Griffin Hospital

Earn a $50 Gift Card as a Maternal Health Survey Participant

Griffin Health and the Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center are looking for Naugatuck Valley residents who are pregnant or have given birth in the past two years to share their experiences with maternal care in the community.

Participants will be asked to talk about their medical care during and after pregnancy to help identify any gaps in the local healthcare system in order to make birthing experiences safer and more supportive. These listening sessions will be held throughout June and will be virtual (by phone or computer). Applicants must be Naugatuck Valley residents who are currently pregnant or have given birth in the past two years.

Participants will receive a $50 gift card.

To sign up or for more information, contact Multany at 203-732-1325 or [email protected].

B-I-N-G-Ohhh it was great to have the support of Chaz & AJ and WPLR at Pink Bingo last night! Thank you to everyone who came out to support exceptional cancer care in our community!

Learn about Men's at Healthy U!

The Healthy U Lecture Series at the Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital will provide an in-depth discussion about common health concerns and well-being advice for men on Wed., June 17 at 6 p.m.

Led by Griffin Health physicians and experts in primary care, urology, and cardiology, this free program features trusted medical insight into the importance of annual wellness check-up for men, prostate cancer, enlarged prostate and heart health. Attendees will also learn about Griffin Health resources available to help promote an improved well-being. There will be ample time for participants to ask the medical experts questions.

Healthy U is held on the third Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Community Health Resource Center. The topics for each month are: July – Self-Care and Mental Wellness; August – Breathing and Pulmonary Care; September – Hispanic Health Awareness; October - Cancer Prevention and Genetic Testing; November – Diabetes Management and Prediabetes Prevention; and December - Healthy Aging.

To reserve your spot or for more information, call 203-732-7399 or register at www.griffinhealth.org/Healthy-U.

The Griffin Golf Classic silent auction is open to everyone this year!

Bidding is now open for many fantastic items and experiences, including:
* Dooney & Bourke Handbag
* Reserved Table for Eight at the Griffin Gala
* VIP Show Experience for Four at Oakdale Theatre
* Golf foursomes at Brooklawn Country Club and Shorehaven Golf Club
* Cognac Diamond Earrings
* Boston Red Sox Experience for Four with AURA Club Pavilion Access
* Exclusive Kentucky Bourbon Trail Experience
* Explore Ireland for up to Six Guests

Visit https://my.onecause.com/event/organizations/sf-001C000001DTbEaIAL/events/vevt:2b995810-ce2d-44c4-bdf7-c1838f9d1288/auctions/silent-auction to see everything up for bid.

The auction closes day of Golf Classic, Monday, June 15 at 6:30 p.m. Winners will be announced, but do not need to be present.

Proceeds from the silent auction will support the Center for Cancer Care’s Radiation Therapy Transformation Project, a leap forward in cancer care for our greater Valley community. By investing in next-generation tools that bring world-class precision and unequaled emotional and physical comfort to those fighting cancer in our community, we can help patients begin treatment sooner and treat more complex cancers close to home. This project ensures patients and their families can focus on healing, supported by compassionate caregivers, surrounded by loved ones, and confident they are receiving the highest-quality care.

Learn more about this project here: https://www.griffinhealth.org/linacproject

Time to "Man Up" against Obesity this Men's Health Month

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity is a chronic condition that increases the risk of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers. It is estimated that 39% of men age 20 and older are obese.

Griffin Bariatrics offers free virtual presentations on its weight-loss services throughout June to explain how bariatric surgery can help individuals lose significant amounts of weight, enhance their health, especially in being able to exercise more, and provide long-term well-being. Additionally, techniques, support programs, pre- and post-operative expectations, and insurance questions are discussed.

Upcoming seminars will be held on Wed., June 17 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. and Tues., June 23 from 12-1 p.m.

To register, contact Bariatric Care Specialist Kimberly Fisher at [email protected] or 203-732-7108. For more information about Griffin Bariatrics, visit griffinhospitalbariatrics.com.

Griffin Hospital established its comprehensive weight loss surgery program, Griffin Bariatrics, to provide a medical solution for patients with more substantial weight loss needs. The long-term success enjoyed by Griffin Bariatrics patients is a result of excellent medical care, including the latest minimally invasive surgical procedures, combined with access to a full range of multidisciplinary services that have been assembled to support them before, during, and after their surgery.

DATE CHANGE! Open House Now Next Tues., June 16

The Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers will host an open house for its rewarding Practical Nursing (PN) program on Tues., June 16 from 5-7 p.m. at the school’s Naugatuck campus at 1186 New Haven Rd.

The school’s 14-month PN Program offers an exceptional teaching experience at the only hospital-based program in the state of Connecticut. With knowledgeable and experienced teachers who are nationally certified or master’s prepared nurses and real-world clinical rotations at Griffin Hospital, Stamford Hospital, Masonicare and Ga***rd Hospital, the PN program prepares new nurses to thrive in a multitude of complex clinical practice settings.

The 6,000-square foot Naugatuck Campus is designed to provide the school’s PN students with an experiential learning environment featuring state-of-the-art simulation technology that is incorporated in realistic laboratories for nursing students to practice as if they are in actual clinical situations. The experience enables a smooth transition from classroom to the practice setting, and from student to proficient caregiver.

The PN program is approved by the State of CT Board of Examiners for Nursing and has a 100% licensure test pass rate, leading many graduates to immediate job placement. The school can also connect students with several academic funding opportunities upon request.

The school is also hosting an open house on July 28 from 5-7 p.m.
Reservations are required by calling 203-732-1276 or emailing [email protected].

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REMINDER: Free Prostate Cancer Screenings This Thursday!

In recognition of Men’s Health Month, The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave., Derby, and the Health Initiative for Men (HiM) will host free prostate cancer screenings from 3-5 p.m. on Thurs., June 11.

Every screening participant will also be entered into a raffle for a Yeti Cooler sponsored by HiM.

In addition to the screenings, individuals can come to the Center during the event to get information about men’s health topics, including surgical hernia treatment, bariatric surgery, low-dose lung cancer screening, genetic testing for cancer and wellness visits with a primary care physician.

Prostate cancer screenings are recommended for men at 50 years old. Men at higher risk, including African American men and men who have a first-degree relative (father or brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65, should be screened at age 45. Men at a very high risk (multiple family members diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65 years) should be tested at age 40.

The screenings will take 10-15 minutes. Space for the free screenings is limited, so early registration is encouraged. To register, call 203-732-1280.

Go Green for Your Health, Garden and Community
Naugatuck Valley CoG Composter & Rain Barrel Sale June 13

As part of our Planetree person-centered care model, Griffin Health is committed to maintaining an exceptional healing environment at our facilities and to improving the well-being of our community.

We understand the benefits that incorporating natural elements and views of nature can have on the mind, body and spirit of patients and how eating fresh fruits and vegetables supports wellness.

It is with this love and respect for nature that we actively support environmental sustainability and foster healthy eating habits, including the benefits of gardening nutritious produce and environmentally friendly practices such as water conservation and composting, that we promote the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments composter and rain barrel sale on June 13.

Please visit www.nvcogct.gov/compostersale for more information.

Celebrating Survivorship and Support

Medical Director for the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital and Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness Dr. Denise Barajas reflects on the upcoming National Cancer Survivors Day on Sunday, June 7, highlighting the importance of person-centered-support throughout survivorship.

Read Dr. Barajas's blog here - https://www.griffinhealth.org/conditions-treatments/national-cancer-survivors-day-highlights-importance-of-ongoing-support