MaineBusiness.com

PORTLAND, Maine—October 14, 2009—Add Verb Productions, the Portland-based nonprofit that uses live theatre for health and wellness education, recently presented its newest program, Major Medical Breakthrough, at two conferences: The 14th International Conference on Violence, Abuse and Trauma in San Diego, CA and The Family Violence Prevention Fund’s 5th Biennial National Conference on Health and Domestic Violence in New Orleans, LA on September 26 and October 9, respectively.

Major Medical Breakthrough, written by Plourde with support from The Bingham Program, features two actors and multimedia as a call to action for the health care sector to examine its role in detecting and preventing interpersonal violence (IPV). The Centers for Disease Control estimates that IPV and sexual assault affect nearly 32 million Americans annually, and that the health consequences of trauma over a lifespan are chronic and devastating. Yet it is estimated that fewer than 10 percent of primary care physicians routinely screen for IPV.

“In Maine alone, according to the Department of Public Safety, we experience a domestic assault every 96 minutes. The medical community is the single most underutilized force in the fight against domestic violence,” said Add Verb’s executive director and playwright Cathy Plourde. “It was thrilling to step onto such large stages to talk to the medical community about the importance of screening for IVP. We were able to demonstrate Add Verb’s unique way of breaking the ice through theatre—we strive to make this topic accessible, respectful, and compelling.”

The Major Medical Breakthrough program is primarily utilized for continuing professional education for practicing physicians and nurses, and as an alternative to a traditional lecture for first- and second- year preclinical medical students. It is available for booking year-round, nationally.

“I have worked in the field of violence and abuse professionally for over 15 years, and have tried repeatedly to train and actively engage my colleagues in this area,” said one conference attendee, a practicing physician. “This dramatic presentation is a refreshing new way to educate and engage physicians.”

On January 25, 2010, The University of New England will present Major Medical Breakthrough. For more information, contact Add Verb Productions at 207-772-1167.

The Institute on Violence, Abuse and Trauma (IVAT) is an international resource and training center at Alliant International University. IVAT’s mission is to provide professional training and information dissemination to improve the quality of life for those affected by violence, abuse, and trauma on local, national, and international levels. More information: www.ivatcenters.org

The 5th Biennial National Conference on Health and Domestic Violence aims to advance the health care system's response to domestic violence. The conference attracts the nation's leading medical, public health and family violence experts from across the U.S. with increased international participation. More information: www.fvpfhealthconference.org

Add Verb Productions: Theatre for Health & Wellness Education
Add Verb tackles difficult issues through provocative theatre performances, thereby building stronger, healthier communities. Nationally touring plays include The Thin Line, You the Man, and Major Medical Breakthrough, and address the complex issues of eating disorders, interpersonal violence, and the health care sector’s underutilized role in violence intervention, respectively. Each performance is followed by a panel discussion comprised of local advocates, counselors, and medical experts that allow audience interaction and community discussion. The productions have been presented across the country at middle schools, high schools, colleges, community centers, medical schools, military bases, and conferences. For more information, visit www.addverbproductions.com

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