Gerrie's Gazette October 2024

Welcome!

Happy halloween! inside this issue:

  • Domestic Violence Awareness Month
  • Funding for Early Intervention Explained
  • Out & About
  • Service Provider Story
  • ADHS Promotes Newborn Screening Education
  • Resources

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

We are at the end of the month, but October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and it is important to recognize the signs of abuse and know there is help available.

Funding for early intervention explained

In Arizona, early intervention services are provided at no cost to families. The Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP) uses multiple funding sources, including private health insurance, Medicaid/ Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), and state and federal funds, to pay for a child’s Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part C services. Using all possible funding sources helps maximize AzEIP’s resources to ensure the program is available for all infants and toddlers and their families at no charge.

To learn more, view "A Family's Guide to Funding Early Intervention Services in Arizona," talk to your Service Coordinator, or contact AzEIP at AzEIP@azdes.gov.

Watch this two minute video on Consent to Bill.

Out and About

AzEIP's Community Relations Liasion Lisa Vallee is always out & about in the community. Maybe she made a stop by you!

Cerebral Palsy two-day event

Lisa shared resources at the 2nd annual Cerebral Palsy Provider Conference on Oct. 4, 2024 and Cerebral Palsy Patient and Family Education Day on Oct. 5, 2024. Lisa spoke with 60 people during this two-day event!

Self-Care for Caregivers Conference

The 2024 Self-Care for Caregivers Conference was held at the Casino Del Sol Conference in Tucson on Oct. 3, 2024. Lisa spoke with almost 100 people attending the conference. Many were parents who received Part C, Early intervention services for their children when they were younger. “It was nice to hear the impact that early intervention had on their lives," said Lisa.

DES Early Intervention Service Provider Recognized for Service, Explains Importance of Early Intervention

One of AzEIP’s service providers, Sunrise Therapy Service, received a five-year service award for its outstanding work with young children and their families.

Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) Promotes Newborn Screening Education Through Video Series

The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) released an educational video series focused on newborn screening. This series aims to increase awareness and understanding of the state's newborn screening program, which tests all newborns for rare but serious medical conditions.

The video series answers important questions for new parents and caregivers, such as: what newborn screening is, what happens if an infant’s test result is out of range, and information about follow-up care for babies with screened conditions.

This important screening saves lives through early detection and quick intervention. From just six spots of blood, public health scientists can test for enzymatic deficiencies, metabolic conditions, hemoglobin disorders, spinal muscular atrophy, hearing and heart defects, and other congenital disorders before symptoms emerge.

Newborn screening is critical to ensuring the health and well-being of all newborns. By screening infants for serious conditions at birth we increase the opportunity for treatment and early intervention. “We hope this video series will serve as a valuable resource for both parents and healthcare providers in learning more about this important public health service,” said Nicole Witt, ADHS Assistant Director for Public Health Preparedness.

ADHS will share these videos with hospitals and providers, who will then share with their patients, to assist Arizona families’ understanding of newborn screening and its role in healthy childhood development. To view the videos and learn more about the newborn screening process and our other maternal health resources visit ADHS website.

Resources

Resources

Professional Development

Connect

Important Disclaimer: The foregoing is publicly available information about upcoming events, resources, and reminders from third-party organizations. In some cases, AzEIP has included links to other websites that are not owned or controlled in any way by AzEIP, but that contain additional information about the events, resources or reminders. By clicking on any of the links above, you agree to be directed to the external website and you acknowledge and agree that AzEIP shall not be held responsible or accountable for any information contained on such site. Please note that AzEIP does not monitor any of the websites linked herein and does not endorse or approve any information posted on any such sites.

IF YOU’VE RECEIVED THIS NEWSLETTER FROM A FRIEND AND WOULD LIKE TO BE INCLUDED ON OUR DISTRIBUTION LIST, WE WELCOME YOU!

Please email your request to: azeip@azdes.gov

Credits:

Created with images by • rockvillephoto - halloween • sorapop - Funny Halloween Kid Concept, Closeup a little cute child with white dressed costume halloween ghost scary, studio shot isolated on yellow background • Ruth Black - Halloween party border • Ployker - Happy halloween with pumpkin on bokeh background with copy space