Good Samaritan Hospital Recognizes National Alcohol Awareness Month in May

In recognition of National Alcohol Awareness Month in May, and in keeping its commitment to the health of people in surrounding communities, Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, N.Y. has developed a series of programs and seminars focused on education and treatment. Many of the programs will focus on the special needs of people over the age of 60.

(PRWEB) May 13, 2004 -- In recognition of National Alcohol Awareness Month in May, and in keeping its commitment to the health of people in surrounding communities, Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, N.Y. has developed a series of programs and seminars focused on education and treatment. Many of the programs will focus on the special needs of people over the age of 60.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than one-half of American adults have a close family member who has or has had alcohol-related problems. Disturbingly, recent statistics have indicated that approximately three million people over the age of 60 have a problem with alcohol and do not give the disease the attention it needs. It has been shown that alcohol is responsible for more than 70 percent of hospital admissions and hospitalizes more people in this age group than heart attacks.

Throughout the month, Good Samaritan will be offering informal screenings for alcohol abuse and dependency, as well as information and education about the disease of alcoholism. These services will be offered by a team of professionals who have over 40 years of combined experience in the chemical dependency field.

The number of people over the age of 60 suffering from alcohol-related problems is alarming, and we at Good Samaritan Hospital want to give this issue our attention," said Richard Santiago, Director of Behavioral Health at Good Samaritan Hospital. The community benefits greatly from programs and services like this and we are proud to be able to provide them."

Alcohol awareness workshops will be available onsite at the hospital, and can also be scheduled for offsite locations. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities may contact Good Samaritan Hospital at 845-368-5242 to schedule a workshop.

Good Samaritan Hospital is part of the Bon Secours Charity Health System, which also includes St. Anthony Community Hospital in Warwick, NY and Bon Secours Community Hospital in Port Jervis, NY. Additionally, Bon Secours Charity Health System provides the services of a Certified Home Health Agency, two long-term care facilities, an assisted living and adult home facility and several other medical programs. For more information about this or other services contact Good Samaritan Hospital at 845-368-5000.

Media Contact: John Lonsdorf, R&J Group, 973-331-1070.