Physicians to receive guides about domestic violence

VERMONT PHYSICIANS TO RECEIVE GUIDES ABOUT
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Berlin, VT - A physician guide about domestic violence will be distributed to all Vermont primary care providers, emergency room providers and OB/GYNs as part of a New England-wide project, organizers have announced.
The cost of intimate partner violence exceeds $5.8 billion each year, 4.1 billion of which is for direct medical and mental health care services, according to a 2003 study by the CDC. The health effects of domestic violence are staggering. In addition to the immediate trauma and injuries caused by abuse, domestic violence contributes to a number of chronic health problems and can interfere with the management of other illnesses.
This puts health care providers in a unique position to help victims of abuse if they know how to detect domestic violence and provide victims with referrals and support. This year Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont has joined forces with the Vermont Network Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans from across New England.
To address this community need, a "physicians guide" will be distributed to all primary care providers (internists, family practitioners, and pediatricians) as well as Emergency Room providers and OB/GYNs in New England on October 14th in honor of Health Cares About Domestic Violence. 10,000 practitioners will receive guides and "victim safety cards" that outline safety tips for victims leaving a violent situation and the numbers to call for help. The guide is a joint production of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans in New England states along with the individual state domestic violence support organizations.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont is the state's oldest and largest private health insurer, providing coverage for about 180,000 Vermonters. It employs over 350 Vermonters at its headquarters in Berlin and branch office in Williston, and offers group and individual health plans to Vermonters. More information about Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont is available on the Internet at www.bcbsvt.com. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont is an independent corporation operating under a license with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.
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