City of Wilmington Economic Development deserves a Healthy Community too: Neighborhood Medical Home

William Hicks Anderson Community Center longs for economic development
and resources for an redevelopment. The Neighborhood Medical Home aims
to improve the community’s health by improved access to social and vocational
services in the center. My vision is to get this once thriving community, now
blighted and sick, back on its feet. Real estate development is happening all
around the city which includes a $45 million investment in a bike trail on the
Riverfront, a $100 million Governor Printz development project, a $10 million
project to re-locate the Rodney Square transit hub, a $20 million new Baynard
Stadium and a $65 million state bond for real estate developers. As an
alumnae, I even watched in awe as the University of Delaware allocated $180
million to build a biotechnology center. The university, however, was not

interested in investing resources to support access to quality primary specialty

care in a ‘One Stop Shop,’ which was something that I advocated for.

Delaware citizens are sicker than most average states, with higher rates of

chronic disease (obesity, heart disease and diabetes) in part driven by poverty,

food scarcity, homelessness, underemployment and violence. Our state is

consistently ranked among the states that spend the most on health care, yet

have poor outcomes. Independent Primary Care Practices once a mainstay to

help reduce healthcare costs are at risk of closing up as administrative costs

become unbearable. Without changes and investment in primary preventative

care, it is estimated that Delaware’s total health care spending will more than

double from $9.5 billion in 2014 to $21.5 billion in 2025. Transferring $3 million

dollars to this project would pay for the new building construction and would

create three full-time city employee jobs who would have health insurance, a

pension, sick and vacation time and union representation. As the legendary

music icon and activist James Brown sang, Get Up, Get Into It and Get

Involved. We can do this! To find out more information about the Beatty Place

project go to www.tovacommunityhealth.org or call the Mayor’s or the New

Castle County Executive’s office.

Dr. Nina Anderson, Chief Editor

Jay Cooperson, AIA, Cooperson Associates

TOVA Community Health
Primary Specialty Care for the Whole Family
#tovacares

Primary Specialty Care

www.tovacommunityhealth.org

302-429-5870 ext. 120

Get Your Limited Edition of renown artist CJ Smith- Great Gift Idea. Proceeds benefit the TOVA Sickle Cell Fund

   CJ Smith is a contemporary abstract style artist whose style of black art depicts the lives & struggle of African-Americans in an urban society.  Having grown up in Chicago, IL in the 1980’s, CJ Smith’s love for art was an avenue to express himself creatively.  He        attended college and honed his arts skills even though majoring in communications.  He decided to go into the military & served in the US Airforce for  20-years in Korea & in the U.S.  Now retired from the military, he has renewed his love for art as a form of  relaxation, therapy & healing.  

    CJ Smith would like to have his art exhibited in the world’s most important metropolitan museums.  But for now, he is most proud of providing working families with the opportunity to purchase affordable quality black art for their homes.  I want to thank artist CJ Smith for commissioning such a powerful piece of art for TOVA & raising Sickle Cell Awareness.     Limited Edition Prints $75.00 (9"x18")                                                                   

                                                               

                                                       

CJ Smith aka Craig Smith lives in Tampa, Florida.  For more information about his art, he can be reached at Craigj123@aol.com

TOVA Community Health

Primary Specialty Care

302-429-5870 

www.tovacommunityhealth.org/

Gene Therapy towards a Cure for Sickle Cell Anemia

   So much work has been done in Sickle Cell Disease research over the last decade. Most recently, doctors in the U.S. are utilizing an innovative gene-editing technique called CRISPR to cure patients with Sickle Cell Disease. In Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), a single-genetic blood disorder causes the blood cells to form an abnormal, sickle shape. Researchers are using cells taken from a patients’ own bone marrow that have been genetically modified with the CRISPR technique. This editing technique helps individuals to permanently produce a protein called Fetal Hemoglobin (a hemoglobin that does not make the blood sickle). Fetal Hemoglobin, is typically only made by fetuses and babies for a short period following birth. Ideally, this protein will compensate for the defective sickle gene protein that causes SCD, therefore helping patients to live a normal life. This treatment is very new so there are a lot of unknown risks. The clinical trials (studies) that are being conducted are just a first step, with a lot more work to be done in the future. It will likely take years before determining whether Gene Therapy is a universal cure and if the benefits last a lifetime. But CRISPR has enabled scientists to make very precise changes in the DNA of the sickle gene, which may lead to new ways to prevent as well as treat other diseases. Recently, CRISPR Therapeutics has revealed for the first time that the treatment might be promising for Beta Thalassemia, a genetic blood disorder. Beta Thalassemia patients may require regular transfusions to treat their condition. A patient enrolled in a research study has not required a blood transfusion in more than four months! While the research surrounding CRISPR is just beginning, it is still very exciting for persons living with Sickle Cell Disease as well as other chronic genetic disorders. We will certainly keep an eye on these studies as they progress. For more information, go to www.nhlbi.nih.gov.

TOVA Community Health

Primary Specialty Care

302-429-5870 ext 120

www.tovacommunityhealth.org

Did You Know? Delaware is 3rd in the country for how much it spends on health care per capita.

Did you Know?

Delaware is third in the

country for how much it

spends on health care per

capital. Healthcare costs

in Delaware are eating up

30% of the state's budget

and on track to double in

the next decade. Access

to Primary Care helps

keep health care spending

costs down and patients,

families and communities

healthier.

TOVA Community Health

Primary Specialty Care

302-429-5870 ext. 120

www.tovacommunityhealth.org

Artist Honors Sickle Cell Warriors-Limited Edition Prints are for Sale!

CJ Smith is an contemporary abstract style artist whose style of black art depicts the lives & struggle of African-Americans in the urban society. Having grown up in Chicago, IL in the 1980’s, CJ Smith’s love for art was an avenue to express himself creatively. CJ Smith attended college and honed his arts skills even though majoring in communications. He decided to go into the military & served in the US Airforce for over 20-years in Europe & in the U.S. Now retired from the military, he has renewed his love for art as a form of relaxation, therapy & healing.

CJ Smith would like to have his art exhibited in the world’s most important metropolitan museums. But for now, he is most proud for working families to have the opportunity to purchase affordable quality black art for their homes. I want to thank artist CJ Smith for commissioning such a powerful piece of art for TOVA & raising Sickle Cell Awareness.

CJ Smith aka Craig Smith lives in Tampa, Florida. For more information about his art, he can be reached at

Facebook: CJ Smith Art Works

Craigj123@aol.com

    'In the Struggle I Rise'

                              TOVA Community Health
                 Limited Re-Prints are for Sale -$75.00 plus shipping & handling.

Primary Specialty Care

www.tovacommunityhealth.org

302-429-5870 ext. 120

With sincerest apologies, the Sickle Cell Run/Walk will be cancelled this year. We aim to keep this fun-filled event a staple in the community for years to come, though we acknowledge there have been many challenges along the way.

TOVA Community Health

James Faucett III Sickle Cell Awareness 5K Run/Walk

Primary Specialty Care

302-429-5870 ext. 120

www.tovacommunityhealth.org

In Service, 

Dr. Nina

TOVA Support Group will Resume Next Week

TOVA Community Health

Primary Specialty Care

Wilmington, DE 19805

 

www.tovacommunityhealth.org

(302) 429-5870

 

 

 

Are you a Delaware State University Student living with Sickle Cell Anemia, Lupus or Chronic Pain?

HEALTHY HORNETS PROGRAM

Are you a DSU student living with Sickle Cell Anemia, Lupus or Chronic Pain?

Sign-Up for the Healthy Hornets Program

For more information, contact

Dr. Nina Anderson

nanderson@desu.edu or call (302) 857-7818

Specialty Care  Support   Resources   Equals College Success!

TOVA Community Health

213 Greenhill Ave.

Wilm, DE 19805

                    302-429-5870 ext. 120

            www.tovacommunityhealth.org

Blood Donors are Needed -Sign Up Today

Did You Know?
Less than 1% of African-Americans, Hispanics & Asians are Blood Donors.  African-American blood donors are more likely to be a match for the majority of individuals with sickle cell disorder in the US, making them ideal donors to help sickle cell patients receiving regular blood transfusions. 

Diversity of the blood supply helps people with serious medical conditions and complications from blood transfusion. 

TOVA Community Health

Primary Specialty Care

302-429-5870

www.tovacommunityhealth.org

Don't Get High and Drive

Photo by the Grio

TOVA Community Health

Primary Specialty Care

302-429-5870

www.tovacommunityhealth.org

 Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher, was quoted as saying "change is the only constant in life." And this has proved to be true when it comes to perceptions regarding the use of marijuana as well as laws dealing with marijuana. Marijuana is used to treat a number of conditions, including: chronic pain, seizures, cancer, and muscle spasms for those with multiple sclerosis and etc. But, marijuana poses some apparent risks such as impaired mental and physical performance. This may lead to an increase in car crashes. A 2018 study found that in states with legal recreational use of marijuana, crashes were up 6% compared with 4 neighboring states with restricted recreational use. When taken in high doses, marijuana can lead to hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, psychosis, and even schizophrenia. As more states legalize marijuana for recreational use, the affects marijuana has on an individual’s mental state while driving is something that will clearly have to be taken into consideration.
The federal government currently considers use of marijuana illegal. Ten (10) states have passed laws legalizing recreational use of marijuana, and five (5) other states are currently considering amending their laws. If an officer believes a driver is impaired, an Operating Under the Influence of Drugs (OUI) charge can be issued. Once a driver is arrested and brought back to the police station further assessments, tests and screenings can check for impairment. As the legal status of marijuana use changes, more considerations will have to be taken regarding the use of marijuana with operating vehicles. While any increase in motor vehicle accidents is cause for concern, motor vehicle accident increases pertaining to the use of marijuana draw special attention as laws continue to change. To avoid lengthy legal proceedings and court costs, Don’t Get High and Drive®.

Dr. Nina & Shayla Awolusi, MHSA
















TOVA Community Health
Primary Specialty Care
302-429-5870
www.tovacommunityhealth.org

Did You Know: Traveling can combat Chronic Stress

TOVA Community Health

Primary Specialty Care

302-429-5870 ext. 120

www.tovacommunityhealth.org

Find out more by Clicking On the Link,

 

http://www.csyoungprofessionals.com/travel-therapy-mental-health-benefits-time-off/

 

Join Us for Support Group this Wednesday, June 12th-Have a Healthy, Fun & Safe Summer

TOVA Community Health

Primary Specialty Care

(302) 429-5870 ext. 120

www.tovacommunityhealth.org

Shine the Light: 'Rock Red' for World Sickle Cell Day

'Rock Red'

Shine the Light for World Sickle Cell Day

TOVA Community Health

Primary Specialty Care

www.tovacommunityhealth.org

(302) 429-5870 ext. 120

#tovacommunityhealth

Join Us for Support Group this Wednesday, May 8th- Hot Topic of the Month as we Gear Up for World Sickle Cell Day

 

TOVA Primary Specialty Care

www.tovacommunityhealth.org

302-429-5870 ext. 120

Cultivate Wellness: Hug a Tree

Being a visionary and an entrepreneur has been challenging—especially   being a Black woman from humble beginnings.  Long working hours and sicker than ever patients weigh such a heavy toll on healthcare  providers and small business owners.  Finding outlets to relax  & appreciate the divine inspirations that are all around us has been very therapeutic for me. Through a friend’s suggestion, the opportunity to attend the Philadelphia Flower Show for a stress relieving weekend was suggested.  I was totally in awe.  Parks, gardens, flowers, trees, and plants can be a quiet and nurturing space for contemplation, conversation, and connection with friends and loved ones.  I also learned that there are Horticultural Therapy Center    partnerships with hospitals that provide rehab for patients to achieve  optimal health and wellness—another vision of mine here at home.  For more information from Main Line Health  nature, nutrition, and wellness program. 
#Main Line Health

TOVA Community Health

Primary Specialty Care

(302) 429-5870 ext. 120

www.tovacommunityhealth.org

                              #tovacommunityhealth

TOVA's Easy Spring Recipe: Arugula & Radicchio Salad Pizza

TOVA Community Health

Primary Specialty Care

www.tovacommunityhealth.org

(302) 429-5870 ext. 120

If you have Sickle Cell Anemia & attend Delaware State University-Sign-Up for the SCAPP program.

Primary Specialty Care at Delaware State University

TOVA @ DSU

Dr. Nina Anderson

DSU Senior Research Fellow

2nd Floor, Memorial Hall 

                                                                                                                                                                    Room #207

                                                                                                     Call for More Information

Join Us this Wednesday 4/8/2019 - Disability Resources: You May Be Eligible. Our Guest Presenter is Mr. Carl Webster -Sickle Cell Senior Elder & Warrior

TOVA Community Health

Primary Specialty Care

(302) 429-5870

www.tovacommunityhealth.org

Plant Flowers to Cultivate Wellness

     Being a visionary and an entrepreneur has been challenging—especially   being a Black woman from humble beginnings.  Long working hours and sicker than ever patients weigh such a heavy toll on healthcare  providers and small business owners.  Finding outlets to relax  & appreciate the divine inspirations that are all around us has been very therapeutic for me. Through a friend’s suggestion, the opportunity to attend the Philadelphia Flower Show for a stress relieving weekend was suggested.  I was totally in awe.  Gardens, flowers, trees, and plants can be a quiet and nurturing space for contemplation, conversation, and connection with friends and loved ones.  I also learned that there are Horticultural Therapy Center    partnerships with hospitals that provide rehab for patients to achieve  optimal health and wellness—another vision of mine here at home.  For more information from Main Line Health  nature, nutrition, and wellness program.   

                                                              Main Line Health

TOVA Community Health

(302) 429-5870

www.tovacommunityhealth.org

Bringing John Hopkins Home @ TOVA

      Johns Hopkins Sickle Cell Disease ECHO® Clinics were modeled after an innovative liver disease determined specialist, Sanjeev Arora, M.D., who was desperately trying to increase access to quality curative treatment and care for people living with    Hepatitis C in Albuquerque, NM.   There is still an unmet need for healthcare  providers to specialize in care for children and  especially adults living with sickle cell anemia.  The same is true for healthcare providers who specialize in Hepatitis C treatment.  Having relationships with hematologists and other healthcare providers is important to get the best recommendations and input for clients who have complex chronic  conditions in order to increase access to high quality primary specialty care.  In turn, the aim was to build regional networks  and leverage  resource capacity with other providers.  These providers all have the necessary     expertise, resources and training  to provide comprehensive coordinated care and services to a disparate, underserved population.  That being said, technology can be a useful tool in the 21st Century to help bridge the gap to high quality expertise care.  Technology can also ensure that clients have access to an academic institution world-renown for their sickle cell treatment center.  The number of research  projects, clinical trials, and curative treatment options - such as the Half-Match Bone Marrow Transplant - are available to TOVA clients with sickle cell anemia at John Hopkins.  Over the years, it has been quite an honor to share my clients cases at ECHO clinic with an expert team of providers who are very knowledgeable and experienced in taking care of the sickle cell population.  In turn, sickle cell patients express that they feel quite honored that someone wants them to have access to the best care as well as innovative and cutting edge treatment options to ease their pain and suffering right here at home.  TOVA is an affiliated partner with the SiNERGE Northeast Regional Sickle Cell  Collaborative.  This global network reach includes Puerto Rico, Antigua, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.  Though being known as a visionary and a progressive minded healthcare provider, my hope in the near future is that local changemakers will be embraced.  Most of all, I hope that they will be given a level playing field of economic  opportunities to access resources and to have protection of their intellectual capital.  It is especially important for         changemakers, willing to find viable solutions for the most challenging healthcare problems facing the state and the nation, to have resources.  Thus, ordinary people like nurses can also lead the way as well.  Join the Movement and Go Forth.  

                                                                                                                 

In Service, Dr. Nina

TOVA Community Health

Primary Specialty Care

(302) 429-5870

www.tovacommunityhealth.org

         

TOVA Support Group this Wednesday, March 13th. @12 noon. Overcoming Negative Thoughts. Don't Miss.

TOVA Community Health

Primary Specialty Care

(302) 429-5870 ext. 120

www.tovacommunityhealth.org

Black History Month Tribute to Dr. Charles Whitten and Edwin Russum

TOVA Community Health

302-429-5870

www.tovacommunityhealth.org

#tovacommunityhealth

Your Health Matters: Celebrating Dr. Charles Whitten from Wilmington, D...

Your Health Matters: Celebrating Dr. Charles Whitten from Wilmington, D...: Delawareans who improved the quality of lives for the Poor and Underserved during Black History Month, There are so many local legends in ...

Celebrating Dr. Charles Whitten from Wilmington, DE founder of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America (SCDAA)

Delawareans who improved the quality of lives for the Poor and Underserved during Black History Month, There are so many local legends in Delaware who have contributed to the field of science to improve the lives of people with medical conditions. One person who comes to mind is Charles Whitten, MD .  Dr. Charles F. Whitten was born on February 2, 1922 in Wilmington, Delaware. He attended the Howard High School and received his bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1942. Dr. Whitten grew up on the Wilmington’s East Side and lived next door to the legendary jazz trumpeter Clifford Brown. He went on to finish his medical degree at the prestigious Mehary Medical College in 1945 and completed a residency program in pediatrics and a one-year fellowship in pediatric hematology. Dr. Whitten's major area of interest was research in sickle cell anemia. With the help of many concerned citizens, he organized to form the National Association for Sickle Cell Disease and the Sickle Cell Detection and Information Center in 1971. The National Association for Sickle Cell Disease which is now known as the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America (SCDAA) head quarters are in Baltimore, Maryland. Currently, SCDAA has over 50 member organizations and affiliates thanks to the steadfast leadership of Dr. Whitten. He continued to serve on the board for over two decades until his health started to decline in his 80s. Dr. Whitten was also the first African-American to serve as the chief of pediatrics and head a department at Detroit Receiving Hospital. Dr. Whitten passed away on August 14, 2008 at the age of 86 (Healthy Tidbits). Check out the Sickle Cell Disease Association of American’s website: www.scdaa.org .

TOVA Community Health

Primary Specialty Care

(302) 429-5870 

www.tovacommunityhealth.org

Create Your Vision Board this Wednesday, Feb. 13th at 12 noon - TOVA Support Group

TOVA Community Health

Primary Specialty Care

www.tovacommunityhealth.org

302-429-5870 ext. 120

Health benefits for Children Participating in Sports. Here is why children should play Sports.

                                 I think this picture says it all.  Win or Loose, Sports participation builds character and teaches kids the benefits of hard work and perseverance.  Oh yes, sports participation promotes lifelong health and wellness.

My father would say, 

"In life, you get out what you put in it"

Phil & Nina Anderson UD Track & Field Alumnae

Here are other Physical & Mental Health Benefits
https://www.livestrong.com/article/160825-why-should-children-play-sports/

Congrats to the Padua Pandas for winning the State Indoor Track Championship.  

My father would have been so proud!

TOVA Community 

www.tovacommunityhealth.org

302-429-5870 ext. 120

Understanding Chronic Pain presented by DSU senior Psychology student. Check out Dr. Nina and Dr. Scott-Jones remarks. Go Hornets!

TOVA Community Health

 Like Us on Facebook #tovacommunityhealth

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(302) 429-5870 ext. 120 - office

(302) 429-9284- fax

Janelle Wanzor, DSU Senior Psychology student

Dr. Gwendolyn Scott-Jones, DSU Department Psychology Chair

Dr. Nina

#tovacares

What are your Goals for 2019 to achieve Optimal Health & Wellness. Support Group is Cancelled for this Wed. - Jan. 9th

TOVA Community Health

Primary Specialty Care

www.tovacommunityhealth.org

302-429-5870 ext. 120

Beware of Internet Addiction: Are You Addicted to the Internet?

Today access to the internet is freely available to everyone: smart phones, tablets, watches, smart TV’s - just to mention a few. Excessive internet use is an addiction that interferes with your relationships, work, school, and daily living. However, internet addiction has not been officially viewed as a disorder, but it surely has rapidly gained attention from mental health counselors, researchers and doctors. The overuse of the internet is defined as Compulsive Internet Use (CIU), Problematic Internet Use (PIU), or Internet Disorder (ID). Modern technology makes it difficult to stay away or not use the internet in our daily routine. More and more people do not communicate in person or by phone. The internet is making face to face communication non-existent and impersonal. The internet has taken over—from placing food, online shopping, playing games, and communication. It is difficult to ascertain why this disorder can be troubling to treat or even diagnose. Some experts suggest that it is not the amount of time spent on the internet, but it is how the internet interferes with your day to day life. Some noted signs and symptoms of Internet Addiction that can be exhibited include: boredom, fear, agitation, avoidance and feelings of euphoria when using the computer.
    Internet addiction has gained attention from many. Some feel that the addiction is not related to the amount of time you spend on the internet but with how the internet is used. Those who suffer from this addiction may have difficulties in developing new relationships and become socially withdrawn- just to name of few. Unfortunately, there is no standardized treatment nor DSM-V diagnosis yet developed. Internet Addiction is listed as a “condition needing further study.” Hopefully in the near future, we will learn more about this disorder.

Taihitia Watson-Wilmer, Nurse Care Coordinator

TOVA Community Health

Primary Specialty Care

www.tovacommunityhealth.org

(302) 429-5870 ext. 120