Cummings Graduate Institute Celebrates New DBH Graduates

Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI) is thrilled to announce the graduation of two new Doctors of Behavioral Health. Dr. Ellen Fink-Samnick, DBH, MSW, LCSW, ACSW, CCM, CCTP, CRP and Dr. Ebony Watson, DBH, LCSW, MSW, completed the requirements for the Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) program. On 1/12/23 the new graduates were celebrated at the DBH Commencement Ceremony in Tempe, AZ. We are honored to have worked with them during their studies.

Dr. Ellen Fink-Samnick, DBH, MSW, LCSW, ACSW, CCM, CCTP, CRP
Dr. Ellen Fink-Samnick is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Board-certified Case Manager, and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. She always aimed to attain a terminal degree but never found the right fit for her interdisciplinary lens until she discovered CGI’s Doctor of Behavioral Health program. Dr. Fink-Samnick is a clinical supervision trainer and instructor for the National Association of Social Workers of Virginia and Metro DC, lead for Rise Association’s Social Determinants of Health Community, moderator of Ellen’s Ethical LensTM on LinkedIn, author of Ellen’s Interprofessional Insights, and faculty at the University of Buffalo School of Social Work, George Mason University’s School of Public Health, and most recently Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies.

Dr. Fink-Samnick’s DBH Culminating Project entitled Advancing the Wholistic Health Equity Quality Roadmap: Integrated Care’s Quality Quotient. explores how the wholistic health equity determinants (WHED) of social determinants of health and mental health, systemic racism, and overall traumas contribute to poor clinical outcomes and fiscal losses at each touchpoint of care, especially for vulnerable and marginalized populations.

Dr. Ebony Watson, DBH, LCSW, MSW
Dr. Ebony Watson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with ten years of experience working in integrated healthcare. She was drawn to the Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) degree program due to its clinical practice focus and incorporation of the Biodyne Model. Dr. Watson graduated Summa Cum Laude with her  (DBH) from Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies.

Dr. Watson’s culminating research project entitled “Preventing Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes Amongst African American Women” focused on the impact of supportive doula services throughout the perinatal process and the effect on adverse outcomes.

Each new DBH graduate brings a unique perspective on improving healthcare as a Doctor of Behavioral Health. CGI looks forward to seeing how our graduates will improve healthcare delivery and patient care.

About CGI
Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies is a nonprofit, DEAC-accredited, online post-graduate institution of higher learning offering post-graduate education and training in the field of integrated behavioral healthcare. CGI is focused on meeting the healthcare industry’s need for a highly skilled workforce to support an integrated approach to addressing patients’ needs. To learn more about CGI, visit, https://cgi.edu/.

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CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED TO FUND MARTHA REEVES’ STAR ON HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME

The manager of Motown staple Martha Reeves has launched a public fundraising campaign to secure her previously-announced star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The Detroit Free Press reports that $55,000 is required by June to confirm Reeves’ place on the Walk of Fame calendar for 2024. The “window” for nominations lasts for two years, and is approaching its expiry date.

The Vandellas frontwoman was nominated for a star in 2021, by her previous management, and the selection was then approved by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, but the funding that is required from the representatives of honorees to pay for the star was not forthcoming, despite assurances to Reeves by that former manager that the matter was in hand.

Chris Roe, who became her manager last summer, tells the Free Press: “Martha’s former representation got in over their heads on this. They didn’t realize how hard it would be and wasted a year of fundraising time. Now we’re down to the wire.”

Fans of Reeves and her vital contributions to the history of Motown Records, and soul music in general, can make a donation to the new fundraiser at her new website, MarthaReeves.net Roe has history on this subject, having overseen fundraising campaigns for two other clients, actor Malcom McDowell in 2012 and the late filmmaker George A. Romero in 2017. If the drive on Reeves’ behalf reaches its goal, donors’ names will be listed, if so desired, in an official program for the ceremony. Roe is working with private benefactors and corporations to further benefit the fund.

Reeves is hosting a listening party next month for her first two Motown LPs with the Vandellas, Come And Get These Memories and Heat Wave, both released in 1963.

A limited edition art print commemorating the group’s 60th anniversary is available for $100, and some copies will be available at the event, with all proceeds going to the Walk of Fame campaign. It takes place from noon to 2pm on April 15 at Dearborn Music, 22501 Michigan Ave. in Dearborn, Michigan.

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Cold Weather AlertCold Temperatures Expected in Parts of Los Angeles County

The Los Angeles County Health Officer is issuing a Cold Weather Alert due to the National Weather Service’s forecast for low temperatures. Wind chill temperatures are expected to be below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Affected areas include:

• Santa Clarita Valley – Saturday, March 25, 2023 to Monday, March, 27, 2023
• Lancaster (Antelope Valley) – Saturday, March 25, 2023 to Monday, March 27, 2023 (continued)
• Mount Wilson (LA City Mountains)  – Saturday, March 25, 2023 to Wednesday, March 29, 2023 (continued)

“Taking extra precautions amid cold weather events is especially important for children, the elderly, those with disabilities, and those with special medical needs,” said Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County Health Officer. “Shelters and other public facilities are open for those who have no access to a warm space. It’s also important for everyone to make sure they are staying warm safely—never heat a home with a stove, oven, or barbeque as this could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.”

During these cold weather conditions, you can do several things to help yourself and others stay safe:

• Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Never use a generator inside a home, shed or garage even if doors and windows are open. Keep generators outside and far away from windows, doors and vents.
• Never use charcoal grills or camp stoves indoors. Deaths have occurred after people burned charcoal or used camp stoves in enclosed spaces, which produced lethal levels of carbon monoxide.
• Never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven.
• Do not touch or approach a downed power line; call 9-1-1 if you see a downed or damaged electrical line.
• Avoid using candles. If possible, use flashlights instead. If you must use candles, do not burn them on or near anything that can catch fire. Never leave burning candles unattended or near children or bedding. Extinguish candles when you leave the room.
• Have a plan for back-up power if you or someone in your family is dependent on electricity for medical devices. 
• Wear layers and have blankets available to add additional warmth. Layers will keep you warmer than a bulky sweater. Stay dry to avoid hypothermia.
• If it is safe, check on neighbors who may need assistance — older adults, people with disabilities and young children are more at risk in extreme cold.

Health Risks

Hypothermia: People exposed to cold weather for prolonged periods can lose body heat and develop hypothermia.  Symptoms vary depending on how long you are exposed to cold temperatures.  Early symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, fatigue, loss of coordination, and confusion and disorientation. Late symptoms of hypothermia include no shivering, blue skin, dilated pupils, slowed pulse and breathing, and loss of consciousness.

Frostbite: People exposed to extremely cold weather conditions with snow and freezing temperatures may be at risk of frostbite. Frostbite is a bodily injury caused by freezing that results in loss of feeling and color in affected areas. The most common affected areas are the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes. Gently warm the person and seek immediate medical care if you believe someone is showing signs of hypothermia or frostbite.

Carbon monoxide poisoning:  Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that can kill you. It is found in fumes produced any time you burn fuel in cars or trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, or furnaces. Carbon monoxide can build up indoors and poison people and animals who breathe it. Symptoms include shortness of breath, headaches, muscle and joint pain, and nausea. Exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide can lead to death within minutes. Those suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning should be immediately taken outside, into fresh air, and should be rushed to the emergency room for immediatemedical treatment.

Emergency Shelter

The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) emergency sheltersoffer temporary shelters across the County to protect people experiencing homelessness during colder months. These beds are available through March 2023.

Persons seeking shelter services to stay in a warm place can visit www.lahsa.org/winter-shelter, dial 2-1-1 or call the Winter Shelter Hotline at 1(800) 548-6047. Transport services are available for those in need.  

Los Angeles County residents and business owners, including people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs, may also call 2-1-1 or visit www.211la.org for emergency preparedness information and other referral services 24 hours a day and seven days a week. For the deaf and hard of hearing, call the TDD line at 1-800-660-4026.

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