ATHENS, Ohio - Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine joins osteopathic physicians (D.O.s) across the nation in observing National Osteopathic Medicine Week, Oct. 6-12, 2002, by sponsoring a variety of community activities centered around access to care (see list below for details).

This year's NOM Week focuses on educating and informing Americans about topics related to access to health care, including care for uninsured children, minority health issues and cultural sensitivity, mental health, bioterrorism preparedness, physician shortages, proposed cuts to Medicare and professional liability insurance reform.

As physicians who treat people, not just symptoms, the nation's 47,000 D.O.s are dedicated to helping maintain a whole-person, patient-centered approach to health care. And, within that principle, they recognize that taking steps to provide access to care for Americans, regardless of age, income level or ethnicity, is of paramount importance.

"Our hope," said Jack Brose, D.O., dean of OU-COM, "is that we may lend a voice to the many millions of children and adults - from the smallest communities to the largest cities - who experience barriers to appropriate and affordable health care.

"Through training physicians at OU-COM and providing medical care at University Osteopathic Medical Center, we hope to bring the best available health care to the people of Southeastern Ohio."

Tia Trivison, OU-COM's NOM Week coordinator, said that this year's celebration is more like "NOM Month." Trivison, who is also the UOMC's marketing manager, continued, "With NOM Week focusing on access to health care this year and October being Family Health Month as well as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we have several programs throughout the remainder of the month and extending into November which target these health areas."

For more information about activities during NOM Week, contact Trivison, at (740) 593-9572. Community activities held in observance of NOM Week began Oct. 7 with an interview of Brose on the "Health Matters" radio show (WATH AM 970).

Thursday, Oct. 17, American Heart Association Heart Walk, 5 to 7 p.m., $5 donation

Come join this non-competitive walking event to raise money in support of the fight against heart disease and stroke. Educational information and screenings are available for cholesterol, blood pressure and diabetes. Sponsored by Community Service Programs and the Area Agency on Aging. Peden Stadium, Ohio University Campus, Athens

 

Thursday, Oct. 17, "Eye to Eye" Vision Screenings, 8:45 to 11 a.m.

Community Service Programs' AmeriCorps program, OU-COM medical students and local optometrists will conduct vision screenings for the ninth graders of Alexander High School. (More screenings are being planned for elementary through high school students within the Alexander and Federal-Hocking School Districts.)
Albany

 

Saturday, Oct. 19, Wal-Mart Women's Health Day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

OU-COM physicians and nurses will provide information and discuss child safety, poison prevention and related child health-care issues, diabetes, heart health and women health issues such as self breast examinations, prenatal care and breastfeeding. Community Service Programs will provide free screenings for glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure.
Wal-Mart, East State Street, Athens

 

Tuesday, Oct. 22 to Wednesday, Oct. 30, Flu Shot and Breast & Cervical Cancer Screening Clinics

Community Service Programs is offering flu shot clinics and breast and cervical cancer screenings throughout Southeastern Ohio. To learn about eligibility for services and a clinic in your area, please call (800) 844-2654.

 

Saturday, Oct. 26, University Osteopathic Medical Center-Nelsonville Open House, 10 a.m. to noon

The University Osteopathic Medical Center invites you to tour its newly renovated, more spacious location on Harper Street in Nelsonville. Cholesterol, glucose and blood pressure screenings will be offered on Community Service Programs' Healthy Adult Project Van. Flu shots are available for high risk persons and children. Refreshments served.
294 Harper Street, Nelsonville

 

Wednesday, Oct. 30, "Eye to Eye" Vision Screenings, 9 a.m. to noon

Community Service Programs' AmeriCorps program, OU-COM medical students and local optometrists will conduct vision screenings for the children of Nelsonville-York Elementary School. (More screenings are being planned for elementary through high school students within the Alexander and Federal-Hocking School Districts.)
Nelsonville

 

Saturday, Nov. 2, Little People's Hospital, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

OU-COM medical students, UOMC and O'Bleness Memorial Hospital marketing staff, AmeriCorps members and Area Health Education Center representatives will hold Little People's Hospital at the "Celebrating Families" event sponsored by Athens County Children's Services. Little People's Hospital is a mock hospital experience for kids to alleviate their fear of doctors and health-care procedures. It includes various health check stations, with emergency medical and respiratory care facilities provided by O'Bleness. Little People's Hospital is being staged in the former Judy's storefront.
University Mall, Athens

NOM Week events are co-sponsored by OU-COM's Community Service Programs, OU-COM medical student organizations, Area Health Education Center and O'Bleness Memorial Hospital, in conjunction with Athens County Children's Services.