Volunteers with MS needed for study at Griffin Hospital in Derby

DERBY - The Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center, the Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Center at Griffin Hospital, and Yale University are teaming up to see if changing the bacteria in a person’s intestines can be an effective, safe, and tolerable strategy to slow the inflammatory process involved in multiple sclerosis.

MS is an auto-immune disease that affects the central nervous system. 

Some studies have found that an imbalance of intestinal bacteria can lead to inflammation in the immune system. 

This pilot investigational study at Griffin Hospital will involve providing oral capsules with fecal material from healthy donors in the hope that it will lead to favorable changes in the intestinal bacteria – or microbiome - of people with MS, which in turn might slow the inflammatory process involved in the progression of MS. 

The study team, led by neurologist Joseph Guarnaccia, M.D., of the Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Center at Griffin Hospital, will provide 30 oral capsules with this fecal material to patients with MS, and monitor these patients before and afterward to learn what effects the capsules might have. 

The study team is recruiting people with MS who are 18 - 40 years old, can walk with or without assistance, and are not on immunotherapy except for interferon beta or glatiramer acetate. 

They must be able to visit Griffin Hospital eight times over a four-month period. The visits will include a clinical screening, one visit to swallow 30 capsules on an empty stomach, and five other visits for physical exams, blood and stool samples, and surveys. 

Those who complete the study will receive $800, payable in installments. The capsules, procedures, and tests will be provided free of charge. 

The State of Connecticut Department of Public Health is providing funding for this study. 

To learn more about this study, contact Dr. Guarnaccia at 203-732-1290 or msteatmentcenters@griffinhealth.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

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Residents may apply to TEAM for energy assistance starting Aug. 1.

DERBY - Energy assistance is a program that helps people having difficulty paying the cost of heating their home. 

Through an intake and assessment process, Energy Assistance staff determine how TEAM and its services can best help lower energy costs. The goal of this program is to keep households warm and safe during the winter months.

Now is the time to think about applying to TEAM Inc. for assistance with winter heating costs. Families and individuals seeking financial help to offset their winter heating bills may apply beginning Aug. 1.

Applicants are deemed eligible based on review of their total household gross income, such as job earnings, unemployment compensation, social security, pension etc.; household size; and liquid assets. 
If an applicant is approved for assistance, TEAM will make a direct payment to their home utility heating provider or will pay for one or more fuel deliveries, based on eligibility, starting in November.

Both homeowners and renters who are residents of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Milford, Orange, Oxford, Seymour, Shelton, and Woodbridge can apply for energy assistance from TEAM. 

To schedule an appointment with TEAM Energy Assistance, please call 203-736-5420 and follow prompts for Energy Assistance, or email energy@teaminc.org. 

TEAM Inc. is a private, 501(c) 3 non-profit corporation whose mission is to strengthen our community by educating, supporting and empowering individuals and families. 
TEAM programs serve the communities of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Milford, Naugatuck, Orange, Oxford, Shelton, Seymour, Waterbury, and Woodbridge.

For more information about TEAM Inc., visit us at www.Teaminc.org.


This is a press release from TEAM.