Tuesday, December 31, 2013

myhealthfinder

Want to start your new year healthy but are not sure how to?

myhealthfinder is a preventative services tool created by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Just enter your age, gender, and pregnancy status to discover a wide range of tips to stay healthy! Talk with your doctor or nurse about which recommendations are right for you. The tool can also be used to find services recommended for a child, parent, spouse, or friend.

myhealthfinder recommendations come from the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF), the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the Bright Futures (BF) Guidelines, and the Institute of Medicine's (IOM) Committee on Preventive Services for Women. The recommended services are covered under the Affordable Care Act. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get these services at no cost to you. 

Visit myhealthfinder at http://healthfinder.gov/myHealthfinder/

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Disclaimer:  Please note the information provided above may be subject to change. Contact the respective organization to ensure the most current information. Updated on 12/31/13.

Friday, December 27, 2013

The Crisis & Resource Program of the International Cultural Center (ICC)

The Crisis & Resource Program, a project of the ICC, uses a holistic and integrative approach to assist clients in accessing social services, while providing case management, mentoring, and other wellness services. The program works in partnership with County government, community organizations, and schools.

Location: 19650 Club House Road, Suite 250GaithersburgMD 20886
Eligibility: Open to all Montgomery County residents. Specializes in working with Middle Eastern, South Asian, and North/East/West African immigrants due to the program's enhanced cultural proficiency and linguistic capacity to work with individuals and families from these regions.
Cost: Free
Services offered:
  • Referrals and assistance with accessing services, including health, education, employment, housing, food, and crisis response
  • Individual and group mentoring/support
  • Language interpretation
For more information, please email nouf@theicc.net or call 240-396-5350.

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Disclaimer: Please note the information provided above may be subject to change. Contact the respective organization to ensure the most current information. Updated on 12/27/13.

Monday, December 23, 2013

Happy Holidays!

We cannot believe yet another year has flown by! AAHI had a busy, but great year of health outreach and education in the local community. We are excited to see what 2014 has in store for us. We would like to thank all of our Steering Committee members, community partners, Health Promoters, and staff for such a successful year!

On behalf of AAHI, we wish everyone a safe, fun, and happy holiday season. We look forward to ringing in a healthy start to 2014 with each and every one of you!


Friday, December 20, 2013

Asian and Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund (APIASF)


Deadline: Friday, January 10, 2014
Award Amount: $2,500 - $15,000

Based in Washington, D.C., the APIASF is the nation's largest non-profit organization devoted to providing college scholarships for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI). APIASF works to create opportunities for students to access, complete, and succeed after post-secondary education; thereby developing future leaders who will excel in their career, serve as role models in their communities, and will ultimately contribute to a vibrant America. Since 2003, APIASF has distributed more than $70 million in scholarships to deserving AAPI students. APIASF manages two scholarship programs: APIASF's general scholarship and the Gates Millennium Scholars/Asian Pacific Islander Americans funded by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Minimum Eligibility Criteria
  • Be of Asian and/or Pacific Islander ethnicity as defined by the U.S. Census
  • Be a citizen, national, or legal permanent resident of the United States. Citizens of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau are also eligible to apply. 
  • Be enrolling in a U.S. accredited college or university in the fall of 2014 
  • Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale (unweighted) or have earned a GED
  • Must apply for federal financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 15
  • Submit one letter of recommendation online
For more information, please visit online at http://www.apiasf.org.

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Disclaimer: Please note the information provided above may be subject to change. Contact the respective organization to ensure the most current information. Updated on 12/20/13.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Montgomery County Seeks Volunteers!


Two volunteer orientation sessions will be held for those interested:
Date/times: Friday, December 20 at 11:00am and 1:00pm
Location: Mid-County Regional Services Center
                2424 Reedie Drive
                Wheaton, MD 20902

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) partnership is seeking volunteers to assist residents with free tax help. This partnership is sponsored by the Community Action Agency, a part of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, and serves eligible low-income residents with free tax preparation.

VITA volunteers will work from late January to mid-April as tax preparers, greeters, screeners, interpreters, and resource navigators. They will have flexible hours at locations in East Silver Spring/Takoma Park, Gaithersburg, Rockville, and Wheaton. Free training is provided on-site and online, with certification as a tax preparer by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) upon successful completion.

If interested, please call 240-777-1123, email VITA@montgomerycountymd.gov, or visit http://volunteer.truist.com/mcvc/org/opp/10494470271.html.

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Disclaimer: Please note the information provided above may be subject to change. Contact the respective organization to ensure the most current information. Updated on 12/18/13.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

National Institutes of Health (NIH) Health Disparities Seminar


Presentation Title: The Role of Health Literacy in Health Outcomes and Health Disparities
Date/Time: Thursday, December 19, 2013; 2:00pm-3:00pm
Location: NIH Campus
                Natcher Conference Center, Building 45; Main Auditorium
                45 Center Drive
                Bethesda, MD 20892

NIH welcomes Dr. Michael Paasche-Orlow, Associate Professor of Medicine at the Boston University School of Medicine, as the featured speaker for the NIH Health Disparities Seminar. The presentation will discuss the impact of limited health literacy and its relationship to health outcomes and health disparities in the United States.

Additional Information:
  • There is limited parking on the NIH campus. 
  • The closest Metro stop is Medical Center.
  • Please allow adequate time for security check.
  • The seminar will be video cast and made available in the NIH video archives and on the NIMHD website after the seminar.
  • Sign language interpreters will be provided. 
  • Individuals with disabilities who need reasonable accommodations to participate should contact Edgar Dews at 301-402-1366 or the Federal Relay at 1-800-877-8339.
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Disclaimer: Please note the information provided above may be subject to change. Contact the respective organization to ensure the most current information. Updated on 12/17/13.

Monday, December 16, 2013

Neighborhood Opportunity Network Center

Days/Times: Monday to Thursday, 9:00am – 4:00pm (Closed 12:00pm – 1:00pm)
                    Friday, 9:00am – 2:00pm (Closed 11:00am – 12:00pm)
                    Closed Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays
Location: 610 E. Diamond Avenue, Suite 100, Gaithersburg, MD 20877
Cost: Free

Do you need help applying for assistance with utility bills, rent, food, health care, or foreclosure prevention?

The Gaithersburg Neighborhood Opportunity Network (NON) site offers free assistance with applications and referrals to emergency services and other resources. Staff members are available to:
  • Help customers with accessing assistance for emergency services – utilities, rent, food, health care, legal matters, foreclosure prevention, financial literacy, employment, etc.
  • Help with the application submission process and referrals to emergency services and other resources
  • Help translate
  • Collaborate with other local nonprofit providers – Community Clinics, Inc. (CCI); Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); Guide; Gaithersburg HELP; Manna Food; Housing Initiative Partnership, Inc. (HIP); The Dwelling Place; Teen and Young Adult Health Connection (TAYA); Spanish Catholic Center; Upper Montgomery Assistance Network (UMAN); etc.
Community Sponsors:
The site is sponsored by the following Neighbors Campaign partners: Family Services, Inc.; Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services; City of Gaithersburg; Impact Silver Spring; Interfaith Works; and The Community Foundation.

For additional information, please visit online at http://www.familyservicesagency.org or call 301-840-4080.

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Disclaimer: Please note the information provided above may be subject to change. Contact the respective organizations to ensure the most current information. Updated on 12/16/13.  

Thursday, December 12, 2013

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) Multicultural Planners are Here!


Would you like 2014 to be "A Year of Health" for you and your family? Look no further! The National Institutes of Health has created free multicultural planners to help guide you, your family, and your community to a healthy 2014. Please take a look: http://1.usa.gov/1aJdVzr.

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Disclaimer: Please note the information provided above may be subject to change. Contact the respective organization to ensure the most current information. Updated on 12/12/13.

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

AAHI Seeking Health Promoters!

Are you interested in Asian American health and looking for hands-on experience in the public health field? AAHI is currently seeking part-time applicants who are fluent in English and another Asian language (speaking, reading, and writing) for our Health Promoters Program. Health Promoters are bilingual advocates who attend outreach events, provide health education, and link community members to local health services.


For more information on the qualifications and how to apply, please visit the AAHI website here: http://aahiinfo.org/get-involved/get-involved-overview/.

Please share the program description with your friends, family, and community members. This is a great opportunity for those who are interested in the public health field and wish to help diverse communities. Questions regarding the program can be directed to info@aahiinfo.org. Thanks in advance for your assistance in forwarding this opportunity to your respective groups!


Monday, December 9, 2013

Takoma Park Emergency Food Pantry & Resource Center

Location: 7001 New Hampshire Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912
Cost: Free, for eligible seniors and persons with disabilities
Requirements: On your first visit, you must provide identification for every member of your household – children and adults. Acceptable forms of identification include Social Security Cards, Food Stamps Cards, unemployment letter, proof of income, birth certificates, passports, and other legal documents.

All special-needs clients (seniors or persons with disabilities) who are eligible will have their allotment of groceries DELIVERED to their doorstep once every month in the following areas in Montgomery County: City of Takoma Park, Silver Spring, White Oak, and Wheaton.

For delivery or appointment, please visit online at www.educaresupportservices.org, email educare_ss@yahoo.com, or call 240-450-2092.

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Disclaimer: Please note the information provided above may be subject to change. Contact the respective organizations to ensure the most current information. Updated on 12/9/13.

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Look Good...Feel Better



Date: Thursday, December 12, 2013
Time: 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Location: Holy Cross Hospital, Professional and Community Education Center
                 1500 Forest Glen Road
                 Silver Spring, MD 20910
Cost: Free, registration required. To register, please visit online at http://goo.gl/UOnJht or call 301-754-8800.

You are invited to join a free, hands-on group workshop dedicated to helping female cancer patients cope with and combat the appearance-related side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Learn skin care and makeup applications, as well as demonstrations on hair and wig techniques. A free gift of a full-size name brand cosmetic will be given for use during and after the workshop.

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Disclaimer: Please note the information provided in this document may be subject to change. Contact the respective organization to ensure the most current information. Updated on 12/5/13

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

SMASH-B 2014

Save the date! The Viet Nam Medical Assistance Program (VNMAP), in partnership with AAHI, will hold their Screening, Management, Awareness, and Solutions for Hepatitis B (SMASH-B) program again this year. In 2012, SMASH-B reached out to and served over 100 Montgomery County residents. The program provides free Hepatitis B education, screenings, vaccinations, and consultation services to its participants. This year’s Screening Event will be held on Sunday, January 12, 2014 at the Executive Office Building (Ground Level), located at 101 Monroe Street, Rockville, MD 20850. All follow-up events will also take place on Sundays at the same location.

Registration will be open until December 20, 2013. Spaces are limited. Please call Ms. Emily Le at 240-406-0724 or email linh.le@vnmap.org to register. Participants must be at least 18 years old and be Montgomery County residents.