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March 10, 2000
HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER OPENS
THE JUDY CENTER FOR DOWN SYNDROME
Hackensack University Medical Center responded to an important community need by opening the JUDY CENTER for DOWN SYNDROME, a comprehensive program designed to bridge the gap between pediatric and adult healthcare for individuals with Down Syndrome or other chronic conditions.
"People with Down Syndrome enjoy significantly longer lives than they had in the past, thanks to improved medical care and more enlightened thinking in recent decades," said Fred Hirschenfang, M.D., Section Chief of Pediatric Ambulatory Services and Medical Director of the JUDY CENTER at Hackensack University Medical Center. "Years ago, fifty percent of these people died by age 5 years, long before they were eligible to receive care from adult specialists. Consequently, adult care physicians were not exposed to these individuals, and were unfamiliar with their special needs." To alleviate this problem, the JUDY CENTER works cooperatively with physicians in adult specialties to ensure that those with Down Syndrome receive the top quality care that they deserve.
Representatives from the JUDY CENTER are available to familiarize physicians and their staff about particular healthcare issues common to Down Syndrome. The JUDY CENTER also serves as a repository for updated information on similar disorders, and is open to all members of the community and healthcare specialists. The JUDY CENTER serves as Consultant to primary care pediatricians who offer their patients to the program. The Center's staff provides educational outreach programs for the community to increase awareness of and scientific information on the genetics, medical concerns, and management and the developmental concerns and opportunities of and for individuals with Down Syndrome. Parents and other caregivers are able to receive educational and support services throughout their loved one's life, since some individuals with Down Syndrome experience difficulty with these and other services.
"We teach parents that childhood immunizations and basic care may be even more important for children with Down Syndrome," said Ellen C. Casapulla, R.N., NPC, Pediatric Nurse Clinician for the JUDY CENTER. "Family members also need to be diligent in promoting safety, since safety and good health practices are necessary for well being."
The JUDY CENTER also provides a comprehensive support program for families. Some of the topics discussed during these sessions may include education, social, vocational, financial and residential issues. The JUDY CENTER works closely with the families' environment to ensure all needs are met. The JUDY CENTER has designed a database system of medical and community based agencies for medical, referral, advocacy and educational services. "I'm really excited about the JUDY CENTER's innovative programs and look forward to working with all community agencies to meet the needs of our clients," said Lisa C. Peraino, MSW, LSW, Pediatric Clinical Social Worker.
To ensure that all complex physical and psychological needs are addressed, the medical center makes use of its comprehensive resources to offer a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. Specialists in pediatric and adult cardiology, gastroenterology, psychiatry and other fields are available to assist as needed. There is also access to a comprehensive developmental program offered by the medical center's nationally recognized Toys "R" Us/Kids "R" Us Institute for Child Development, that can provide many early intervention programs for children with developmental problems. The JUDY CENTER was made possible by a philanthropic gift from the Dunn family
"We would never have been able to offer this unique service without the help of the Dunn family," said Marvin I. Gottlieb, M.D., Ph.D., Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics at Hackensack University Medical Center. "Thanks to their generous contribution, we will be able to care for an infinite number of patients and their loved ones."
For information on the JUDY CENTER for DOWN SYNDROME, call (201) 996-JUDY (5839).
Hackensack University Medical Center
30 Prospect Avenue · Hackensack, New Jersey, 07601 · (201) 996-2000