C o m m u n i t y R e p o R tC o m m u n i t y R e p o R t

Children who grow up in poverty without access to quality health care have a greater chance of living in poverty as adults. The demands placed on Child Health Services have never been greater – our patient census has increased by more than 25% in the last year and the Carsey Institute at UNH reports that one in four Manchester children live in poverty. We are prepared for 2010 and the increased challenges the New Year will bring. Our values and care model have not changed since we began as a pediatric clinic in 1980 and we will continue to provide more than just a clinical assessment of a child.

Child Health Services believes that every child and adolescent deserves:

Ready access to coordinated and comprehensive, health-promoting, •therapeutic, preventative, and rehabilitative medical, mental health, and dental care. This care is best provided through a continuing relationship with a primary health provider who is part of a multidisciplinary team of professionals who will help achieve self-responsibility for good health habits within the patient.

To grow and develop in a physically and psychologically safe home •and school environment free of undue risk of injury, abuse, violence or exposure to environmental toxins. Additionally, every child and adolescent deserves satisfactory housing, good nutrition, a quality education, and access to community resources.

The opportunity to develop ways to cope with stressful life •experiences and to be prepared for parenthood.

To aquire a sense of efficacy, and believe they will succeed in life and •become responsible citizens within the community. They will help the next generation develop the motivation and habits necessary for similar achievement.

Fred Rusczek, MPHExecutive Director

Executive Director’s Report

The Quarterly Newsletter of Child Health Services - Winter 2010

CHS Program Fact:Over 3,000 of Manchester’s 25,484 families

are living below the poverty line.United States Census Bureau - 2007 American Community Survey

Each Tuesday after classes at The Derryfield School, Jake Harwood arrives at Child Health Services in order to tutor twelve-year-old Tyler in reading and math skills. The two get along very well and it is clear from the look on Tyler’s face that he enjoys his time with Jake.

“I find it a very enjoyable way to spend my time,” said Jake. “Tutoring doesn’t require extensive knowledge on any one subject, just a little bit of patience and the willingness to help someone else out.”

Susan Neiderman takes time out of her busy day to spend a few hours grocery shopping for our Nutrition Clinic. When a healthy snack is provided to children during their pediatric exam, the nutritionist is able to reinforce and encourage good eating habits. Susan is also there when we need her to pick up cooking supplies for our cooking classes offered to the older children and adolescents of Child Health Services.

Josh Forbis works nights at the Wal-Mart Distribution Center in Raymond, NH and has been a committed volunteer who has provided Child Health Services with all sorts of support over the past year. Josh has painted offices, moved bulky furniture, and unloaded truckloads of food for clients during the holidays. As a Wal-Mart employee, he has built up enough volunteered hours to apply for a donation through the “Volunteerism Always Pays” program.

Every day volunteers are spending time at Child Health Services, making a difference in the lives of our clients. Please contact Susan Ouellett at (603) 668.6629 or by visiting our website

www.childhealthservices.org

Grants Awarded to CHS

Child Health Services is proud to announce three grants totaling $28,000 were recently awarded to the Pediatric Clinic, Teen Health Clinic, and the Social Services Department. These grants will strengthen the delivery of service as well as support ongoing safety programs provided to clients.

The Madelaine Von Webber Trust has awarded CHS a grant for $25,000 for continued operational expenses related to providing comprehensive services to low-income and medically at-risk families in the Manchester area.

AAA Northern New England renewed its commitment to the Child Health Services child car seat and bike helmet programs with a grant award of $2,000. This grant will also provide needed support for safety awareness events such as the

annual springtime Bike Clinic.

Coldwell Banker Real Estate recently awarded the Teen Health Clinic at Child Health Services with a $1,000 grant designated to help defray the cost of eyeglasses, preventative dental care, or mental health counseling for our teen clients who do not have insurance to cover such expenses.

From new children’s books to digital ther-mometers to underwrit-ing the health care cost of a child, thank you for your generous contri-butions towards our “Holiday Wish List.”

If you haven’t had the opportunity to contrib-ute towards the “Wish List,” visit our website: childhealthservices.org/ While you are there, take a moment to sign up for our email newsletters and help us become more efficient with your donations while reducing our carbon footprint.

Volunteering

Wish List Update

Child Health Services recently hosted legendary folk singer-songwriter Tom Rush as a kick-off to our 30th Anniversary Celebration. The evening brought together many long-time friends and new faces. Tom really lit up the night recalling stories of his early musical career and made many humorous references to how life is much different as he ages. He stated that he was in awe of the work we do at Child Health Services and was proud to be a part of our special anniversary.

Tom Rush Performs for CHS

Medical Director Report

CHS Program Fact:

According to U.S. Census data and the 2009 Community Needs Assessment,

approximately 42% of Manchester children 0-6 years of age are living at or

below 185% of the federal poverty level.

The Pediatric Clinic has been very busy with the dual challenge of a fall and winter season that has combined the normal seasonal flu with the H1N1 influenza epidemic. The clinic staff diligently organized our patients into three categories of risk (1) patients with asthma (2) households with young infants (3) children under 18 years. To date, more than 93% of our children and adolescent clients have been vaccinated against the H1N1 and the regular seasonal flu resulting in the most effective Flu Clinics we’ve ever run. This has been a tremendous accomplishment for our medical staff and we are all very proud of the combined effort of everyone involved.

Walk-in flu vaccination clinics will continue to be available for our clients during clinic hours on Mondays and Saturdays. Call (603) 668-6629 for more information.

Meet Sandrine. She has been a patient of the CHS Teen Health Clinic since July 2008 and her past is not unlike many of our clients.

Sandrine was born in Rwanda in March of 1990 - the year the Rwandan Civil War began in earnest. Both of her parents were killed in the war and when she was ten years old, she came to New Hampshire as a refugee. She was placed in foster care but eventually aged out of the system and was left homeless. Sandrine applied to the Transitional Living Program – a program for teens offered through Child and Family Services. However, in order to complete the application, she needed a physical examination and was referred to the Teen Health Clinic at Child Health Services because she did not have any insurance. Sandrine was able to get her physical exam and remains a client of ours to this day.

The support and care Sandrine received through our clinic made all the difference in providing a chance for her to succeed. She has just completed her first semester at New England College and earned excellent grades for her work. During her breaks from school, she plans on returning to the Teen Health Clinic as a mentor to teens struggling with some of the same challenges she has overcome. Sandrine credits the Teen Health Clinic with providing her the support and encouragement to go on to college and get an education.

Child Health Services is pleased to welcome two new AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers to our team. Caitlin Stevenson is currently working on writing an extensive grant which will expand services within the Pediatric Clinic and Social Services Department. Marie Gagnon will be studying the impact of the Child Health Services model for a healthy child on client students within one Manchester elementary school.

Both women have dedicated their entire year to voluntarily work at Child Health Services through the VISTA program. Caitlin and Marie are combining their diverse skill-set to help children succeed in their lives and already have had a big impact in the short time they have been with us.

AmeriCorps VISTA is a national program which devoted young professionals give one year of their lives immersed in a community organization. Typically placed in non-profits dedicated to combating poverty and eliminating barriers to health care, VISTA volunteers have been placed at Child Health Services for many years. We have the great distinction of being a part of the The Manchester VISTA Program which serves the greater Manchester region through 18 different non-profit and government entities.

AmeriCoprs VISTA Volunteers Working at CHS

CHS Client Profile

1245 Elm StreetManchester, NH 03101(603) 668-6629www.childhealthservices.org

Child Health Services NON PROFIT ORG.

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Manchester, NH 03101Permit #361

CHS Open HouseMarch 24, 2010

4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.Refreshments served and tours conductedCome meet our doctors and amazing staff!

Child Health Services is excited to announce the 3rd Annual Mothers Breakfast to be held at C.R. Sparks in Bedford, NH. A full breakfast will be served at 7:30 a.m. Tiffany Eddy, WMUR-TV news anchor, will serve as Master of Ceremonies.

Bringing together business leaders, collaborating non-profits and other area supporters, the Mothers Breakfast celebrates and recognizes mothers and those community members who have helped nurture children in large and small ways to lead healthier lives.

Support for the event is made possible through generous business and individual sponsors. If you are interested in getting involved or sponsoring the event – please contact Susan Ouellett at (603) 668.6629 ext. 217 for more information.

S AV E T H E D AT E : M AY 5 , 2 0 1 0

3 r d A n n u a l M o t h e r s B r e a k f a s t

Photo Credit: Headshots Photography