“Taking Action on Pain” Free Workshop Series Begins February 21st in Southwest Harbor

Southwest Harbor. Healthy Acadia and MDI Hospital & Health Centers are thrilled to offer a “Taking Action on Pain” series, which will begin on February 21, 2018. “Taking Action on Pain” is Healthy Acadia’s name for the Chronic Pain Self-Management Program developed through Stanford University. This evidenced-based, chronic pain self-management program is comprised of six, 2.5-hour workshops that will be held in the Community Health Center, 16 Community Lane, Southwest Harbor, on Wednesdays from 1:00pm to 3:30pm, beginning February 21 and continuing through March 28, 2018.

“Taking Action on Pain” is a free, interactive program that is open to anyone who suffers from chronic pain. Evidence demonstrates that it is the highly participative process in which the program is conducted that makes it so effective. Facilitated by two Stanford University-trained leaders, the workshops will explore tools and methods to help chronic pain sufferers manage their pain, including:

• Techniques to deal with problems such as frustration, fatigue, pain and isolation
• Appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility, and endurance
• Appropriate use of medications
• Communicating effectively with family, friends, and health professionals
• Pacing activities and rest
• Decision-making
• Evaluating new treatments

“Taking Action on Pain” offers a supportive environment for participants provide each other with mutual support and share their successes. This helps increase participants’ self-assurance in their ability to manage their health and maintain active, satisfying lives.

Workshop participants will receive a copy of the companion book, Living a Healthy Life With Chronic Pain and an audio relaxation CD, Relaxation for Mind and Body. A light snack will be provided.  There is no fee for this workshop series, however, pre-registration is required.  Contact Laura Driscoll at 460-7451 or laura.driscoll@mdihospital.org to register, or for more information about “Taking Action on Pain.”

Healthy Acadia’s “Taking Action on Pain” program is supported by Grant Number D04RH28404 from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and operating division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Machias Savings Bank Helps to Build Community Health Services

Healthy Acadia is honored to announce a $10,000 donation from Machias Savings Bank to build and sustain critical community health services across Washington and Hancock counties. The gift will enable Healthy Acadia to strengthen services in and around eight towns served by Machias Savings Bank branches, including Baileyville, Bar Harbor, Calais, Columbia, Danforth, Ellsworth, Machias, and Princeton.  

Healthy Acadia’s vision is that Hancock and Washington counties are home to diverse, vibrant communities where healthful resources are available and people work together for the common good. 

                                           

 “Our goals align with Machias Savings Bank’s community giving priorities around health and wellness as well as some economic priorities,” shared Shoshona Smith, Healthy Acadia’s Development Coordinator. “We know that community members supported by a system of community health resources are less burdened by health care costs, which means that they are more able to join and strengthen the workforce and help their communities move up the economic ladder.” 

Work in the eight communities to benefit from Machias Savings Bank’s donation to Healthy Acadia will build on community health needs in each area. Program focuses include substance prevention and treatment access, Tai Chi, cancer patient navigation, youth engagement, access to physical activity, early childhood development, diabetes prevention, and healthy food access.

Machias Savings Bank’s generosity will make a big difference in our communities. According to the American Public Health Association, every dollar spent on prevention saves $5.60 in health spending. Machias Savings Bank’s donation will be used primarily for prevention services, including examples such as those shared above. This support will to create a significant reduction in costly and burdensome health challenges, and it will help all people thrive and achieve their potential. 

To learn more about Machias Savings Bank’s work in the community, visit https://www.machiassavings.bank. To learn more about Healthy Acadia, visit www.healthyacadia.org.

For more information or to volunteer or donate, contact Shoshona at 667-7171 or Shoshona@HealthyAcadia.org.