Community Education
Education Programs, Events and Screenings
Breast Health Patient Navigator Program
Free to women who experience a suspicious mammogram and/or ultrasound
reading. The Patient Navigator helps guide the woman from the suspicious
reading to a definitive diagnosis in the shortest amount of time
possible to facilitate more efficient access and guidance to breast
healthcare services and information. Services include assistance with
referrals to local resources and social support; assistance with
appointments; educational support; and, one-on-one meetings to increase
satisfaction with their breast health care experience.
Program free; no registration required. Call Joyce Kuusela, RN, at 860-425-3870, or Theresa Thackston at 860-425-3809 for more information.
Community Baby Shower
This yearly event highlights community and hospital services and
general healthcare information for women. Guests can learn more about
classes Backus offers for new and expectant parents, service agencies in
the community as well as safety information about items such as car
seats.
• Tuesday, April 27
• 6 - 8 p.m.
• Backus entry-level conference rooms
Program free; no registration required.
Community Blood Pressure Screenings
Free blood pressure screening on the third Wednesday of each month.
• Wednesday, April 21
• 1 - 2 p.m.
• Backus entry-level conference room 3
Program free; no registration required.
Da Vinci Women's Health: Small Steps, Healthier Lives
Backus Hospital is partnering with da Vinci Surgery, Curves
International, About.com and the Department of Health's Office on
Women's Health for a prevention and wellness campaign for women. The
doctor-led events will look at the importance of diet, exercise and
annual gynecologic exams as well as da Vinci robotic surgery options
including hysterectomies and other procedures.
• Wednesday, April 28
• 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
• Curves of Norwich, 20 New London Tpk., Norwich
• Thursday, May 20
• 6:30 - 8 p.m.
• Backus entry-level conference rooms
• Wednesday, May 26
• 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
• Curves of Plainfield, 782 Norwich Road, Plainfield
Program free; no registration required.
Diabetes Outpatient Self-Management Program
Gain a greater understanding of the components of diabetes self-care
management. This program includes an initial assessment by Certified
Diabetes Educators, a Registered Nurse and a Clinical Dietitian.
Provider referral required.
Program free but registration required. Call the Diabetes Center at 860-892-6906 and select the Patient Education Classes prompt for more information.
Family Matters Health Talk:
"Keeping Our Teens Safe in a Technological World"
Mark Lounsbury, Investigator for the Norwich Police Dept will be
presenting info on texting, sexting and internet predators.
• Thursday, April 8
• 6:30 - 8 p.m.
• Backus Hospital entry-level conference rooms
Program free, but registration required. Call 860-889-8331, ext. 2495 for more information.
"My Diabetes, My Vision: The Sneak Attack of Diabetic Retinopathy"
Dr. Kristi Lin, a specialist in diseases and surgery of the retina
and vitreous, will present. Hosted by the Backus Department of Diabetes,
Endocrinology and Metabolism.
• Thursday, May 6
• 5 - 7 p.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Tpk., Norwich
Program free but registration required. Call 860-889-8331, ext. 4092.
Pink Fair: A Health and Wellness Fair for Women
Participate in free screenings and learn about the latest treatment
options and advancements in healthcare technology. Explore homeopathic
medicine, and complementary therapies, and get the latest nutrition and
diet information from the Backus clinicians and dietitians. Also
available: important access to care information for women and families.
• Thursday, April 29
• 3 - 7 p.m.
• Backus entry-level conference rooms
Program free; no registration required.
Prepare for Surgery/Heal Faster
Using Guided Imagery and relaxation has been shown to help people
feel calmer before surgery, have less pain after surgery and recover
more quickly. The techniques are also helpful for many other procedures
to help lessen anxiety. The patient will receive a book, CD and a
90-minute instructional class. Ideally the class is taken 1-3 weeks
prior to surgery. Classes are offered each Monday and Wednesday. A
friend or family member may accompany the patient. Instructor: Paula
Novak, RN, Certified Healing Touch Practitioner.
• Monday, April 5, 12, 19, 26
• 5 - 6:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Same Day Surgery Family Lounge
• Wednesday, April 7, 14, 21, 28
• 2 - 3:30 p.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Turnpike, Norwich
There is a $35 (CD and book) fee for this program and registration is required. Call 860-425-3877 to register or for more information.
Psychiatric Department Lectures
Monthly lectures on psychiatric trends and topics. Usually held on
the fourth Thursday of every month.
• Thursday, April 22
• 3 - 4:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital entry-level conference rooms 1-2
Program free; no registration required.
Sail Through Surgery
A pre-op program for children, ages 18 and under, and their parents,
to help prepare for an upcoming surgery.
• Thursday, April 1
• 4:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Same Day Surgery waiting area
• Saturday, April 17
• 10 a.m.
• Backus Hospital Same Day Surgery waiting area
Program free but registration required. Call 860-823-6328 for more information.
Total Care Program (joint replacement)
Learn what to expect from your joint replacement surgery - preparatory
measures, the procedure, rehabilitation, and other issues. Includes
demonstrations from physical therapists.
• Wednesday, April 7, 14, 21, 28
• 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Turnpike, Norwich.
Program free but registration required. Call 823-6376 for more information.
Total Care Program (spinal fusion)
Backus patients scheduled for surgery can learn what to expect from
spinal fusion surgery - preparatory measures, the procedure,
rehabilitation, and other issues.
• Wednesday, April 7, 14, 21, 28
• 9 - 11 a.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Tpk., Norwich
Program free but registration required. Call 823-6376 for more information.
Childbirth and Infant Care
Breast-feeding Preparation Class
Learn breast-feeding tips for success. This class is for expectant
women.
• Thursday, April 8
• 6 - 8 p.m.
• Backus Hospital conference room 3
Program free but registration required. Call 860-425-3863 or email moc@wwbh.org for more information.
Childbirth Preparation Classes
A four-week series offered on Monday evenings in the Backus Hospital
Birthing Center. Includes a tour of the Birthing Center. Register three
months prior to due date.
• Monday, April 5, 12, 19, 26
• 7 - 9 p.m.
• Backus entry level conference rooms 1-2
There is $55 fee for this program and registration is required. Call 860-425-3863 or e-mail moc@wwbh.org for more information.
Childbirth Preparation Classes (weekend)
A two-day weekend class. Includes a tour of the Birthing Center.
Register early.
• Saturday, April 17
• 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital entry level conference rooms 1-2
• Sunday, April 18
• 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
There is a $55 fee for this program and registration is required. Call 860-425-3863 or e-mail moc@wwbh.org for more information.
Couples Massage for Pregnancy
This one-evening class teaches partners simple massage techniques to
release pain or discomfort during pregnancy and labor.
• Wednesday, April 28
• 7 - 9 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Birthing Center
There is $50 fee for this program and registration is required. Call 860-572-1872 or e-mail jstranger1@sbcglobal.net for more information.
Dr. Dad
Designed for the expectant or new father. Class will include
information on the Well Child, Sick Child, Injured Child and Safe Child.
• Dates TBA
• 6 - 8 p.m.
• Backus E-2 conference room
Program free but registration required. Call 860-425-3863 or email moc@wwbh.org for more information.
Expectant Grandparent Seminar
Designed to bring expectant grandparents up to date with: roles of
grandparents; current information about pregnancy and childbirth;
breastfeeding and bottle feeding; home safety for babies and toddlers;
variations in the newborn; baby care; and questions and answers.
• Wednesday, April 14
• 7 - 9 p.m.
• Backus Birthing Center
Program free but registration required. Call 860-425-3863 or email moc@wwbh.org for more information.
Infant Massage
Five-week sessions offering techniques for infant massage and
relaxation at Backus Hospital. Prorated for those who join mid-session.
• Tuesday, April 20, 27, May 4, 11, 18
• 6:30 - 8 p.m.
• Birthing Center conference room
• Monday, April 19, 26, May 3, 10, 17
• 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Backus Birthing Center conference room
There is $70 fee for this program and registration is required. Call 860-564-4753 for more information.
Infant-Child CPR
A Backus Birthing Center program for parents and parents-to-be in
the instruction of CPR infants and children. Instructor is certified in
CPR. Classes are limited to eight people per session.
• TBA
• 6 - 8 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Birthing Center
There is $35 per couple or $20 per person fee for this program and registration is required. Call 860-425-3863 or e-mail moc@wwbh.org for more information.
New Moms' Support Group
Open to moms of babies up to six months. It's a place to ask
questions in a supportive environment and talk to other new moms about
concerns like postpartum issues, breastfeeding, feeding issues and
infant care. Group is facilitated by the Lactation Consultant/educator.
• Tuesday, April 6, 13, 20, 27
• 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
• Backus Patient Care Services Conference Room
Program free; no registration required. Call 860-425-3863 or email moc@wwbh.org for more information.
Nurturing Your Newborn - An Infant Care Class
This two-hour class teaches normal newborn behavior, tests and
procedures in the hospital, and how to care for your baby in the first
few days at home. Topics include: safe sleep, swaddling, bath
demonstration, feeding, newborn appearance and behaviors and when to
call the doctor.
• Thursday, April 22
• 6 - 8 p.m.
• Backus E-2 conference room
Program free but registration required. Call 860-425-3863 or email moc@wwbh.org for more information.
Parents To Be Open House
Informational session and a tour of the Birthing Center. Speakers
include OB doctor, pediatrician, lactation consultant, birth
registry/paternity and various other educational materials available.
Tours start at 6:15 p.m. from the main lobby. Speakers will start at 7
p.m. Refreshments will be served. To register call Elaine at
860-823-6517.
• Tuesday, April 13
• 6 - 9 p.m.
• Backus entry-level conference rooms 2-3
Program free but registration required. Call 860-823-6517 for more information.
Prenatal Yoga Class
Release your stress and tension. Build more energy and strength.
Minimize your discomfort. Learn safe and effective ways to feel good and
revitalize yourself to enjoy your pregnancy and motherhood.
• Wednesday, April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5, 12, 19, 26
• 6:30 - 8 p.m.
• Beth Jacob Synagogue
There is $96 fee for this program and registration is required. Call 860-887-3388 or e-mail hathayoga@snet.net for more information.
Prepared for your Scheduled Cesarean Section
This is a one-time class where you will learn what will happen when you
come into the hospital for your c-section. Learn ways to decrease
discomfort and take care of your newborn while recovering from surgery.
• Thursday, April 15
• 6 - 8 p.m.
• Backus Birthing Center
Program free but registration required. Call 860-425-3863 ro email moc@wwbh.org for more information.
Sibling Class
This one-day class helps big brother or sister, ages 3-6, prepare
for the new addition. Tours of the Birthing Center are included and
participants have the chance to see a newborn.
• Saturday, April 3
• 2 - 3 p.m.
• Backus Birthing Center
Program free but registration required. Call 860-425-3863 or email moc@wwbh.org for more information.
Clinics and Services
"Smoking Cessation with Hypnosis"
This innovative smoking cessation program offers an opportunity to
stop smoking and become more mindful and less stressed. The group will
support each individual's success. Instructor: Pat Galvin, Certified
Hypnotherapist.
• Tuesday, April 27 and May 4
• 6 - 9 p.m.
• Backus Medical Office Building Conference Room
There is $60 fee for this program and registration is required. Call 860-889-8331, ext. 2495 for more information.
Amputee Clinic
For new amputees or amputees considering a new prosthesis. Usually
held the first Tuesday of the month. Individualized sessions.
• Tuesday, April 6
• 1 - 3 p.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Tpk., Norwich
Program free but registration required. Call 860-823-6317 for more information.
Backus Car Seat Clinic
Backus Hospital and Safe Kids New London County offer car seat
checks and installation on the first and third Friday of every month.
• Friday, April 16, 30
• 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Norwich Fire Department
Program free but registration required. Call 860-442-0733 for more information.
HIV Education and Testing Site
Offers free, anonymous and confidential HIV education, counseling
and testing. Ongoing Mondays and Wednesdays 5 - 8 p.m. and Tuesdays 9
a.m. - 4 p.m. at 107 Lafayette St. Program free but registration
required. Call 860-823-6343 for more information.
Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic
Diagnosis and treatment of most sexually transmitted diseases; HIV and
Hepatitis C testing is available. Mondays and Wednesdays, 5:30 - 7:30
p.m., at 107 Lafayette St., Norwich. No appointment needed. Only eight
patients seen each clinic session. No new registrations accepted after 7
p.m. Program free; no registration required. Call 860-823-6344 for more
information.
Support Groups
Brain Injury Support Group
For persons who have experienced a brain injury, and for their
families and friends. Usually held on the first Thursday of the month.
• Thursday, April 1
• 1:30 - 3 p.m.
• Backus Medical Office Building Radiation Therapy conference room
Program free; no registration required. Call 860-889-8331, ext. 4060, for more information.
Breast Cancer Support Group
For breast cancer patients and their families, sponsored by Backus
Hospital and ECHO. Usually held on the third Tuesday of each month.
• Tuesday, April 20
• 7 - 8:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Medical Office Building Radiation Therapy Waiting Room
Program free; no registration required. Call 860-892-2777 for more information.
Cancer Support Group
Cancer patients and survivors are invited to discuss how cancer has
changed their lives. Usually held on the second Tuesday of the month.
Reservations are requested as lunch will be provided.
• Tuesday, April 13
• noon - 1 p.m.
• Backus Medical Office Building Conference Room
Program free but registration required. Call 860-892-2777 for more information.
Cardiac Support Group
For patients with cardiac problems and their families, the meetings
will focus on heart disease, cardiac systems and new changes in patient
care. Usually meets the second Wednesday of every month. Facilitated by
Sue Rahn, RN, of the Backus Cardiac Rehabilitation Department and Aimee
Stefanski, APRN, Cardiology Associates
• Wednesday, April 14
• 6 - 7 p.m.
• Backus Medical Office Building
Program free; no registration required. Call 860-889-8331, ext. 2554 for more information.
Head and Neck Cancer Support Group
For cancer patients, survivors and caregivers. Education and support
group during treatment and afterwards. Usually held the third Tuesday
of the month.
• Tuesday, April 20
• 5 - 6 p.m.
• Backus Medical Office Building Conference Room
Program free; no registration required. Call 860-892-2777 for more information.
Laryngectomy Support Group
Tri-County New Voice Club for laryngectomy patients and family meets
on the third Sunday of the month.
• Sunday, April 18
• 1- 3 p.m.
• Backus Medical Office Building Radiation Therapy conference room
Program free; no registration required. Call Speech Therapy at 860-889-8331, ext. 4082, for more information.
Lyme Disease Support Group
Talk with others about how Lyme disease has impacted your life and
learn the latest on diagnosis and treatments. Usually meets the first
Thursday of the month.
• Thursday, April 1
• 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Medical Library
Program free; no registration required. Call Kimberlee Pappa at 860-303-9020 for more information.
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group
"Angels Remembered" is a support group for parents who have
experienced pregnancy or early infancy loss. Held the second Tuesday of
each month.
• Tuesday, April 13
• 7 - 8:30 p.m.
• Backus Medical Office Building conference room
Program free; no registration required. Call Elynor Carey at 860-889-8331, ext. 4239, for more information.
Sharing and Caring: Stroke Support and Conversation Group
For persons who have experienced a stroke, and for their families
and friends. Usually held on the second Thursday of the month.
• Thursday, April 8
• 1 - 2 p.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center conference room
Program free; no registration required. Call 860-823-6317 and ask for Pam or 860-889-8331, ext. 3480, for more information.