Health
Matters
Important Resources for Children & Families: 4C of the U.P. and
UPFASDC - Leslie Bek
Our culture marks
the passage of time with societal descriptors such as the Agricultural
Age and the Industrial Age. These eras immediately bring to mind signs
of those times. For example, the term Information Age reflects new
technologies in methods of communication thus increasing the spread
of knowledge. We have come a very long way from the invention of the
printing press.
Sharing of information has become a virtual e-commerce
on the Internet. Internet web sites, cable modems, high speed, hi-tech
communication are all tools of our current times. Just point and click.
We are now challenged to keep up, to know-it-all and not crash with
information overload.
Yet, throughout our communities I often hear the laments
"we need to get the word out" or "people need to be
aware that this is available." In taking up the charge, this
month's Health Matters spotlights two community resources: 4C of the
U.P. and the U.P. Fetal Alcohol Diagnostic Clinic in our effort to
keep you in-the-know.
What is 4C of the U.P.?
Community Coordinated Child Care (4C) of the U.P. is a child care
resource and referral agency that serves the entire Upper Peninsula.
Services of 4C include helping parents find licensed child care. When
a parent calls for child care, basic information is collected and
a listing of licensed child care providers is sent to the parent.
This listing also is available and updated regularly on the 4C web
site. Additional services include offering training for child care
providers and helping people get started in the child care business.
Family advocates at 4C help parents who feel guilty that
they can't meet all of their infant's or toddler's needs themselves
at home. Parents are encouraged that child care providers outside
of the family can provide a very positive and nurturing experience
for children.
4C also offers a unique lending library, the Toybrary,
that includes books, audio cassettes, video tapes, and toys. Families
and children can check-out toys of all shapes and sizes for tikes
zero to eight years old. Annual Toybrary memberships are $10 for individuals
or $25 for organizations.
The 4C offices are located at 104 Coles Drive, Suite F,
in Marquette. Coles Drive can be accessed directly from McClellan
Avenue just north or the Washington Street McClellan intersection.
Phone: 228-3362; (800) 541-5437. Web site: www.4c-up.com There are
eight 4C consultants throughout the U.P.
Help for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Marquette General Hospital Upper Peninsula Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Diagnostic Clinic (UPFASDC) opened recently. The Diagnostic Clinic
serves individuals throughout the U.P. of all ages (toddlers to adults)
who have been exposed to alcohol and have concerns about their learning
or behavior.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a birth defect syndrome
characterized by growth deficiency, cognitive/behavioral problems
and a unique cluster of minor facial anomalies. FAS is caused by maternal
consumption of alcohol during pregnancy. Not all children exposed
to alcohol in utero are born with FAS, but all fetal alcohol exposed
children are at risk for FAS or other physical, cognitive or behavioral
problems.
To begin the diagnosis process, make an appointment by
contacting the MGH Specialty Clinic at 225-4777 or toll free (800)
562-9753, ext. 4777. You will then be referred to someone in your
area who can complete a pre-screening test to determine if you qualify.
If criteria on the pre-screen are met, you will be referred to someone
in your area who can complete a full screen test. If criteria on the
full screen are met, contact the clinic again and you will be sent
a New Patient Information Form. Return the completed form and you
will be contacted to schedule an appointment.
A team consisting of a pediatrician, psychologist, registered
nurse, occupational therapist, speech therapist, and social worker
staffs the clinic. During an evaluation the patient receives a brief
language and neurologic assessment, interview and clinical examination.
The clinic team then derive a diagnosis and establish referrals for
treatment and services. The caregivers then meet with the clinic team
to discuss the diagnosis and referrals. Caregivers participate as
an essential member of the team throughout the process. The clinical
evaluation, discussion of the diagnosis and referrals takes approximately
three hours.
The MGH Specialty Clinic is located on the third floor
of the hospital, just off the Skywalk, at 580 West College. If entering
the hospital from Level 3 on the parking garage, walk across the skywalk
and follow the signs to the Specialty Clinic.
Research by providers of community programs indicates
that even in our point-and- click hi-tech world, the best method of
obtaining information is still through good old fashioned word-of-mouth.
Help us spread the word by telling a friend about 4C of the UP and
UPFASDC or better yet, pass on a copy of Marquette Monthly!
—Leslie Bek
