Our Delaware Valley Podcast

Koleen Cavenaugh, Senior Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer for Independence Blue Cross discussed the importance of medical insurance and how to shop for affordable coverage for you and your family.  She reminded us the window to buy insurance through the Pennsylvania Health Insurance Exchange is January 7th for coverage beginning February 1st, miss that date and you cannot enroll again until next November, barring any important life changes such as marriage, divorce, a job change or adoption.  

We got started with a conversation about insurance and the ramifications of not having it, crippling medical debt follows many Americans.  She described the different types of coverage available, including employer, individual, Medicare for older patients and Medicaid for those with chronic illness or disabilities.  For the rest there is insurance through the Exchange or private providers.  To but through the exchange she tells us to prepare with the names and personal information about yourself and family, income from all sources, where your preferred doctor practices and your prior medical history.  Ask yourself if a higher or lower deductible makes more sense, risking higher out of pocket costs against lower monthly premiums.  Check to see if there are discounts or any financial assistance available to you.  She then discussed HMOs and PPOs, and Essential Health Benefits all providers must cover, including wellness visits, immunizations, screenings and mental health services. 

All plans are available through the online portal, the PA Health Exchange at pennie.com. and through Independence Blue Cross, at IBX.com.   For healthcare coverage in New Jersey visit getcoveredNJ.com and for Delaware and other states go to Healthcare.gov

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Derrick Pitts, Chief Astronomer at The Franklin Institute discussed the opening of their newest CORE exhibit, Wonderous Space, a two-story interactive installation demonstrating what it is like to live, work, and play in space while also showcasing the rich diversity of science and technology and the innovative people in the space industry. Dr. Pitts tells us that it looks at the universe and our relationship with it, from space travel to innovations that we use every day, such as satellite communications and microchip technology. With the opening of Wonderous Space the Franklin boasts space science on all 4 floors of the museum, with the Fels Planetarium on floor 1, the Holt & Miller Observatory on floor 4 and the 2-story Wondrous Space exhibit between them.

The giant Fels dome—measuring 60 feet in diameter—displays how the actual night sky would look like without the interference of weather, pollution, or city lights. 

The Holt & Miller Observatory houses the 10” Carl Zeiss Refracting Telescope, one of the largest historical artifacts in their collection and it provides the opportunity to safely view the Sun, including features such as sunspots and prominences, while the rooftop location offers a unique view of the Philadelphia Skyline. Dr Pitts described the programming that will accompany the exhibit, as well as the on-going educational opportunities for students and adult learners.  He noted that diversity was an important part of the planning, showing the wide range of jobs and professions within space exploration and the introducing them to the scientists and delevopers who look like them.  He also discussed the importance of STEM to encourage young people to join the field.   We talked about membership and how to plan a visit to the Franklin to get the most from the experience, starting with the museum’s website, FI.edu  

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Paul Steinke, Executive Director of the Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia discussed the member-supported non-profit, that works to increase awareness and appreciation for the area’s historic and significant building and districts, using preservation as a tool for creating and maintaining sustainable, livable neighborhoods.  He spoke of their resources and advice for people and communities looking to preserve properties, their workshops and speaker series and their popular walking tours.

He described the two main historic designation found in Philadelphia, Local Historic, granted by the Historical commission by nomination application, that protects the exterior of the property from demolition or alterations, and the Federal National register of Historic Places and Districts, which only restricts modifications to a property that also receives Federal funding for operation or restoration or one that sits on Federal property.  Reasons for designation can include architecture or unique engineering, age or a significant story about the properties use, such as Black Doctors Row in South Philly, the first neighborhood to be recognized based on Black history.  He told us of funding available from the city, state and federal government that offer funding for repairing and maintaining homes – including homes not on the protected list.   A guide for seeking a designation and information about existing properties can be found on their website.

He spoke about the impact of preservation on the community, retaining the character that makes each neighborhood unique and the long-range impact on climate change and the environment, restoring cost far less in resources than tearing down and rebuilding.  We discussed the role of City Council on establishing districts and preserving homes and buildings. 

For more information visit preservationalliance.com

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Ann Deschamps, Executive Director of the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center discussed the Americans With Disabilities Act, its history and where we stand today with its promises of access and opportunity for nearly one in four of us.

The Mid-Atlantic ADA Center is one of ten regional offices charged with educating the public on ADA, serving the DC area, DE, MD, PA, VA and WV. It conducts research and training programs. Its free technical assistance line - 800-949-4232 – helps individuals and businesses on topics such as accommodations, businesses’ rights/responsibilities under the law, service animals, public right of way, and more. Ann also manages the ADA Trainer Leadership Network, which works to expand ADA training opportunities in local communities.

We discussed the term ‘disability’ and what constitutes a protected class. She points out that many of us are an accident or illness away from becoming ‘disabled,’ including age-related issues such as failing hearing or vision.

We spoke about one of the largest barriers to employment and full acceptance, attitudinal issues. How do you change our society's concept of disabilities? We talked about young people and their views on disabilities having grown up post Act, and we talked about COVID’s impact on work from home, a leveler in employment opportunities for the disabled.
For questions on definitions, rights and resources, go to ADAINFO.org
or call the assistance line at 800-949-4232

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Bernadette Shanahan, CEO of Boys and Girls Club of Camden County discussed this chapter of the well-known youth organization and its mission, to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.  Founded in 2001 through the efforts of philanthropist and Camden native Lewis Katz, the Camden County chapter serves kids ages six through high school from two locations with sports, homework help and tutoring, peer mentoring, STEM and STEAM classes, music programs, a drama program and a swimming pool. 

We talked about Camden today, a large urban city divided by many highways, with few opportunities for kids to socialize.  While the city faces economic hardships, the neighborhoods are strong supportive communities that are invested in the Boys and Girls Club.  Through grants and donations programs are offered free to the youth.

We talked about ways to help, through donations and through volunteering, individuals and businesses can offer mentoring, job site visits, tutoring or office work. 

To learn more go to BeGreatCamden.org

Finally, a reminder that the annual Toy Truck Parade, presented by Beasley’s 92.5 XTU,  is December 9th leaving from the Scottish Rite Auditorium, 315 White Horse Pike, Collingswood, NJ.  Admission to the parade is a new, unwrapped toy(s!) for the kids served by Boys and Girls Club of Camden County.  Get details at 925xtu.com.

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Charles Fuschillo, President/CEO of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America retuned to discuss the latest on their programs and services and their upcoming Educational Conference in Philadelphia on November 15th.  We began with a discussion of Alzheimer’s disease, it is not ‘dementia’ nor an unavoidable part of the aging process.  We discussed the numbers, in PA there are 280,000 plus living with it, two-thirds are women and those ‘social determinates’ – access to care, education, proper nutrition, can play a part in developing the disease.   He spoke of the onset, from forgetting words and difficulty in planning, through changes in mood, confusion and personal hygiene issues through to the late stages.  His advice, do not ignore or ‘cover up’ these symptoms, seek medical advice.  It could be a nutritional deficiency or a drug reaction, if it is as early sign of Alzheimer’s, there are medications and life skills tools to help delay the progression.     Charles spoke of promising new treatments and encourages everyone to visit their website to take their free 'Memory Screening' as a baseline for future reference.    

We discussed the mission of the Alzheimer’s Foundation, support and training for caregivers, research, political advocacy for housing, insurance and caregiver support, and education.  To address the need for more information they have been ‘on tour’ of the US, sponsoring educational conferences for families and patients, caregivers and medical professionals, with a final stop in Philadelphia November 15th at the Doubletree on Broad Street.  Speakers will include researchers, legal experts, practitioners and more, to address all aspects of life with Alzheimer’s.  Registration is free at alzfdn.org.  Look for ‘Events’ 

To speak with a trained professional call them, seven days a week during business hours, at 866-232-8484

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Dan Lombardo, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Alexis Degan, Vice President of Development of Volunteers of America Delaware Valley discussed their ongoing mission and programming.   VOADV serves more than 13,000 individuals throughout the southern New Jersey and Philadelphia region and operates more than 40 assistance programs – from homelessness, reentry, veterans assistance, and affordable housing services to specialized programs for individuals living with substance use disorder, traumatic brain injury and/or intellectual disabilities. VOADV’s mission, which governs all service and assistance provided to clients in need, is to provide community-based assistance to individuals in need so that they can lead self-fulfilled, independent lives.  They are more than crisis relief, donations allow them to provide the follow-up services to help families and individuals continue their path to independence.

We talked about need, he estimates that requests have grown over 65% from last year, housing and employment driving the surge.

Dan discussed their family shelters, 2 men's shelters, one medical respite shelter and one veterans’ shelter.  They also have 2 men and 1 women's halfway house and other Reentry programs making the transition back to the community more seamless for individuals coming back from prison.

He spoke of their new launches, a tri-county IMPACT office which helps clients navigate through social services will be opening at the end of November in Vineland and they are preparing to launch a mobile legal clinic.

We discussed their current campaign, Adopt A Family.  Alexis asks individuals, families and businesses to step to help families in need through the holiday season.  While she’s always looking for donations of underwear and socks and toiletries, at this time of year they look to provide families with wish-list items, from warm clothes to toys and sports gear.  A record number of families have asked for assistance this year.  You can adopt an entire family or go through their wish list at Amazon.com and let VOADV direct the gift. 

Learn more, from volunteering opportunities to Adopt-A-Family at VOADV.org. 

Beasley Media Group's 95.7 BEN FM will host a Radiothon to benefit VOADV on december 6th.  Get details at 957BENFM.com

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Hillary Bruno, Director of Child Life, Education and Creative Art Therapy at Nemours Children's Hospital, discussed the programming that supports patients and families.  Not covered by insurance, the programs include art, pet and music therapy, social services including counseling and pastoral care.  She described these offerings as vital to the care they give; they allow children to hit the milestones they would experience if well and at home such as birthdays and dances, lets families enjoy time together as families without excluding siblings and play is an important tool in rehabilitation.  

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Jeff Ronald, MS Co-Founder & Chairman of the Board and Judson Malone, Co-Founder and Volunteer Executive Director of The Springboard Collaborative, Inc. discussed the statewide Delaware nonprofit dedicated to building dignified dwellings and real communities for the homeless.  Inspired by Denmark and Finland’s housing solutions and the Stanford’s Collective Impact, they provide simple, pod housing that offers privacy, security, and that important physical mailing address. Working with area social service providers, TSC provides disadvantaged Delawareans low or no cost interim shelter in a small community that offers ‘wrap around’ services that focus on food security, education and employment opportunities, substance abuse and mental health treatment and primary and specialized healthcare. They help our marginalized neighbors stabilize, achieve self-reliance and pursue their full potential, all aimed at achieving financial wellness toward getting and keeping permanent housing.   TSC goal by 2029 is ultimately achieving ‘Functional Zero’ homelessness in Delaware.  
“We can transform Delaware into a state with near-real-time, sustainable zero homelessness… Join us in making Vision2029 a reality…homelessness is solvable.”

The-Springboard.org

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Robb Reichard, Executive Director of AIDS Fund, and Fatima Sangare, Lead Medical Case manager for Bebashi, discussed their work in prevention of HIV and care for those living with it as we approach the 37th Annual AIDS Walk Philly.  AIDS Fund works with area service providers to make emergency grants directly to clients to allow them to maintain their treatment, housing and rent, transportation, food, co-pays, small amounts that could keep them from losing their home or becoming unable to stay with their treatment.  Bebashi, Treatment to Hope, empowers Black and Brown people to enhance the quality of their health and overall well-being by providing access to culturally sensitive high-quality healthcare, HIV/AIDS services, health education, and social services.  Fatima offered examples of how these grants from the AIDS Fund have allowed her clients to stay housed and in treatment.

We discussed AIDS and HIV in Philadelphia, where again it disproportionately affects the disenfranchised, low income and Black and Brown communities.  Robb notes that 25% of new HIV and other STD transmissions are among young people, 13 to 24 and it is through sexual exposure.  They discussed the need for more education and access to prevention for these groups.   We spoke again of their goal, zero stigma, zero transmission and zero deaths.   Robb explains stigma prevents information and education to get to those who need it, transmission prevention is possible through PREP and PEP ‘Morning After’ medications, and through AIDS treatments that bring the virus to undetectable. He notes that with the introduction of PREP and new treatment the transmissions among white gay men has dropped considerably.  

We talked about this year’s AIDS Walk Philly, October 15th from the Art Museum along Kelly Drive.  Registration is now open with walk-ups welcome.  The event will begin with the reading of names and a display of AIDS Quilt panels and all funds will support the grants offered through AIDS Fund.  

For services and more information about resources and referrals they recommend beginning with DHH at 215-985-AIDS. 

To register for AIDS Walk Philly go to aidswalkphilly.org

For more information about AIDS Fund Philly go to aidsfundphilly.org

For Bebashi Treatment to Hope, visit bebashi.org

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