Page 55 - Healthcare News July-August 2020

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HNE Donates $2,500 to MHA to Support Recovery-coaching Program
SPRINGFIELD — Due to the impact and disruptions COVID-19 is causing for area families, indi- viduals, and businesses, Health New England (HNE) is responding with its COVID-19 Response Mini Grant program, according to Katie Bruno, Public Health and Wellness Program manager for HNE.
“Health New England’s CO- VID-19 Response Mini Grant provides flexible resources to
local nonprofit organizations that are supporting our most vulner- able communities impacted by COVID-19,” Bruno said. “We are pleased to announce a grant award of $2,500 to the Mental Health As- sociation to help the agency pro- vide needed supports for people in recovery from substance use who must shelter in their homes as a result of the current health crisis. The population MHA expects to serve with this funding is espe- cially vulnerable to the resulting health risks of isolation, anxiety, and depression. We are pleased
to support this critical and timely response.”
According to Sara Kendall, vice president of Clinical Operations for MHA, Health New England’s $2,500 grant will support two MHA guides/certified recovery coaches who will establish and maintain frequent, intensive con- nections with individuals served via phone and/or teleconferenc- ing. Health New England’s grant
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significant contributions to the goals of the organization through demonstrated leadership, member recruitment, and committee work.
Tulgan, a nationally recognized expert in the field of medical education, has held the position of director of Continuing Medical Education at Baystate Wing Hospital since 2008. He has been an active member of the MMS for more than
50 years, was president of the Berkshire District Medical Society from 1976 to 1978, and was the district Clinician of the Year in 2011.
“Dr. Tulgan brings a remarkable perspective and unique insight into the work of the MMS. He has been a great mentor and collaborator for the chair of the committee on medical education and for the other education committees,” said Dr. Michael Rosenblum, who leads the medical society’s committee on medical education. “His attention to detail and thoughtful approach
cial because it will fund more highly, personal- ized intensive recovery services for a shorter period of time.”
Kendall explained that the MHA guides will as- sess the current situation of each individual served via a wellness plan to help identify their needs, and then work with them to access resources in the community
that meet those needs. Guides will utilize MHA’s TeleWell telehealth app, which enables face-to- face virtual interaction via smartphone, tablet, or computer. In cases where interaction in person is warranted, and as Massachusetts reopen- ing restrictions permit,
it is possible for MHA guides to meet clients in person,
using social-distancing protocols and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, either at MHA’s BestLife Emotional Health and Wellness Center or in the community.
Anyone who would like to learn more about the supportive services of a MHA recovery coach/guide can call BestLife at (844) MHA- WELL.
HNE’s $2,500 grant will support the work of recovery coaches Noah Witt (left) and Dallas Clark.
funding will enable MHA to pro- vide intensive recovery-coaching services for people in recovery, ranging in age from young adults to elders, who have no health in- surance or whose health insurance does not cover this care.
“For people in recovery, the stress related to our current health crisis can put them at increased risk of relapse and the associated
risk of overdose death,” Kendall said. “Providing individuals with access to a social connection who has lived experience with addic- tion for guidance, as well as access to resources to help meet their individual needs, can help those served to maintain their mental and physical health and wellness in a time of heightened stress. The Health New England grant is spe-
to complex problems sets him apart from his peers.”
A cum laude graduate of Amherst College and New York University School of Medicine, Tulgan was a member of the medical staff of Berkshire Medical Center from 1962 to 2008, where he served as chair of Cardiology and the Depart- ment of Medicine, while rising to become direc- tor of Medical Education, designated institution- al official. He was formerly an associate dean at UMass Medical School in Worcester, where he is currently a professor of Medicine.
Hanlon Sworn in as President
of Massachusetts Dental Society
SOUTHBOROUGH — The Massachusetts Den- tal Society (MDS), a 5,000-member professional association and statewide constituent of the American Dental Assoc., announced that Mary- Jane Hanlon, DMD, assumed the role of presi- dent of the MDS on July 1. She was ceremonially sworn in as the 157th president of the MDS during the annual session of the MDS house of
delegates, the society’s supreme authoritative body, held Jan. 29 in Boston.
“In her roles within the MDS and organized dentistry to date, Dr. Hanlon brings unique ex- perience, valuable perspectives, and a passion for dentistry that is contagious,” Executive Director Conor McNulty said. “We are excited and hon- ored to have her lead the organization at such a pivotal time in dentistry and healthcare for the coming year.”
Hanlon most recently served on the MDS board of trustees as president-elect. She succeeds Janis Moriarty, DMD, who will continue to serve on the MDS board as immediate past president. Hanlon is only the fourth woman to serve as president in the society’s history.
Hanlon is associate dean for Clinical Affairs and assistant professor in the department of Comprehensive Care at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. She joined the school, her alma mater, as a full-time faculty member in 2014 after maintaining a private general dental practice in Lexington for 15 years.