Monday, February 29, 2016

Alive and Well

Alive and Well is an alternative to traditional health care insurance programs … “like the olden days … only better,” stated Jessica Martin, wife of J. R. Martin, a Physician’s Assistant and founder of the company which provides a 24/7 medical helpline which answers questions, provides an online diagnosis, prescribes medication, orders lab tests and x-rays; and, makes referrals, as needed, to specialists for follow-up care. 

According to Ms. Martin, “studies have show 78% of ER visits could be handled over the telephone and a citizen survey found 64% would like the option of telehealth.” 

Alive and Well has three affordable membership plans, which may include general health assessments and house calls.
  
For more information or to enroll, see www.myaliveandwell.com on the internet.

Monday, February 22, 2016

SGR Learns of Family Support Center

According to FSC’s Executive Director Laura Bartschi, “respite is the key to prevention” of child abuse.  The Family Support Center (FSC) of Washington County believes in a community-centered, family-focused approach to supporting the needs of children and families.  The FSC is a non-profit organization in Saint George, Utah operating on funding from federal grants and the generosity of private groups and individuals.

FSC statistics note, the Division of Children and Family Services received 1626 referrals in 2015.  More than half – 860 – were accepted for investigation, and the largest number – 95 – were for sexual abuse of a child.  Of those referred, 1006 were placed in shelter care.

FSC provides care for children from newborn to 11-years-old.  Care provided for children ages 0-11 years old.  Respite care is provided on a first-come, first-served basis and by appointment.  Crisis care is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

All staff members are well-trained individuals with experience in areas of child safety, family preservation, and child abuse prevention.  All staff and volunteers are screened and have complete background checks. Child Care Providers also have First Aid /CPR training and Food Handlers Permits.

Rotarians were asked to help with a variety of spring cleaning and maintenance projects.  Lynn Beecher to follow up to schedule a service project.

Monday, February 8, 2016

SGR Learns of the School of Life Foundation

Today in Rotary, our speaker Jack Rolfe, Founder and Executive Director of The School of Life Foundation, states, “nationwide more than 8300 students a day drop out of school and the cost to society for crime, poverty and health care for these students is about $292,000.”

Citing statistics from Education Week, Children Trends Database. Research Date: 1.1.2014 , Rolfe said, “nearly 3,030,000 students a year will receive no diploma. Upon early termination, undereducated youth will discover 90% of all potential jobs will remain beyond their reach and nearly 75% of all crimes in the U.S. are committed by their dropout peers.

On the positive side, statistics relating to the success of The School of Life Foundation show:

·               87% of those students who complete this 30-day, after school course will graduate from high school
·               GPA scores will increase by a minimum of 12%
·               94% of students show an improvement in their attitude toward school
·               those who complete the after-school program plus 10 hours of community service will receive ½ credit toward graduation and will have their restitution hours expunged

According to Rolfe, The School of Life Foundation is currently in place in 13 Utah schools in Washington, Iron and Davis County (including Water Canyon School in Hildale and El Capitan in Colorado City) and is being considered for schools in Clark County, NV.

The cost per student for the 30-day course is $189.  Students meet 2 hours a week to discuss and complete assignments relating to the program’s 10 “A’s” – Appreciation, Attitude, Assist, Aim, Align, Action, Associate, Avoid, Adapt and Always.

“We don’t know and don’t want to know what their issues are.  We are there to teach them how to school their most difficult foe … themselves.  We teach them how to handle peer pressure and to stop thinking of themselves as ‘victims’,” notes Rolfe.

The program also invites community guest speakers who can share their stories of success over challenges.  Interested Rotarians are invited to contact Rolfe at www.schooloflifefoundation.org.