Widener receives $1.35 million for opioid treatment training
CHESTER >> Sanjay Nath, an associate professor in the Graduate Clinical Psychology Program, was awarded a three-year, $1.35 million in grant funding through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to launch an integrated care treatment program for individuals who battle Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and Substance Use Disorders (SUD).
“In cities and towns across the United States, the opioid epidemic has left a devastating trail of loss and addiction that has impacted the lives of families and the health of our communities,” said Nath. “This funding will enable us to focus on community-based, interdisciplinary training that will prepare students with the high-impact learning experiences needed to address one of our nation’s most vexing problems.”
The grant, which is the largest of its kind awarded at Widener, will fund clinical psychology, social work, occupational therapy, and nursing students, as well as faculty from these disciplines, to work in partnership with community agencies.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), approximately 11.4 million people misused prescription opioids in 2017. Pennsylvania is experiencing a major OUD, SUD and overdose crisis. Data collected in 2017 identified the state as having the thirdhighest rate of overdose in the U.S. at 44.3 per 100,000 people, a statistic double the national average. That same year approximately 5,500 Pennsylvania residents were lost to overdose. Within the state, Delaware County has been particularly impacted by the opioid and overdose crises with the highest number of overdose reversals in 2017.
The program will employ an integrated care model, which is shown by research to be a best practice for treating an epidemic and achieving inter-professional teamwork and learning outcomes. By working with professionals across various disciplines, the students will learn how to coordinate medical, physical, social, and mental health services. Similarly, they will learn how to address the multiple issues and needs often associated with individuals struggling with addiction including chronic illness, housing insecurity, incarceration, interpersonal violence, and employment.
The grant is part of HRSA’s Opioid Workforce Expansion Programs for Professionals and Paraprofessionals that is aimed at expanding the pipeline of professionals who gain exposure to OUD and SUD treatment. Providing students with this kind of hands-on learning will not only enrich their academic experiences but encourage a career dedicated to addressing these problems within highneed, high-demand communities. For more information about Widener University, visit www.widener.edu/.
Krueger invites veterans to lunch Oct. 25
State Rep. Leanne Krueger invites local veterans and their family members to her complimentary Veterans Lunch, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25 at the American Legion Hall Post 926, 3220 Concord Road, Aston Township.
Information on state and local resources for veterans will be available, and a light lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. The Pennsylvania Mobile Veterans Outreach Van will be on site to help accredited veterans and family members access needed benefits such as disability, health care, pension, education, career assistance and more.
The event is free, but RSVP is required. Anyone interested should call Krueger’s office at 610-534-6880 to sign up or ask questions.
First Presbyterian Church of Glenolden seeks volunteers and donors for annual Thanksgiving dinner
The First Presbyterian Church of Glenolden has been feeding the needy, elderly, homeless, sick, and home bound on Thanksgiving Day for 26 years. Last Thanksgiving, volunteers were able to deliver over 1600 free prepared meals to people in 38 towns and boroughs in Delaware County. They also were able to provide a free sit-down Thanksgiving meal to over 170 people.
According to church members, “Each year, the Holy Spirit inspires caring individuals, friends, and families from all over Delaware County to come together to deliver, prepare and make financial donations, so we can continue to show God’s Love to our neighbors.” Many citizens and agencies such as hospice, Schoolhouse Senior Center, Senior Community Services, and Senior Victims refer individuals and families for help.
In order to provide Thanksgiving dinner for so many, the church seeks donations of cooked and uncooked turkeys, pies, and monetary gifts so volunteers can buy mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, green beans, rolls, yams and other groceries for the meals.
Anyone who wishes to help with donations, or to volunteer their time to make this effort another success, can contact Debbie at 610-4577442 or Norma at 610-6086012. Financial donations are tax deductible and can be sent to the First Presbyterian Church of Glenolden,
2 South Chester Pike, Glenolden, Pa 19036. People are asked to write “Thanksgiving Ministry” in the memo line on the check.
People are also asked to spread the word to anyone who is in need of a meal or can help provide one. For more information, visit glenoldenpresbytery.org.
Bake sale at Riddle Hospital helps cancer patients
The Cancer Advisory Committee of the Cancer Center at Riddle Hospital will host a bake sale, beginning 8 a.m., Monday, Oct. 28. All proceeds go to help the cancer patients and their families. The Committee provides snacks, coffee, tea, and lunches at the center through the fundraising. The latest project is a blanket warmer.
Holy Family Regional Catholic School announces 2019 Winter Ball honorees
Holy Family Regional Catholic School will hold its annual Winter Ball 7-11 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 in Degnan Hall, located behind the school located at 3265 Concord Road in Aston. Tickets cost $50. Holy Family Regional School will honor Anne Jennings with the Distinguished Alumni Award; Ed Dougherty with the Holy Family Leadership Award; and Carly Aquino with the Colleen Betzal Young Alumni Award.
The Winter Ball, now in its third year, is a fundraising event in celebration of Catholic education. For tickets or information, contact Bill DeFeo, 610-308-3057 or wmjdiii@aol.com. Sponsorships are also available.
Penncrest After Prom committee holds Hawaiian luau bag bingo
Penncrest High School will hold Hawaiian Luau Designer Bag Bingo 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15 in the Penncrest High School Cafeteria. Tickets cost $30 in advance and $35 at the door and all proceeds will benefit the Penncrest After Prom event. All checks should be made payable to AMProm. For tickets or more information, text AMPROM to 1-844-544-7171 or visit www.PenncrestAMPROM.org/.
HEAD strong Foundation hosts community blood drive
The HEAD strong Foundation will host an American Red Cross blood drive 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 at the Ridley Community Center, Morton Ave., Ridley Township.
Donors of all blood types are urgently needed to donate blood in support of those fighting cancer, patients with sickle cell disease and others facing serious illness.
One single blood donation could help save three lives.
To sign up, visit www.redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code HEAD strong.