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[Familyhealthnotes] Family Health Notes - April 2017

Institute for Disability Studies

Family Health Notes

April 2017

Inside this issue:

1) Health and Education Empowerment Day – April 29, Poplarville

2) “Let's Talk About It” Educational Seminar – April 8, Jackson

3) 2017 Mississippi disAbility MegaConference – June 15-16, Jackson

4) MegaConference Awards Nominations – Deadline April 21

5) U.S. Department of Education Seeks Comments on New IDEA Website

6) New Health Section on PACER’s National Parent Center on Transition Website

7) Reaching People in Multiple Languages

_______________________________________________________________

1) Health and Education Empowerment Day – Apr. 29, Poplarville

Are you the parent of a child with a disability or special health care need? Learn how to be a more effective partner in your child’s health care and education. Attend the free Health and Education Empowerment Day for families of children with disabilities on Sat., Apr. 29, from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. at Pearl River Community College in the Crosby Hall Olivia Bender Cafeteria at 101 Highway 11 North in Poplarville. Learn about care coordination and medical home, Medicaid waivers, IEP services, procedural safeguards, advocacy and communication, People First language and disability etiquette. There will be a panel on bullying that features the reporting process and a glimpse into actions and reactions from both sides. The Health and Education Empowerment Day is sponsored by the Mississippi Family to Family project of the Institute for Disability Studies, The Arc of Mississippi and LIFE of Mississippi. Parents, advocates, educators and medical professionals can benefit from this training which will feature local and statewide resource information. CEUs have been applied for. For more information, contact Family to Family Parent Coordinator Keishawna Smith at 1.866.883.4474 or ksmith@ihl.state.ms.us.

2) “Let's Talk About It” Educational Seminar – April 8, Jackson

Join the Mississippi Sickle Cell Foundation for an educational seminar on Sat., Apr. 8, from 10 a.m. until 12 noon at the Jackson Medical Mall Community Room at 350 West Woodrow Wilson Avenue in Jackson. Mississippi Family to Family Parent Coordinator Keishawna Smith will be one of the speakers. For more information, call Keishawna at 601.432.6929.

3) 2017 Mississippi disAbility MegaConference – June 15-16, Jackson

The Mississippi disAbility MegaConference is the state’s largest conference for people with disabilities, their families, and professionals. Presenters and exhibitors share the latest information and innovations about topics such as health care, education, employment, mental health, safety, and much more! For more information or to register, visit http://msmegaconference.org/.

4) MegaConference Awards Nominations – Deadline April 21

Do you know a person, several people or an organization doing stellar work to progress the IDEA or the ADA? Don’t let their hard work go unnoticed, nominate them for the 2017 Mississippi disAbility MegaConference Champion of the ADA or Champion of IDEA Awards. For more information and nomination forms, visit http://msmegaconference.org/awards.

5) U.S. Department of Education Seeks Comments on New IDEA Website

The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) is seeking input from users of the website, IDEA.ed.gov, as part of their effort to provide updated, easy-to-navigate IDEA resources to children with disabilities and their families, teachers, administrators, advocates, and other stakeholders. OSERS has posted a blog for comments. OSERS appreciates suggestions for improving their online resources to ensure that infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities and their families have the supports and services they are entitled to under the IDEA. To leave a comment, visit http://bit.ly/2lSZzvr.

6) New Health Section on PACER’s National Parent Center on Transition and Education Website

The new health section on PACER’s National Parent Center on Transition and Education (NPCTE) website includes a rich variety of resources and specific information on important issues such as health transition planning and the IEP, transitioning to health care providers who serve adults, building self-advocacy and self-care management skills, and financing your young adult’s health care. In addition, the health section of the website includes a comprehensive health assessment transition planning checklist, designed to be completed by parents and youth together. Visit the new website at http://www.pacer.org/transition/learning-center/health/.

7) Reaching People in Multiple Languages

The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) envisions an America in which all populations will have an equal opportunity to live long, healthy, and productive lives. NIMHD is committed to supporting research and communications efforts to improve cultural competency and health literacy. NIMHD offers a language access portal as a resource to stakeholders who work with health disparity populations with limited English proficiency to help improve language access to health information produced by the National Institutes of Health and other federal agencies. For more information and to access the portal, visit https://www.nimhd.nih.gov/programs/edu-training/language-access/index.html.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Family Health Notes~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Family Health Notes is sponsored by the Institute for Disability Studies (IDS), Mississippi’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) at The University of Southern Mississippi. IDS provides university training, community service activities, research and information that promote the independence, productivity, and community inclusion of individuals with disabilities and their families. For more information about IDS, visit http://www.usm.edu/disability-studies or call 1.888.671.0051 (TTY). To make a tax-deductible gift to IDS, visit http://www.usm.edu/disability-studies/support-ids.

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[Familyhealthnotes] Family Health Notes - March 2017

Institute for Disability Studies

Family Health Notes

March 2017

Inside this issue:

1) IDS Gulf Park Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day – March 23, Long Beach

2) A Young Person’s Guide to Health Care Transition

3) Gospel Benefit Concert for the Mississippi Sickle Cell Foundation – March 25, Jackson

4) Family Voices Washington DC Update

5) March is National Nutrition Month

6) Health Access for Independent Living Factsheets

7) Transition Planning: The Role of Families of Youth/Young Adults with Behavioral Health Needs

8) “Let's Talk About It” Educational Seminar – April 8, Jackson

_______________________________________________________________

1) IDS Gulf Park Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day – March 23, Long Beach

Join the Institute for Disability Studies at The University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Park campus in Long Beach in celebrating National Developmental Disabilities Month at the spring Developmental Disabilities Awareness Event on Thurs., Mar. 23, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Enjoy a free lunch, snacks, karaoke, face painting, art, outdoor activities and a Quidditch match. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1983454335208300/ or call Devin Bellman at 228.214.3400.

2) A Young Person’s Guide to Health Care Transition

Most youth, including youth with disabilities, rely on their parents to handle decisions about their health care and health coverage. Youth need to be a part of conversations about health care. The Young Person’s Guide to Health Care Transition is about making the transition from pediatric to adult health care. This brief from the National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability reviews topics youth should consider around transitioning to adult health care, living a healthy lifestyle, and paying for health care. This brief also provides some information to help youth think about ways to start planning now for transition from pediatric to adult health care. For a copy of the guide, visit http://www.ncwd-youth.info/health-care-transition-guide.

3) Gospel Benefit Concert for the Mississippi Sickle Cell Foundation – March 25, Jackson

You are invited to attend the Gospel Concert benefitting the Mississippi Sickle Cell Foundation on Sat., Mar. 25, at 6 p.m. at the College Hill M.B. Church at 1600 Florence Avenue in Jackson. Donations are welcome for the annual event hosted by the Westhaven Funeral Home Choir. For more information, visit http://mssicklecellfoundation.org/.

4) Family Voices Washington DC Update

Want to know what’s happening in Washington for families of CYSHCN? Sign up for Washington DC Update, a free weekly e-newsletter from Family Voices that provides news and resources from the policy arena. For the latest issue, archived issues and to sign up, visit http://www.familyvoices.org/news/latest?id=0555.

5) March is National Nutrition Month

Most people don’t pay attention to what they are eating. Is it processed or fresh, is there food coloring in it, are you getting enough fiber? Did you know that healthier plates are a step toward better health care and a better diet and does not mean you have to go on a diet. Small changes can have big effects, like cutting back on sugary drinks. A 12 ounce can of soda has 10 teaspoons of sugar in it. Or when choosing vegetables, brighten up your plate with red, orange or dark green which are high in vitamins and minerals. For tips and a toolkit for National Nutrition Month, visit http://www.eatright.org/resource/food/resources/national-nutrition-month/toolkit.

6) Health Access for Independent Living Factsheets

The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Community Living at the University of Kansas has published a series of 12 factsheets for the Health Access for Independent Living (HAIL) program. Funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), HAIL resources are designed for Center for Independent Living staff to support their clients in setting and reaching health-related goals. These resources can empower people with disabilities to manage their own healthcare and participate more fully in their communities. Factsheets address important consumer skills including: Goal Setting, Tracking Goals, Understanding Health Coverage, Managing Your Medications, Assistive Technology, Accessing Preventive Care, Organizing Your Health Records, and Working with Your Care Providers. Factsheets on secondary conditions are also available on Chronic Pain, Fatigue, and Depression. Links to all the factsheets are available on the right side of the HAIL webpage: http://rtcil.org/cl/projects/r7.

7) Transition Planning: The Role of Families of Youth/Young Adults with Behavioral Health Needs

All youth will experience transitions, however, individualized approaches to transition are necessary when working with youth and young adults with behavioral health challenges and their families as they face unique situations around treatment, medication, formal services, programming and education. This free webinar, hosted by the Family Leadership Learning Community, is scheduled for Thurs., Mar. 23, from 2 to 3 p.m. EDT. The webinar outlines key principles when working with family members/caregivers of youth and young adults with behavioral health care challenges, unique transition scenarios and strategies that family leaders and family members have found helpful for navigating the transitioning process. For more information or to register, visit https://events-na11.adobeconnect.com/content/connect/c1/1120832267/en/events/event/shared/1159765005/event_landing.html?sco-id=1596536122&_charset_=utf-8.

8) “Let's Talk About It” Educational Seminar – April 8, Jackson

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Family Health Notes~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Family Health Notes is sponsored by the Institute for Disability Studies (IDS), Mississippi’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) at The University of Southern Mississippi. IDS provides university training, community service activities, research and information that promote the independence, productivity, and community inclusion of individuals with disabilities and their families. For more information about IDS, visit http://www.usm.edu/disability-studies or call 1.888.671.0051 (TTY). To make a tax-deductible gift to IDS, visit http://www.usm.edu/disability-studies/support-ids.

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TO UNSUBSCRIBE

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[Familyhealthnotes] Family Health Notes - February 2017

Institute for Disability Studies

Family Health Notes

February 2017

Inside this issue:

1) Health and Education Family Empowerment Day – February 24, Belzoni

2) Epilepsy Foundation of Mississippi Webinar – February 9, 12 p.m.

3) Mississippi Early Childhood Inclusion Center (MECIC)

4) Save the Date – 2017 Mississippi disAbility MegaConference –June 15-16

5) Mississippi Sickle Cell Foundation/Iyer-Smith Scholarship

6) National Center for Medical Home Implementation Resources

7) U.S. Department of Education Releases New Guidance on Civil Rights of Students with Disabilities

_______________________________________________________________

1) Health and Education Family Empowerment Day – February 24, Belzoni

Are you the parent of a child with a disability or special health care need? Learn how to be a more effective partner in your child’s health care and education. Attend the Health Care and Education Empowerment Day for Families of Children with Disabilities on Fri., Feb. 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Belzoni Multipurpose Building at 417 Silver City Road in Belzoni. Topics include care coordination and medical home, extended school year services, procedural safeguards, People First language and disability etiquette, advocacy and communication, Medicaid waivers and bullying. Join the Mississippi Family to Family Health Information and Education Center, The Arc of Mississippi and LIFE of Mississippi for this free event with expert speakers. Parents, advocates, educators, medical professionals and others can benefit from this training. Educator CEUs will be available. For more information, contact Keishawna Smith at 601.432.6929 or ksmith@ihl.state.ms.us. Register online at https://www.usm.edu/disability-studies/family-2-family-educational.

2) Epilepsy Foundation of Mississippi Webinar – February 9, 12 p.m.

Every four minutes someone has a seizure. The Epilepsy Foundation of Mississippi leads the fight to overcome the challenges of living with epilepsy and to accelerate therapies to stop seizures, find cures and save lives. Learn about prevention and education programs available throughout the state of Mississippi. Get access to Medical Alert bracelets and toolkits for newly diagnosed patients. Utilize services including the FREE Alvin P. Flannes Summer Camp for children with epilepsy. Join the webinar on Tues., Feb. 9, from 12 to 1 p.m. CST. This webinar is held in conjunction with the Mississippi Parent Training and Information Center (MSPTI). To register, visit https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7544602879548032771.

3) Mississippi Early Childhood Inclusion Center (MECIC)

Early childhood inclusion ensures young children with disabilities have access to the learning environment, participation in all learning activities, and appropriate support for children, teachers, and families. The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) has contracted with The University of Southern Mississippi Institute for Disability Studies (IDS) for the Mississippi Early Childhood Inclusion Center (MECIC). The MECIC is a statewide program that will provide quality training and technical assistance to early childhood educators who teach infant, toddler, and preschoolers and serve young children with disabilities in their childcare centers and preschool programs. The MECIC will conduct two special needs credentials throughout the year. The credential is a 40-hour certificate program designated for preschool teachers and an additional credential designed specifically for infant and toddler teachers. Further, MECIC will provide a program exclusively for early childhood directors that will teach directors how to establish an on-going monitoring and developmental screening program in the early childhood environment. MECIC will serve parents and children by conducting developmental and Autism-specific screenings and providing on-going support to families through family navigation. Family navigation supports families who have developmental concerns for their child and are seeking support. To learn more about MECIC and to request services, please call 1.888.671.0051.

4) Save the Date – 2017 Mississippi disAbility MegaConference –June 15-16

Mark your calendars for the 2017 Mississippi disability Megaconference scheduled for June 15 and 16 at the Downtown Jackson Marriott in Jackson. Dream Night at the Jackson Zoo is set for June 14. Get nomination forms for the MegaConference Awards (Champions of the ADA and Champions of IDEA) on the website. Registration and stipends coming soon. See the website for sponsorship and vendor information, www.msmegaconference.org, or contact the MS F2F Family Coordinator at ksmith@ihl.state.ms.us.

5) Mississippi Sickle Cell Foundation/Iyer-Smith Scholarship

Do you know anyone with Hemoglobin SS, Hemoglobin SC or Sickle Beta Thalassemia who is a high school senior? Three scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors who meet the eligibility requirements listed in application. The first place awardee will receive a $3,000 scholarship, second place will receive a $2,000 scholarship and third place will received a $1,000 scholarship. This is an amazing opportunity for eligible high school seniors. The deadline for returning the application packet is June 30, 2017. For more information or an application packet, contact Jennifer Smith at 601.984.1257 or the MS F2F Parent Coordinator at 601.432.6929.

6) National Center for Medical Home Implementation Resources

Only 43% of children and youth with special health care need in the United States receive high quality primary care. The National Center for Medical Home Implementation, a cooperative agreement between the Maternal and Child Health Bureau and the American Academy of Pediatrics, offers pediatric medical home implementation tools and resources for families and health care providers. Additionally, there is information on state initiatives and promising practices. Find facts sheets, state specific data and more at https://medicalhomeinfo.aap.org/about/Pages/default.aspx.

7) U.S. Department of Education Releases New Guidance on Civil Rights of Students with Disabilities

On December 28, 2016, the U.S. Department of Education released a new guidance on how the Department interprets and enforces federal civil rights laws protecting the rights of students with disabilities. These guidance documents clarify the rights of students with disabilities and the responsibilities of educational institutions to ensure all students have the opportunity to learn. The guidance released includes a:
     •   Parent and educator resource guide,
     •   Dear colleague letter on the rights of students with
        disabilities and their families,
     •   Question and answer document on the use of restraint
        and seclusion in public schools, and
     •   Dear colleague letter and question and answer document
         on the rights of students with disabilities in public charter
        schools.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Family Health Notes~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Family Health Notes is sponsored by the Institute for Disability Studies (IDS), Mississippi’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) at The University of Southern Mississippi. IDS provides university training, community service activities, research and information that promote the independence, productivity, and community inclusion of individuals with disabilities and their families. For more information about IDS, visit http://www.usm.edu/disability-studies or call 1.888.671.0051 (TTY). To make a tax-deductible gift to IDS, visit http://www.usm.edu/disability-studies/support-ids.

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[Familyhealthnotes] Family Health Notes - January 2017

Institute for Disability Studies

Family Health Notes

January 2017

Inside this issue:

1) Open Enrollment for the 2017 Insurance Marketplace

2) Central Mississippi Sibshop – January 13, 6:30 p.m., Ridgeland

3) 12 New Year’s Resolutions for Special Needs Parents

4) A Mother’s Voice: Technology and Inclusion

5) Disability Employment Resources Website Alternatives

_______________________________________________________________

1) Open Enrollment for the 2017 Health Insurance Marketplace

You can now enroll or change your health insurance through the 2017 Marketplace.

Important dates to remember:

November 1, 2016: Open enrollment started — first day to enroll, re-enroll, or change a 2017 insurance plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Coverage can start as soon as January 1, 2017.
December 15, 2016: Last day to enroll in or change plans for coverage to start January 1, 2017.
January 1, 2017: 2017 coverage started for those who enrolled or changed plans before December 15.
January 31, 2017: Last day to enroll in or change a 2017 health plan. After this date, you can enroll or change plans only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

For more information or to enroll, visit https://www.healthcare.gov/.

2) Central Mississippi Sibshop – January 13, 6:30 p.m., Ridgeland

Sibshops are a pedal-to-the-metal event of hope where siblings of individuals with disabilities will meet other sibs, have fun, laugh, talk about the good and not-so-good parts of having a sib with special needs, play some great games, learn something about the services their brothers and sisters receive, and have some more FUN! A sibshop will be held for Jackson-area siblings ages 8 to 13 on Fri., Jan. 13, 2017, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/centralmssibshops/ or contact Claire Shrader at ceshrader@ms.edu or Katie Nelson at katieorr.nelson@gmail.com.

3) 12 New Year’s Resolutions for Special Needs Parents

This article from the Exceptional Parent website encourages parents of special needs children to re-energize their lives in 2017 with 12 resolutions, with the first being “give yourself the credit you deserve.” To read the article and more information for parents, visit http://www.eparent.com/special-needs-connect/12-new-years-resolutions-special-needs-parents/.

4) A Mother’s Voice: Technology and Inclusion

The Desired Results Access project video library has posted a new video, A Mother’s Voice: Technology and Inclusion. In this clip, Kate Mathany shares her experiences using technology to make inclusion possible for her daughter, Getty. She also discusses how embracing inclusion can help teachers become better at what they do. To watch the video, visit http://www.draccess.org/videolibrary/AMothersVoiceTechnology.

5) Disability Employment Resources Website Alternatives

The website disability.gov will no longer be available for federal disability employment resources after December 16, 2016. Instead, bookmark and visit the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), https://www.dol.gov/odep/, and the Campaign for Disability Employment, https://www.whatcanyoudocampaign.org/.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Family Health Notes~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Family Health Notes is sponsored by the Institute for Disability Studies (IDS), Mississippi’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) at The University of Southern Mississippi. IDS provides university training, community service activities, research and information that promote the independence, productivity, and community inclusion of individuals with disabilities and their families. For more information about IDS, visit http://www.usm.edu/disability-studies or call 1.888.671.0051 (TTY). To make a tax-deductible gift to IDS, visit http://www.usm.edu/disability-studies/support-ids.

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[Familyhealthnotes] Family Health Notes - December 2016

Institute for Disability Studies

Family Health Notes

December 2016

Inside this issue:

1) Open Enrollment for the 2017 Insurance Marketplace

2) Central Mississippi Sibshop – January 13, 6:30 p.m., Ridgeland

3) Get Your Flu Shot ASAP!

4) Tips for Hydrating in Cold Weather

5) Policy Statement on Media and Young Minds

6) Girls and Autism

7) Free Monthly Tobacco Cessation Newsletter and Flyer

_______________________________________________________________

1) Open Enrollment for the 2017 Health Insurance Marketplace

You can now enroll or change your health insurance through the 2017 Marketplace.

Important dates to remember:

November 1, 2016: Open enrollment started — first day to enroll, re-enroll, or change a 2017 insurance plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Coverage can start as soon as January 1, 2017.
December 15, 2016: Last day to enroll in or change plans for coverage to start January 1, 2017.
January 1, 2017: 2017 coverage starts for those who enroll or change plans by December 15.
January 31, 2017: Last day to enroll in or change a 2017 health plan. After this date, you can enroll or change plans only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

For more information or to enroll, visit https://www.healthcare.gov/.

2) Central Mississippi Sibshop – January 13, 6:30 p.m., Ridgeland

Sibshops are a pedal-to-the-metal event of hope where siblings of individuals with disabilities will meet other sibs, have fun, laugh, talk about the good and not-so-good parts of having a sib with special needs, play some great games, learn something about the services their brothers and sisters receive, and have some more FUN! A Central Mississippi sibshop will be held for Jackson-area siblings ages 8 to 13 on Fri., Jan. 13, 2017, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Pear Orchard Presbyterian Church at 750 Pear Orchard Road in Ridgeland. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/centralmssibshops/ or contact Claire Shrader at ceshrader@ms.edu or Katie Nelson at katieorr.nelson@gmail.com.

3) Get Your Flu Shot ASAP!

Flu is a seasonal threat that can result in extended illness or hospitalization. Seasonal flu vaccination is the best way to protect adults and children from the flu. Yearly flu shots are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control for everyone six months of age and older. Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses and prevent flu-related hospitalizations and death. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for protection against the flu to take effect. Mississippi State Department of Health county clinics are offering pediatric flu vaccinations for children up to age 18. Beginning in 2016, adult flu vaccinations are offered only for those who lack health insurance coverage or who are underinsured and who meet certain high-risk criteria.

4) Tips for Hydrating in Cold Weather

Although we tend to think of it as a summertime concern, colder temperatures and drier air can also lead to dehydration. This can cause your body to feel sluggish and run-down, with muscle fatigue and a lowered immune system being some side effects. Use these tips to stay hydrated this winter:

1. wear layers

2. match your drink to the duration of your activity

3. hydrate with room-temperature beverages

4. eat water-rich fruits and vegetables

5. limit alcohol and caffeine

For more information on where to get a flu shot or about staying hydrated, contact your MS Family2Family Parent Coordinator, Keishawna Smith, at 601.432.6929 or at ksmith@ihl.state.ms.us.

5) Policy Statement on Media and Young Minds

Media and Young Minds, a new policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), addresses the influence of media on the health and development of children from 0 to 5 years of age, a time of critical brain development, building secure relationships, and establishing health behaviors. This document reviews the existing literature on a variety of traditional and new technologies, their potential for educational benefit, and related health concerns for young children. The statement also highlights areas in which pediatric providers can offer guidance to families in managing the content and time limits of their children’s media use. It emphasizes the importance of parents interacting with their children during media use and the importance of not displacing other developmentally healthy activities—sleep, exercise, play, reading aloud and social interaction. To review this information, visit http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2016/10/19/peds.2016-2591.

6) Girls and Autism

The fall issue of Autism Spectrum News looks at the unique needs of girls and women with autism. Every article in the 32-page newsletter addresses an aspect of autism for females: misdiagnoses, successful initiatives, employment, and social life. There are family-centered articles on page 18, “How Autism Manifests Differently in Girls: What Families Need to Know,” and page 23, “How Supported Decision-Making Can Help Family Caregivers.” To download a copy of the newsletter, visit http://www.mhnews-autism.org/back_issues/ASN-Fall2016.pdf.

7) Free Monthly Tobacco Cessation Newsletter and Flyer

Need tobacco cessation information? A free monthly tobacco cessation newsletter and flyer are available through the Tobacco Control Strategies project of the Institute for Disability Studies at The University of Southern Mississippi. The TCS News addresses tobacco prevention and provides cessation tips and timely tobacco cessation special event information, particularly directed toward use by people with disabilities, mental illness or substance abuse disorders and their service providers. The monthly cessation flyer is aligned with holidays and health-related awareness events. These easily printed electronic materials focus on the effects of tobacco use, secondhand smoke and resources for tobacco cessation. The Tobacco Control Strategies project is funded by the Mississippi State Department of Health Office of Tobacco Control. For more information or downloadable copies of these materials and more, visit the TCS resources page https://www.usm.edu/disability-studies/tobacco-cessation-resources or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/mstobaccocessation. The join the monthly email lists, contact Alma Ellis at alma.ellis@usm.edu.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Family Health Notes~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Family Health Notes is sponsored by the Institute for Disability Studies (IDS), Mississippi’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) at The University of Southern Mississippi. IDS provides university training, community service activities, research and information that promote the independence, productivity, and community inclusion of individuals with disabilities and their families. For more information about IDS, visit http://www.usm.edu/disability-studies or call 1.888.671.0051 (TTY). To make a tax-deductible gift to IDS, visit http://www.usm.edu/disability-studies/support-ids.

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If this mailing was forwarded to you and you are not already subscribed to Family Health Notes, here’s how you can become a subscriber:

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