Holy Family Health Center Expanding Services Center Reflects The Growing Needs Of Family Health

When she was pregnant, Sheryl Rose found answers to her questions at Holy Family Women’s Health Center.

Eleven years later, she’s still a regular visitor, looking for information on a variety of family and personal health questions. In the decade since her first visit, the center has expanded, the collection of information grown. More services, connections, resources and programs are added regularly.

Its new name, Holy Family Health Center, reflects the growing emphasis on family health.

“In 1986 when we first opened, women were more likely to be the ones seeking health information,” said Pat Isakson, a registered nurse who works in the health center.

“Now more men are using the center for information. There is a broader range of people who use the center now.”

The center offers books, articles, pamphlets, video and audio cassettes on almost any health topic.

A personal consultation with a nurse is available for more information or help.

“We’re a good starting point for finding information, answering questions and locating more resources or support groups,” said Isakson.

Looking for low-fat recipes? Baby care tips? How to do a breast self-exam? Going through a divorce? Adopting a child? Want information on male menopause?

That and more is available at the center.

Counselor Tricia Goodman also takes appointments through the center for a one-time, 30-minute session for anyone dealing with depression, panic attacks, eating disorders, relationship problems, anxiety or stress.

The health center staff can also help you find a doctor or clinic or support groups.

In the past year the center has had 12,800 phone calls. More than 1,000 people have simply walked in and asked for information. About 1,400 books and tapes were checked out and 1,500 physician referrals were made.

The center also operates the Cancer Care Line weekdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A nurse is available to answer questions, and give suggestions on talking to your doctor about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment or other matters. Isakson said the health center can also help if a family member has been diagnosed with an illness, and you want more information or to find out how to be supportive.

“We provide information and resources to help people make their own decisions. That helps them to become stronger,” she said. The health center isn’t a clinic and doesn’t offer medical advice.

Tammi Souza also uses the center as an information resource.

“My son has allergies and I wanted to know how to deal with it,” she said. “I started coming here when I was pregnant. I found exercise books, then infant care books. I look for vegetarian recipes and holistic remedies.”

“It’s easy to come here, easy to use, and there is a lot of information available,” she said.

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MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: Hours Holy Family Health Center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The center is located at 235 E. Rowan on the lower level. For information or an appointment, call 482-2477. The number for the Cancer Care Line is 482-2254