MLK Community Health Foundation ’s Post

The full Surgeon General’s letter is worth reading over coffee this morning or Sunday (or just spending a few minutes reflecting on his “Triad of Fulfillment” on page 20). As he concludes, “America and the world need a new generation of community builders. . . We must be that generation. It is up to us to reject the pessimism and animosity of our time and instead choose courage and hope. The choice we take to build community has the power to change lives and transform society.” I must add as we go through a time of political transition at a national level, that effective community building requires reaching out across the political aisle. Making a CHOICE to listen to those who voted differently and see the world through a different lens so we can embrace one another’s humanity. Our time is divisive in some ways, but our times are created by the aggregate of individual people and decisions. So: when each of us use the power and influence we have in our own lives to acknowledge one another’s humanity and perspective; disagree and advocate with dignity instead of fear-mongering; and make the choice to temper our reflexes of anger and pride with a dose of compassion and humility, we can change our times.

Today, September 5th, we mark International Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Day - a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of inclusion, equal opportunities, and accessibility for individuals living with spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries can profoundly impact a person’s life, but they do not define a person’s potential. SCI Day is a reminder that every individual, regardless of physical limitations, deserves the opportunity to thrive in an inclusive and accessible world. We also want to express our heartfelt appreciation to our clients who trust us to provide innovative technologies that enhance rehabilitation and improve the quality of life for those with SCI. Your support and collaboration are crucial in our mission to make a meaningful difference. Let’s join together in advocating for a society where people with SCI have equal access to education, employment, healthcare, and social participation. By breaking down barriers and promoting accessibility, we can empower individuals with SCI to lead independent, fulfilling lives. #SCIDay #Inclusion #Accessibility #EqualOpportunities #Empowerment #DisabilityAwareness #MEBSTER

RememberStuff's "Dignity for All" offerings are making a difference in SNFs. An environment that has as its priority the well-being of residents, staff, families and owners (ALL) is an environment that will thrive and be sustainable. Would you like to join in a discussion about the impact of "Dignity for All" can make? If so, email me at christine@mullholand.com and I will put you on the list. Also, if you have a CO or FL based SNF, we have grant opportunities where we are seeking participants. Don't be left out in the cold when it comes to integrated engagement with RememberStuff's "Dignity for All."

UK. At EPIC Think Learn they support neurodivergent children to better understand who they are and how their brain works.  They encourage parents, teachers, clinicians to see things from the child's perspective and to pick resources from their toolkit that match the child's goals. EPIC Think Learn services and resources are based on over 25 years of research and public engagement into thinking skills (executive functions) by Dr Sinead Rhodes, Dr Iona Beange and their colleagues.  They remain active within the neurodevelopmental field, and EPIC Think Learn services and resources will be updated in line with the latest research. Their resources are particularly suitable for those working with children and young people who have just joined the waiting list for neurodevelopmental assessment, but can be used as any stage in the process (including post-diagnosis). https://lnkd.in/enj6YQMZ .

I know I'm not the only person who has a bit of an intellectual crush on Dr. Vivek Murthy. 🙃 So when he asks if we're: - sacrificing connection for success - and paying the price with our health and happiness I take some time to think about it. He offered his "parting prescription" as Surgeon General and pointed out what we all can feel: We are suffering from an erosion of community, and it's impacting us deeply. I've got some suggestions below on how we can incorporate what he calls "the triad of fulfillment" (relationships, service, and purpose) at work - how can you take one small step towards one of them today? ➡️ Relationships are foundational. They allow us to feel seen and to offer the same to others. (and it can counteract the loneliness that affects 1/3 of US, leading to real health risks—heart disease, dementia, and more.) ↪️ At work: how are we fostering relationships, ensuring people feel connected and valued? ➡️ Service benefits those we help, (and the helper, reducing risks for things like depression and cognitive decline) ↪️At work: How are we structuring service—not as a corporate obligation, but as a way to instill meaning and belonging? How can we make sure our teams are connected to our day-to-day work as service? ➡️ Purpose is the “why” behind our actions, (and it’s a proven foundation for resilience and mental health) ↪️ At work: How do we create environments where purpose drives meaningful outcomes, not just productivity? There's a daily opportunity for leaders, organizations, and policymakers to shift culture, to prioritize connection over division, and to see community as the foundation for health and happiness (which drives to your mission, I promise!). I'm going to miss him in this role, but I trust his passion and commitment goes beyond any political position.  ps - in case you're wondering, I also have an audio crush on Kai Ryssdal from NPR's Marketplace 😘 and Michelle Martin from her All Things Considered days - if you're not up for telling me what steps you'll take for more community at work, at least tell me who your intellectual crushes are! https://lnkd.in/exujgUSH

LAUNCH - The development of a groundbreaking initiative: the UK Limb Difference Research Community. This community aims to bring together amputees, individuals with limb differences, their supporters, industry professionals, and researchers in the field of prosthetics to foster a collaborative and inclusive environment. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eWgMxWUQ

Thanks John Bridgeland - I hope that you are well. Thank you for sharing these reflections from the Surgeon General. I read it and would love your thoughts on my impressions. What is striking is how at several points Murthy describes the indispensable role his (presumably married) parents played in helping him understand the importance of community. Yet, in the entire 32 page document, the word "marriage" never appears, despite the overwhelming evidence of the integral role healthy marriages play in forming and strengthening healthy communities. Moreover, what Murthy wants for his own children "more than anything, is for them to be healthy, happy, and fulfilled." Yet the SG never mentions that outcome being far more likely if children are born within healthy marriage (a choice he seems to have made for his own family). Married parents is the greatest privilege we can give to a child, even before healthy community. Murthy correctly talks about purpose. While there is a paragraph on what can be learned from faith traditions, the word "religion" also is never mentioned in the entire document, nor is the importance of developing a personal religious faith commitment to finding purpose, volunteer service, etc. I think Murthy is admirable to prescribe relationships, service, and purpose as pathways to build community. But it is very unlikely to happen if there is no mention of the key institutions - marriage, children with marriage, and personal religious faith - that are essential to healthy community formation. What do you think? Ian

Anesthesiologists and Community Engagement: A Scoping Review of the Literature seeks to examine the available literature on community engagement among anesthesiologists to identify gaps and seek opportunities for future work. https://buff.ly/4aTf3DB

📢United Cerebral Palsy and the Cerebral Palsy Research Network have formed a strategic partnership to enhance research, care, and engagement for individuals with cerebral palsy. This collaboration will drive advancements in health outcomes, support community engagement, and promote best practices in care. Exciting plans include the "Family Engagement in Research" course launching in September 2024 and the Eighth Annual CP Research Network Investigators’ Meeting in 2025. Read to learn more here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/dM4MquDi #cpresearchnetwork #cerebralpalsyawareness #CPpartnerships #partnerships #CP #CerebralPalsy 📷 Image Description: Large text showing United Cerebral Palsy and the CP Research Network have announced a strategic partnership and three supporting images of people with CP.

LAUNCH - The development of a groundbreaking initiative: the UK Limb Difference Research Community. This community aims to bring together amputees, individuals with limb differences, their supporters, industry professionals, and researchers in the field of prosthetics to foster a collaborative and inclusive environment. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eaJBpH_R