Support group being held at Mile Bluff to help those affected by autism - Juneau County

Autism is defined as ‘a complex, developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life, and impacts a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others.’  It is considered a spectrum disorder, meaning that it affects individuals in different ways and to varying degrees.  With the prevalence of autism in the United States, healthcare organizations are stepping up to offer support to families of children living with the disorder.

            

 On Tuesday, February 14, Reverend Jeff Fairchild will lead a support group designed to assist families of children who live with autism.  The meeting will take place at Mile Bluff Medical Center in Mauston, beginning at 7 pm.  During the meeting there will be opportunities for participants to network with others who are dealing with situations similar to theirs, and discussion time to learn from others about recognizing and preparing for challenges that may arise.

             

Attend the upcoming autism support group at Mile Bluff Medical Center on Tuesday, February 14 at 7 pm, and learn what you can do to help that special child in your life.   For more information, call 608-847-1285.

Donate blood and save a life with Mile Bluff Medical Center! - Juneau County

Throughout the year, Mile Bluff Medical Center hosts a number of community blood drives.  The events are a partnership between the medical center and the Blood Center of Wisconsin - the sole supplier of blood products to Mile Bluff. 

Join your friends, family, co-workers and neighbors, and do your part to help save lives by coming to the next blood drive at Mile Bluff.  The event is scheduled for Tuesday, February 28 from 7 am to 12 pm.

Each donation made at Mile Bluff could touch the lives of up to three people in the community.   At this drive, you will have the option to make a whole blood donation (which is made up of red blood cells, platelets, plasma and white blood cells), or you can give a dual red or platelet-only donation. 

You can help someone in need.  Make a blood donation on February 28 during the drive at Mile Bluff Medical Center in Mauston.  To reserve your spot, call the Blood Center of Wisconsin at 1-877-232-4376 or log-on to www.bcw.edu/milebluff to make an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome.

Requirements for being a blood donor:

• Be at least 17 years old (16-year-olds may donate with parental consent)
• Weigh at least 110 lbs.
• Feel well on day of donation
• Be free of major cold and flu symptoms
• Present a photo ID with birth date
• Not have had hepatitis after age 11 years
• Not have had any risk factors/behaviors associated with HIV/AIDS

Tips to remember the day you donate:

·         Bring along a photo ID such as a driver’s license.

·         Drink plenty of fluids prior to and following your donation.

·         Avoid strenuous physical exercise until the day following your donation.

Neighborhood Memory Cafe - Marshfield

February 11th Brings Awareness to United Way's 2-1-1

February 11 is the day that United Way’s all across the country recognize and bring awareness to

United Way’s 2-1-1 program. Mayor Chris Meyer is assisting Marshfield Area United Way again this year with bringing awareness about the program to the community by officially proclaiming February 11, 2017, as “United Way’s 2-1-1 Day” in Marshfield.

2-1-1 is a free, confidential, and easy to remember phone number that connects people to essential community resources. In addition to connecting callers to local resources, United Way’s 2-1-1 also tracks caller needs and uses that information to analyze trends, such as, identifying gaps in services.  Referral specialists are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help with information and resources.

In celebration of 2-1-1 Day, there are several ways you can help create awareness about the 2-1-1 service as well:

• If you have a family member or friend who is having a difficult time, you can advocate for them and dial 2-1-1 to see what resources are available.
• If you are part of a non-profit organization, religious entity or government agency who provides health or human service programs to the public, contact 2-1-1 to be added to our database.
• You can call and request free 2-1-1 materials (posters, fact cards, magnets, etc.) and put them on display where you work or at your church.

For more information, contact United Way’s 2-1-1 by dialing the three digit number 2-1-1. Individuals can also find resources online at United Way’s 2-1-1 Get Connected. Get Answers. website at www.getconnected211.org.

Celebrate 2-1-1 Day on February 11th

WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI – At 2-1-1 call centers all across the nation, people are

celebrating 2-1-1 as a community resource on February 11^th.  In Wisconsin Rapids, Mayor Zach Vruwink has officially proclaimed February 11, 2017 “2-1-1 Day” as well.

2-1-1 is an information and referral program that maintains a database of community resources and connects callers with questions to the proper services or organizations to meet their information needs.  It is a number you can dial (2-1-1) to receive information about community services.  It is especially helpful to callers who have a “spectrum” of needs due to an emergency, such as loss of job or health issues.

“Callers are able to make just ONE phone call and get all the information they need, and speak to a caring resource specialist,” said Amy Fluno, 2-1-1 Program Director. “The service is available 24/7, it’s free and it’s confidential.”

In Wood County, 2-1-1 is a partnership between United Way of Inner Wisconsin and Marshfield Area United Way; and covers 14 counties from Ashland County to Juneau County.

You can celebrate 2-1-1 on February 11^th in a number of different ways:

·        LEARN more about 2-1-1.  Visit our website at www.uwiw.org/2-1-1.  You can also sign up for our e-newsletter and visit our 2-1-1 blog and online database of services.

·        ADVOCATE for a friend or relative who is having a difficult time.  Call the 2-1-1 Call Center and ask about community resources that can help.

·        If you are a government or non-profit agency, you can have your programs listed in our database; and/or distribute our FREE materials, including fact cards, posters and pens.

In addition to connecting callers to local resources, 2-1-1 also tracks caller needs and uses that information to analyze trends, such as identifying gaps in services.  This information can be used to help make program funding decisions.

In 2016, our call center answered 3,866 (which is up from 3,644 calls in 2015).  The top five needs were:

1.     Rent Payment Assistance

2.     Food Pantry Information

3.     Electric Service Payment Assistance

4.     Low Income Housing

5.     Gas Money

For more information, contact United Way’s 2-1-1 by calling 2-1-1 or 877-947-2211; or visit www.uwiw.org/2-1-1.

Caption:  Mayor Zach Vruwink (right) presents the 2017 “2-1-1 Day Proclamation” to Amy Fluno, United Way’s 2-1-1 Program Director, on Monday.  Throughout Wisconsin Rapids, residents are asked to get involved in 2-1-1 on February 11th, either by distributing 2-1-1 materials, advocating for someone who needs help, or simply learning more about the community resource.

About United Way’s 2-1-1

United Way’s 2-1-1 is a FREE and confidential three digit number you can dial to receive information and referral to local community resources.  It is available 24/7.  Commonly asked questions range from “I cannot pay my utility bill – who can help?” to “I need help caring for my loved one with dementia.”

United Way’s 2-1-1 is a non-profit organization based in south Wood County and is governed collaboratively between United Way of Inner Wisconsin and Marshfield Area United Way.  The 2-1-1 call center serves Wood, Adams, Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Clark, Iron, Juneau, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, Taylor and Washburn Counties.