Six people were patiently waiting Thursday at the small reception area in MedZou, a free clinic started by MU medical students. For most of them, this was a follow-up appointment.
The clinic, which opened Oct. 16, serves uninsured patients who are usually referred by the Family Health Center. It will hold a community open house at 10 a.m. Monday at its location in the Central Missouri Community Action agency's building at 400 Wilkes Blvd.
Source and More:
http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2008/12/11/medzou-official-opening/
Friday, December 12, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
POSSIBLE “EMOTIONS ANONYMOUS” MEETINGS
IN RESPONSE TO SOME CONCERNS ABOUT THE ‘UPHEAVAL OF EMOTIONS’ BEING “STIRRED UP” BY OUR CURRENT “BED BUG” INVASION, I HAVE SUGGESTED TO RICHARD CRAIGHEAD, OUR RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT & CHA THAT WE PERMIT “EA” MEETINGS IN ROOM 208.
THE PURPOSE OF THESE MEETINGS WILL BE TO GIVE RESIDENTS, AND OTHERS, AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLORE THEIR EMOTIONAL RESPONSES TO THE CHALLENGES OF LIVING IN A BUILDING SUCH AS PAQUIN AND HOW WE CAN BEST CHANNEL EMOTIONS TOWARDS “HEALTHY LIVING.”
WHILE I AM WILLING TO HELP IN “LAUNCHING” THIS IDEA, THIS WILL BE A MEETING WITH ROTATING FACILITATORS AND “BELONG TO THE GROUP.”
RICHARD CRAIGHEAD PLANS TO INCLUDE THIS IDEA ON OUR NEXT PTRA AGENDA.
IF BY THE END OF THIS MONTH THERE IS NOT ENOUGH INTEREST EXPRESSED FROM OUR RESIDENTS, I WILL JUST LEAVE “EA” LITERATURE WITH RICHARD UNTIL THE PTRA GETS ENOUGH INTERESTED RESIDENTS TO DISCUSS THIS IDEA FURTHER.
I AM WILLING TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS AT 529-3699.
-RAY S.
THE PURPOSE OF THESE MEETINGS WILL BE TO GIVE RESIDENTS, AND OTHERS, AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLORE THEIR EMOTIONAL RESPONSES TO THE CHALLENGES OF LIVING IN A BUILDING SUCH AS PAQUIN AND HOW WE CAN BEST CHANNEL EMOTIONS TOWARDS “HEALTHY LIVING.”
WHILE I AM WILLING TO HELP IN “LAUNCHING” THIS IDEA, THIS WILL BE A MEETING WITH ROTATING FACILITATORS AND “BELONG TO THE GROUP.”
RICHARD CRAIGHEAD PLANS TO INCLUDE THIS IDEA ON OUR NEXT PTRA AGENDA.
IF BY THE END OF THIS MONTH THERE IS NOT ENOUGH INTEREST EXPRESSED FROM OUR RESIDENTS, I WILL JUST LEAVE “EA” LITERATURE WITH RICHARD UNTIL THE PTRA GETS ENOUGH INTERESTED RESIDENTS TO DISCUSS THIS IDEA FURTHER.
I AM WILLING TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS AT 529-3699.
-RAY S.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Bed Bug Dogs Sniffing Out Trouble
Below is a story off of MSNBC about the use of Bed Bug Dogs who are trained to sniff out these pesky critters no matter where they try to hide.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/28110596#28110596
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/28110596#28110596
Sunday, December 7, 2008
A response to the Bed Bug issue at Paquin Tower
This letter was sent to me by a long time friend of Paquin Tower who used to live at Paquin Tower but has since moved and who still has alot of close friends with in the building. This is the letter they sent to the Editor of the Tribune.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Editor, Tribune
I would like to understand why residents at Paquin Tower seem to be having their civil liberties violated by CHA (Columbia Housing Authority) because of bed bugs. I would also like to know who, if anyone, has any control over CHA or HUD for that matter? It is my opinion that while citizens of Columbia are busy taking a sauna at the ARC or getting involved in PedNet, residents at Paquin Tower are apparently being punished for the bed bug population there whether the individual has them or not.
Fact: All residents apartments have been inspected by a team of CHA staff, complete with hazmat suits. The purpose of the inspections was to determine if the apartment was 'cluttered'. To be sure, one mans clutter is another mans nirvana. I assume the theory to be that 'clutter' is tantamount to bed bugs. How does one measure clutter? In this case apparently by how many books one has, how much furniture one has, clothing, dishes, linens, etc. Oh yes, I get it. More places for bugs to hide. On the other hand, is there a precedent for telling renters what they can and cannot have in their apartments? Just because these are low income, disabled renters are they now subject to different 'rules'?
Fact: Residents were given a letter before the inspections, signed by Lee Radtke and Phil Steinhouse, stating that if residents did not comply with getting rid of 'clutter' and leaving 50% open floor space in their apartment (in order for EMT's, paramedics and/or CFD personnel to be able to get a gurney in), they would have their lease terminated on the spot. I have a hard time accepting that EMT's, paramedics or CFD staff would want to play a role in any of these residents losing their home because of them. I understand sometimes it might be difficult to get in some of the apartments but I would think the same is true of people's houses and other apartment dwellers. However, those peoples' homes are not questioned in this way. So much for HUD's/CHA's benevolence.
Fact: Social Service agencies, Home Health agencies and workers and others were all invited to attend a meeting held by CHA explaining what was going to happen and what was in the letter. This meeting was held before residents received the letter and the only residents invited to attend were officers of the Residents' Association. .
Fact: Part of the 'plan' for dealing with the bugs is- if a resident is found to have bed bugs in their dwelling, they are automatically put on CHA's gestapo "NO TRESPASS". In case you are unfamiliar with the No Trespass, it is where a resident is not to leave their apartment (except for doctor appointments or getting the mail) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for a week, a month, a year, 3 years. Who knows? Only CHA apparently. Now, given the fact that many Paquin residents suffer from mild to severe emotional problems, does this sound like a good idea to you? Even the residents' homemaker or personal care assistant is not supposed to go to their apartment for fear of spreading the dreaded bug. Wasn't it Phil Steinhouse who told the media about how a bug could bite a resident who was a spinal cord injury and it could get all infected and the resident wouldn't know it because he/she can't feel? Sounds like a good reason to have a PCA. To date, I know of 2 residents who have ended up in hospital (1 with a heart attack, the other an 81 year old woman who has lived there for over 20 years) and one who had a meltdown in the manager's office. This individual was told later they did not have to 'get rid of' as much as they were told before.
Fact: Residents have had it suggested to them that if they do not want to get rid of their belongings in order to create the 50% open floor space, they can just go rent a storage shed. Have you priced storage sheds lately? Have you priced one when you only get $750 a month usually less and out of that you pay 30% of it in rent and then phone, food, medication, bus fares and the like? It does not leave much for anything else..
What happens now to these people (and they are people)? Why is this 'plan' going in to effect now when the bugs have been at Paquin since March? Bed bugs are prevalent across the US. Health officials say it is likely the cause is that we have become such a transient society. It would seem these residents' voices have not been heard nor even thought about. Did CHA fail to take a proactive role when the bugs first appeared and are now shifting blame to the residents? The residents have been treated abominably in this situation. They have been afforded no respect. They are supposed to blindly stand aside and follow these commands. Why shouldn't they? CHA has them over a barrel. If CHA kicks them out, everyone knows they have nowhere to go. It's too easy to blame residents' clutter, the homeless and the dumpster divers. Why not simply accept there is a problem that nobody wants and create and attitude of cooperation and respect in order to deal with it?
In answer to your first question, no, I do not work at Paquin Tower or for CHA. I do however have family and friends at Paquin. Furthermore, I do truly believe these actions being taken against the residents by CHA are inappropriate, hurtful and unlawful. I would hope there is someone out there with more brains and nerve than me who might step up and help these people!
Name with held by personal request.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now what will be the public response and what will be the response by CHA to this letter this concerned citizen has sent to the Editor of the Tribune?
I myself can understand some of the restrictions to help stop the spreading of these Bed Bugs due to the wide variety of ways they can be spread.
I do understand myself about the need to be able to get into a resident's unit to bug spray and to be able to get EMS personnel in and out as well.
I can clearly see both sides of this issue.
This is a touchy issue and we shall see what the future hold in store on this issue.
If you have a response and are not sure how to post here just send it to my email and I can post it for you. If you want your name with held I can do that as well. :)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Editor, Tribune
I would like to understand why residents at Paquin Tower seem to be having their civil liberties violated by CHA (Columbia Housing Authority) because of bed bugs. I would also like to know who, if anyone, has any control over CHA or HUD for that matter? It is my opinion that while citizens of Columbia are busy taking a sauna at the ARC or getting involved in PedNet, residents at Paquin Tower are apparently being punished for the bed bug population there whether the individual has them or not.
Fact: All residents apartments have been inspected by a team of CHA staff, complete with hazmat suits. The purpose of the inspections was to determine if the apartment was 'cluttered'. To be sure, one mans clutter is another mans nirvana. I assume the theory to be that 'clutter' is tantamount to bed bugs. How does one measure clutter? In this case apparently by how many books one has, how much furniture one has, clothing, dishes, linens, etc. Oh yes, I get it. More places for bugs to hide. On the other hand, is there a precedent for telling renters what they can and cannot have in their apartments? Just because these are low income, disabled renters are they now subject to different 'rules'?
Fact: Residents were given a letter before the inspections, signed by Lee Radtke and Phil Steinhouse, stating that if residents did not comply with getting rid of 'clutter' and leaving 50% open floor space in their apartment (in order for EMT's, paramedics and/or CFD personnel to be able to get a gurney in), they would have their lease terminated on the spot. I have a hard time accepting that EMT's, paramedics or CFD staff would want to play a role in any of these residents losing their home because of them. I understand sometimes it might be difficult to get in some of the apartments but I would think the same is true of people's houses and other apartment dwellers. However, those peoples' homes are not questioned in this way. So much for HUD's/CHA's benevolence.
Fact: Social Service agencies, Home Health agencies and workers and others were all invited to attend a meeting held by CHA explaining what was going to happen and what was in the letter. This meeting was held before residents received the letter and the only residents invited to attend were officers of the Residents' Association. .
Fact: Part of the 'plan' for dealing with the bugs is- if a resident is found to have bed bugs in their dwelling, they are automatically put on CHA's gestapo "NO TRESPASS". In case you are unfamiliar with the No Trespass, it is where a resident is not to leave their apartment (except for doctor appointments or getting the mail) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for a week, a month, a year, 3 years. Who knows? Only CHA apparently. Now, given the fact that many Paquin residents suffer from mild to severe emotional problems, does this sound like a good idea to you? Even the residents' homemaker or personal care assistant is not supposed to go to their apartment for fear of spreading the dreaded bug. Wasn't it Phil Steinhouse who told the media about how a bug could bite a resident who was a spinal cord injury and it could get all infected and the resident wouldn't know it because he/she can't feel? Sounds like a good reason to have a PCA. To date, I know of 2 residents who have ended up in hospital (1 with a heart attack, the other an 81 year old woman who has lived there for over 20 years) and one who had a meltdown in the manager's office. This individual was told later they did not have to 'get rid of' as much as they were told before.
Fact: Residents have had it suggested to them that if they do not want to get rid of their belongings in order to create the 50% open floor space, they can just go rent a storage shed. Have you priced storage sheds lately? Have you priced one when you only get $750 a month usually less and out of that you pay 30% of it in rent and then phone, food, medication, bus fares and the like? It does not leave much for anything else..
What happens now to these people (and they are people)? Why is this 'plan' going in to effect now when the bugs have been at Paquin since March? Bed bugs are prevalent across the US. Health officials say it is likely the cause is that we have become such a transient society. It would seem these residents' voices have not been heard nor even thought about. Did CHA fail to take a proactive role when the bugs first appeared and are now shifting blame to the residents? The residents have been treated abominably in this situation. They have been afforded no respect. They are supposed to blindly stand aside and follow these commands. Why shouldn't they? CHA has them over a barrel. If CHA kicks them out, everyone knows they have nowhere to go. It's too easy to blame residents' clutter, the homeless and the dumpster divers. Why not simply accept there is a problem that nobody wants and create and attitude of cooperation and respect in order to deal with it?
In answer to your first question, no, I do not work at Paquin Tower or for CHA. I do however have family and friends at Paquin. Furthermore, I do truly believe these actions being taken against the residents by CHA are inappropriate, hurtful and unlawful. I would hope there is someone out there with more brains and nerve than me who might step up and help these people!
Name with held by personal request.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now what will be the public response and what will be the response by CHA to this letter this concerned citizen has sent to the Editor of the Tribune?
I myself can understand some of the restrictions to help stop the spreading of these Bed Bugs due to the wide variety of ways they can be spread.
I do understand myself about the need to be able to get into a resident's unit to bug spray and to be able to get EMS personnel in and out as well.
I can clearly see both sides of this issue.
This is a touchy issue and we shall see what the future hold in store on this issue.
If you have a response and are not sure how to post here just send it to my email and I can post it for you. If you want your name with held I can do that as well. :)
Thursday, December 4, 2008
A Mentally Healthy Community
For a very long time our home here at Paquin Tower has not been a Mentally Healthy Community and I think it is time for all concerned agencies to look into just what can be done to help bring Paquin Tower more along the lines in this serious health issue.
The main problem with this issue is that there are many residents who have just been stuffed away so to say and have not been properly cared after or have slipped through the cracks of the system. As we all know there are those with severe to mild psychological disorders that are either on medications only with no counciling programs or those who just refuse to get help at all.
These reasons and more do not help at all to make Paquin Tower a very “Mentally Healthy Independent Living Environment”.
While it is true you cannot force anybody into treatment you can though through caring enough to talk to residents and their families if reachable work together towards this goal.
In my 4.5 years of living here at Paquin Tower I have seen a lot of things going on but one thing that does bother me is this issue here due to it does not help anybody else whether resident,CHA staff,case worker or in home health care workers to have residents who are Mentally Unhealthy who effect other residents to points of they cause other problems.
I do not know all of the answers to this issue nor do I like any of the other options of nursing homes,residential care facilities,group homes or worse but in order for Paquin Tower to become more Mentally Healthy and allow everybody to prosper in a Mentally Healthy Environment this issue needs to be "evaluated by professionals" and some kind of a “Treatment Plan” implemented that will work towards this goal.
Now here is where Resident Services might need to step up more now that Rosie Umstattd is no longer working for Parks and Recreation as she was one of the main social worker/councilor contact persons that worked with the residents here with in Paquin Tower.
Many times she helped out more residents with their difficulties than anybody will ever know and now that resource is gone where are the residents to turn too is the question. Somebody has to step up and fill that slot now empty.
I just wanted to post this and alert others to this issue even though we all know it is quite obvious but another concerned resident and myself have talked about this very issue for quite some time now and I thought it time to write this story up and post it so we can hopefully move forward and help to get Paquin Tower to be a more "Mentally Healthy Independent Living Environment" for the future.
Peace Out. :)
The main problem with this issue is that there are many residents who have just been stuffed away so to say and have not been properly cared after or have slipped through the cracks of the system. As we all know there are those with severe to mild psychological disorders that are either on medications only with no counciling programs or those who just refuse to get help at all.
These reasons and more do not help at all to make Paquin Tower a very “Mentally Healthy Independent Living Environment”.
While it is true you cannot force anybody into treatment you can though through caring enough to talk to residents and their families if reachable work together towards this goal.
In my 4.5 years of living here at Paquin Tower I have seen a lot of things going on but one thing that does bother me is this issue here due to it does not help anybody else whether resident,CHA staff,case worker or in home health care workers to have residents who are Mentally Unhealthy who effect other residents to points of they cause other problems.
I do not know all of the answers to this issue nor do I like any of the other options of nursing homes,residential care facilities,group homes or worse but in order for Paquin Tower to become more Mentally Healthy and allow everybody to prosper in a Mentally Healthy Environment this issue needs to be "evaluated by professionals" and some kind of a “Treatment Plan” implemented that will work towards this goal.
Now here is where Resident Services might need to step up more now that Rosie Umstattd is no longer working for Parks and Recreation as she was one of the main social worker/councilor contact persons that worked with the residents here with in Paquin Tower.
Many times she helped out more residents with their difficulties than anybody will ever know and now that resource is gone where are the residents to turn too is the question. Somebody has to step up and fill that slot now empty.
I just wanted to post this and alert others to this issue even though we all know it is quite obvious but another concerned resident and myself have talked about this very issue for quite some time now and I thought it time to write this story up and post it so we can hopefully move forward and help to get Paquin Tower to be a more "Mentally Healthy Independent Living Environment" for the future.
Peace Out. :)
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Dignity and Justice for All of Us
Dignity and Justice for All of Us
The Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services, along with the City of Columbia Human Rights Commission, would like to invite you to join us in celebrating Human Rights Day:
· Wednesday, December 10th
· 4:00 pm
· Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services in the Sanford-Kimpton Building at 1005 W. Worley St. in Columbia
At the event, Mayor Darwin Hindman will enter a Proclamation proclaiming December 10, 2008 Human Rights Day in Columbia, Missouri. The celebration will also highlight human rights services provided by the City of Columbia and commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the theme of which is: "Dignity and Justice for All of Us."
Please contact Marie Glaze at (573) 874-7488 (v), 874-7356 (tty) or hrc@gocolumbiamo.com for information and accommodations related to disability
The Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services, along with the City of Columbia Human Rights Commission, would like to invite you to join us in celebrating Human Rights Day:
· Wednesday, December 10th
· 4:00 pm
· Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services in the Sanford-Kimpton Building at 1005 W. Worley St. in Columbia
At the event, Mayor Darwin Hindman will enter a Proclamation proclaiming December 10, 2008 Human Rights Day in Columbia, Missouri. The celebration will also highlight human rights services provided by the City of Columbia and commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the theme of which is: "Dignity and Justice for All of Us."
Please contact Marie Glaze at (573) 874-7488 (v), 874-7356 (tty) or hrc@gocolumbiamo.com for information and accommodations related to disability
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Getting Rid Of Bedbugs: What You Need To Know
Eliminating bedbugs may seem to be a daunting task when you first find them in a home. But it's possible to totally rid yourself of bed bugs without hiring a costly professional team. As long as you've got patience, perseverance, and knowledge, bedbug eradication can absolutely be done.
The first think you must do when getting rid of bedbugs is thoroughly clean the infested locations. The areas to focus on are furniture, suitcases, sheets and blankets, and hampers. Bed bugs also nest in rugs, wooden door jambs and moulding, picture frames and clothing. Be sure to examine and completely disinfect all the possible places where bed bugs might hide.
Washable items like linens must be laundered in hot water. Items that can't be washed must be wrapped in plastic, then placed under the direct sun. The reason you need to expose infested items to heat is that temperatures of at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit are necessary to kill the bedbugs and the eggs too.
The next step in getting rid of bedbugs is to catch the bugs that may have survived your first assault. You can use the same sticky traps you use for mice to catch bed bugs. Boric acid is a good and safe insecticide to spread around door frames. Don't use chemical based insecticides on bedding or clothes because they may be toxic to humans as well as bed bugs.
The best way to get rid of your bug problem is, avoiding techniques that are a total waste of time. For instance, using a aerosol pesticides or bug bombs will not work for bed bug infestation. Also know that high temperatures can help to decrease a bugs life span, but, very cold whether will effect the infestation if the area stays below freezing for two weeks or more.
If these techniques do not work in your home, you may have to consider hiring a professional exterminator after all. However, often times these methods will work and should not be taken for granted. Be careful about "bug treatment sprays" that are commonly sold online. Many of these do not come with proper instructions or guarantees that they will be safe to use.
After first discovering them in your home, getting rid of bedbugs might seem like a daunting task. However, it is possible to rid your home of bed bugs without hiring an expensive professional exterminator. As long as you have patience, perseverance, and a little know-how, complete bedbug eradication is possible. Thoroughly cleaning the infested locations is the first step. Focus on furniture, suitcases, sheets and blankets, and hampers. The bugs also nest in rugs, wooden door jambs and molding, picture frames, and clothing. Be sure to examine and completely disinfect all possible places where these bugs might hide.
Source:
http://www.myhouseholdcenter.com/home/getting-rid-of-bedbugs-what-you-need-to-know/
The first think you must do when getting rid of bedbugs is thoroughly clean the infested locations. The areas to focus on are furniture, suitcases, sheets and blankets, and hampers. Bed bugs also nest in rugs, wooden door jambs and moulding, picture frames and clothing. Be sure to examine and completely disinfect all the possible places where bed bugs might hide.
Washable items like linens must be laundered in hot water. Items that can't be washed must be wrapped in plastic, then placed under the direct sun. The reason you need to expose infested items to heat is that temperatures of at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit are necessary to kill the bedbugs and the eggs too.
The next step in getting rid of bedbugs is to catch the bugs that may have survived your first assault. You can use the same sticky traps you use for mice to catch bed bugs. Boric acid is a good and safe insecticide to spread around door frames. Don't use chemical based insecticides on bedding or clothes because they may be toxic to humans as well as bed bugs.
The best way to get rid of your bug problem is, avoiding techniques that are a total waste of time. For instance, using a aerosol pesticides or bug bombs will not work for bed bug infestation. Also know that high temperatures can help to decrease a bugs life span, but, very cold whether will effect the infestation if the area stays below freezing for two weeks or more.
If these techniques do not work in your home, you may have to consider hiring a professional exterminator after all. However, often times these methods will work and should not be taken for granted. Be careful about "bug treatment sprays" that are commonly sold online. Many of these do not come with proper instructions or guarantees that they will be safe to use.
After first discovering them in your home, getting rid of bedbugs might seem like a daunting task. However, it is possible to rid your home of bed bugs without hiring an expensive professional exterminator. As long as you have patience, perseverance, and a little know-how, complete bedbug eradication is possible. Thoroughly cleaning the infested locations is the first step. Focus on furniture, suitcases, sheets and blankets, and hampers. The bugs also nest in rugs, wooden door jambs and molding, picture frames, and clothing. Be sure to examine and completely disinfect all possible places where these bugs might hide.
Source:
http://www.myhouseholdcenter.com/home/getting-rid-of-bedbugs-what-you-need-to-know/
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