EARLY DETECTION PROGRAMS EXPAND

Thanks to a donation from the UJA/New York Federation, Beit Natan will be continuing to teach women about early detection of breast cancer, as well as developing the same model in Bnei Brak. A course for medical presenters was offered in Bnei Brak in mid-December 2002 enabling continued health outreach in the area to increase awareness about the benefits of early detection.

NEW GRANT FOR END OF LIFE COUNSELLING

Beit Natan and "Nechama" (a Jerusalem based non-profit organization) and are launching a joint venture.

Beit Natan's Lev Rachel program provides families coping with cancer with support and guidance, through its help-line, and support-groups. Nechama, offers bereavement counseling to individuals and families who are suffering from the loss of a loved one

Beit Natan enjoys professional relationships with Share Zedek Medical Center, Hadassah Ein Kerem, and The Hospice at Hadassah Har Hazofim. In particular, the Hospice of Har Hazofim will be intimately involved in the training program for "end-of-life" volunteers. Professional connections with the Hospice, as well as the various Medical Providers (Kupot) will promote referrals and cooperation in home-care cases. Both Beit Natan and Nechama have the support & encouragement of the local clergy and community activists/centers.

The UJA/New York Federation recognized the importance of the project, and allocated a new grant for it.

BEIT NATAN AWARDED GRANT TO STUDY HEALTH HABITS OF CHAREIDI WOMEN

Beit Natan received a grant from National Research Institute of the Ministry of Health to conduct a survey on the Health Habits of traditional women. This research is being done in coordination with Dr. Avraham Schwartzbaum, Registrar at Neve Yerushalayim. Using a previous women's health survey conducted by the Brookdale Institute as a model, Beit Natan has adapted the Israeli survey both to identify unique health issues traditional women face, and to make the existing survey more understanding of the traditional community's sensitivities. The interviews started immediately after the Holidays. HaRav Ganz, shlita is the the mashgiach of the project.

ISRAELI MINISTRY OF HEALTH AWARDS GRANT FOR HEALTH EDUCATION TRAINING WORKSHOPS

Beit Natan received a grant from the Ministry of Health to train Health Outreach counselors. Usually the grant is given for a 3 year period, but because of the innovative curriculum, the stipend was extended for a fourth year. Two courses were offered recently- family nutrition and menopause. Thirty women received certificates of instruction and are now working in their own communities. The course on menopause was accredited by the Ministry of Education.

YOUNG ISRAEL OF WEST HEMPSTEAD

We were fortunate to receive a special grant from the Young Israel of West Hempstead, Long Island, New York to help us produce a short film on the benefits and the techniques of Early Detection of Breast Cancer, adapted to the needs of the religious community. The film has been shown at numerous gathering nationwide and has been very warmly received.