Dr. Mark Lusk’s presentaion: Depression and Self Care – Parkinson’s

January’s speaker, Dr. Mark W. Lusk, Professor Emeritus, Department of Social Work, UTEP, presented on the effects of depression and coping with Parkinson’s disease. He details psychological (negative thoughts, social isolation) and biological factors (brain changes) as well as environmental factor stress, medication side effects) that cause depression in PD patients, and how to cope with it.

Dr. Miran’s slides: Bridging the Gap: Empowering Communication, Independence, and Resilience for Parkinson’s Caregivers and Loved Ones

Dr. Miran, Licensed Psychologist, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist presented strategies to improve communication and strengthen emotional bonds between caregivers and persons with Parkinson’s (PWPs).

Paul Ford, NREMTP, Mobile Integrated Healthcare Furthering the Mission Las Cruces Fire Department

Guest speaker Paul Ford, NREMTP, the Mobile Integrated Heathcare Coordinator for the Las Cruces Fire Department, discussed the unique program he oversees. The MIH program helps people access and navigate the health care system through home and community visits, needs assesment, transportation, resolving home/ environmental safefty issues and other needs related to the social determinants of health.