Feb. 28, 2003 – The Health Department's Infants and Toddlers Program and the Human Services Department's Community Integrated Services System are holding a free "Family First" conference next Thursday on St. Croix and next Friday on St. Thomas.
The conference at both locations will consist of a program for health-care providers in the morning and one for parents and day-care providers in the afternoon. Health care providers will receive continuing education units.
The St. Croix conference is scheduled for Gertrude's Restaurant; the St. Thomas one is set for Palms Court Harborview Hotel. Morning sessions are from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Afternoon sessions are from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Dr. Carl Cooley, a New Hampshire developmental pediatrician, is the featured speaker. He will discuss how the "Medical Home Program" links families with medical professionals.
Chantal Overbeek of the Health Department described the Medical Home Program as a situation in which everyone who provides services for a particular patient communicate on a regular basis about that patient. "It's not a place; it's a concept," she said.
Additionally, Cooley will talk about how to develop a central database and about child health-care concerns including autism and Down syndrome. Overbeek said it is particularly important to identify autistic children early so they can receive proper treatment.
Preregistration is requested. To obtain a registration form, to register or to obtain more information, call Brenda Jenkins at 774-0930, ext. 4181, or Overbeek at 774-6341. Or send an e-mail request to Health Department case manager. Completed registration forms should be faxed to 774-2820.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
