More and more healthcare professionals are discovering the educational and netowrking opportunities at the Community Forum's monthly meetings.

March Community Forum Highlights   

Mental Health Center of Denver

Each day, the Mental Health Center of Denver serves at least seven new clients in need of mental health services, but it also turns away, on average, another 17 residents. That's why the Center isn't backing down from its goal of doubling its budget within the next five years.

"That is our mission - enriching minds and lives," said Barbara Shaw, the Mental Health Center's fundraising manager.

The Mental Health Center offers assistance to Denver residents afflicted by mental illness and their families, with programs specifically for children, homeless women and those living with HIV and AIDS.

This private charity touches the lives of more than 33,000 people each year through its school-based services, nine out-patient clinics and seven residences.

For more information about the Mental Health Center of Denver, contact Barbara Shaw at 303.504-6727 or mailto:barbara.shaw@mhcd.org or visit the Center's Web site at http://www.mhcd.org/.

Alliance of Health Disparities

After only three years, the Alliance of Health Disparities is reaching an average of 100 Colorado residents each month, offering health education services in remote areas to often underserved populations.

The Alliance's health promotion and education programs collaborate with other health care organizations to target recent immigrant and multiethnic populations that may be overlooked by more traditional health care programs through multilingual services and initiatives that head directly out into the community.

"We're very hands on, one-on-one education," said Catherine Clayton, who runs the program, which serves clients in Denver, Adams, Arapahoe, Morgan, El Paso and Logan counties.

For more information about this niche nonprofit or to get involved, contact Clayton at 303.456-5480 or Alliance_health_disparities@q.com or visit the organization's Web site at http://www.allianceofhealthdisparities.org/.   

Right at Home

It's hard to feel "right at home" when the vacuuming isn't done, the cupboards are bare and laundry awaits - especially when these, and perhaps more important tasks, like personal hygiene and meal preparation are beyond a resident's capabilities.

That's where Right at Home steps in to provide light housekeeping services, basic companionship, trips to the grocery and even specialty care for those with dementia or Parkinson's disease - 24 hours a day.

Mary Lilley, business coordinator of Right at Home, described the home care and assistance organization's model as "Never leave a shift uncovered."

For over a decade, the organization has helped its clients live more independent and secure lives while they wish to remain in their own home.

Right at Home offers free assessments and flexible in-home care schedules that don't require a long-term contract.

For more information, call 720.875.1800, e-mail infor@rahstaffing.com or visit the Right at Home Web site at http://www.denver.rightathome.net/.

Vibra Hospital

Thornton's Vibra Hospital - formerly North Valley Hospital - serves patients with complex wounds, injuries or diseases that require a lengthier stay at a long-term, acute care hospital.

With the average stay exceeding 25 days, Vibra serves an import role for patients who have received initial medical care but still have a long road to recovery that will require acute care and rehabilitation services before returning home.

Outpatient care and pain management is also available for patients recovering from injuries, strokes, amputations and joint replacement surgery, among other ailments.

The Hospital also runs a geriatric psychology unit, where patients stay an average of five to seven days.

"(Vibra) gets people reoriented back into a situation that works for them," said Russ Udelhofen, a Vibra liaison.

Recently, an 18-year-old patient with viral meningitis suffered respitory failure, spent four weeks in a traditional hospital and then four weeks recovering at Vibra before walking out of the acute care hospital's door, said Julie Mangelsdorf, a Vibra clinical liaison.

To learn more about Vibra Hospital, visit http://www.vibrahealthcare.com/  or call 303.288.3000.

Garden Terrace Alzheimer's Center of Excellence

In April, Garden Terrace, a skilled nursing facility, will celebrate its 20th year of offering specialized Alzheimer's and dementia care for both in-patient and out-patient clients.

By offering treatment to more than 100 patients, Garden Terrace plays an important role in caring for some of the 4.5 million Americans affected by dementia.

Located in Aurora, Colo., Garden Terrace offers five specialty units for patients in different stages of Alzheimer's, including a women-only unit.  

Garden Terrace also provides a wide variety of care and treatment including speech and respiratory therapies, encouraging patients to participate in cognitive exercises like journaling, teaching important skills like time management and offering assistance to ensure patients are taking their medications properly.