Brattleboro, VT Intervention Campaign Against Underage Drinking

In late 2007, the Brattleboro Area Prevention Coalition received funding from a grant aimed at reducing underage drinking. Over 5 years, the grant allowed the coalition to build organizations and to create prevention plans and action strategies. The exciting part is that it seems like the programs are working to decrease the rate of binge drinking. The Coalition also took aim at marijuana usage because surveys showed that 47% of high school students had smoked marijuana. The media campaign "the blunt truth about marijuana" was launched, and so far both approaches appear to be working. In 2011, the rates of underage binge drinking and marijuana usage decreased more in communities that had funding from the grant than those who did not. As a future physician, this is important to understand and realize that funding for specific grants are an integral part of intervention programs. I think that it is important to support these programs as much as possible in order to benefit the entire community, and most of all, our young students.

Commentary on "Blueprint for Healthy Individuals Involves Entire Community"

"Blueprint for Health" is a program that the Department of Vermont Health Access provides. This department is also the one that is administering Vermont's health care reform plan. The Blueprint is aimed to achieve "well coordinated and seamless health services, with an emphasis on prevention and wellness for all Vermonters, while controlling the cost of care." By this definition, the Blueprint helps to push a well-developed practitioner-patient relationship. The Health Matters Blog from Brattleboro Memorial Hospital discussed how the Blueprint model involves the entire community, and that this starts with the primary care practices that emphasize a holistic approach to the patient. I believe one of the most important pieces of this relationship is mutual respect and trust that consists of the practitioner paying attention to the patient as a person and not solely as a disease. One of the best ways to do this is by getting to know your patients and their families in order to initiate a full support system for the health problems that you help them with. The Blueprint for Health model demonstrates an ease of access between practitioners and other services in terms of referral and constructing a full health team. This model enables providers to build their relationship with patients, and I hope that this continues to push mutual respect, and fully understanding your patients in the future.

Link to the article:  http://www.bmhvt.org/healthmatters/blueprint-community

Intensive Outpatient Program at Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services

Health Care and Rehabilitation Services serves both Windham and Windsor counties in Vermont. One of the services that they offer is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for patients with a substance abuse problem as well as a mental or environmental struggle. This sounds like a great program for patients in the area as it provides an in-depth program that is both supportive and comprehensive. The first phase is a Stabilization phase that is 3 3-hour group sessions over a 10-week period, and this focuses on abstinence from drugs/alcohol. This is achieved through education about the process of addiction, family issues, triggers, and coping skills. The second phase is Aftercare to continue to support people as they struggle in a substance free life. This phase is 2 2-hour weekly group sessions over 6 months. This program combines both education and treatment for those with substance problems. As a future health care provider, I am very impressed with the intensity and length of the program. It provides strong support for those who are struggling and need a little bit extra to get back to a healthy lifestyle. I will use the knowledge of this program for patients who need these facilities, and it is nice to know that there is an outpatient program that patients can utilize close to home.

Link to IOP description: http://www.hcrs.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=68&Itemid=150

Tritium Contaminated Water Found near Vermont Yankee

In June of 2012, a report was made confirming the presence of low levels of tritium in ground water and the Connecticut river near Vermont Yankee. The report says that there is no risk to human health; however, it raises the possibility of there being risks in the future. Vermont Yankee is the only nuclear reactor in the state of Vermont, and it is located in Vernon, Windham County, Vermont. Overall, tritium levels have been decreasing over the past year, which is a good thing as radiation poses health risks for women's reproductive health. In pregnant women, radiation can harm the fetus because it is much more susceptible to lower radiation doses. Children are also more susceptible. As a medical student hoping to return to the area someday, it is something to keep in mind, especially for female patients that are pregnant and work at Vermont Yankee. It is hoped that all safety precautions are being followed; however, it is very important to be mindful of the possibilities as well.

Link to the Report

Background information on Tritium