Friday is National Depression Screening Day and Butler Hospital is encouraging people who are concerned about depression to visit its Web site, www.butler.org, and take a free, confidential depression screening. Although not a substitute for a complete evaluation, the screening will help people identify the signs and symptoms of depression and will indicate whether a person should discuss their situation with a mental health professional.

Depression, one of the most common medical conditions in the United States, is a brain-based medical illness that can make it difficult for people to live happy and productive lives. The illness can cause problems with eating and sleeping, and can negatively affect how people feel about themselves and their relationships with family and friends. Depression frequently occurs with other disorders such as anxiety, attention deficit disorder, disruptive behaviors, substance abuse, as well as with medical illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease.

Symptoms of depression may include:

•Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood

•Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex

•Decreased energy, fatigue, being “slowed down”

•Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions

•Insomnia, early morning awakening, or oversleeping

•Appetite and/or weight loss as well as overeating and/or weight gain

•Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts

•Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain

The online screening provides a mechanism for people to take part in the screening in the privacy of their homes. Butler’s Web site also offers other mental-health screenings including bipolar disorder, alcohol addiction, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. For more information on Butler’s mental-health screenings, contact Jim Hallan at (401) 455-6265 or e-mail jhallan@butler.org.

Dr. Pablo Rodriguez, of Warwick, was recently honored with a Profile in Change Award by the Fund for Community Progress. Rodriguez, associate chief of obstetrics and gynecology at Women & Infants Hospital, medical director of Planned Parenthood of Rhode Island, and a clinical associate professor at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, was presented the award for his dedication to creating positive change in the Hispanic community.

Dr. Joanna M. Cain has been appointed chief of obstetrics and gynecology at Women & Infants Hospital and chairwoman of the department of obstetrics and gynecology at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, effective Oct. 1. Cain has been named one of America’s Top Doctors for Cancer and has been a member of the Gold Humanism Honor Society since 2004. She is also the first woman and first American to chair the International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology’s Committee for Ethics in Women’s Health, is chairwoman of FIGO’s Committee for International Cervical Cancer Prevention, was the first woman president of the Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics, and is a past president of the Council of University Chairs of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

The American Cancer Society recently honored Dr. Trevor Tejada-Berges with its Sandra C. Labaree-American Cancer Society New England Division Volunteer Values Award. The award is given to volunteers whose actions and service in the fight against cancer exemplify the organization’s values of mission, diversity, stewardship, data-driven and respect. Tejada-Berges, of Cranston, a gynecologic oncologist in Women & Infants Hospital’s Program in Women’s Oncology and an assistant professor of gynecologic oncology at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, was chosen for his work on programming and educational initiatives in the Latino community.

Gary S. Speciale, of West Greenwich, has been named director of risk management at Care New England, in Providence. Speciale, of West Greenwich, a graduate of Syracuse University, has been with Care New England since 1995.

Dr. Jamsheed Vakharia, of Providence, is the recipient of the 2008 Dr. Charles C.J. Carpenter Outstanding Physician of the Year Award at Miriam Hospital. Vakharia was recognized for his outstanding contributions to medicine, leadership, professionalism and patient care. Vakharia is a member of the Medical Executive Committee at the hospital, the Rhode Island Medical Society, and the American Medical Association; a fellow with the national and Rhode Island chapters of the American College of Surgeons; and an assistant professor of surgery at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University.