Programs Listing
Educational Programs,
Events and Screenings | Childbirth
and Infant Care
Clinics and Services | Support
Groups
Education Programs, Events and Screenings
Beginning and Continuing Yoga With Michele Flowers
Classes incorporate stretching, movement, and attention to the breath to relax the body, improve flexibility, calm the mind and enhance inner awareness. Suitable for beginners, those with physical limitations as well as continuing students.
Instructor: Michele Flowers
• Mondays, June 4, 11, 18, 25
• 6-7:15 p.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Turnpike, Norwich
There is a $66 fee for this program and registration is required. Call CHI at 889-8331, ext. 2483 for more information. $13/class walk-in fee, based on space availability. These are the last four classes in a six-week series. A new series will begin on July 8.
Beginning and Continuing Yoga With Carol Klammer
Classes incorporate stretching, movement, and attention to the breath to relax the body, improve flexibility, calm the mind and enhance inner awareness. Suitable for beginners, those with physical limitations as well as continuing students. Instructor: Carol Klammer.
• Tuesdays, June 5, 12, 19, 26
• 4:30-5:45 p.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Tpke., Norwich
There is a $44 fee for this program and registration is required. Call 889-8331, ext. 2483 for more information. $13/class walk-in, fee based on space availability.
Community Blood Pressure Screening
Free, open to the public, third Wednesday of every month.
• Wednesday, June 20
• 1-2 p.m.
• Backus entry level conference room 1
Program free; no registration required. Call 889-8331, ext. 2495 for more information.
Healing Touch I
An energy-based therapeutic approach to healing that helps enhance the body's ability to bring its energy to balance, and restore a sense of ease and well-being. Techniques are useful for personal and professional application. You do not have to be a healthcare provider to benefit. Instructor Jeanne Zuzel RN, MA, CHTP/I.
• Saturday, June 2
• 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Medical Office Building Lobby
• Sunday, June 3
• 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Medical Office Building Lobby
There is a $350 fee for this program and registration is required. Call Kathy Noyes at 886-1960 for more information. 20 C.E.U.' s are available for nurses for this two-day class.
Healing Touch Level 3
For students who desire more in-depth skills in Healing Touch and have completed levels 1 and 2. This course includes development of Higher Sense Perception, a full healing sequence, working with guidance, self-healing and self-development.
• June 22, 23, 24
• Friday, 7-10 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Backus Hospital entry level conference rooms
There is a $325 fee for this program and registration is required.
Healing from the Inside Out; An Expressive Arts Series
Whether you are in a time of transition in your life, experiencing health or emotional challenges, want to grow more fully, or are interested in the impact of your intuitive ability to support your health and wholeness, the use of art can be a powerful tool for healing. There is absolutely no experience with writing, drawing, or music needed or required to benefit.
• June 7
Self Healing Through Mandala with Jeanne Zuzel, Certified Healing Touch Practitioner and Instructor, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, and Registered Nurse.
• June 14
The Power of Words: Writing from the Soul with Jude Rittenhouse, an award-winning poet and short story writer.
• June 21
Musical Affirmations: Sounding into Life! with Christopher Carbone, faculty member of Salve Regina College Expressive Arts Institute, teaching artist in music and sound healing.
• June 28
"Free Flow" Painting with Sandi Gold an award-winning artist, pastel and oil painter and a Holistic Health Instructor.
• Thursdays, June 7, 14, 21, 28
• 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Turnpike, Norwich
There is a $20/session fee for this program and registration is required. Call 889-8331, ext. 2483 to register or for more information.
You may attend one or all of the workshops. The ECHO Cancer Foundation provides partial scholarships for oncology patients.
Look Good....Feel Better
A monthly program offered by the American Cancer Society to help current cancer patients look their best throughout chemotherapy or radiation therapy treatment. For schedule, call 887-2547, press 3. Program free but registration required.
Mammograms and Pap Smear Screenings
Free to women with no health insurance or insurance that does not cover these services. Enrollment and registration required. Program free but registration required. Call 823-6318 for more information.
NAACP Juneteenth Day Festival
The Backus Mobile Health Van will be at Juneteenth Day Festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., providing info on diabetes, medication safety, sun protection, as well as a BP screening. Many other vendors and activities. Open to the public.
• Saturday, June 16
• Howard Brown Memorial Park, Norwich
Program free; no registration required.
Prepare for Surgery-Heal Faster
Using Guided Imagery and relaxation helps people feel calmer before surgery, have less pain after and recover more quickly. The techniques are also helpful for many other procedures to help lessen anxiety. The patient will receive a book and tape and a one-hour instructional class. Ideally the class is taken 1-3 weeks prior to surgery.
• Mondays, June 4, 11, 18, 25
• 6-7:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Center for Healthcare Integration (CHI), 115 Lafayette St., Norwich.
• Wednesday, June 6, 13, 20, 27
• 2-3:30 p.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Tpke., Norwich
There is a $25 (tape and book) or $32 (CD and book) fee for this program and registration is required. Call CHI, 889-8331 ext. 2483 for more information. A friend or family member may accompany the patient.
Psychiatric Services Department Lectures
Monthly lectures on psychiatric trends and topics.
• Thursday, June 28
• 3 - 4:30 p.m.
• Backus entry level conference rooms 1 & 2
Program free; no registration required.
Reiki Level I and II training
Reiki (Ray key), an energy therapy, is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. Reiki is useful for practitioners, caregivers and for self-care. Instructor: Marie Perez, Reiki Master.
• Saturday, June 16
• 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Backus Center for Healthcare Integration (CHI), 115 Lafayette St. (across from the hospital)
• Saturday, June 23
• 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• CHI
There is a $200 /level fee for this program and registration is required. Call 889-8331, ext 2483 for more information. Participants may register for one or both. For Level I and II taken together, fee is $350.
Rocky Neck Heart Walk
Join the Backus team and thousands of others on this scenic walk to help raise awareness and funds to support the fight against heart disease and stroke. To join the Backus team, call Shawn Mawhiney, Backus Company Leader and member of the Heart Walk Executive Committee, at 889-8331, ext. 2312.
• Sunday, Oct. 14
• 9 a.m.
• Rocky Neck State Park, Niantic
Program free; no registration required.
Sacred Heart Parish Festival June 7-10
The Backus Mobile Health Van will be at the Festival Friday, June 8, 5-9 p.m. and Saturday, June 9, 3-7 p.m. for a blood pressure screening. Open to the public.
Sail Through Surgery
A pre-op program for children, ages 18 and under, and their parents, to help prepare for an upcoming surgery.
• Friday, June 1
• 4 - 4:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Same Day Surgery waiting area
• Saturday, June 16
• 10 - 10:30 a.m.
• Backus Hospital Same Day Surgery waiting area
Program free but registration required. Call 823-6376 for more information.
Tai Chi
A combination of martial arts and meditation in motion. The many health benefits include increased balance, circulation, coordination, flexibility, and mental clarity. Suitable for beginners, those with physical limitations, as well as continuing students. Instructor: David Chandler.
• Tuesdays, June 5, 12, 19, 26
• 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Turnpike, Norwich
There is a $120 fee for this program and registration is required. Call 889-8331, ext. 2483 to register and for more information. These are the last four classes in an eight-week series. A new series will begin July 3.
Total Care Program (joint replacement)
Learn what to expect from your joint replacement surgery Ð preparatory measures, the procedure, rehabilitation, and other issues. Includes demonstrations from physical therapists.
• Wednesdays, June 6, 13, 20, 27
• 11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Turnpike, Norwich.
Program free but registration required. Call Cheryl Martel at 823-6376 to register or for more information.
Total Care Program (spinal fusion)
Backus patients scheduled for surgery can learn what to expect from spinal fusion surgery Ð preparatory measures, the procedure, rehabilitation, and other issues.
• Wednesdays, June 6, 13, 20, 27
• 9-11 a.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Turnpike, 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. Women should attend at least 34 weeks into pregnancy. Program free but registration required. Call 425-3863 for more information. Or, email MOC@wwbh.org
Childbirth Preparation Classes
A five-week series offered on Monday or Wednesday evenings in the Backus Hospital Birthing Center. Includes a tour of the Birthing Center. Register three months prior to due date. There is a $55 fee for this program and registration is required. Call 425-3863 for more information. Online registration available by emailing moc@wwbh.org
Childbirth Refresher Class
A one-evening class taught by a certified instructor for couples who have had an infant less than three years ago. Offered the second Wednesday of May, July, September and November.
• Wednesday, July 11
• 7-9 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Birthing Center
There is a $35 fee for this program and registration is required. Call 425-3863 for more information. Online registration available at moc@wwbh.org
Childbirth Weekend Preparation Class
A two-day weekend class. Register early. Continental breakfast.
• Saturday, June 9
• 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital entry-level conference room
• Sunday, June 10
• 9:30 a.m.- 1 p.m.
• Backus Hospital entry-level conference room
There is a $55 fee for this program and registration is required. Call 425-3863 for more information. Online registration available at moc@wwbh.org
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. Call 425-3863 for June schedule.
• Tuesday, June 26
• 6:30 p.m.
• Birthing Center Conference Room
Program free but registration required. Call 425-3863 for more information. Online registration available by emailing MOC@wwbh.org. Enrollment is limited, please register early.
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.
• Tuesday, June 19
• 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Birthing Center conference room
There is a $35 per couple or $20 per person fee for this program and registration is required. Call 425-3863 for more information. Classes are limited to 8 people per session. Online registration available by emailing MOC@wwbh.org
Infant Massage
Five-week sessions offering techniques for infant massage and relaxation. There is a $66.50 fee for this program and registration is required. Call 860-564-4753 for more information. Pro-rated for those who join mid-session.
Prenatal Yoga Class
Nurture yourself and prepare for the changes ahead with a gentle stretching and meditation-focused practice. Call now about space availability in May.
• Wednesdays, June 6, 13, 20, 27
• 6-7:30 p.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, Salem Tpke., Norwich-Dermatology entrance
There is a $44 fee for this program and registration is required. Call 887-3388 or email hathayoga@snet.net for more information. Please register one week ahead, space is limited. Ongoing enrollment on a space available basis.
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.
• Wednesday, June 13
• 10 a.m.
• Backus Hospital Birthing Center
Program free but registration required. Call 425-3863 for more information. Electronic registration by emailing moc@wwbh.org
Teen Birthing
A two-evening childbirth preparation class to prepare adolescent couples for labor and delivery. Call for confirmation.
• Tuesday, Aug. 7
• 4:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Aug. 9
• 4:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Birthing center conference room
There is a $10 fee for this program and registration is required. Call 425-3863 for more information. Electronic registration available by emailing moc@wwbh.org
Clinics and Services
Amputee Clinic
For new amputees or amputees considering a new prosthesis. Usually held the first Tuesday of the month. Individualized sessions.
• Tuesday, June 5
• 1 - 3 p.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Turnpike, Norwich
Program free but registration required. Call 823-6317 for more information.
Backus Car Seat clinic
Backus Hospital, the Norwich Safe Communities Coalition and Safe Kids New London County offer car seat checks and installation on the first and third Friday of every month.
• Fridays, June 1, 15
• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Norwich Fire Department
Program free but registration required. Call 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 Street. Program free but registration required. Call 823-6343 for more information.
Relaxation and Restoration
The Backus Center for Healthcare Integration (CHI)offers Acupuncture, Healing Touch, Therapeutic Massage (Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Hot Stone Therapy), Reflexology and Reiki sessions to the community by hospital-credentialed therapists. No referral is needed.
There is a fee for these programs and registration is required. Call 889-8331, ext. 2483 to make an appointment or for more information.
Appointments are available 7 days a week, early morning until mid-evening. Massage, Healing Touch, Reflexology and Reiki sessions: $60 for one hour and $80 for 1 1/2 hours. Acupuncture sessions are $70. Gift certificates are also available in the Hospital Gift Shop and at the CHI center.
Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Clinic
Diagnosis and treatment of most sexually transmitted diseases; HIV testing is available. Mondays and Wednesdays, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., at 107 Lafayette Street, Norwich. No appointment needed. No new registrations accepted after 7 p.m. Program free; no registration required. Call 823-6344 for more information.
Support Groups
Bereavement Support Group
Sponsored by The Compassionate Friends (TCF) to offer friendship, understanding, and hope to families following the death of a child. Usually held on the fourth Tuesday of the month in the Backus Hospital Medical Office Building conference room. Program free; no registration required. Call 468-0018 for more information.
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, June 7
• 1 - 2:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Radiation Therapy conference room in the Medical Office Building.
Program free; no registration required. Call 889-8331, ext. 4060 for more information.
Breast Cancer Support Group
For breast cancer patients and their families, facilitated by a Backus social worker. Usually held on the third Tuesday of the month.
• Tuesday, June 19
• 7 - 8:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Radiation Therapy Waiting Room, Medical Office Building
Program free; no registration required. Call 889-8331, ext. 4239 or 2777 for more information.
Cancer Support Group
Cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, significant others and families are invited to discuss how cancer has affected their lives. Usually held on the fourth Wednesday of the month.
• Wednesday, June 27
• 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Radiation Therapy Conference Room in the Medical Office Building
Program free; no registration required. Call 889-8331, ext. 4239 or 2777 for more information.
Congestive Heart Failure Support Group
Patients with congestive heart failure can learn more about the disease and meet others going through treatment at a new support group offered by Backus Hospital. Aimee Stefanski, APRN, will facilitate the CHF support group for patients and families, which will be held the second Wednesday of each month.
• Wednesday, June 13
• 6-7:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital auditorium
Program free; no registration required. Call 823-6577 for more information.
Diabetes Support Group
The Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism offers a Day Diabetes Support Group the first Tuesday of every other month. The Evening Diabetes Support Group is usually offered every other month on the first Thursday.
• Thursday, June 7
• 7 - 8 p.m.
• Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Turnpike, Norwich.
Program free but registration required. Call 892-6906 for more information.
When registering, leave a message on the Living With Diabetes Outpatient Patient Education Classes option.
Bereavement Support Group, Hospice Southeastern Connecticut
Open to anyone in the community who may have lost a loved one, regardless of when the loss occurred. These discussions occur in a supportive and non-threatening atmosphere in a variety of locations throughout southeastern Connecticut. Program free but registration required. Call 848-5699 for more information.
Lymphedema Support Group
Offers an opportunity to share experiences and learn about risk reduction and treatment of lymphedema. Meets quarterly on the first Wednesday of the month.
• Wednesday, June 6
• 5:30 - 7 p.m.
• Backus entry level conference room 1
Program free; no registration required. Call Maryclaire Sullivan at 823-6317 for more information.
Mended Hearts
Cardiac support group that meets the third Tuesday of the month.
• Tuesday, June 19
• 6:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital auditorium
Program free; no registration required. Call 889-8331 ext. 2554 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, June 12
• 7-8:30 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Medical Office Building Conference Room
Program free; no registration required. Call Michelle Sanford at 822-1155 or 889-8331 ext. 4239 for more information.
Laryngectomy Support Group
Tri-County New Voice Club for laryngectomy patients and family meets on the second Sunday of the month.
• Sunday, June 10
• 2 - 4 p.m.
• Backus Hospital Radiation Therapy conference room in the Medical Office Building
Program free; no registration required. Call Speech Therapy at 889-8331 ext. 3480 for more information.