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BCHN Newsletter - April 2016 Edition
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A Note from Eleanor Larrier, BCHN CEO |
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Welcome to the revamped BCHN Newsletter! You can expect to receive the latest news, updates and events information from our organization on the third Thursday of every month.
The start of 2016 has been a very busy time for BCHN, with new members added to our team, and formation of the Board of Directors' new Advisory Council. In addition to the ongoing work at our Fordham Plaza office, 17 community- and school-based health centers, and around the Bronx, BCHN also recently participated Advocacy Day in Albany and the NACHC Conference in Washington, D.C.
The Newsletter may be monthly but you can always find out what's happening at BCHN on our website and social media networks.
Pay special attention to the calendar as there are a number of events scheduled for the coming weeks, and we invite you to send information about your happenings to info@bchnhealth.org.
Sincerely,
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BCHN Travels to Albany for Advocacy Day 2016
BCHN's Rita Gonzalez, Elisa Benitez, Gladys Beaulieu, Ebony Finney, Elissa Santana, Richard Thomas and Donnette Junior met with New York State Assembly Member Michael Blake during Advocacy Day 2016 in Albany.
On March 7, 2016, community, homeless and migrant health center supporters – board members, staff, and patients – from across New York State traveled to Albany to meet with elected officials and tell them how much their communities depend on Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) for high quality, affordable primary care services. A team of supporters assembled by Bronx Community Health Network participated in the event and met with a number of our local representatives including New York Assembly Member Michael Blake and Assembly Member Luis Sepúlveda.
BCHN's Pedro Gonzalez and Nancy Manus met with New York State Assembly Member Luis Sepúlveda during Advocacy Day 2016 in Albany.
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BCHN Attends 2016 NACHC Policy and Issues Forum in Washington, D.C.
Donnette Junior with CEO Eleanor Larrier at the NACHC Forum in Washington, D.C.
From March 16-19, BCHN staff and Board members traveled to Washington, D.C. for the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) Annual Policy and Issues Forum, which is the largest gathering of community health professionals in the country. Health center leaders joined decision-makers and public health leaders in the heart of D.C. to share and learn about effective, evidence-based primary healthcare models for addressing the health of U.S. residents across the nation. BCHN's team met with health center supporters from around the country, as well as with national representives including Congressman José E. Serrano, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.
Taft Campus School-Based Health Center Opens Dental Unit
Pictured at the launch of dental services at the William Howard Taft Campus school-based health center (left to right): Tashi Chodon, Bronx Community Health Network (BCHN) Director of Programs; Annette Payano, LPN; Aliya Carter, DDS, School Dentist; Rachel Creagan, LMSW; Jennifer Davis, MD, Pediatrician; Debra Sperling, DDS, Dental Director; Felipe Lee, Program Manager; Damiris Agu, BCHN Grant Analyst and Winsome Ramsey, BCHN School Administrative Liaison.
On February 26, the William Howard Taft Campus school-based health center officially opened a state-of-the-art dental services to serve students. Located at 240 East 172nd Street, Bronx, NY 10457, Taft Campus has been a part of the BCHN Network since 2012. Tooth decay may result in pain and other problems that affect learning in school-age children. The dental unit will provide services to children unlikely to receive them otherwise, and the need is evident from the number of requests already coming in for dental appointments. Said William Quintana, Principal of Bronx High School for Medical Science, "It is a wonderful idea to have the dental unit in the school because the neighborhood is in high need for dental services." Click here for more photos.
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BCHN Welcomes New Members To Advisory Council
BCHN's Board of Directors and Executive Team welcomed members to the new Advisory Council at an orientation on February 19.
On February 19, an orientation meeting was held to welcome members of the Board's new Advisory Council. Each member will serve on multiple Board sub-committees, and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our organization. The Advisory Council Committee is chaired by Katherine Lobach, MD, and consists of Torrence Akinsanya, Marta Baez, James Carey, Arlyne Croker, Millie Pacheco, Stella Onuoha-Obilor and Calvin Ramsey.
Health Department Praises BCHN For Joining #Not62 Campaign
“It's going to take time and effort on everyone's part to make our borough a healthier place, but there is a full court press for a healthier Bronx thanks to the #Not62 Campaign," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
On March 16, the Health Department, a member of #Not62 Campaign for a Healthy Bronx, issued a press release praising BCHN and 14 other community group organizations for joining the coalition’s effort to improve the health status of the Bronx. Since its launch last year, the Campaign for a Healthy Bronx has worked to recruit the borough’s strongest leaders and advocates working to address social and health inequities and improve health outcomes. BCHN is a member of the #Not62 Healthy Beverage Zone sub-committee, as well as the planning committee for the upcoming Bronx Active Living Week.
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NEWS BRIEF
* On March 11, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell announced $94 million in Affordable Care Act funding to 271 health centers in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico to improve and expand the delivery of substance abuse services in health centers, with a specific focus on treatment of opioid use disorders in underserved populations. Bronx Community Health Network, Inc. (BCHN) was awarded $325,000. Find out more here.
* On March 11 and 18, community health workers completed the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s (DOHMH) "Keep on Track: Blood Pressure Monitoring Program" training. The now certified community health workers were trained to measure blood pressure using digital blood pressure monitors; on risks factors and preventive measures related to high blood pressure; and using program health education materials including the use of blood pressure tracking cards, and other blood pressure related information sheets for community members. The training concluded with practice based role play to increase familiarity with the digital machines and appropriate questions to ask those being screened.
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* On Wednesday, March 16, community health workers participated in the "Women's Leadership Roundtable" in celebration of Women's History Month, hosted by by the African Leadership Council Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson. The roundtable event served to gather women from multidisciplinary fields that work in the Bronx with the goal of sharing their work and increasing efforts for collaboration among organizations. Find out more here.
* On March 19, community health workers facilitated a Diabetes workshop at Caldwell Temple Soup Kitchen’s Wellness Camp in the Bronx. Members of the community received health screenings by medical professionals, and were directed to the community health workers for referrals to additional services. Participants were interested in services such as connection to a PCP, and assistance with obtaining medical insurance.
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* On March 28, community health workers participated at the Teacher’s Community Health Fair at P.S./MS 95x. Teachers had their blood pressures measured by the community health worker team. Attendees participated in a food mock up activity, where teachers built meals they would typically eat throughout the day, and were taught about how that meal would affect their recommended daily sodium intake. The events ended with a healthy meal prepared by an onsite chef, provided by the school. Check out more photos here.
* On April 12-14, BCHN’s Healthy Start team completed training on the Florida State University
Partners for a Healthy Baby Curriculum: "Workshops for Home Visitors" in Orlando, FL. The nationally recognized, evidence-informed curriculum workshop included how to plan effective home visits, promote healthy birth outcomes, detect early signs of health or developmental problems, teach parents ways to facilitate their child's development, and support parenting skills that promote optimal bonding, attachment and responsive caregiving.
* BCHN recently hosted an orientation session for our new health-center based health educators: Kim Renwick (Comprehensive Family Care Center), Keyla Garcia (Family Health Center), Alexandra Pamiloza (Family Health Center), Roxana Yusti (Castle Hill Family Practice), Allan Avila (Comprehensive Health Care Center) and Arycelis Segura (Health Educator Manager).
* Three community health workers recently received their DPP (National Diabetes Prevention Program) certification, and are now considered Lifestlye Coaches. DPP is an evidence-based lifestyle change program which has been shown to reduce the progression of diabetes by almost 60% (more effective that drug therapy alone). It is a year-long program designed to help pre-diabetic participants make real lifestyle changes such as eating healthier, including physical activity into their daily lives, and improving problem-solving and coping skills. As lifestyle coaches our CHW team will facilitate the 22-session classes for patients.
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Bronx REACH CHAMPS Highlights |
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Bronx Week (May 5-15)
May 10 - Vivian Grocery & Gold Grill "Shop Healthy" Proclamation Ceremony
Time and location will be announced soon.
Note: Vivian Grocery is located at 1275 Burke Avenue, Bronx, NY 10469. Gold Grill Deli is located at 1226 East Gun Hill Rd., Bronx, NY 10469.
May 13 - I Am Not 62 Health Day Worksite Wellness Event (7:00 AM to 3:00 PM)
Fordham Plaza Transportation Hub
BCHN Annual Meeting
May 24 - Bronx Community Health Network Annual Meeting (5:00 – 7:00 PM)
Grand Hall - Montefiore Hospital, Moses Campus
111 E 210th St, Bronx, NY 10467
Bronx Active Living Week (May 20-29)
May 26 - Compare Foods Walking Tour
250 Cypress Ave., Bronx, NY, 10454
Time will be announced soon.
Note: The dates and times for the events above are subject to change. Regularly check out the events calendar on the BCHN webiste for updated listings.
To learn about upcoming events and location check out the BCHN events page, or to arrange for BCHN representatives to be at your upcoming event, contact us.
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BCHN has been helping the people of the Bronx live healthier lives for nearly two decades. Your contributions can help us continue our work. Click the button below to become a contributor. |
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Connect with BCHN on Social Media |
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For the latest news and events, check out our website at bchnhealth.org, and be sure to follow BCHN on our social media networks.
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