Autumn 2012 - Shodair Children's Hospital

Shodair
Roundup
Fourth Montana Metabolic
Days a Success
Shodair's Newborn Screening Follow-Up Program
held its fourth Montana Metabolic Days on July 13-
14, drawing metabolic genetic patients, their families,
and other interested parties from across the state. The
event, held in Helena, was designed to offer patients
with metabolic conditions and their families a way to
meet others with similar needs, share experiences, and
explore options with their health management.
The event featured lectures, cooking demonstrations of
foods appropriate for people on protein restricted
diets, and fun activities for the children who attended.
The hospital's Newborn Screening Follow-Up
Program began after Montana's 2007 legislative
session, when lawmakers expanded to 29 the
number of conditions infants are screened for in the
state. Most of the conditions that are screened for are
genetic in nature. This screening is overseen by the
Montana Department of Public Health and Human
Services, which contracts with Shodair Children's
Hospital for clinical follow-up services for infants
who test positive during the screening process.
Events like Montana Metabolic Day are a good fit with
the program's mission. Program Coordinator Sara
Wakefield says, “Our goal is to provide support,
education, and assistance to families whose lives
are affected by rare metabolic disorders; to increase
public awareness and legislative support, and to
provide the best possible health outcomes for all who
are diagnosed with these life affecting conditions.”
Above: Volunteers and kids get ready to have fun during
Montana Metabolic Days
Shodair
Observes
Native
American
Week
A variety of events took place at Shodair the week
of September 24 as part of Shodair's third annual
Native American Week observation. The goal of
the event was to celebrate the cultural diversity of
the hospital's patient population. Highlights
included a tepee raising, traditional Native
American games and stories, guest drummers
and dancers, and special menu items for patients
and staff.
Approximately 5 - 12% of our psychiatric patients
are of Native descent, and nearly the same
percentage of our genetics patients are Native
American as well.
Special thanks to Louise Fisher, John St. James,
and Vance Gehringer of Shodair for sharing their
expertise with our patients, as well as to Helena
resident Dan Hollow for lending us his teepee
for the week.
Miss
Montana
Visits
Shodair
Miss Montana 2012
Alexis Wineman visited
Shodair on October 19 to speak to the patients on
our Glacier Residential Unit. Alexis was diagnosed
with pervasive development disorder, including
borderline Asperger's syndrome, when she was 11
years old. Her platform is to educate people about
what being on the autism spectrum is like, and to
speak out against bullying. Her message of
hope and perseverance in the face of personal
challenges connected with our adolescent patients.
18 Reunion