Community Outreach, Education and Health Prevention

The Health Educators of Harrington are dedicated to community outreach and education opportunities, providing our patients and families with critical information to their health and well being. We present at Health Fairs, Career Days and other events.

Our wellness and prevention programs are developed to support individual and community members to make lifetyle choices that can improve physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

Below offers a list of the types of community outreach and education we provide. For additional information, please call 508-765-3050.

Babysitter Training

Instructor: Rosanne Palumbo, R.N.

Learn the basics of child care and safety with this babysitting education class - a collaborative effort with the American Heart Association Family and Friends CPR. Must be 11-14 years of age.

Contact: 508-765-3050

Cardiac Rehab

Instructor: Judy Flannery, R.N., B.S.N.

Cardiac Rehabilitation began at Harrington Hospital 30 years ago as one of the first programs in the state. In that time it has grown to a four phase, multidisciplinary course that meets the needs of all the members of our community with heart disease:*

  • Phase I (Inpatient): Begins at the hospital following a diagnosis of an angina, heart attack, angioplasty or heart surgery - emphasis on low-level activity and patient/family education.
  • Phase II (Outpatient): Begins immediately after discharge -- emphasis on exercise, diet, education and risk factor modification.
  • Phase III (Outpatient): Begins 6-8 weeks after a coronary event or after completion of Phases I & II - focus is the same as Phase II but increase exercise capacity for 6-12 weeks.
  • Phase IV (Outpatient): Maintenance phase - a life-long program of exercise, education and healthy living.

Recent studies have shown that participating in a Cardiac Rehab program improves a person's chances of surviving heart disease by 25-30%.

We also offer ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) and PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support). Call for more information.

Instructors: Judy Flannery, R.N., B.S.N. or Lael Eaton, R.N.

*This course is by physician referral only.

Contact: 508-765-9771 ext. 2695

CPR, First Aid and AED

This critical community course offers Basic Life Saving (BLS) skills for healthcare providers, Adult First Aid & CPR, Pediatric First Aid & CPR and Heartsaver Automated External Defibrillator (AED) CPR. This course is taught in collaboration with the American Heart Association.

For classes, registration and information, contact Cheryl St. Pierre: 508-765-3050

Diabetes Education

Harrington HealthCare provides both inpatient and outpatient education on diabetes self management. Education is provided both individually and in group classes to those with prediabetes and diabetes and their loved ones. The diabetes education program is recognized by the American Diabetes Association and is provided by a certified diabetes educator. Core topics reviewed and discussed include: what diabetes is, meal planning, physical activity, using medications (including insulin/other injectables) safely, developing strategies to address healthy coping and economic concerns related to diabetes, practical problem solving, goal setting and finally the critical role of support.

In addition, training and education is provided for those initiating or already on an insulin pump and the real time sensor. More detailed nutrition therapy is provided by a registered dietitian on such items as basic/advanced carbohydrate counting, including the use of carb to insulin ratios as well as to address those who may have additional medical concerns due to gluten intolerance and/or kidney dysfunction.

A referral from your primary care provider is required. For further information, please contact 508-347-7585.

Childbirth, New Moms & Children’s Health

Instructor: Rosann Palumbo, R.N.

Being a new mom can be frightening and exciting - we are here to help!

Our Childbirth Education and New Mom courses offer six-week, four-week and Fast Track Childbirth Education Classes. We also cover breastfeeding, newborn care, home safety and Infant CPR.

A One-day Fast Trak course is offered on some Saturdays. These courses include information on the process of birth, coping strategies for labor, Cesarean births and Medication options. Please call our Education Department for the most current dates offered.

The Prepared Childbirth sessions are open to all local residents regardless of where they plan to deliver. We also offer special Drop In Classes, held on Monday evenings. Each two hour class has a video, short lecture and question/answer session.

For Registration and Information contact Cheryl St. Pierre: 508-765-3050

Stroke Education

Instructor: Betsy Peppel, B.S.

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in America and a leading cause of adult disability. Up to 80% of strokes are preventable - A Stroke is an Emergency! Harrington's Emergency Rooms are proud to Certified Stroke Centers in partnership with UMass Memorial Medical Center Department of Neurology TeleStroke Program. We train our staff and the community on a regular basis about the Signs and Symptoms of Stroke, Blood Pressure and Heart Failure.

Stroke Education Links: