Chance Center

Organizational Structure
President
Debbie Barnes

Vice President
Gordon Licata

Treasurer
Phyllis Doescher

Secretary
Lynn Snider

Executive Board Members
Linda Young
Dot McCarthy
Dale McCarthy
Don Vauiso
Dan Kame
Lee Crooks

Advisory Consultants
Tejinder Glamour, M.D.
Belur S. Sreenath, M.D.
Erin Parkinson, ARNP-C
Julia Gill, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Bob Keane, LPN.

Chance Center
Education & Resources
5702 Gulfport Blvd
Gulfport, FL 33707
Phone: (727) 384-1030
Fax: (727) 384-1024 chancecenter@verizon.net
Hours of Operation: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10:00am - 4:00pm

Join us for the 6th Annual Hogs Against Hep Benefit Poker Run. Registration & 1st stop 11:00 -noon Sunday, June 29th, Bar One 45 Ulmerton Road., Clearwater. Last stop 4:00 American Legion Post 7 Clearwater. Music by Rockus (Rockusband.com). Food, Raffles, Live Auction, 50/50 Drawing. For more information please contact Cindy at runyonc2001@yahoo.com or call 727-535-1498.

We are a education and resource facility. Here we offer education, support and affordable medical treatment to the uninsured working people of our community. We are able to provide this service through the volunteer efforts of physicians, nurses, support staff and corporate partners. Community - Purpose & Objectives - The group continually strives towards improving the degree of understanding, education and quality of life for those stricken with Viral Hepatitis and Many other liver diseases. We may make a difference to a person who has been seeking support, education, comfort and compassion. Serious emotional stress often occurs with a chronic and possible fatal illness. We work to reduce this by sharing a mutual understanding of the feelings a person may be experiencing such as: "I'm all alone," or "No one understands." Sharing - Membership - No dues are required and the group is open to everyone. We also welcome caregivers and anyone interested in learning about or supporting liver disease patients. However, our group appreciates all tax deductible donations and any other type of generous support which helps us continue our work. Understanding-Knowledge is Power - Gain the power you need to be your best health cared provider. Through the knowledge you'll gain and share with a support group, you will be more confident in you decisions on how to best manage your health care. Are you a: Spouse, parent, child or best friend? Are you wondering: "What is happening to this person and the relationship we share"? A chronic illness is a challenge for all those involved. Learn to support and be supported. For those facing liver transplantation, we have a special network of information. People who can share their own personal experiences and provide the consistent long-term support needed. Cause for Concern People who are at risk of being infected with Hepatitis B or C include:

Blood transfusion or blood products prior to screening (1972 for Hepatitis B and 1992 for Hepatitis C)
Healthcare workers, members of the military
Child born to infected mother
Sharing of needles or snorting drugs even once
Tattoos or body piercing
Shared personal hygiene items (toothbrush, razor, etc...)
Risky sexual behavior

Those in close household contact with an infected person are a higher risk. However, 1/3 or more of Hepatitis A -B and C result in unknown sources. This means that you do not necessarily to be among the "high-risk" groups to become infected with the virus.

Prevention is Your Responsibility - If you think you have hepatitis or think someone you know may have come in contact with an infected person or contaminated object - please consult your doctor or Health Department. The only way these diseases can be identified is through a blood test.

Established March 1994, Incorporated October 1996, as a Non-Profit Organization

Questions? Idea's? Suggestions? Email: webmaster@chancecenter.org