Faux Paw - Internet Safety
Introducing Faux Paw the Techno Cat. Taking a Byte out of Internet Crime! This program has been endorsed by just about everyone and anyone interested in providing a safe environment for children and their families to navigate the web. The AMA & the AMAA are members of the coalition ikeepsafe.org, the organization responsible for bringing this program to life. We will be taking this program to schools and churches through out our county this year. This is a very versatile program that can be instituted in a variety of ways to suit all audiences.

S.A.V.E. - Stop America's Violence Everywhere
Over the years we have supported Harbor House and the YMCA shelters through fundraising efforts. This year we continue to collect needed items for the shelters at the monthly general meetings. They are usually in need of diapers (size 4 and up), paper towels, kitchen size trash bags, toiletries and hair accessories.

No Bullies - No Victims
The "No Bullies-No Victims" program is an educational program for schools, parents and children. Last year over 500 children and teachers received this training yielding rave   reviews. The program is not only designed for classroom presentations. Alliance members can share the information with community or church groups to teach adults about the bullying epidemic in our society.

Environmental Concerns
This committee has been involved in a variety of environmental and health issues. The focus of this committee this year will be on supporting the past effort to cleanup and monitor the Gypsum Creek between Target and Town East. We are looking for youth group that may be interested in an environmental service project.

Childhood Obesity
KS Coalition for a Healthier Generation (KCSG): This is a group of individuals dedicated to improving the lifestyles and health of school children, especially those that are overweight.  The committee is composed of four people that are members or have been members of the Medical Alliance: Nellie Smith, Mary Jo Hunninghake, Lisa Vayda, and Diana Guthrie as liaison. Diana updates the Alliance with current issues and concerns the coalition is working on. Among other members are a school nurse, the school food department coordinator, and a chef.  The group is open to all interested people.  KCSG hopes to not only aide identified schools in improving children’s health, but to also guide such schools and identified community efforts to obtain funding to support such endeavors.  Endeavors considered are education materials, recreational exercise/activity programs, home-room lunch programs, and input from consultants from schools that have succeeded or excelled in altering their curriculum to more positive outcomes.  Outcomes have included weight control, improved food and nutrition knowledge, and, perhaps most outstanding, improved grades.  Some resources are the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Endocrinologists, and American Academy of Family Practice Physicians. Learn more: Obesity in Children, By – Diana W. Guthrie, PhD, ARNP

Legislative Committee
Informs the "medical family" of current and pending legislations affecting our physician's offices and their practices. The other purpose of the committee is to enable us by pointing to methods of contacting and communication effectively with legislators who are involved in health care issues at he the state and federal levels.
 

AMA Foundation
The Foundation was established in 1950 and is the philanthropic arm of the American Medical Association. Gifts to AMA Foundation are used to provide opportunities to medical professionals, health care organizations and the public to invest in the health of America. Once again our Alliance has chosen to sponsor the Holiday Sharing Card to raise funds for the AMA Foundation. The card is a holiday greeting card that will be mailed to every physician in Sedgwick County listing the names of the contributors. It is a warm way to share season's greetings with friends and colleagues while supporting a worthwhile cause. Through this contribution, one can choose to support AMA Foundation Scholar's Fund, or the Fund for Better Health or the Development Fund.

Meals on Wheels
Since the late 1970’s, the Sedgwick County Medical Alliance has provided volunteer drivers for the Meals on Wheels program of Senior Services, Inc.  Each week throughout the year, Alliance volunteers deliver hot, nutritious meals to elderly and disabled persons in our community, enabling them to remain in their own homes.  (Last year our committee members delivered approximately 4,000 meals.)  Volunteers can deliver meals each week, once or twice a month, or as an occasional substitute, and can choose which day or days of the month they prefer.  Since Alliance volunteers share delivery routes, it is possible for them to trade delivery dates in case of travel or time conflicts.  Meals are picked up from 10 to 11 a.m. at Senior Services, Inc., 200 S. Walnut (just west of downtown Wichita), and insulated containers are provided.  Those who help with this important community program are rewarded by the satisfaction they gain from helping others.

The Medical Service Bureau (MSB)
The MSB is a local, non-profit agency supported by United Way, Sedgwick County Department on Aging, MSSC, MSSCA, Via Christi Property Management, grants, and donations.  The agency works very hard at not duplicating services within the community.  To that end, Medical Service Bureau helps adults and children to obtain needed prescription medication (both emergency and long-term for chronic illnesses), diabetic supplies, referrals for low cost eye exams, and prescription eyeglasses. The mission of the organization has evolved as the needs of the uninsured and underinsured of Sedgwick County have changed but the organization still strives to help people to help themselves.  If you would like to help, too, please contact Marcia Brown, MSSCA Liaison at 636-4323.

Project Access
MSSC Project Access is a community partnership to improve access to health care for low-income, uninsured residents of Sedgwick County. They also coordinate donated medical and dental care provided by physicians, dentists, hospital, pharmacies and others. It is designed to complement and enhance the work of existing low-income clinics. The Alliance can help by donating toys and books for the "Toy Box" for young children.

MSSC Medical Careers Loan Fund
The MSSC Medical Careers Loan Fund was established by the Medical Society and the Medical Society of Sedgwick County Alliance in 1960 to assist qualified students from Sedgwick County who have been accepted by an accredited medical, osteopathic or allied health related school for educational training in the fields of medicine, nursing, medical technology, x-ray technology, inhalation therapy or other recognized allied health fields. Loans are granted for tuition, books, fees and related expenses with these monies paid directly to the registrar of the involved school.  The amount to be loaned annually is up to $6000.00. Monies for other expenses may be loaned if approved by the fund's committee.