Resources & Links
RESOURCES
Vineyard Nursing Association Stroke Support Group
The stroke survivor's support group is a "mutual-help" group comprised of stroke survivors and caregivers who come together in an atmosphere of compassion, acceptance, and emotional support. While there are no easy answers to the challenges that a stroke can create, the group members sharing of common experiences can serve to help ease frustrations and find new solutions. The group has occasionally invited professionals to come to share information pertinent to stroke issues; recently a registered dietician spoke with the group. Most importantly, new friendships have been made, strengths have been uncovered and successes have been celebrated during the meetings.
The group meets on the fourth Thursday of the month from 4:00 to 5:30 at the VNA offices. New members are always welcomed!
For more information, please conatct Karen Meeks, LICSW 508-687-7147
Martha’s Vineyard Cancer Support Group
The goal of the MV Cancer Support Group is to help enhance the quality of life for Vineyard cancer patients, survivors and families by providing temporary and emergency financial assistance for related health care needs.
Telephone: 508-627-7958
Vineyard Village at Home
The mission of Vineyard Village at Home to help older Vineyarders continue to live in their own homes by providing them access to a wide range of volunteer, household, health, social, and professional services that will ensure their safety and comfort. To that end, we will work cooperatively with health and social services on the Island, integrating their offerings into a single resource for members, supplementing services as needed.
Telephone: 508-693-3038
Website: www.vineyardvillage.org
Email: vineyardvillage@gmail.com
Vineyard Health Care Access Program
The Vineyard Health Care Access Program assists residents of Martha's Vineyard to obtain affordable, high-quality health care.
Contact Sarah Kuh MPH, Program Director
Telephone: 508-696-0020 x11
E-mail: skuh@vineyardhealthaccess.org
Respiratory Home Services
Since 1975, Respiratory Home Services has provided in-home medical equipment, respiratory services, and supportive care to patients, their families and caregivers. Care is complementary to that provided with nursing services and hospice care, supporting the transition from hospital to home. Safe and comprehensive solutions have been developed to meet patient requirements.Director John Curelli, RRT, believes that care is an optimal combination of professionalism and compassion, with an infusion of humor. Support for patients on Martha’s Vineyard Island is provided with thoroughness and concern for the patient and the health care system.
Respiratory Home Services Staff is available 24 hours, seven days a week. The company is the sole provider on Martha's Vineyard of medical equipment for use in the home. Delivery to the patient is provided in a timely manner with expert instructions in safe and appropriate operation. This equipment includes:
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Oxygen therapy equipment, pportable and stationary
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Oxygen concentrators
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Medication nebulizers
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Bi-Pap, C-Pap
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Durable medical equipment including: electric hospital beds, alternating air mattresses, assistive and adpative equipment, commodes, wheelchairs, (manual and power), consumable healthcare supplies.
Respiratory Home Services maintains national accreditation with the Community Health Accreditation Program, and contractual licenses with Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, and many PPO and HMO. It is the Preferred Provider of Vineyard Nursing Association, Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard, and the Wampanoag Tribal Health Service. It maintains a strong alliance with the physicians of Martha’s Vineyard Hospital and major health care facilities of the Boston area.
For more information: 508-693-4380
Martha’s Vineyard Hospital
Martha's Vineyard Hospital is a 15-bed, Critical Access Hospital dedicated to meeting the healthcare needs of an Island community. The Hospital serves a population that fluctuates from approximately 15,700 year-round residents to some 105,000 summer residents and visitors.
Contact the hospital at 508-693-0410 or
info@mvhospital.com.
Councils on Aging:
Edgartown Council on Aging: 508-627-4368
Oak Bluffs Council on Aging : 508-693-4509
Tisbury Council on Aging : 508-696-4205
Up Island Council on Aging : 508-693-2896
Elder Abuse Hotline: 1-800-244-4630
Meals on Wheels: 508-693-4393
CHAP- The Community Health Accreditation Program
The Vineyard Nursing Association achieved CHA accreditation in 2008.
The Community Health Accreditation Program, Inc. (CHAP) is an independent, non-profit accrediting body. It was the first accrediting body for community-based health care organizations in the United States and was created in 1965 as a joint venture between the American Public Health Association (APHA) and the National League for Nursing (NLN). These organizations brought to fruition the futuristic view that accreditation was the needed mechanism for recognizing excellence in community health practice.
CHAP was granted “deeming authority” by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in 1992 for home health and in 1999, for hospice. This means that instead of state surveys, CHAP has regulatory authorization to survey agencies providing home health and hospice services, to determine whether they meet the Medicare Conditions of Participation (COPs).
Visiting Nurse Associations of America
http://www.vnaa.org/
The voice of the homecare is providing legislative and advocacy information.
Home & Health Care Association of Massachusetts
www.hhcam.org
As a non-profit trade association, the Alliance provides representation, education, communication, advocacy, and ultimately, a voice for the home care community, their staff, and their patients. Their mission is to "unite people and organizations to advance community health through care and services in the home."
National Association for Home Care & Hospice
www.nahc.org
The National Association for Home Care & Hospice is the nation's largest trade association representing the interests and concerns of home care agencies, hospices, and home care aide organizations.
Massachusetts Council for Home Care Aide Service
http://www.nahc.org/stateforum/directory.html#ma
The state chapter of the National Association for Home Care & Hospice, representing the interests and concerns of home care agencies, hospices, and home care aide organizations.
American Association of Retired People (AARP)
www.aarp.org
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for people age 50 and over and is dedicated to enhancing quality of life for all as they age. The AARP web site offers important health information and detailed information about choosing the Medicare Drug Plan that is best for you.
National Breast Cancer Coalition
www.natlbcc.org
The National Breast Cancer Coalition is the nation's largest breast cancer advocacy group with hundreds of member organizations and tens of thousands of individual members. NBCC's sister organization, the National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund, empowers and trains their members to be effective in every aspect of the fight to end breast cancer. It gives women the tools to make their own informed decisions and to work beside legislative, scientific and clinical decision makers. Once trained, these advocates represent NBCC as they influence public policies that impact breast cancer research, diagnosis and treatment.
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
www.komen.org
For more than 20 years, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation has been a global leader in the fight against breast cancer through its support of innovative research and community-based outreach programs. Working through a network of U.S. and international Affiliates and events like the Komen Race for the Cure®, the Komen Foundation is fighting to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by funding research grants and supporting education, screening and treatment projects in communities around the world.
WebMD.com
www.webmd.com
The WebMD content staff blends award-winning expertise in medicine, journalism, health communication and content creation to present the best health information possible. Colleagues at MedicineNet.com are frequent contributors to WebMD and comprise their Medical Editorial Board. Their Independent Medical Review Board continuously reviews the site for accuracy and timeliness.
