The county is seeking applicants to fill eight vacancies on the Montgomery County Commission on Health. Six vacancies must be filled by consumer representatives, and two vacancies must be filled by provider representatives (one provider slot is for a partial term). Three incumbents are eligible to apply for reappointment.
The commission consists of 19 voting members, representing a cross-section of consumers and providers of health care. Persons with an interest or background in public health are encouraged to apply.
The commission advises the county executive and County Council on public-health programs, services and facilities and comments on any gaps, deficiencies or duplication of efforts. The commission also comments on the local public-health planning needs, area-wide institutional health services and state health-related issues where appropriate. The group reports each year to the county on a variety of health issues. Meetings are held the third Thursday evening of each month in Rockville. Members serve three-year terms without compensation.
Applicants should write by May 24 to County Executive Douglas M. Duncan at the Executive Office Building, 101 Monroe St., Rockville, MD 20850. A letter and brief resumé that include work and home phone numbers should be included. Members of county boards, committees and commissions may not serve on more than one such group at a time.
The Children's Inn, home for pediatric outpatients and their families, will present more than 75 children, ages 8-19, from Broadway to local venues, in two special concerts to benefit seriously ill children undergoing treatment at the National Institutes of Health. The two shows are both on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. at the Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center, 51 Manakee St. in Rockville. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children 18 and under. Call Zelda Heller at 301-913-9130, or e-mail kidsforkids20002@yahoo.com.
The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services sponsors free support groups for residents affected by HIV/AIDS. The group serves men and women who have tested positive for HIV or who have AIDS. The group meets Wednesday evenings in Silver Spring. Concerned Others — a support group for partners, family members, friends and caregivers of people with HIV/AIDS — meets Thursday evenings in Rockville. Membership in both groups is kept confidential. Call Marjorie Moscatiello at 240-777-1775.
Seminars, support groups and classes through Adventist Health Care take place at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital, 9901 Medical Center Drive in Rockville, unless noted otherwise. To register and for a complete listing of available classes, call 1-800-542-5096.
* Alcoholics Anonymous/Al-Anon These groups meet every Sunday at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 202-966-9115.
* Narcotics Anonymous. This group meets every Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
* Healthy Hearts. Cardiac support program is designed to provide inspiration, motivation and education to patients and caregivers following a heart attack or stroke. Group meets on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. Call 301-253-1502.
* Heart-to-Heart, a support group for people with heart disease, and their spouses, meets on the third Thursday of each month at the Cardiovascular Fitness Center (9715 Medical Center Drive, No. 130, Rockville). Next meeting is Thursday, May 16.
* Stroke Club. Stroke survivors, their caregivers and families will meet on Wednesday, May 8, at 7 p.m., at Shady Grove Nursing & Rehab Center, 9701 Medical Center Drive in Rockville. Free. Call 301-869-1580.
* MS Outreach. Free education and support for persons with multiple sclerosis on Wednesdays, May 8 and 15. Call Donna at 301-680-3576.
* Infant Safety & CPR Class. Learn how to childproof a house and how to respond in situations involving infant airway obstruction and cardiac or respiratory arrest on Wednesday, May 15 at 6:30 p.m.
* Community Screening Program. Several health screenings will be available including lipid, glucose, prostate, osteoporosis, body fat and blood pressure, from 7:30-9:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 16. A nominal fee will be charged. Pre-registration suggested.
* Discovering Motherhood. A program of education and support for new moms and their babies begins on Friday, May 17, at 9:30 a.m. Cost is $60.
* Fatherhood 101. A workshop on Saturday, May 18, at 1 p.m. is designed to help expectant and new fathers meet their challenges. Learn "the ropes" from experienced dads and their babies. Cost is $15.
* Lupus Support Group. For people recently diagnosed as having lupus, this free group meets on Saturday, May 18, at 10 a.m.
Support meetings and seminars take place at Suburban Hospital, 8600 Old Georgetown Road in Bethesda. Call 301-896-3939 to register for all group meetings and for a complete listing.
* Gynecological Cancer. Group meets the first and third Mondays of the month from 4-5:30 p.m. in Conference Room 4. Group is designed for patients and survivors of cancer.
* Breast Cancer. Group meets the second Monday of the month from 7-8:30 p.m. in Conference Rooms 6 and 7. Group is designed for patients, survivors and family members. Guest speakers alternate with informal discussion.
* Caregivers. Group meets the first and third Wednesdays of the month from 1-2:30 p.m. in the Auxiliary House in Bethesda. Practical and emotional support for anyone serving as a caregiver.
* Multiple Sclerosis Caregivers. Group meets the first Thursday of the month from 6:30-9 p.m. in Conference Room 4.
* Eating Disorders. Group meets the second Wednesday of the month from 7-8 p.m. in Conference Room 4.
Head Injury/Trauma. Group meets the first and third Thursdays of the month from 7-8 p.m. in Conference Rooms 1, 2 and 3. For individuals recovering from head injuries, and their families.
* Prostate Cancer. Group meets the third Monday of the month from 7-8:30 p.m. in Conference Rooms 6 and 7. Support for patients, family and friends. Guest speakers and informal discussion on alternate days.
NIH (National Institutes of Health) has volunteer opportunities for health studies. Call 1-800-411-1222 or 1-800-411-1010 (TTY):
* Individuals experiencing leg pain that improves with rest may be eligible for a new study.
* Volunteers are needed for clinical trials involving neurological studies.
* Children ages 5-12 who have problems with stuttering or speech articulation are needed.
* Volunteers are needed for a study on uncontrolled blood pressure resulting from blocked kidney arteries.
Montgomery County is seeking residents interested in helping sexual assault victims and their families. Volunteers provide 24-hour crisis counseling and companion services. Call 240-777-1355.