Pennsylvania group seeks to protect health monies

December 14, 2008 at 12:00a.m.

HARRISBURG, Pa. — A legal action has been filed in Commonwealth Court by the Pennsylvania Medical Society to preserve funds in a dedicated health care account that’s designed to assure future access to health care. The action was filed after remarks made on the floor of the state House of Representatives suggested the funds could be diverted to pay for nonhealth care projects, said Dr. Daniel J. Glunk, president of the medical society.

Specifically, Dr. Glunk is referring to remarks made by then-House Majority Leader H. William DeWeese (D-Greene) during a floor debate on Nov. 19 that suggest the Health Care Provider Retention Account could be used to fill a $500 million gap in next year’s budget.

The Health Care Provider Retention Account was designated in earlier legislation to assist Pennsylvania physicians and hospitals dealing with issues associated with the state’s Mcare Fund, which has a projected $1.8 billion unfunded liability. During the past year, the Pennsylvania Medical Society has worked with Governor Rendell and the legislature to secure phase out the Mcare fund and pay off its unfunded liability, while supporting the use of any excess from the Health Care Provider Retention Account to aid the uninsured, Dr. Glunk said.

Board named for Ohio ACS

The American Cancer Society (ACS) Ohio Division has announced officers and board of directors for the 2008 – 09 fiscal year, which runs through Aug. 31, 2009. In the Northeast Ohio Region, there are 12 members on the state board, said Al Stabilito, Northeast Ohio public relations director for ACS.

Among those in Northeast Ohio are: William W. Harding, Dover/Tuscarawas, chairman; D. Jay Bice, Warren/Trumbull, vice chairman; Robert P. Antenucci, Warren/Trumbull, at-large, Trumbull County; Dr. Robert T. Brodell, Warren/Trumbull, District 15, and National Board director; Deborah M. Dashko, Poland/Mahoning, at-large, Mahoning County; and Barbara J. Wilinski, Steubenville/Jefferson, at-large, Jefferson County.

Home-care elite

CANFIELD — Senior Independence of the Mahoning Valley, 6715 Tippecanoe Road E, Suite 201, has been named to the HomeCare Elite, a listing of the most successful home-care agencies in the United States. This annual review identifies the top 25 percent of agencies, ranked by an analysis of performance measures in quality outcomes, quality improvement and financial performance. The data used for this analysis was compiled from publicly available information.

Akron site wins award

AKRON — Akron Children’s Hospital’s Web site earned the Gold Award for the second consecutive year in recognition of its online video, audio and other interactive features. The hospital competed against other similar-sized hospitals nationwide in the “Best Web 2.0/Rich Media” category of the 2008 eHealthcare Leadership Awards. The national awards program highlights the Internet’s role in achieving an organization’s business objectives and recognizes the hard work that goes into creating outstanding health care Web sites.

The hospital’s site, www.akronchildrens.org, features a variety of health-related information in several formats, including videos highlighting key service areas, staff and patients; video and audio podcasts on different child health and safety topics; and webcasts featuring various surgeries.

Breast cancer screenings

YOUNGSTOWN — The MammoVan, a mobile mammography unit, will offer breast cancer screenings on Monday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the YWCA, 25 W. Rayen Ave., Youngstown; Monday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Danridge’s Burgundi Manor, 31 Maranatha Drive, Youngstown; and on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the ACOP Center, 2051 Niles Road, Warren.

Financial assistance for the screening may be available for eligible women who qualify; and free transportation to appointments for mammograms, breast cancer diagnostic testing, treatment, and follow-up care at local health care providers may also be available. The service is sponsored by the YWCA’s ENCOREplus breast cancer awareness program. Call Patricia Phillips at the YWCA at (330) 746-6361 for eligibility requirements and to schedule an appointment for a mammogram. Walk-ins are welcome.

Wellness coach program

GREENVILLE, Pa. — A Wellness Coach program is available through the UPMC Horizon Wellness Center, offering members daily customized workouts designed to help them achieve fitness goals in a timely manner. The Wellness Coach, similar to a personal trainer, provides a personalized, detailed workout plan to clients prior to each workout. Fees are $24 for a 30-day time frame; $63 for a 90 day time frame; $108 for a 180-day time frame, or $180 for the entire year. Fees are in addition to regular Wellness Center membership fees.

To schedule a coach meeting, sign up at the Wellness Center front desk or call (724) 588-3001. The UPMC Horizon Wellness Center is located at 26 Conneaut Lake Road, Greenville.

Hypnosis classes

YOUNGSTOWN — The Youngstown Hypnosis Center, 2703 Mahoning Ave., is offering two-hour group hypnosis classes for late December 2008 and January 2009 presented by Augustine Ruggiero, owner and nationally certified clinical hypnotherapist. The classes, depending upon public response, will be on weight management, self-confidence, improving grades and high-powered sales and self-hypnosis. They will be offered from 1 to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. The cost is $85 per person. Call (330) 792-6390 to register.

Benefit for patient care

FARRELL, Pa. — The Mia Bella Traveling Boutique will partner with UPMC Horizon for a fundraiser benefitting the Oncology Patient Care Fund from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday in the lobby of the Shenango Valley Campus. The Oncology Patient Care Fund offers emotional comfort and financial support to oncology patients and their families.

Basic first aid

BOARDMAN — The American Red Cross Mahoning Chapter is offering a basic first aid class from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Red Cross office, 8392 Tod Ave. The cost is $35. Call (330) 726-6063.