Eaton Rapids Medical Center

Eaton Rapids Medical Center offers Babysitting Class

Eaton Rapids Medical Center welcomes Babysitting Instructor, Charlene Hamilton from Cardio Pulmonary Resource Center, Inc. Classes will be held on October 9, 16 and 23 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at ERMC.

This course is intended to train young adults, between the ages of 11-14, to be responsible babysitters. The students will learn emergency procedures, discipline techniques, diapering and age-appropriate activities. Pediatric (child and infant) CPR, rescue breathing and the Heimlich maneuver will also be covered, along with basic first aid skills needed while babysitting.

Upon completion of the class, the student will receive a Pediatric CPR card, a Basic First Aid card and a Babysitting Course certificate. Students must attend all three classes to obtain certification. The cost of the class is $30.00 per person. Classes fill up quickly, so please RSVP by calling Cardio Pulmonary Resource Center, Inc. at 1-800-900-2772. Eaton Rapids Medical Center is located at 1500 South Main in Eaton Rapids.

Article posted on September 19, 2017. - Article Permalink

Are You Prepared for an Emergency?

September is recognized as National Preparedness Month. This month is a reminder that everyone must take action to prepare-now and throughout the year-for emergencies or disasters that could affect them where they live and work, and even where they visit. This year's theme is "Disasters Don't Plan Ahead. You Can."

This month there are four main activities the public can and should participate in to ensure that they are well prepared for any emergency or disaster.

• Make a Plan for Yourself, Family and Friends. In an emergency or disaster, families and households should be able to answer the following questions:
  1. How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
  2. What is my shelter plan?
  3. What is my evacuation route?
  4. What is my family/household communication plan?
  
  They should also consider the special needs of their household-different ages, medical or dietary needs, pets, etc., can affect what responsibilities someone has in an emergency and what they need to have on-hand. Families and households should also know how to get in touch with each other and where to meet in an emergency. For plan templates, see https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan.
• Plan to Help Your Neighbor and Community. It's important not just to be prepared as a family, but also to be prepared as a community. Everyone can learn skills to help themselves and others until emergency responders can arrive! Take free "Until Help Arrives" training online at https://community.fema.gov/until-help-arrives. Checking in with neighbors during an emergency to see if they need assistance is also important.
• Practice and Build Out Your Plans. Besides having a standard emergency kit with food, water, a radio, etc., people should consider having an Emergency Financial First Aid Kit. Having an emergency savings account is also a good idea, as is keeping a small amount of cash on-hand in case ATMs or credit cards don't work. If possible, people should insure their home (or have renter's insurance), health, and life. For more financial preparedness, see https://www.ready.gov/financial-preparedness.
• Get Involved! Be a Part of Something Larger. Everyone should encourage their business, school, faith-based community, etc., to prepare for an emergency! Resources for businesses and organizations can be found at https://www.ready.gov/.

It's important for individuals, families, organizations, and businesses to always be prepared for an emergency. The Barry-Eaton District Health Department suggests that all of these groups have an emergency plan in place. For more information, visit https://www.ready.gov/ or https://emergency.cdc.gov/preparedness/, or contact Clarissa Boggs-Blake, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, at cboggsblake@bedhd.org.

Article posted on September 19, 2017. - Article Permalink

BEDHD Supports National Recovery Month

Mental and substance use disorders and the societal benefits of recovery for Eaton County must be addressed immediately, according to Colette Scrimger, Barry-Eaton District Health Department (BEDHD) Health Officer, who today recognized September as National Recovery Month.

"This month was established to emphasize that individuals in recovery and their support systems can be agents of change in our communities," stated Scrimger. "It is critical that people experiencing mental and/or substance use disorders receive the support they need. The reality is that behavioral health is essential to health, and we know that prevention works, treatment is effective, and people recover."

According to the 2014-2016 Eaton County Behavioral Risk Factor Survey (BRFS), 37.5% of Eaton County adults reported that their mental health was not good at some point during the past month. Additionally, the 2016 Michigan Profile for Healthy Youth (MiPHY) data shows that, although most students DON'T use alcohol, 24.1% of 11th graders in the county reported using alcohol in the past month, and 20.8% of 11th graders in the county reported using marijuana in the past month. In addition, 10.3% of 11th graders in the county reported using any prescription drug in the past month.

Locally, BEDHD is promoting one event in Eaton County to raise awareness for mental and substance use disorder support services. This event is scheduled to take place at Faye's Evelyn Bay Coffee Shop at 134 S. Cochran, Charlotte, MI from 5:00pm-8:00pm on Friday, September 29. During this time, Rick A. Tripp, BS, CPRM, Peer Lifestyle Facilitator and others with Peer Support Services will be facilitating an open discussion and leading a painting activity with a theme of "what does recovery look like to you".

"We all have the potential to make a difference and be visible, vocal, and valuable to help spread the message that recovery is possible," said Scrimger. This event is part of Recovery Month, a national observance sponsored by SAMHSA, within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The observance raises awareness of mental and substance use disorders, celebrates individuals in long-term recovery, and acknowledges the work of prevention, treatment, and recovery support services. For more information about National Recovery Month, as well as recovery-related resources, visit www.recoverymonth.gov. For information about the services Eaton Behavioral Health (EBH) offers, visit www.barryeatonhealth.org. To schedule an appointment with EBH, call (517) 543-2580.

-From the Barry-Eaton District Health Department

Article posted on September 13th 2017. - Article Permalink