News Release

UPMC NORTHWEST, VNA, SUGAR CREEK STATION SET PROGRAMS

October 16, 2006 —FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: CHRIS PORTER

UPMC Northwest, Sugar Creek Station and the Visiting Nurses Association of Venango County will offer the following community education programs and support groups during November. Unless otherwise noted, programs are free.

Freedom from Smoking – UPMC Northwest will offer the American Lung Association’s “Freedom from Smoking” program beginning Monday, Oct. 30, at Seneca Place, Route 257, Seneca. The free program is funded by a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Venango County Substance Abuse Program.

“Freedom from Smoking” classes are set from 6 to 8 pm Monday for six weeks starting October 30. An additional class is scheduled from 6 to 8 pm Wednesday, Nov. 15.

Nicotine replacement products may be available at no charge if you are uninsured or underinsured (if your insurance does not cover nicotine replacement products).

Individuals can sign up or learn more by calling the UPMC Northwest Community Relations office at 814-677-1462.

Diabetes Management – 9 am Mondays and Tuesdays, Nov. 7, 13 and 14, Courtyard Conference Room, Ground Floor, UPMC Northwest, Seneca. Medical insurance may cover the registration fee. Information/registration: call UPMC Northwest, 814-676-7992.

Bereavement Support Group – 7 pm Thursday, Nov. 9, Second Presbyterian Church, West First and Reed streets, Oil City. Information/registration: call VNA, 814-678-1111.
Stroke Support Group – 7 pm Thursday, Nov. 16, Grace United Methodist Church, 350 Front St., Rocky Grove. The speaker will be neurologist James McLaughlin, DO, who will discuss new developments in stroke treatment. Information/registration: call VNA, 814-678-4802.

Dementia Support Group – 3 pm Monday, Nov. 20, Sugar Creek Station. Information/registration: call Sugar Creek Station, 814-437-0100.

Lupus Support Group – 1 pm Tuesday, Nov. 21, Seneca Place, Route 257, Seneca. Information: call Jane Lippincott, 1-866-292-1472.