For your health: Wellness news and events throughout WNC

Photo courtesy of CarePartners

Mission Health Partners is NC’s first clinically integrated network

Mission Health, MAHEC and a group of independent physicians have spearheaded the development of a new health network: Mission Health Partners. Mission Health Partners is a patient-centric, physician-governed network of clinicians, hospitals and other providers working collaboratively to improve patient care, reduce costs and ultimately, according to a press release, change the way North Carolinians experience health care. Mission Health Partners will pursue new payment models, such as shared savings, pay-for-performance or risk arrangements with payers.

“We all know that our nation’s health care system is not achieving our collective goals: Far too often, care is difficult to access, too costly, too provider-centric and focused only on disease,” said Dr. Ronald A. Paulus, president and CEO of Mission Health. “Mission is committed to working collaboratively with patients, physicians and other providers to ensure that the residents of Western North Carolina have access to the most advanced, comprehensive, high-quality and affordable care possible.” For more info, visit mission-health.org/mhp.

MemoryCare presents ‘The MemoryCare Plays’ staged reading and discussion at UNCA

MemoryCare combines drama, education and community building with its staged reading and discussion of The MemoryCare Plays, a book of one-act plays that delve into the challenges surrounding dementia and memory loss. The nonprofit published the book in 2013, and it has been touted as an accessible and relatable resource for families, book clubs, support groups and other organizations that seek to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and similar ailments.

“I find that it’s often hard to communicate how this disease really impacts a family in their day-to-day lives, what’s unique about it and how it affects not just how we think and remember, but how we function, how we can independently carry out our days and how we communicate,” says Margaret Noel, founder of MemoryCare and editor of the book. “Those things really are almost better captured in an art form, in a dramatic way.”

The reading takes place Thursday, June 26, at 5 p.m. at the UNC Asheville Reuter Center, followed by a reception. The event is free, but registration is required. To register, call 274-4801, ext. 2249.

Smoky Mountain offers training in personal mental health wellness plans

Mental health experts from Smoky Mountain Center are offering training throughout Western North Carolina to help participants with mental illness or substance-abuse issues begin a journey toward recovery. The Wellness Recovery Action Plan, or WRAP, helps participants to manage their lives through peer support and self-directed planning.

Ritchie Tannerhill, one of Smoky Mountain’s certified peer and family support specialists, first learned about peer support through a program in prison. Today, he counsels people across WNC who face similar challenges through the WRAP program. “I let them know that they’re not alone in this,” says Tannerhill, who has been clean and sober for eight years and is also a youth pastor. “There is a way out. They don’t have to be stuck in that place — there is hope and happiness and better days.”

WRAP training sessions are free to anyone who has personal experience with mental illness or addiction. People without a diagnosis who simply want to improve their lives are also welcome to attend. Call 800-849-6127 to learn about upcoming sessions.

Local coach facilitates ‘Taking charge of your ADHD’ event at Malaprop’s

Asheville-based attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder coach Rudy Rodriguez was diagnosed with ADHD in 1983 and has been working with the condition since 1981. As the founder of the ADHD Center for Success and through his work at the ADHD Clinic, Rodriguez blends his years of clinical knowledge with his coaching skills and personal life experience as an adult with ADHD.

“While ADHD medications can be helpful, ultimately it comes to your ability to develop effective ADHD self-management skills,” according to the event description. “This seminar will share essential tips and strategies to enable you to take charge of your ADHD.” The event takes place at Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe on Wednesday, July 9 at 5:30 p.m. Visit malaprops.com for more details.

CarePartners awarded accreditation from The Joint Commission

After a rigorous on-site survey in March, CarePartners has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for accreditation. The accreditation award recognizes CarePartners compliance in all areas of care, including infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management.

“In achieving Joint Commission accreditation, CarePartners has demonstrated its commitment to the highest level of care for its patients, and that goes above and beyond federal and state requirements,” says Gina Zimmermann, executive director of the Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Accreditation at The Joint Commission. Learn more at carepartners.org.

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About Lea McLellan
Lea McLellan is a freelance writer who likes to write stories about music, art, food, wellness and interesting locals doing interesting things.

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