This study aimed to examine the implementation, adequacy, and outcomes of discharge planning. The authors carried out a prospective study of 1,426 adult patients discharged from 11 acute care hospitals in Israel. Social workers provided detailed discharge plans on each patient. Telephone interviews were conducted two weeks post-discharge. Findings…

This paper outlines and reflects on current procedures in Israel for requesting a late termination of pregnancy (LTP) and the subsequent decision-making processes, using data collected in 1995-97 from 183 women. Discusses the responsibility of the health system and social workers to address the need for enhanced support for women requesting LTPs.…

Notes the rise of the harm-reduction model in the provision of substance abuse services and the history and success of syringe exchange programs. Describes the Xchange Point, a nonprofit community-based AIDS services organization founded in 1996 as a street-based outreach and syringe exchange program. (Contains 15 references.) (GCP)

This article explores women's views on the positive and negative aspects of HIV. Many of the 55 women interviewed stated HIV was the motivation for positive changes. The physical symptoms, stigma, and limited life span were all shared negative experiences. Although the women demonstrated the ability to adapt, suggestions are given on how community…

In the Screening Older Minority Women project, the authors applied a community capacity-enhancement approach to promoting breast and cervical cancer screening among older women of color. Members of informal support networks were recruited for this health promotion intervention to empower Latina and African American women to engage in positive…

Discusses problem of low rates of immunization for African American children and identifies ways social workers can play a role in ensuring more immunizations. Improving access to existing public programs, facilitating community organization efforts, assisting communities through self-help and mutual-aid initiatives, and supporting national…

An education and screening program is described that teaches pregnant women about child abuse and domestic violence in an attempt to break the family cycle of abuse. Using a family centered approach, the Child Protection Center Program offers a model for social workers and medical providers to address the needs of abused children and battered…

This study examines the demographic and physical and mental health characteristics of social work clients among cancer patients in Canada as compared with nonusers of social work services, and factors that affect use of social work services among cancer patients. On the basis of data from two cycles of the Canadian Community Health Survey, the…

The Bureau of Primary Health Care (BPHC) was developed to increase access to comprehensive primary and preventive health care, to improve the health status of medically underserved populations, and to assist communities to identify populations at risk. The needs of women of racial and ethnic minority populations are BPHC's newest initiative;…

Social ecological theory, social-work community organization models, and health-promotion models are brought together to address ways to generate change at the individual and policy levels, and to provide guidance for community health-promotion programs. An eight-year cancer-prevention project is presented as a case study. (EMK)

A community-based, drop-in, self-help wellness center representing an empowerment approach to developing culturally appropriate health promotion for black women is described. The program, affiliated services, and jointly sponsored programs are reviewed. Relationships with supporting organizations, strengths and pitfalls of the model, and program…