Making the Most of March

The month of March marks a busy time in WXXI’s schedule. Aside from a pivotal television membership drive that is underway, we have countless other community-based programming and events scheduled.

 You may already be aware that March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month and WXXI is doing its part to help inform the community about the third most common type of cancer in American men and women by broadcasting the Colon Cancer episode of our national health care series Second Opinion. In this segment, host Dr. Peter Salgo presents a colon cancer case to a panel of experts that includes three specialists, a primary care physician, a patient diagnosed with the condition, and an expert in doctor-patient communication. Second Opinion: Colon Cancer airs Saturday, March 26 at 3 p.m. 

While on the topic of medical experts – WXXI just wrapped up a weekend of story meetings for our upcoming 8^th season of Second Opinion. Doctors, medical advisors, and series producers met to discuss potential topics, explore new ways to present the information and identify national experts who could add a fresh perspective to the topics discussed. Ironically, one of the topics to be tackled next season will be a new program dealing with colon cancer. Our panel determined that since colon cancer is also one of the most curable types of cancer if diagnosed early, information on risk factors, screening and diagnostic methods could help save lives across the country. Some other program topics that you can expect to see will be: Autism, Medical Radiation, Cosmetic Surgery, Chronic Pain Management and Pneumonia. Season 8 of Second Opinion, co-produced with the University of Rochester Medical Center, will premiere this October.

Finally, WXXI will be hosting a Voice of the Voter Rochester Mayoral Debate with candidates William Johnson, Thomas Richards, and Alex White on Wednesday, March 23 at WXXI Studios. WXXI News Director Julie Philipp will moderate, and panelists Helene Biandudi of WXXI; Brian Sharp of Rochester Democrat & Chronicle; and Rachel Barnhart of 13WHAM-TV will ask the candidates questions. The debate will be available on WXXI television, radio and WXXI.org on Thursday, March 24.

All these efforts are the sort of community-based undertakings that distinguishes WXXI from other media in our region. Those are also the very same efforts that are under threat through the elimination of federal funding for public broadcasting. That battle is currently being waged in Washington and if you have yet to voice your opinion, let your Senators and Representatives know how you feel about public broadcasting. (That contact information is provided below). We will keep you posted here of new developments, or you can go to 170millionamericans.org to be kept informed.

Thank you for you continued support. Whether it’s your membership gift or a call to Congress – your efforts will help keep WXXI a strong and vital community resource.

If you would like to reach out to your Representative or to your Senators, their phone numbers are listed below:

MEMBERS OF CONGRESS:

29th District: Honorable Thomas Reed

District phone: (607) 654-7566

Washington phone: (202) 225-3161

Web site: http://reed.house.gov/

28th District: Honorable Louise Slaughter
District phone: (585) 232-4850

Washington phone: (202) 225-3615

Web site:http://www.louise.house.gov/

25th District: Honorable Ann Marie Buerkle
District phone: (585) 336-7291

Washington phone: (202) 225-3701

Web site: http://buerkle.house.gov/

24th District: Honorable Richard Hanna
District phone: (315) 724-9740

Washington phone: (202) 225-3665

Web site: http://hanna.house.gov/

NEW YORK SENATORS

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand

Washington, DC Office: 202-224-4451

State Office: 212-688-6262

Web e-mail form: gillibrand.senate.gov/contact/

Senator Charles Schumer

Washington, DC Office: 202-224-6542

State Office: 212-486-4430

Web e-mail form: schumer.senate.gov/new_website/contact.cfm