opens - The “Junior-Senior Partnership,” an intergenerational community resource center for mentoring and monitoring, recently held its first workshop... READ MORE

Queens Health Coalition Hosts Community Baby Shower
Gives Tips and TLC to Moms-To-Be

The Queens Health Coalition (QHC), a non profit organization that links health care providers with health care consumers, recently hosted its third annual “Community Baby Shower” for pregnant women and families with children under four years of age. Mixed in with games, prizes and dinner, the more than 100 attendees, heard words of encouragement and advice from health care professionals, including a former nurse and former Queens Borough President, Claire Shulman.

View the video from NY1 here!

Phyllis Shafran, Executive Director of the Coalition said:
“Our purpose here tonight is to replicate a traditional family baby shower that many of these young women and families might not otherwise have. We want to show our support while also offering valuable information on ways to help insure positive birth outcomes and how to improve parenting skills.”

The Queens Health Coalition, with its multi lingual staff, provides free education, referrals and one-on-one assistance for all ages in the Queens population. For information call:718-762-0346


Phyllis Shafran, Executive Director of QHC with former Queens Borough President, Claire Shulman as she offers words of encouragement to the expectant mothers.	Phyllis Shafran, Executive Director; Lorena Flores, Health Educator; Moona Syed, Case Manager; Rose Marie Dorvily, Director of QHC’s program Comprehensive Prenatal Perinatal Services Network and Gina Porras, Peer Educator.	Baby Shower participants receive tips and TLC.

The Queens Health Coalition (QHC) recently co-chaired with Long Island Jewish Medical Center, Queens Perinatal Center, The Queens Perinatal Forum, featuring guest speakers discussing issues relating to health care for teen agers. The theme of this year’s annual event was “Your Today Determines Your Tomorrow”. All of the speakers stressed how important it is for health care providers and community based organizations to communicate ways that help sexually active teens know and understand their social options and the healthy choices that exist to avoid unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases, as well as how to ensure positive birth outcomes.

For more information call: The Queens Health Coalition 718-762-0346.


Phyllis Shafran, Executive Director, Queens Health Coalition; Sascha James, Perinatal Manager, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, Queens Perinatal Forum; Christine Grippi, Neonatal Network Manager, Schneider Children's Hospital, Queens Perinatal Forum; Rose Marie Dorvily, Director, Comprehensive Prenatal Perinatal Services Network (CPPSN), a program of QHC; Lorena Flores, CPPSN Health Educator for QHC and Moona Syed, CPPSN Project Assistant for QHC.	Rose Marie Dorvily, Director of CPPSN for QHC, registers one of more than 50 attendees.	Forum attendees intently listened to speakers describing ways that health care providers and community based organizations can help sexually active teens overcome barriers to quality health care

CAREGIVERS’ DAY OUT A HUGE SUCCESS

To say “Thank You” to caregivers of the elderly—many of whom are family members—Queens Health Coalition (QHC), organized a day of fun, food and free prizes for nearly 200 people. Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation, a QHC partner in elder care programs, sponsored the breakfast. QHC is a non profit organization that links those in need of health care with health care providers. Among QHC’s many projects and activities is the Caregivers’ Program, for which this day of respite care was created in collaboration with Parker and other program partners: Elmhurst Hospital, Queens Community House, HANAC, Korean American Senior Citizens Society, Pragati, the Tsu Chi Foundation and the Samuel Field YM/WHA. The event was an acknowledgement of the vital role of the caregiver in our society, both emotionally and economically. Caregivers can put a smile on an older adult’s face, offer conversation mixed with compassion and enable the elderly to enjoy the comfort of home. To the aged person, this is the medicine no prescription drug can provide, and is less expensive than institutional care. The Caregivers’ Respite Program is funded by the New York City Department for the Aging and one of the many programs of the Queens Health Coalition to assist older adults.

The participants, many who were the performers too, were joined by Queens legislators: State Senator Frank Padavan (R-11SD);
NYS Assemblywoman Ann Margaret Carrozza (D-26AD); NYS Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer(D-23AD)and NYC Councilwoman Helen Sears(D-25CD).

QHC was founded in 1994 to help make quality health care assessable and affordable to all residents of Queens, many of whom suffer from barriers to health care often brought about by such factors as age, economics, limited education and cultural diversity. Whether it’s a pregnant teen worried about what to expect when you’re expecting, or an elderly husband caring for his wife with Alzheimer’s, QHC offers free referrals, educational workshops and multi lingual professional advice.

Please click the below images to enlarge.


QHC staff: (l to r) Rose-Marie Dorvily, Senior Health Educator; Lorena Flores, Project Coordinator; Phyllis Shafran, Executive Director; Moona Syed, Case Manager; Gina Porras, Peer Educator.	Jacob Riis Senior Center’s “Senior Shaker Dancers”	The Samuel Field YM/YWHA’s “Choraleers”


Sascha James (left), Perinatal Manager and Co-Chair of Queens Perinatal Forum, Long Island Jewish Medical Center (LIJ) and Emily Gertz (right), Director of Family Planning also at LIJ, addressed 200 High School students at Queens Health Coalition's Teen Convention.


QHC hosted focus groups to identify barriers to quality health care and explore ways to overcome them.