SJFC to offer health care training for parents

A workshop on “What to do when your child gets sick” will be offered from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on November 8 at St. James Family Center.

The workshop focuses on health care for young children, ages 0-5; however all Wahkiakum and Naselle families are welcome to enroll. Families must sign up in advance and can do so by calling the Family Center , 795-8612.

SJFC’s Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program received a grant earlier this year, along with 14 other programs in Washington State , from UCLA Anderson Graduate School of Management and Johnson&Johnson. Their program, the Health Care Institute, trained a team of staff at SJFC who will be providing the workshop. Because of Wahkiakum County ’s small size, the grant allows both ECEAP and other families to enroll.

Each family enrolled will receive a copy of the book, “What to do when your child gets sick” and a first aid kit at no charge. Numerous door prizes will be provided also. Child care will be offered at no charge, but only to families who are pre-enrolled.

“Our grant is for 60 families this year and another 60 families next year” says Carol Carver, SJFC’s health coordinator. “We have about 40 families enrolled so far.” Carver says that if more than 60 families sign up, a waiting list will be started and all who cannot participate this year will be contacted to enroll for the workshop next year. Attendance includes a commitment to participate in three brief follow-up phone calls in the three months following the training.

Enrollment brochures are available at SJFC, the Wahkiakum Family Practice Clinic, the Cathlamet Pharmacy, WIC, Dr. Seale’s dentist office, WHHS, and the Health Department.