Griffin Hospital in Derby promotes prostate cancer awareness

DERBY - In recognition of National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, the Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital is promoting prostate health this month by highlighting 100 Questions & Answers About Prostate Cancer.

Receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis is a difficult experience, and leaves patients and their caregivers feeling anxious and overwhelmed. 100 Questions & Answers About Prostate Cancer provides both the doctor’s and patient’s point of view for a comprehensive discussion of what you can expect post-diagnosis along with patient commentary to give you a real-life understanding of what these steps might mean for your day-to-day life. 

Written by Dr. Pamela Ellsworth, a prominent urologist and best-selling author, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone coping with the uncertainty of a prostate cancer diagnosis.

Located on the ground floor of Griffin Hospital the HRC is a traditional free lending library that provides an array of medical and health information. 

The Center contains a collection of easy-to-read health and lifestyle related materials for patients and their families to become better informed and make more educated decisions about the various treatment options available to them. 

Discover more information at www.griffinhealth.org/library

Shared from Griffin Hospital's Facebook page.

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host Q&A about medications with pharmacists

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital in Derby will host a Q&A with pharmacists March 4./ Contributed photo

DERBY - The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital invites the community to bring their medication questions to Griffin’s expert pharmacists March 4 from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the hospital.

Griffin Health Director of Pharmacy Services Lisa Jaser, Pharm D, and other members of the Griffin Pharmacy staff will lead a casual Q&A for any and all medication questions.

Medication errors injure hundreds of thousands of people every year in the United States. However, most medication errors can be prevented with open communication between the pharmacist and patient as well as the patient’s caregivers. 
Important information individuals should ask their pharmacist includes the name of the medication, what it is supposed to do, how to take or use the medication, what to do if a dose is missed, and what activities, foods, or other medications to avoid while taking the medication.

This program is part of a series of free, educational forums hosted by the Community Health Resource Center in an effort to help improve the health of the community.

To register or for more information, call Kerry or Deborah at 203-732-7399. The hospital is at 130 Division St.

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital is a traditional library that provides an array of medical and health information, including a large collection of easy to read health and lifestyle related materials. The Center is open to the public to educate themselves on ways to enhance their well-being, prevent illness and play an active role in decisions about their health.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host free talk on Medicare

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital will host a free presentation on Medicare and related health care decisions Sept. 25./ Contributed photo

DERBY - The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital will host a free presentation on Medicare and related health care decisions from 10-11:30 a.m. Sept. 25.

Joe Deegan, a counselor for Connecticut’s programs for Health insurance, Outreach, Information and Eligibility Screening (CHOICES), will host “Medicare CHOICES,” a presentation to help older adults and those eligible for Medicare and their caregivers make informed health insurance decisions and to help prevent, detect and report health care fraud and abuse. There will be information on Medicare, Medigap, Medicare Managed Care, Medicaid, Long Term Care Insurance and other related state and federal programs.

Educational forums

This program is part of a series of free, educational forums hosted by the Community Health Resource Center in an effort to help improve the health of the community.

To register or for more information, call Kerry or Deborah at 203-732-7399.

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital is a traditional library that provides an array of medical and health information, including a large collection of easy to read health and lifestyle-related materials. The Center is open to the public to educate themselves on ways to enhance their well-being, prevent illness and play an active role in decisions about their health.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host free talk on child safety

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital will host a talk about child safety July 31./ Contributed photo

DERBY - The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital will host a free talk about child safety at 10:30 a.m. July 31.

Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley Coalition Coordinator Cathi Kellett will present “Keeping Your Kids Safe,” a discussion about water safety, car seat safety, and poison prevention (medication safety).

This program is part of a series of free, educational forums hosted by the Community Health Resource Center in an effort to help improve the health of the community. 

To register or for more information, call Kerry or Deborah, 203-732-7399.

The hospital is at 130 Division St. 

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital is a traditional library that provides an array of medical and health information, including a large collection of easy to read health and lifestyle related materials. The Center is open to the public to educate themselves on ways to enhance their well-being, prevent illness and play an active role in decisions about their health.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Advance care planning topic of talk at Griffin Hospital in Derby

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital will host a talk April 18 on how to plan for future medical decisions./  Contributed photo

DERBY - The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital will host a free talk on how to plan for future healthcare and medical decisions at 10 a.m. April 18.

Griffin Hospital Advance Care Planning Coordinator Lynn Aiksnoras will present “Advance Care Planning: Honoring Health Care Choices,” an open discussion on the three stages of Advance Care Planning in which individuals discuss and decide their future health care wishes in the event that they are unable to speak for themselves.

ACP is a process of understanding, reflecting on and discussing individual goals, beliefs and values to determine a person’s overall wishes, should a time come when he or she cannot make them for him or herself. ACP ensures that patients’ healthcare wishes are respected by loved ones and health care providers. 

This process also gives comfort and reassurance to healthcare representatives, enabling them to clearly understand patients’ end-of-life preferences.

This program is part of a series of free, educational forums hosted by the Community Health Resource Center in an effort to help improve the health of the community. To register or for more information, call Kerry or Deborah at 203-732-7399.

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., is a traditional library that provides an array of medical and health information, including a large collection of easy to read health and lifestyle-related materials. 

The Center is open to the public to educate themselves on ways to enhance their well-being, prevent illness and play an active role in decisions about their health.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Staying active through gardening topic of talk at Griffin Hospital in Derby

Experienced horticulturalist Francine Vallillo will present “Constant Color in the Garden” March 20 at Griffin Hospital./ Contributed photo

DERBY - The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital will host a free talk about getting active through gardening March 20 at 6 p.m.

Experienced horticulturalist Francine Vallillo will present “Constant Color in the Garden,” providing tips for planning and planting a perennial flower garden that will bloom from spring to fall. 
The talk will include a list of perennials with the color, time of bloom, growth habits, unique foliage, and uses for each species, design elements for short to tall flowers and balancing the space, and a complete list of the plants suitable to take with you when purchasing plants.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gardening is a moderate-intensity level activity, which the CDC recommends two and a half hours of each week to help prevent chronic health conditions.

This program is part of a series of free, educational forums hosted by the Community Health Resource Center in an effort to help improve the health of the community. 
To register or for more information, call Kerry or Deborah at 203-732-7399.

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital is a traditional library that provides an array of medical and health information, including a large collection of easy to read health and lifestyle related materials. 
The Center is open to the public to educate themselves on ways to enhance their well-being, prevent illness and play an active role in decisions about their health.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Talk about low vision slated at Griffin Hospital in Derby

Griffin Hospital and Lions Club of Connecticut will host “Taking a Look at Low Vision,” a free talk, on Feb. 21./ Submitted photo 

DERBY - The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital will host “Taking a Look at Low Vision,” from 11 a.m.-noon Feb. 21.

The free talk will discuss Low Vision, its causes and therapy options. 

Low Vision is a chronic medical condition affecting one in six adults over 45 years of age in which an individual has a degree of vision loss that can no longer be corrected by eye glasses, medicine or surgery. 
Individuals with low vision are not blind; however, they often have difficulty using their remaining vision efficiently and effectively enough to complete needed activities.

Leslie Prescott, MS, OTR/L, Griffin Hospital Occupational Therapist Specializing in Low Vision Rehabilitation, will explain Low Vision and its causes, discuss rehabilitation options, and provide information about Griffin Hospital’s Lions Low Vision Center, which provides free adaptive equipment and devices.

This program is part of a series of free, educational forums hosted by the Community Health Resource Center in an effort to help improve the health of the community. 

To register or for more information, call Kerry or Deborah, 203-732-7399. The hospital is at 130 Division St.

For more information about the Lions Low Vision Center at Griffin Hospital’s Rehabilitation Services Department, call 203-732-7445 or visit griffinhealth.org or lionslowvisioncenters.org.

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital is a traditional library that provides an array of medical and health information, including a large collection of easy to read health and lifestyle related materials. The Center is open to the public to educate themselves on ways to enhance their well-being, prevent illness and play an active role in decisions about their health.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host talk on hypnosis, pain relief

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital has slated a talk on hypnosis and pain relief Jan. 16./ Submitted photo

DERBY - The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital will host a free educational presentation on hypnosis and pain relief at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 16.

Ryan Jett, of Empowering the Mind Hypnosis, will present “Hypnosis & Pain,” a discussion of how hypnosis works and how it can help relieve pain, which can help keep individuals from treating pain with unhealthy methods such as drinking and drug abuse.

This program is part of a series of free, educational forums hosted by the Community Health Resource Center to help improve the health of the community.

To register or for more information, call Kerry or Deborah, 203-732-7399.

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital is a traditional library that provides an array of medical and health information, including a large collection of easy to read health and lifestyle related materials. 

The Center is open to the public to educate themselves on ways to enhance their well-being, prevent illness and play an active role in decisions about their health. 

The hospital is at 130 Division St.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host talk about retirement planning

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital will host a free presentation about retirement planning Nov. 14./ Contributed photo

DERBY - The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., will host a free presentation about retirement planning at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 14.

Michael Alimo and David Weyner of USA Financial and Tax Services, LLC, will host “Income Planning for Retirement,” a free presentation that helps individuals make a plan which will prevent them from outliving their money in retirement once the safety net of a job and salary is gone. 

Discussion topics include: How to calculate retirement needs; guaranteed sources of income; how to maximize Social Security to improve cash flow; pension options; and the acceptable rate of draw-down on retirement savings.

Educational forum

This program is part of a series of free, educational forums hosted by the Community Health Resource Center to help improve the health of the community.

To register or for more information, call Kerry or Deborah at 203-732-7399.

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital is a traditional library that provides an array of medical and health information, including a large collection of easy to read health and lifestyle related materials. The Center is open to the public to educate themselves on ways to enhance their well-being, prevent illness and play an active role in decisions about their health.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

Griffin Hospital in Derby slates talk on staying healthy during holiday season

Submitted photo

DERBY - The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., will host a free presentation on taking control of your weight and health this holiday season and beyond Oct. 10 at 6:30 p.m.

Health & Weight Management Coach Sara Bye will present “Have Happy & Healthy Holidays,” an open discussion of seven tips to help manage stress and unhealthy temptations throughout the holiday season and stay on track for successful health and weight management for years to come. 

This program is part of a series of free, educational forums hosted by the Community Health Resource Center to help improve the health of the community.

To register or for more information, call Kerry or Deborah at 203-732-7399.

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital is a traditional library that provides an array of medical and health information, including a large collection of easy to read health and lifestyle related materials. 

The Center is open to the public to educate themselves on ways to enhance their well-being, prevent illness and play an active role in decisions about their health.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host workshop on healing power of art

Griffin Hospital’s Community Health Resource Center to host “Unlock the Healing Power of Art”July 27./ Contributed photo



DERBY - Griffin Hospital’s Community Health Resource Center will host a free program on art and healing from 1-2 p.m. July 27 at the hospital, 130 Division St.

Melissa Healey, Planetree Services volunteer, will host “Unlock the Healing Power of Art,” a hands-on workshop about how to draw, its health benefits and what drawing can be used for in everyday life.

This program is part of a series of free, educational forums hosted by the Community Health Resource Center in an effort to help improve the health of the community.

To register or for more information, call Kerry or Deborah at 203-732-7399. 

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital is a traditional library that provides an array of medical and health information, including a large collection of easy to read health and lifestyle related materials. The Center is open to the public to educate themselves on ways to enhance their well-being, prevent illness and play an active role in decisions about their health.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Griffin Hospital in Derby to offer 2 programs on mental health

Griffin Hospital’s Community Health Resource Center will offer two programs on mental health in June. /Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital’s Community Health Resource Center, 130 Division St. is offering two programs on mental health in June.

Dr. Ben Zigun, JD, MBA, chair of Griffin's Psychiatry Department, and Susan Cutillo, LCSW, LADC, MBA, director of Psychiatric Services will present “Let’s stamp out stigma: an overview of behavioral services at Griffin Hospital” on June 13 at 6 p.m. 

This talk is open to the community and will cover general topics in mental health as well as behavioral health services offered at Griffin Hospital.

On June 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., John Saccu, director of the Derby Bureau of Youth Services, and Lorrie McFarland, master level prevention educator with the Alliance for Prevention & Wellness, will present “Mental Health First Aid,” an eight-hour training course for those caring for individuals with behavioral health issues. 

The program teaches: 

Risk factors and warning signs of mental health concerns; Information on depression, anxiety, trauma, psychosis, and substance abuse; A five-step action plan to help someone developing a mental health concern or crisis; and Available evidence-based professional, peer, and self-help resources.

These programs are part of a series of free, educational forums hosted by the Community Health Resource Center in an effort to help improve the health of the community.

To register or for more information, call Kerry or Deborah, 203-732-7399.

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital is a traditional library that provides an array of medical and health information, including a large collection of easy to read health and lifestyle related materials. 

The Center is open to the public to educate themselves on ways to enhance their well-being, prevent illness, and play an active role in decisions about their health.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Talk at Griffin Hospital in Derby to focus on ABCs of sleep

Griffin Hospital’s Community Health Resource Center is offering a talk on sleep wellness May 9./Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital’s Community Health Resource Center is offering a free talk to break down the ABCs of Zs at 6 p.m. May 9 at the hospital, 130 Division St.

Jackie Hoyle, Sleep Wellness Center coordinator at Griffin Hospital, will present “Sleep Well, Be Well,” a discussion about the medical definition of sleep, sleep disorders and treatments, and tips for proper sleep hygiene.

There will also be information about Griffin Hospital’s Sleep Wellness Center, a comprehensive and state-of-the-art program that provides help for sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, snoring, restless leg syndrome, and narcolepsy.

This program is part of a series of free, educational forums hosted by the Community Health Resource Center in an effort to help improve the health of the community.

To register or for more information, call Kerry or Deborah at 203-732-7399.

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital is a traditional library that provides an array of medical and health information, including a large collection of easy to read health and lifestyle related materials. 
The Center is open to the public to educate themselves on ways to enhance their well-being, prevent illness and play an active role in decisions about their health.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.  

Griffin Hospital In Derby to host forum on advance care planning

Griffin Hospital to host a workshop on how to plan for future health care./ Contributed photo 

DERBY - The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., will host a free presentation on how to plan for future health care and medical decisions at 5:30 p.m. April 6.

Diane Betkoski, MS, RD, director of Planetree Programs and Services at Griffin Hospital, will present “Advance Care Planning,” an open discussion of the process in which individuals discuss and decide their future health care wishes in the event that they unable to speak for themselves while at a health care facility.

“In life, we plan for our careers, our families, and for retirement,” Betkoski said. 

“In an effort to honor one’s health care wishes, to promote quality of life and provide peace of mind, it is important to begin these conversations about how we want live sooner rather than later to ensure one’s wishes are honored.”

This program is part of a series of free, educational forums hosted by the Community Health Resource Center in an effort to help improve the health of the community.

To register or for more information, call Kerry or Deborah, 203-732-7399.

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital is a traditional library that provides an array of medical and health information, including a large collection of easy to read health and lifestyle related materials. 

The Center is open to the public to educate themselves on ways to enhance their well-being, prevent illness and play an active role in decisions about their health.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Importance of fiber is topic of talk at Griffin Hospital in Derby

Griffin Hospital to hold program on adding fiber to diet./ Contributed photo

DERBY - In honor of National Nutrition Month, Griffin Hospital’s Community Health Resource Center will host a free program about the importance of adding fiber to your eating habits March 21, from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the hospital, 130 Division St.

Griffin Hospital Clinical Dietitian Jody Wagner will present “The Importance of Fiber and Where You Can Find It,” a discussion of why you should focus on the fiber in the foods you eat and which foods are the best sources of fiber.

This program is part of a series of free, educational forums hosted by the Community Health Resource Center in an effort to help improve the health of the community.

To register or for more information, call Kerry or Deborah, 203-732-7399.

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital is a traditional library that provides an array of medical and health information, including a large collection of easy to read health and lifestyle related materials.
The Center is open to the public to educate themselves on ways to enhance their well-being, prevent illness and play an active role in decisions about their health.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host presentation on forgiveness

Griffin Hospital will host a free presentation on the Hawaiian Art of Forgiveness Feb. 20./ Contributed photo 

DERBY - The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St. will host a free educational presentation on the Hawaiian Art of Forgiveness at 7 p.m. Feb. 20.

Join Ryan Jett, Hypnosis Center of Connecticut, for “Ho'Oponopono & The Ancient Hawaiian Art of Forgiveness,” a free discussion and program that helps one manage or eliminate negative emotions which have an adverse impact on health and relationships.

This program is part of a series of free, educational forums hosted by the Community Health Resource Center in an effort to help improve the health of the community.

To register or for more information, call Kerry or Deborah, 203-732-7399.

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital is a traditional library that provides an array of medical and health information, including a large collection of easy to read health and lifestyle related materials. 
The Center is open to the public to educate themselves on ways to enhance their well-being, prevent illness and play an active role in decisions about their health.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Talk at Griffin Hospital in Derby to focus on improving literacy skills

DERBY - The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., will host a free educational talk about free resources to improve literacy skills at 2 p.m. Jan. 19.

Kathi Hunt, Program Manager, Valley Program of Literacy Volunteers of Greater New Haven, will present “Literacy & Health,” an overview of free tutoring available for residents of Shelton, Derby, Ansonia, and Seymour who would like to improve their reading, writing, and speaking English skills. 
Valley Program of Literacy Volunteers of Greater New Haven offers Basic Literacy and English as a Second Language courses. 
In addition, the presentation will provide information about how low literacy can impact one’s health and wellness.

There will also be information on how people can volunteer to be tutors for the Valley Program of Literacy Volunteers of Greater New Haven.

To register or for more information, call Kerry or Deborah at 203-732-7399.

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital is a traditional library that provides an array of medical and health information, including a large collection of easy to read health and lifestyle-related materials. 

The Center is open to the public to educate themselves on ways to enhance their well-being, prevent illness and play an active role in decisions about their health.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Griffin Hospital in Derby to present talk on inhaler medications

Presentation planned at Griffin Hospital on inhaler medications./ Submitted photo 

DERBY - The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., will host a free educational talk on inhaler medications from 11 a.m.-noon. Nov. 11.

Clinical pharmacist Bekim Jashanica, Pharm D., will present “Breathe Easier: Proper Inhaler Use,” an open discussion about inhaler medications, how to best use them, and how to avoid any complications. 

Participants are encouraged to bring their medications and questions.

To register or for more information, call Kerry or Deborah at 203-732-7399.

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital is a traditional library that provides an array of medical and health information, including a large collection of easy to read health and lifestyle related materials.

The Center is open to the public to educate themselves on ways to enhance their well-being, prevent illness, and play an active role in decisions about their health.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Medicare is topic of free talk at Griffin Hospital in Derby

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital will host a talk on Medicare and related health-care decisions Sept. 15. / Contributed photo

DERBY - The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., will host a free presentation on Medicare and related health-care decisions from 10-11:30 a.m. Sept. 15.

Joe Deegan, a counselor for Connecticut’s programs for Health insurance, Outreach, Information and Eligibility Screening (CHOICES), will host “Medicare CHOICES,” a presentation to help older adults and those eligible for Medicare and their caregivers make informed health insurance decisions and to help prevent, detect and report healthcare fraud and abuse. 

There will be information on Medicare, Medigap, Medicare Managed Care, Medicaid, Long Term Care Insurance and other related state and federal programs.

This program is part of a series of free, educational forums hosted by the Community Health Resource Center in an effort to help improve the health of the community.

To register or for more information, call Kerry or Deborah at 203-732-7399.

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital is a traditional library that provides an array of medical and health information, including a large collection of easy to read health and lifestyle related materials. 

The Center is open to the public to educate themselves on ways to enhance their well-being, prevent illness and play an active role in decisions about their health.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host talk on complementary medicine techniques

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital will host a free discussion on complementary medicine techniques and a hands-on demonstration July 27./Contributed photo

DERBY - The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St. will host a free discussion on various complementary medicine techniques applied at the hospital and a hands-on demonstration July 27 from 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Planetree Services Supervisor at Griffin Hospital Laura Murphy will host “Experience Complementary Medicine,” a conversational and experiential program about what complementary medicine means, how it works, and a demonstration of Soft Touch Therapy that includes hands-on training in the technique.

This program is part of a series of free, educational forums hosted by the Community Health Resource Center in an effort to help improve the health of the community.

To register or for more information, call Kerry or Deborah at 203-732-7399.

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital is a traditional library that provides an array of medical and health information, including a large collection of easy to read health and lifestyle related materials. 

The Center is open to the public to educate themselves on ways to enhance their well-being, prevent illness and play an active role in decisions about their health.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.