Take advantage of health programs

Dec 19, 2006 11:12:51

On Nov. 11, doctors and nurses at West Orange Health Center gave low-cost flu shots to town residents. Another flu clinic is scheduled for Dec. 2 and more influenza vaccines will be available during the following week. Flu clinics are just one of many health programs offered by the West Orange Health Department that make living in the township safe, healthy and affordable for all. Other programs include priority snow plowing for dialysis patients, men’s and women’s health education, a wide variety of services specifically for seniors, and even an upcoming rabies vaccination clinic for dogs and cats. Most recently, the Health Center implemented the Screening Access of Value to Essex Men and Women program — a partnership with doctors from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey to provide low-cost mammograms and pap smear tests to low-income, uninsured women. The SAVE program, funded by a $25,000 grant, covers all aspects of breast and cervical cancer screening, including education, early detection and prevention. Many of these programs, the new SAVE program included, are designed to help the neediest and weakest of our residents. They are especially important for people who could not otherwise afford adequate health care or sick residents with special needs. And when it comes to health care in West Orange, no one is forgotten. Therefore, West Orange residents should take advantage of the Health Center’s many programs, and not just for the obvious money-saving benefits. Chronicle staff met with representatives from the Health Department and UMDNJ this week, and it was immediately evident that the doctors, nurses and aides at the Health Center are not only qualified, but compassionate. They truly want to provide the best medical care to all township residents, regardless of what kind of health care those residents could ordinarily afford. In fact, they are already looking into ways to increase the SAVE grant next year and provide even more widespread care. In addition, the Health Center is located at John Renna Jr. House at 10 Gaston St., a central town location near Town Hall, the police station and the library. It is easy to access, has more than sufficient parking, and is completely handicapped accessible. In other words, there is no reason residents should overlook Health Center programs. The West Orange Health Department works hard to make these programs available and the Health Center is a vital and unique resource to the township. We encourage residents to take advantage of it.