Baxter Regional Medical Center - Community Health and Education Houses

What is it?

The four Community Health and Education Houses provide support in four areas of living: cancer, diabetes, aging, and women’s issues. The goal of the Peitz Cancer Support House, which is one of only 17 such houses nationwide, is to provide free comprehensive support services in a home-like environment for cancer patients and their families from diagnosis through treatment and beyond. Through the Reppell Diabetes Learning Center, patients and their families can receive information and take instruction classes on ways to manage both Type I and Type II diabetes. With more than 4,000 new cases being diagnosed every 24 hours, the goal of this house is to provide social support and family involvement through courses that will teach and encourage long-time diabetics as well as newly diagnosed diabetics.

The Mruk Family Education Center On Aging addresses all matters that relate to older adults. The goal of MFECOA is to implement both educational programs and an information portal that will serve the needs of the area’s aging population. Programs and information also are made available to the families of these individuals. Finally, the Schliemann Center for Women’s Health Education was established for women of all ages. Its goals are to help women choose a pathway for complete wellness and balance in everyday life, to inspire and motivate women to make positive changes, and to support women during all phases of life and health.

Who is it for?

Area children and adults.

Why do they do it?

By providing free health programs and services as well as food management classes and classes in making better lifestyle choices, these houses help children and adults of all ages meet their individual health needs.

Impact

The four Community Health Education Houses benefit patients and their families by providing support and educational training to them in one place without the need for referrals. No one is ever turned away. These houses also can put patients in touch with physicians and other community services. Physicians, likewise, refer their patients to these houses when needed. Outcomes for each of the four Community Health and Education Houses have been beyond all expectations. In the last annual reporting period, the Peitz Cancer Support House served and supported 11,371 patients and families. The Reppell Diabetes Learning Center served and supported 3,000 patients and their families. The Mruk Family Education Center On Aging helped 2,859 patients and their families. In 2014, the Schliemann Center for Women’s Health Education served and supported 839 women and their families.

Contact: Becky Rose
Director, Volunteer Services
Telephone: 870-508-1064
Email: brose@baxterregional.org