by
Photo
Joseph Edwards
Dear friend,
As we prepare to close out calendar year 2024 and embrace 2025, we are focusing on blue skies and sidestepping the winter blues!
At CCI, we believe that the future will be better than today, and from where I sit, today is pretty good!
This year, we have expanded virtual and in-person access to care exponentially. Through the opening of our approximately 48,000 square-foot facility in Greenbelt and the launch of our “center without walls,” patients can receive medical services twelve hours each weekday, and half days Saturdays and Sunday. We’re not stopping there! We have plans to increase our behavioral healthcare support at the start of the new year.
Our hope for the future is rooted in our knowledge that we have the power to make it and the conviction that our designs will expand to meet the needs of each new day. We will be the voice in the community making a reality the things that others believe are impossible.
What’s our secret? Collective action around a shared vision.
For 2025, we are collectively working to open in-house pharmacies throughout our CCI footprint. CCI Rx Pharmacies will open first in Gaithersburg, then Greenbelt, followed by Silver Spring. We will find out in March which four medical students, from the more than 1,000 applicants, will become our first cohort of Family Medicine Residents. Finally, our partnership with Volunteers of America will allow us to open the first of many care facilities exclusively focused on the needs of our elderly neighbors.
Yes, the future is bright.
We are committed to our vision of a healthy and empowered community for generations to come. We will continue to do the work that makes that future possible.
Sincerely,
Sonya Bruton, PsyD, MPA CEO and President
PICTURED ACROSS: FRONT:
CCI Board President Marguerite Lucea
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen
CCI CEO Sonya Bruton
U.S. Representative Glenn Ivey
Prince George’s County Council
Chair Jolene Ivey
Delegate Nicole Williams
State’s Attorney
Aisha Braveboy
Delegate Denise Roberts
Delegate Ashanti Martinez
BACK:
Greenbelt Mayor Emmett Jordan
Employ Prince George’s CEO Walter Simmons
Prince George’s County Council
Member Ingrid Watson
Opening Ora Glen
In October, federal, state, and local officials and community members gathered to mark a new chapter in health care access in Greenbelt, Maryland. CCI Health Services officially opened a new 48,000 sq. ft. location on Ora Glen Drive. Senator Chris Van Hollen, Congressman Glenn Ivey, Prince George's County Council Chair Jolene Ivey, and Greenbelt Mayor Emmett Jordan joined CCI to celebrate the new clinic. The new space represents a significant investment in community healthoffering a holistic approach to patient care and improving overall health outcomes for the region.
Located on Greenbelt's Medical Mile, the new health center features 64 medical exam rooms, 16 dental operatories, and an onsite pharmacy. The location will bring the full range of CCI's services to the community, including pediatric care, prenatal care, preventative medical screenings, dental cleanings and x-rays, vaccinations, and sexual and reproductive health services. The health center's onsite pharmacy will be open to patients and the entire community for more convenience.
CCI's Ora Glen location will also serve as a pipeline for health care job training through a unique partnership with Employ Prince George's. The building will be the home of the Capital Area Healthcare Career Center (CAHCC). The partnership will jumpstart many area residents' healthcare careers in an industry filled with growth opportunities while increasing the pool of medical professionals.
The health center will be Maryland's first Family Medicine Residency Program self-sponsored by an FQHC. Nearly a third of the U.S. lacks access to primary care physicians. Graduate medical education in community health centers addresses the need for clinicians by training medical residents in an environment where they can learn how social drivers directly impact the health of patients and communities. The program also increases the likelihood that residents will practice in historically underserved communities.
Also at the ribbon cutting were Korth Construction and architecture firm Interplan Inc., the design and construction team behind the large facility, who presented CCI with a generous donation of $75,000.
With the doors to our Ora Glen Health Center officially open for patients, CCI Health Services is very excited to continue serving the Greenbelt area and expanding our reach in the region.
Congressman Glenn Ivey presents CCI Health Services CEO, Dr. Sonya Bruton, with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition
Photos by Joseph Edwards
PICTURED ACROSS:
1. August 20th: City of Greenbelt Back to School Health Fair, Greenbelt, MD
2. August 29th: Wheaton High School Back to School Fair, Wheaton, MD
3. September 4th: Kennedy High School Back to School Fair, Wheaton, MD
4. September 18th: MCC Takoma Park/Silver Spring Student Resource Fair, Takoma Park, MD
5. October 6th: Takoma Park Street Festival, Takoma Park, MD
6. November 22nd: Test For Turkey, Greenbelt, MD
CCI in the Community
As a Community Health Center, CCI prides itself in being out in the community. We meet community members where they are and support them however we can. With kids going back to school this Fall, we were able to attend several back to school fairs where we handed out pencils and other goodies while also promoting School Based Wellness Clinics in Montgomery County High Schools. We work to keep kids healthy and equipped for success in school!
On November 22nd, we hosted our first ever Test For Turkey event to prepare for World Aids Day on December 1st with support from our partners SLK Health Services Corporation and Gilead. With a goal of keeping the community up to date on their HIV status, we administered 100 free HIV tests on folks in the community. Everyone who tested was able to get a free turkey and a bag of produce. Keeping our community healthy is our #1 goal!
PICTURED TO THE RIGHT:
CCI Lead MA Shantall ready to administer free HIV screenings at Test for Turkey
Overcoming the Winter Blues
Another summer gone… and here comes the fall and winter! Sweater weather, foliage, and cozy evenings inside have reentered our lives. For autumn lovers, the season couldn’t arrive fast enough. But not everyone feels the same. In fact, many in our community are going through a difficult time right now.
The fall and winter months can affect us in different ways. Mood changes amid the changing seasons are quite common and normal; we generally spend less time outside and, in turn, become less active, which affects how we feel. But for the 17 million plus U.S. adults who live with seasonal depression, their experience can’t be written off as simply the blues. Let’s unpack the condition and explore a few tips on embracing the cool with calm.
Understanding seasonal depression
Seasonal depression—also known as seasonal affective disorder—is a form of depression recognized by the American Psychiatric Association and outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Neighbors with seasonal depression experience symptoms that coincide with seasonal change, including pervasive sadness, a decreased interest in activities, and a tendency to oversleep and overeat.
What causes seasonal depression? Experts believe it’s a cognitive response to our decreased exposure to sunlight. Natural sunlight plays a vital role in our mood, so less of it can have a negative impact on how we feel. And some folks are more susceptible to the condition than others. For example, your risk goes up if you have a family history. The risk is also high for individuals who have previously experienced a depressive episode.
Perhaps there’s a tendency to perceive seasonal depression as not that big of a deal. After all, it’s temporary; neighbors who live with the condition can expect to return to their former selves once spring rolls around.
But the truth is it can be debilitating and risks upending the lives of those who have to live with it each year. Moreover, it can impact our overall health and wellness, disrupt our relationships, and cause us to underperform in our careers or education. In general, it’s important always to take depressive episodes seriously, regardless of their cause or duration, and be proactive to protect our mental health.
Remember that seasonal depression is a biological response to a change in our environment, so there isn’t much we can do to prevent it. However, we can do much to reclaim our wellness and slow down the worst of the condition once we notice its signs and symptoms.
Responding to seasonal depression
First, never underestimate the power of talk therapy; it’s a critical intervention not just for coping with seasonal depression but any time we don’t feel our best. A behavioral health counselor can work with you to navigate your feelings and find a different outlook through effective modules, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Use a resource like PsychologyToday.com to find the right therapist for you or contact us to meet with our care team.
Another helpful intervention for seasonal depression is light therapy (also known as phototherapy.) Light therapy makes use of a specialized lamp designed to emulate natural light.
Research shows that it’s a safe and effective response to seasonal depression. And while you don’t need a prescription to purchase a light therapy lamp, you should still work with a clinician to ensure you use the device properly. Ask your primary care physician (PCP) or counselor about light therapy and collaborate with them to create a treatment plan that works for you.
Finally, self-care matters. It’s easy to say no when we’re not feeling the greatest, but in those moments, we need to rely on the things and people we love the most. Here are a few ideas to help you get through the season.
1. Go for a walk. We may feel less sun in the cooler months, but it’s still out there . . . and you still need it! Spend some time outdoors walking around your neighborhood or at a local park. Invite a friend to join you and enjoy the rich autumn colors together.
2. Get some sleep (but not too much). A hallmark symptom of seasonal depression is oversleeping. Get the rest you need in the evening but resist that afternoon nap.
3. Check-in with others. You never know who is struggling, and connection can really help. It takes two to realize the benefits of social interaction, so make the first move!
4. Make time for your hobbies. Whether good times or bad, your hobbies are a reminder of who you are and what you value. Use them as your support. Looking to try something new? Now is a perfect time to experiment and find your new passion project.
Make this year different
The changing seasons are a part of life and symbolize transition. It can be a tough time, but we can see its beauty if we reframe our perspective. Seasonal depression doesn’t have to dominate your life; follow the tips above and seek the help you need to restore yourself. Don’t forget to slow down, take a deep breath, and look around.
It’s All Respiratory
Flu, Covid, and RSV strike simultaneously, creating a respiratory virus season.
Remember when the flu was the only respiratory illness many of us received vaccinations for in the fall? Those days are well gone. Flu season now coincides with COVID and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). The simultaneous arrival of all three illnesses creates a perfect storm for respiratory disease. That’s why the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently launched a public health education campaign to inform the public of the risks of respiratory illnesses and the vaccines available to prevent them. The campaign, Risk Less. Do More., communicates the idea that if you get vaccinated, you risk less—reducing your chances of getting COVID, Flu, and RSV. By risking less, you can, in turn, do more.
Any of these illnesses can be disruptive and can spread from you to your loved ones. However, acquiring any of these illnesses together can result in a more extended recovery period and even hospitalization. According to the HHS, respiratory infections caused 800,000 hospitalizations last fall and winter. The risk of serious illness and hospitalization is still highest among adults ages 65 and older, residents of longterm care facilities, pregnant people, Black and Latino communities, and those living in rural areas.
Educating the public about the need to stay up-todate on their vaccines to stay healthy is particularly relevant as the cold weather sets in and we all gather indoors and travel for the holiday season. These airborne viruses can be tricky to avoid when you’re in enclosed spaces with many people—like parties and on an airplane—because the germs travel undetected through the air.
How this virus infects individuals and results in respiratory illness is why CCI Health Services took a slightly different approach to messaging around the season. CCI wants the community to get vaccinated and Breathe Easy. Not only will vaccines reduce the risk of getting Flu, COVID, or RSV, but they will also reduce the risk of severe respiratory symptoms that make it difficult to breathe. Updating your vaccines will also reduce the worry if you later find out that you attended a COVID spreader event, or worse, you were the COVID, Flu, or RSV spreader (don’t be that person). Vaccines are the best protection against COVID, Flu, and RSV. Get your vaccines and Breathe Easy because you’ve reduced your risk and done the right thing to protect those around you.
Tips to avoid being a germ spreader:
• Stay home if you’re ill.
• Mask up to prevent getting sick and to avoid spreading it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water (scrub for 20 seconds), or use hand sanitizer.
• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Get vaccinated.
Is it Cold, Flu, or COVID?
COVID, influenza, and the common cold are all contagious respiratory illnesses with many similar symptoms. This chart lists the most common signs of each illness, but yours may vary. Remember: the best way to prevent COVID and flu is to get vaccinated.
Symptoms
Muscle/body aches
Cough
Chills
Shortness
Fatigue or weakness
Headache
Sneezing
Sore throat Yes Sometimes No
Stuffy or runny nose Yes Sometimes No
New loss of taste or smell Yes Sometimes No
Nausea or vomiting Yes Sometimes* No
Diarrhea Yes Sometimes* No
For COVID, seek emergency medical care for:
• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Pale, gray, or bluecolored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone
If someone is showing any of these signs, call 911 or head to your local emergency facility. Notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID.
Department Highlight: SBWC
CCI Health Services’ staff returned to school in late August as part of a new school-based wellness center program (SBWC). They hope to increase access to care for teens and their families at six Montgomery County high schools. CCI’s primary care services are now available to teens attending.
• Gaithersburg High School
• John F. Kennedy High School
• Northwood High School
• Seneca Valley High School
• Watkins Mill High School
• Wheaton High School
Over 12,000 students, including those uninsured and their siblings, stand to benefit from the program. No different than the care you receive at any CCI location, the school-based wellness center program offers culturally competent and patient-centered care that includes an overseeing physician, nurse practitioner, medical assistant, and site manager.
However, a significant benefit of the program is the convenience of having health care services on campus, reducing both absenteeism and barriers to care access. On-site, students and their siblings can access well-child exams, sick care, chronic illness management, vaccinations, etc.
SBWC Medical Assistant Cyrise Ervin says she enjoys “helping students and giving them direct access to care when they need to miss the entire school day.”
Because the school-based collaboration between CCI and the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services is new, the CCI SBWC team jumped enthusiastically into outreach to promote the program during the back-to-school season. Directing the efforts, CCI’s Claudia Bonilla, who oversees the department.
Bonilla made sure to consider her audience of teens and parents when she packed enrollment forms in multiple languages, information on sexual and reproductive health, and fun goodies to bring with her to get the word out at back-to-school nights and fairs across the county.
The empowering effect of their presence in schools shows in their outstanding outreach throughout the year. Family medicine NP Jessica Landau, part of Watkins Mill’s team, helped spread the word to parents and students at the high school’s international night in May and again at this year’s back-to-school night. Seneca Valley’s CCI team has partnered with their school at its annual health fair, a summer block party, and 2025 Back to School Night.
More recently, Nurse Practitioner Carolyn Brown seized the opportunity to speak with Dr. Rahul Gupta, the United States Director of National Drug Control Policy, about the team’s work when he visited Kennedy High School in October.
CCI’s SBWC team continues showcasing their department’s unique capacity and commitment to collaborate not only across the county with one another as an extension of CCI’s clinics but with the community they inhabit. With the health department and the school system, CCI’s team can work to eliminate barriers and bring MoCo teens the education and preventative care needed, empowering them to establish healthy habits for life.
EMPLOYEE PROFILE:
Cindy Loyo
Referral Specialist
What is your role and how does it help CCI achieve our mission?
I process referrals to specialists, assist with self-pay program applications, so patients can have the care they need regardless of being insured or not.
Your CCI journey:
Tell us about your journey.
I have been here 12 years. I started as a medical assistant then became a patient representative after that biller and now Referral Specialist.
What’s your favorite thing about CCI?
I love the community we serve. I stay at CCI to keep making a difference in people’s lives. Helping them get access to the specialists they need to see and get the care they need.
Are there any achievements you’ve received at work or outside of work that you want to highlight?
My greatest achievements in life have been opening a construction company and a beach resort in El Salvador with my husband. With these achievements, I have been able to open employment opportunities as well as help out many people that don’t have the ability to afford their daily needs during this though time.
Anything else you’d like to share?
CCI has showed me to have integrity and compassion to everyone we serve. I will forever be thankful to have met such great people, as that has changed my way of seeing life.
The Power of Feedback
What do you think, CCI Community?
After a record year for CCI’s Outreach and Events, including partnerships with other nonprofits, local businesses, elected officials, CCI clinicians, and statewide public health campaigns, we want to know what you think.
Our Community Survey is a platform for you to share your experience and thoughts about the CCI events we held this year. Starting with our Pap Rally in January and continuing with Test for Turkey at CCI Ora Glen in Greenbelt, we want to hear from you! It doesn’t matter if you attended one, many, or none, you can weigh in.
