Pa. Medic Starts Wellness Before Emergencies Program

Edwin and Nancy Neill wanted to find a place where they could learn about diabetes and other medical conditions because they were getting older.

"We were interested in diabetes because my wife has that, and we need to learn about that," Edwin Neill said. "We're getting up in years, too, so we're concerned about strokes and eye problems."

When their nephew, Baldwin Emergency Medical Services Assistant Chief Curt Neill, started the WE Care Program --- Wellness Before Emergencies --the Carrick couple knew it was just what they needed.

Curt Neill said he started the program last winter as a way to educate people on health issues, their existing medical conditions and early detection techniques.

"It stemmed from blood pressure clinics, and someone would say something about the pill they were taking or the disease they were dealing with," Curt Neill said. Baldwin EMS serves the communities of Pleasant Hills and Baldwin.

"Those kinds of encounters are what brought about this idea to bring information in a way to enrich people's lives. I am trying to be a facilitator of health care," Curt Neill said.

The program, which focuses on a different medical topic each month, is free. It usually runs from 1 to 3 p.m. on a weekday at the Baldwin EMS station, 1 Readshaw Way, Baldwin, which is behind the Eat'n Park restaurant on Route 51.

Curt Neill enlists the help of local hospital personnel to speak on various medical topics.

"The WE Care Program is an integral part of our community outreach, and it's a great opportunity for us because there's such a plethora of health care issues that can be confusing," said Blanche Buscanics, manager of community outreach at Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Jefferson Hills.

Amy Jo McDade, spokeswoman for St. Clair Hospital in Mt. Lebanon, agreed with Buscanics.

"Last year, we came and did bone density screenings," McDade said. "We offer the South Hills residents help, and we address a wide variety of health issues and trends."

Since its inception last year, participation in the program has grown. Curt Neill estimated the program started with about 15 people attending the monthly discussions. That number has grown to about 30 to 35 participants.

"We've grown in terms of people understanding what emergency medical service is and what a paramedic is and what they really do," Curt Neill said.

The next session will be from 1 to 3 p.m. April 19 and will focus on understanding medications. Jacqueline Anderson, a registered nurse at Jefferson Regional Medical Center, will be the presenter. To register, call Curt Neill at 412-884-0666.

Nancy Neill and her husband plan to be there.

"I really like the program, and I hope they continue it because it's beneficial to us, and the speakers make everything easy to understand," Nancy Neill said.

News stories provided by third parties are not edited by "Site Publication" staff. For suggestions and comments, please click the Contact link at the bottom of this page.