Col. Tim Bush, 319th Air Base Wing commander and Col. Jane Denton, 319th Medical Group commander, accompanied by Lt. Col. Joanne Ruggeri, 319th MDG health care Integrator, cuts the ribbon to officially open The Patient Education Center inside the base medical facility Nov. 26, 2012 on Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. The center provides self- management and self- care support that helps patients deal with the impacts their illness may have on their life. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Xavier Navarro)
Lt. Col. Joanne Ruggeri, 319th Medical Group Health Care Integrator and Col. Tim Bush, 319th Air Base Wing commander, discuss how cholesterol affects the body at The Patient Education Center at the 319th MDG facility Nov. 26, 2012 on Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. The PEC provides self-management and self-care support that helps patients deal with the impacts illnesses may have on their life. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Xavier Navarro)
by Airman 1st Class Zachiah Roberson
319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
11/29/2012 - GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The 319th Medical Group officially opened the Patient Education Center here Nov. 26.
The center was developed to complement patient education through one-on-one or small group discussions about specific health issues, according to medical officials
Located near the ambulance garage in the clinic, the center offers health books, DVDs, models and personal guidance to help educate patients.
"People need this center to help obtain a true understanding of what's going on with their body," said Lt. Col. Joanne Ruggeri, 319th MDG health care integrator. "Patients may initially deny a diagnosis because they feel distressed by the stigma of having a serious health problem or fear the consequences of their health issue."
Ruggeri feels that by helping patients manage the impact of their medical issues, she can help them manage the diagnosis itself.
"What patients first need help with is not their diagnosis, but the current or potential impacts their diagnosis may have on their daily lives and their hopes and dreams," said Ruggeri.
In time, the center will implement a secured online instant messenger program for people to talk about their health-related questions. The only requirement will be registering through the center's computer.
The center is open to all who wish to learn more about how their body works and what proactive measures to use to help avoid potential health risks.
"Educational strategies have shown to have a very positive influence with significant improvement for many patients, ultimately improving their overall healthcare outcomes," said Ruggeri.
