ESAHEC Annual Report 2024 by BHComms

FISCAL YEAR 2023-24

ANNUAL REPORT 2024

LATEST INFORMATION AND UPDATES ABOUT ESAHEC

PREPARED BY: PATSY HOLTZ

A WORD FROM OUR DIRECTOR

Greetings all!

Recruit. Train. Retain. These words embody ESAHEC. Over the past fiscal year, we have faced significant challenges but also achieved great success. We have built an amazing team with incredible spirit and determination who are committed to serving the Eastern Shore region with our mission at the forefront of all they do. Programming has been elevated to new levels. Our social media presence has increased. Partnerships have expanded. Operations have improved and fiscal responsibility has been maintained.

I am honored to have been provided this opportunity to serve as Eastern Shore AHEC’s new Executive Director to lead the organization into the next chapter. I am optimistic about what the future holds for ESAHEC as we embark on strategic planning in FY25

Thank you to our funders, partners, Board of Directors and staff for making ESAHEC a great organization!

With Sincere Appreciation,

LISA WIDMAIER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO

The Eastern Shore AHEC is a private, non-profit, 501 (C) (3) organization which became programmatically operational in 1997. Governed by a 16 person Board of Directors, ESAHEC serves the nine counties comprising Maryland’s Eastern Shore. To accomplish our mission, ESAHEC works to recruit and retain health professionals in medically underserved areas on the Eastern Shore. This includes healthcare education programs for both health professionals in the service area and students from colleges and universities in Maryland and surrounding areas.

Vision

We envision service and provider expansion covering Maryland’s Eastern Shore while promoting healthy communities and a well-trained health workforce in underserved areas.

Mission

ESAHEC provides educational resources and support through equitable community-based activities and services in order to recruit, retain, and train health care professionals on the Eastern Shore by way of collaborative and innovative partnerships.

Meet Our Team

Our team of 12 staff members has faced many transitions over the last fiscal year. Our Executive Director, Lisa Widmaier, joined us in December of 2023, and the many other new faces joined us in January of 2024 or later. This new team is full of ambition and great ideas that will be implemented in our next fiscal year.

Lisa Widmaier Executive Director

Jennifer Hudson Non-profit Finance Manager

Erica Copper Administrative Specialist

Shakira Abdulai Public Health Initiatives

Program Manager

Damaris Bourland High School Health Careers Coordinator

Caitlin Donohue-Vega Oral Health Outreach Coordinator

Meet Our Team

Kimberly Finch Geriatric and Clinical Education Manager

Shay Lewis-Sisco Community Impact and Engagement Manager

Judith Murillo Bilingual Community Health Worker

Kyri Jacobs Communications

Emma Day Communications

Kelly Schwarz Diabetes Prevention Program Coordinator

Meet Our Board of Directors

Our work here at ESAHEC would not be made possible without the support of 14 members that serve as our Board of Directors. Our Board is an interdisciplinary group of nurses, doctors, politicians, social workers, and community members with a passion to improve health outcomes on the Eastern Shore.

Katherine Rodgers, MPH Board Chair

Jennifer Schermerhorn, LMSW Vice Chair

David Timms, M.DE., NRP Treasurer

Sandra Garbely, DMD Member

Roger Harrell, MHA Member

Addie Eckhardt, APRN-BC Member

Meet Our Board of Directors

Nicole Morris, MS, RN Member

Richard Colgan, MD Member

Lana Sherr, PharmD Member

Keith Davidson Member

Del. Tom Hutchinson Member Virgena Saunders Member

Terry Satchell Member

Sara Sietz Member

GRANT REVENUE

July 2023-June 30, 2024

The annual audit for June 30, 2024 will be conducted by PKS & Company, P.A. based in Salisbury, Maryland. Financial Summary is subject to audit.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Diabetes Prevention Program Participants 88

ALL 9

Eastern Shore counties served through ESAHEC programming

3,979 Children met the Tooth Fairy’s Helper

84% Health profession students voiced an increased interest in primary care following an Eastern Shore clinical rotation

COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER TRAINING

PROGRAM DIRECTOR: SHAKIRA ABDULAI

Our Community Health Worker Training program is offered online in a virtual classroom setting. Students who successfully complete the program learn the required skills needed to be successful in the healthcare field. Becoming a CHW allows one to be an advocate for patients while giving back to the community. Our current program is offered twice a year in the spring and fall. The Maryland AHEC (MAHEC) CHW curriculum provides a 140-hour (100 hours classroom/40 hours practicum) competency-based training that covers the 9 Maryland Department of Health core competencies:

Understanding of ethics and confidentiality issues

Knowledge of local resources and system navigation

Teaching skills to promote health behavior change

Outreach methods and strategies

Understanding

SUCCESSES

Since Shakira has joined our team as the CHW Training Coordinator, ESAHEC has seen an 18% increase in CHW training enrollment. Additionally, 96% of our trainees were satisfied with our program, and 98% of trainees agreed that learning objectives for the training were met.

FUTURE GOALS

CHW Training Enrollment

ESAHEC plans on partnering with MidShore Health Improvement Coalition members to offer practicum sites to CHW training students for the Fall 2024 cohort and beyond. We also plan on creating a CHW Association on the Eastern Shore for networking, support, job opportunity sharing and continuing education offerings.

Shakira Abdulai and Catie Brenneman from AHEC West leading virtual CHW training.

AHEC SCHOLARS

PROGRAM DIRECTOR: KIMBERLY FINCH

FUNDER: HRSA

AHEC Scholars is an interprofessional program geared towards health and social service profession students. Students are exposed to interdisciplinary didactic and community-based clinical or experiential training in rural and/or underserved areas. As an AHEC Scholar, students meet leaders in their field and make connections with other participants, creating an invaluable network of mentors and colleagues. The program sets students apart from others in an increasingly competitive environment.

Kimberly Finch with four pharmacy students being recognized at University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s cap and gown ceremony.

Left: Kimberly Finch with four AHEC Scholars from University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Right: Amar Yousif, AHEC Scholar student, excited to show off his AHEC Scholars T-Shirt

SUCCESSES

29% increase in AHEC Scholars enrollment from Cohort 4 to Cohort 5

Hosted a Meet & Greet to connect and engage with students from Cohort 5. AHEC Scholars students were given the opportunity to register for didactic hours and they received Scholar t-shirts.

FUTURE GOALS

We have started recruiting students for Cohort 6. In the future, we plan to expand this program with a focus on adding social work students

“My decision to join the AHEC Scholars program was driven by a strong desire to deepen my understanding of the complex healthcare needs of underserved communities The AHEC Scholars Program has enriched my educational journey in numerous ways, providing invaluable experiences that will significantly enhance my professional practice The program has an unparalleled commitment to cultivating healthcare professionals who are well-equipped to serve in diverse and underserved communities.” - Amar Yousif, AHEC Scholars, Cohort 5, Pharmacy Student

HEALTH CAREERS

PROGRAM DIRECTOR:

DAMARIS BOURLAND FUNDERS: HRSA, STATE OFFICE OF RURAL HEALTH

The High School Health Careers Program finished out another exciting school year in May. High School Health Careers Coordinator, Damaris Bourland, RN, BS, LMT, presented our programs to 405 students from 6 high schools across the Eastern Shore during the 2023/2024 school year In addition to the in-class presentations, 76 students attended field trips to the Shock Trauma Center, Tidal Health, National Dental Museum and UMES Pharmacy program this year. The goal of this program is to increase interest in health careers among rural high school students The supplemental support from our funders and partners at Mid Shore Community Foundation and Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore Program continue to fund program supplies and transportation for field trips ESAHEC is grateful for their continued support.

An instructor from University of Maryland Eastern Shore demonstrating to high school students how manikins are used as a learning tool for students in health career fields.

Left: Two students from St. Michael’s High School participating in our aging simulation program. Right: A student from the Dorchester Career & Technology Center holding a manikin of a newborn on a Health Careers field trip to University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

of students who participated in What’s Under Our Skin had an increased awareness in health careers

useful/of interest to them

FUTURE GOALS

Developing an Expansion Plan is a top goal for the Health Careers Coordinator. The goal being to procure funding to expand programming to reach all 9 Eastern Shore counties.

92% of students who participated in our Aging Simulation said that they learned something new 94%

ORAL HEALTH OUTREACH

PROGRAM DIRECTOR: CAITLIN DONOHUE-VEGA

FUNDER: STATE OFFICE OF ORAL HEALTH

This program provides oral health education in seven (7) Eastern Shore counties at numerous community centers. Through the Tooth Fairy’s Helper Program, Ms. Vega dresses like the Tooth Fairy and uses “Toothy Tunes” along with puppets to deliver the important message about oral health and nutrition in a fun and interactive way that gets families excited about taking charge of their family’s oral health. Along with visiting schools, brochures and oral kits are distributed and donated to every child in attendance.

The Tooth Fairy’s Helper visiting a Hurlock Elementary School classroom.

Left: The Tooth Fairy’s Helper and her puppet singing a song about oral health to a young learner at the Rock Hall Judy Center. Right: The Tooth Fairy’s Helper sharing her message with a local family at the Greensboro Judy Center.

SUCCESSES

6,104 residents of Maryland’s Eastern Shore were served this fiscal year

104 presentations across 41 schools, Head Starts and other community spaces

3,979 children visited by the Tooth Fairy’s Helper

FUTURE GOALS

Our goal is to continue the existing partnerships and support new partnerships while seeking additional funding to assist with the increased cost of supplies and travel.

DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM

PROGRAM DIRECTOR: SHAKIRA ABDULAI

FUNDER: MID-SHORE HEALTH DEPARTMENTS

Our Diabetes Prevention Program is a FREE year-long CDCrecognized program offered to residents living on the mid-shore that teaches participants how to make small lifestyle changes to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes Participants learn how to increase their physical activity, eat healthy, manage stress, and overcome challenges. Participants build a community of support with their peers and learn from one another as well! Eastern Shore AHEC partnered with six community-based organizations (CBOs) to host in-person DPP classes led by Lifestyle Coaches in each of the five mid-shore counties.

Providers from Choptank Community Health being recognized as DPP Champions.

Left: Shakira Abdulai and Lisa Widmaier being recognized as DPP Lifestyle Coaches. Right: Nurses from the Queen Anne’s County Health Department being recognized as DPP Champions.

SUCCESSES

Percentage of Referrals in Each County

ESAHEC has enrolled 88 participants with a 90% retention rate

12 providers have reached DDP Champion status by referring their pre-diabetic patients to us

In Fiscal Year 2023-24, we received 185 referrals

FUTURE GOALS

Eastern Shore AHEC is excited to offer future classes, including an online Spanish class in the Fall! ESAHEC is also in the process of establishing an Umbrella Hub Agreement with potential subsidiaries to pursue sustainable reimbursement for the Diabetes Prevention Program through a healthcare payment system.

Sources of DPP Referrals

CLINICAL EDUCATION

PROGRAM DIRECTOR: KIMBERLY FINCH

FUNDER: HRSA, STATE OFFICE OF RURAL HEALTH

The Clinical Education program continues to increase access to care by pairing future health care students with experienced, dedicated preceptors so students can get first-hand exposure to rural clinical care while experiencing all life has to offer on the Eastern Shore. ESAHEC provides furnished apartments in Cambridge, Easton and Salisbury to reduce barriers for students completing their rural clinical rotations. 2023-24 Preceptors:

Dr. Melinda Butler, Preston Family Physicians

Dr. Timothy Sniezek, Preston Family Physicians

Dr Eugene Newmier, Rose Hill Family Physicians

Dr. Edwin Castaneda, Atlantic General Internal Medicine

Dr. Danielle Orr, Atlantic General Primary Care and Pediatrics

“Dr. Newmier went above and beyond as a clinical educator His humanism and passion for primary care is monumental in my decision to pursue family medicine He also took the time to teach me topics regarding many aspects of private practice and coding in the medical field. He was a great leader to his practice and I was able to learn from his interactions with every patient. He made me want to practice in a town like Cambridge. I feel lucky to have worked with Dr Newmier ” - Clair Macatee (4th year medical student at University of Maryland School of Medicine)

Dr. Eugene Newmier with some of our Clinical Education students who completed their rotation at Rose Hill Family Physicians in Cambridge.

SUCCESSES

18 students were successfully placed with preceptors for 4 week rotations

6 students participated in 2-week shadowing experiences

Free housing was provided for 7 students

FUTURE GOALS

91%

ofstudentshadanincreased interestinworkingina medicallyunderserved communityfollowingan ESAHECrotation

We hope to connect with 1st year medical students at UMD so that they may complete both their 2 week summer rotation and 4th year 4 week rotation with us. We also want to partner with UMD on their R-HEALE program to increase the number of students who enter medical school with the intent of completing both their rotations and residency on the Eastern Shore.

91%

ofstudentsreportedthat theirclinicalskills, knowledge,andcultural competencyinworkingwith underservedpatientswere enhancedfollowingan ESAHECrotation

COVID-19 EDUCATION

PROGRAM DIRECTOR: LISA WIDMAIER FUNDER: UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, BALTIMORE

Through partnership with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the Rural Health Infrastructure Initiative, ESAHEC utilizes the community health worker model to address COVID-19 health disparities and inequities. CHWs provide locally appropriate messaging, outreach, vaccine navigation and resources to residents in the mid-shore counties.

Students from University of Maryland, Eastern Shore taking blood pressure readings and sharing COVID-19 information at the Spring into Wellness Health Fair on April 13, 2024 at Cambridge Church of Christ.

Left: Patsy Holtz, Lisa Widmaier, and Judith Murillo sharing COVID-19 tests and additional information at a community baby shower. Right: Judith Murillo sharing COVID-19 information and ESAHEC prizes at a community event.

SUCCESSES

On April 13, 2024, ESAHEC attended the Spring into Wellness Fair to share COVID-19 information with the community. In total, ESAHEC and 15 community partners reached 147 people at the event.

FUTURE GOALS

people reached at community events 2725 community events attended 84

Although our COVID-19 Education program will not continue past the 2023-24 Fiscal Year, ESAHEC is committed to continue working with our community partners to eliminate health inequities and improve health outcomes within our communities on the Eastern Shore.

EARN

PROGRAM DIRECTOR: SHAY LEWIS-SISCO FUNDER: MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

EARN Maryland is a competitive, workforce development grant funded by the Maryland Department of Labor. ESAHEC's journey with EARN began in 2014 with an implementation grant focused on training certified nursing assistants (CNAs) to fill workforce gaps right here on the Eastern Shore. The Ready to Care project is a collaborative effort between ESAHEC, the three local community colleges and industry partners who employ CNAs.

During this funding cycle, 45 students completed their CNA training program. 80% of students were placed in new employment and are fulfilling the goals of the EARN grant funding. We are proud to partner with these local community colleges to support prospective CNA students on the Eastern Shore:

Linda Elben, Executive Director of the Dixon House, is pictured here with EARN grant recipient Jackie Middleton who completed her CNA training at Chesapeake College.

FUTURE GOALS

Program Completion and Employment Status for all EARN Students of all EARN students have been placed in new employment 89% CNA students funded through EARN since 2014

ESAHEC received another round of EARN funding and plans to train 51 CNAs over the course of the grant cycle in partnership with Cecil College, Chesapeake College, and Wor-Wic Community College.

REACH

PROGRAM DIRECTOR: LISA WIDMAIER

FUNDER: RURAL MARYLAND COUNCIL

The goal of the REACH program is to: Reduce disparities, Educate minorities, And encourage individuals to take charge of their health through, community Collaboration and Healthy living

This initiative uses the Community Health Worker (CHW) model to deliver screenings and education to eliminate health inequities, improve health outcomes and close disparity gaps so that every resident has the tools and power to achieve optimal health.

Amanda Kidd from 411 Kitchen sharing how to maximize food dollars during a webinar for the REACH Webinar Wednesdays series.

Left: Cheryl Beulah ck, CHW, sharing REACH goodie bag

SUCCESSES

6 free webinars hosted as part of our Wednesday Webinar Series

5,000 people reached at community events

127 community events attended throughout the year

FUTURE GOALS

100%

Although our REACH program will not continue past the 2023-24 Fiscal Year, ESAHEC is committed to continue working with Community Health Workers (CHWs) to eliminate health inequities and improve health outcomes within our communities on the Eastern Shore. We also plan on further developing partnerships that started through REACH. of participants gained knowledge and reported positive behavior change after participating in webinar sessions

TEENHPVANDVAPING PREVENTIONPROGRAM

PROGRAMDIRECTOR:CAITLINDONOHUE-VEGA FUNDERS:WORCESTERANDDORCHESTER COUNTYHEALTHDEPARTMENTS

Teen Vaping Prevention Program (“The Smile of a Lifetime Starts Now”): Serves at-risk youth in 5th-8th grades. The program exposes the risks of vaping to our oral, physical, and mental health as well as the negative effects on academic and sports performance. Students participate in an interactive lesson on ways to reject peer pressure. A poster contest is used to support peerto-peer influence on reasons why and how to say “No” to Vaping. Every student receives an oral care kit with educational materials.

Left: Caitlin Donohue-Vega with poster contest winners from Stephan Decatur Middle School.

SUCCESSES

1,622 Middle School Students participated in the Teen Vaping Prevention Program

33 presentations across 3 Eastern Shore counties

503 veterans, expectant moms, adults, and senior citizens served

FUTURE GOALS

Left: Caitlin Donohue-Vega with the PSA contest winner and Vaughn Evans, the principal of North Dorchester Middle School. Right: Caitlin Donohue-Vega with a PSA contest participant and his poster

Our goal is to continue to expand the program into more counties on the Eastern Shore. Currently we are in 3 of the counties. In addition to those programs, our goal for FY25 is to develop and implement a dental careers program for high school students, increasing their awareness and interest of career opportunities in dentistry.

FISCAL YEAR 2023-24

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

We are so proud of our team and the work that we accomplished during the 2024 fiscal year! Here are a few photos to highlight our wonderful staff members at Eastern Shore AHEC.

We would like to give special acknowledgment to our hardworking intern, Patsy Holtz, for spearheading and drafting this annual report.

She is a graduate student at University of Pittsburgh working toward her Masters in Public Health Genetics with a certification in Health Equity.

She has a passion for health and making science more accessible to the public. Her work at the Eastern Shore AHEC was invaluable as she assisted with data analysis and reporting, as well as marketing and outreach for the Diabetes Prevention Program.

We wish her the best as she continues toward her career in public health and making a difference in the community!