The Jefferson County Health Department is considering the possibility of offering acupuncture as part of a pilot program to deal with mental health and abuse problems. County Health Physician/Director Dr. David Didden, along with board chairman Tom Trumble and member Willis Nowell, recently met with Dr. Virginia Hisghman to discuss the various ways acupuncture can be used in a public health agency setting. A licensed acupuncturist for 18 years, Hisghman works at Shenandoah Health Associates in Winchester. Dr Didden has suggested the county health department consider helping deal with various community needs, using an integrated approach to mental and behavioral health, as well as substance abuse. A pilot project might include acupuncture, nutrition counseling and mindful stress reduction. Dr. Didden indicated that one idea would be to initially become a clearing house of for community members seeking additional information about substance abuse and mental health services. It might include licensed professionals, including a counselor and social worker, to staff an on-call phone line and also have some web-based resources to refer to so that if someone is interested in getting into treatment or various programs, they would be able to call one central line and offering this service could help people when they dont know where to turn. In the attached photos Dr. Hisghman, enlists the help of Board of Health member Willis Nowell while she explains the benefits of auricular therapy (also known as ear acupuncture). Tom Trumble and Dr. Dave Didden look on. Nowell said he didn’t experience any pain as she placed the thin needles in various spots on the outside of his ear. For more information see the Journal article here: journal-news.net/page/content.detail/id/623321/County-considers-acupuncture-program.html?nav=5006
Posted on: Tue, 02 Dec 2014 00:36:48 +0000
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