Prevention Focus of March 26 Summit

The Ohio Valley Chapter of the State Health Education Council is sponsoring a workshop called "Current Trends in Community Health: Prevention is Key" on March 26 at the Mountainside Conference Center in Bethany.

The event will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Participants will:

-- Learn strategies to increase public awareness of potential health threats without causing panic in the community.
-- Understand the dynamics of novel illness and social settings.
-- Recognize some of the symptoms and signs of the H1N1 and flu virus.
-- Understand what to do and who to contact if they suspect the presence of H1N1/flu virus.
-- Recognize the symptoms and signs of prescription drug abuse in children and adults.
-- Gain knowledge of the dangers and economic impact prescription drug abuse has on WV families and communities.
-- Understand what to do and who to contact if they suspect prescription abuse.
-- Discuss the appeal of using depressants, stimulants and/or opiods.
-- Understand effects of stress on the mind and body.
-- Identify and implement ways to manage stress.
-- Identify high-risk behaviors that result in increased incidence of STDs.
-- Identify the signs and symptoms of the most common STDs.
-- Identify ways to protect from STDs.

The presenters include Dara Pond, Region VI coordinator for the West Virginia Adolescent Health Initiative; Karen McClain, administrator of Brooke County Health Department and director of the Bethany College Community Wellness Program; John Walters, coordinator/director the Northern West Virginia Health Education Center; Anne Martin, community development specialist with the West Virginia Prevention Resource Center; Carole Scheerbaum, certified prevention specialist through the West Virginia Certification Board for Addiction and Prevention Professionals; and Patricia A. Owens, director of nursing for the Marshall County Health Department.

The cost of the workshop is $35. The registration deadline is Friday, March 19. Five hours of continuing education units have been applied for from the following professional organizations: WV Certification Board for Addiction and Prevention Professionals; WV Board of Examiners in Counseling; WV Nursing Board; WV Board of Social Work Examiners; and the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing. Five hours of CEUs have been applied for WV STARS through the Northern Panhandle Head Start.

For more information, call Carole Scheerbaum at (304) 564-3805.