(NECN) - In Community Health, Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan takes a closer look at the impact of the health care vote. What will patients notice and what will it mean for doctors and other health care providers? View the video here.

Community advocate and the Program Manager for The Asia Academy at Dimock recognized for his commitment to the community and service to others 

ROXBURY, MA – Barry Butler, the Program Manager of Askia Academy at Dimock, will receive the 12th Annual Stanley Jones Clean Slate Project Courage Award for his tireless work and commitment to helping others on March 17, 2010 at the Unitarian Universalist Urban Ministry, First Church at 10 Putnam St. in Roxbury at 7:00 p.m.  

Butler originally came to the Askia Academy at Dimock, then the First Askia Academy, thirteen years ago seeking help with his own struggle with addiction.  During the process of recovery, Butler discovered his desire to help others lead more fulfilling lives, motivating him to complete the training and education necessary to become a primary counselor with First Askia Academy in 1998 and eventually the program’s director in 2004. 

“I have always had a love for people, even through all my shortcomings in life,” Butler said. Reflecting back on his experience Butler said, “I truly believe I have been saved to serve others.” 

In addition to his work helping those with addiction, Butler has remained a steadfast advocate for people working to restore their lives following incarceration.  This includes ongoing work to establish sensible CORI reform on Beacon Hill and policy work with the Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery. 

“We are honored to have Barry as a member of the Dimock team,” said Ruth Kelley, Dimock’s Chief Behavioral Health Officer.  “He has positively impacted the lives of hundreds of men through his work at Askia and benefited thousands more through his advocacy.”  “The Courage Award represents well-deserved recognition for Barry’s commitment to those in recovery and the community-at-large,” continued Kelley. 

The Askia Academy at Dimock offers addiction recovery support for men and focuses on addressing health care disparities, relapse prevention, employment preparation and the rebuilding of family relationships.

About the Dimock Center
The Dimock Center was founded in 1862 as the New England Hospital for Women and Children and is now nationally recognized as a model for the integrated delivery of comprehensive health care and human services in an urban community. In 2009, The Dimock Center’s physicians and staff handled over 73,000 patient and client visits, providing city residents and families access to high-quality health care and human services they would not be able to receive elsewhere.  The center’s programs cover a range of services that include adult & pediatric medicine, eye & dental care, HIV/AIDS services, child & family development support program, behavioral health and addiction recovery services and adult basic education.

 

New physician adds to the growing number of Spanish-speaking physicians and staff now available to provide primary care, eye care and dental care 

ROXBURY, MA – The Dimock Center’s Pediatric Clinic is pleased to welcome Estella Escobar, M.D. to the team.  Dr. Escobar is fluent in both Spanish and English and welcomes the opportunity to work with The Dimock Center’s Spanish-speaking patients and their families.  

A native of Colombia, Dr. Escobar received her M.D. from the Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana in Medellin, Colombia.  She completed her residency in pediatrics with the Miami Children’s Hospital and most recently was a fellow with the Boston University Medical Center, specializing in pediatric infectious diseases. 

“Interacting with children and caring for their health makes every day such a rewarding experience for me,” explains Escobar.  “I first came to know The Dimock Center and its great staff as a clinical observer, while preparing for my pediatric residency, and now, I am excited to join this wonderful team.” 

“Having a bilingual physician join our clinic represents a terrific resource to both our patients and our staff,” notes Dimock’s Director of Pediatrics, Dr. Nandini Sengupta.  “Dr. Escobar’s ability to communicate in Spanish helps patients feel comfortable and welcomed, while contributing to improved quality of care.” 

Dr. Escobar is accepting new patients and practices at The Clinic on Wednesdays from 1:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., as well as every other Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  For appointments call Hilda Terrero at 617-442-8800, ext 1260.             

About the Dimock Center
The Dimock Center was founded in 1862 as the New England Hospital for Women and Children and is now nationally recognized as a model for the integrated delivery of comprehensive health care and human services in an urban community. The health center alone handles over 51,000 patient visits annually, providing city residents and families access to high-quality health care and human services they would not be able to receive elsewhere.  The center’s programs cover a range of services that include adult & pediatric medicine, eye & dental care, HIV/AIDS services, child & family development support program, behavioral health and addiction recovery services and adult basic education.

On Saturday, February 20^th, 25 Red Sox Scholars and members of the Boston Red Sox Foundation spent the day at Dimock’s Mary Eliza Mahoney House shelter. Together with guests from the shelter, the team of Scholars painted a colorful mural by local artist, Howie Green. 

In addition to providing the paint and their artistic talents for the new mural, the Scholars brought a fresh supply of materials for art & crafts, allowing them to spend time with the shelter’s youngest guests beading and creating beautiful picture frames.  The Scholars also read and shared a lunch of hot pizza with the children and their parents. 

The Red Sox Scholars are Boston City School children who apply in the fifth grade for this unique scholarship program, which provides the students with a $10,000 college scholarship as well as ongoing academic tutoring and mentoring through high school. 

Enthusiastic members of the Red Sox Foundation team that made the day of activities possible included: Executive Director, Meg Vaillancourt, Gena Borson, Ann Zeigler, Laurie Smith, Jonathan Batista and Justin Prettyman. Thanks to Donna Saunders-Wallace, Cheryl Fox, the great MEMH staff and wonderful guests for sharing their home with the Red Sox Scholars.  Also, a note of thanks to Ruth Ellen Fitch, Ruth Kelley, Julie Chappell and Diane Malcolmson for pitching in and lending a hand on what was a great day.          

Thank you to the Red Sox Scholars and The Red Sox Foundation!

(NECN) - Soda, french fries and candy bars sound like good snacks to many, but the Obama administration is making a push this week to ban candy and sugary beverages from schools. The goal is to cut down on the number of kids who get fat during their school aged years. Dr. Myechia Jordan, Chief Medical Officer of the Dimock Center in Boston, joins NECN to talk about the initiative.  View the video here.

 

The Dimock Pediatrics team celebrated their new look with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that showcased the clinic's fresh coat of paint, new furniture, countertops and artwork.  The improvements to the clinic were made possible with support from the East Boston Savings Bank's Meridian Charitable Foundation.

In addition to financial support, a team of enthusiastic volunteers from East Boston Savings bank donated a Saturday to paint the clinic, which now features exam rooms that reflect fun themes ranging from the solar system to super heroes.

 

The Dimock Pediatrics staff welcomed representatives from the bank for the ceremony.  East Boston Savings Bank president, Deborah Jackson (pictured at right), joined The Dimock Center's president and CEO, Ruth Ellen Fitch (second from the right), pediatrics director, Dr. Nandini Sengupta (third from the right), and Dr. CJ Polcari (on the left) who coordinated The Dimock Center's efforts with the bank.