Dear friend,
Change is never easy; what’s constant brings comfort, and we feel secure when we know what comes next—knowing that, where do folks find the boldness to take the road less traveled when they could instead play it safe? They find it in their desire to realize greatness within themselves.
The pathway to our potential runs straight through the unknown. We must be willing not just to tolerate the challenges that come with change, but to embrace them with poise and gratitude. It’s a philosophy on the forefront of our minds here at CCI as we continue to expand into new services and initiatives that empower our neighbors to reclaim their health and achieve their own level of greatness.
The theme of this edition of Purpose is “Out with the Old, in with the New,” a fitting aphorism that nicely summarizes our efforts to grow with the times and meet the evolving needs in our neighborhoods. We say goodbye to our beloved Greenbelt health center to make way for our innovative Ora Glen space on page 4, launch a new sexual health awareness campaign on page 6, and introduce community health as a part of the climate change solution on page 8; all moves and actions that will usher in healthier, more informed neighbors in our community and beyond.
CCI looks much different today than we did just a few short years ago. We’re bigger and more effective, yet as committed as ever to offering our patients and participants an unparalleled health care experience. The catalyst for our rise is our ability to welcome change with courage—and we do it with the utmost confidence, knowing you’re on our side.
I appreciate your support as we navigate new horizons together. Thank you for your belief in our mission.
Sincerely,
Sonya Bruton, PsyD, MPA CEO and President
New Beginnings in Greenbelt
In September, we will close our Greenbelt health center for the final time in preparation for our new Ora Glen location, just an eight-minute drive away. Starting in October, Ora Glen will serve as the new health care home for the more than 16,000 Greenbelt patients who entrust us with their care each year.
There’s a lot to be excited about with Ora Glen. It’ll be more than twice the size of the Greenbelt space, offering the same quality services with a few new ones, as well. We’ll also host our Family Medicine Residency Program there, which will train physicians in our culturally competent and patient-centered care model in an effort to boost primary care in Prince George’s County. But the best part is the access we’ll open up in the community; the new space will accommodate 10,000 new patients.
Our Ora Glen health center will be a transformative opportunity for health equity in our community, and we eagerly anticipate its debut. At the same time, it’s not easy for the team to move on from our beloved Greenbelt health center. It’s a pivotal part of our history. We won’t forget what the location meant to our neighbors or the patient health achievements spanning over a decade. So, before we say goodbye, I wanted to write a few parting words on our time in Franklin Park.
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
It was 2012, and the timing was right to bring our integrative health approach to our Greenbelt neighbors. Of course, we had already established ourselves in the community by offering prenatal care and family planning in a smaller location on Edmonston Road. Still, we could see signs of growing primary and dental care needs. Even more, we saw a clear path to improved health outcomes for our neighbors and knew our expansion could have a lasting impact.
Our plans for the location presented a new yet exciting challenge for us. At that point, we hadn’t yet attempted what we envisioned: a one-stop spot for health care. But our motivation and passion saw us through, guided by an exceptional team of leaders and clinicians committed to turning our ambitions into a reality.
PICTURED: Greenbelt Coporate Center, home to CCI’s new Ora Glen health center
THE PLAN
After finding the perfect location near the lovely neighborhood of Franklin Park, we decided to build out the space to reflect a more open-concept design that would encourage a higher level of collaboration between departments and services. For example, the approach allowed us to provide young patients with a dental exam as they waited to see their pediatrician for their annual checkup. It was a unique take that effectively introduced new services to our patients so they could see what integrative care could do for them.
We also knew that our Greenbelt health center would be an opportunity for us to expand into new and needed areas of care. We would debut our refugee health program in the location, which is now the largest program of its kind in Maryland. We also introduced the CenteringPregnancy® model to our prenatal care patients there, giving parents-to-be the tools and counseling they need to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
REFLECTING ON THE BIG DAY
We held our opening ceremony right after Labor Day weekend on September 3, 2013. I still remember how hot it was outside; temperatures must have reached 90 degrees. But that didn’t stop the community from coming out and celebrating with us. We had a great turnout: staff, patients, and neighbors alike were there, as well as Prince George’s County officials, including Greenbelt Mayor Emmett V. Jordan. It was touching to see so many folks make time for the event; the community representation made the moment all the more meaningful.
There was a feeling that a new chapter in the community was beginning. Everyone there understood what we were trying to do and supported our vision, which was the only validation we needed. Once the celebration was over, we walked away brimming with hope that we’d reach the goals we set for the health center and improve health outcomes for a community we love.
ALWAYS THERE FOR GREENBELT
11 years on, I feel great pride for what our team accomplished at our Greenbelt health center. The site led the way as our first certified Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), a designation our remaining health centers would receive in later years. It even became party central for our annual Block Party event, which has brought thousands of families joy over the last four years.
I know that our new Ora Glen health center will lead to a healthier Greenbelt following a path paved in Franklin Park. Thank you to everyone who helped make our Greenbelt health center what it was. We look forward to returning the same empowering care to the community in October.
From JoseLuis Diaz, CCI WIC Director
A CCI Health Awareness Campaign
As a one-stop community health center, CCI provides access to care for our neighbors who need it most. From primary care to dental, we’re there for our community and are committed to serving them.
One area of need that has been a focus of ours is a comprehensive approach to sexual health. For too long, access to sexually transmitted infection (STI) and HIV testing has been separated from traditional primary care. This means many patients who go in for routine check-ups leave without information concerning their sexual health, which can lead to undiagnosed and untreated diseases. However, we’re changing that approach to care.
To start, our new health awareness campaign, “Before we get here...”, encourages our patients to be proactive and take control of their health before engaging in sexual activity by focusing on three areas:
1. Prevention
2. Testing 3. Treatment
Alexandrea McIntosh-Ogunfolu, Infectious Disease Program Manager
The Launch of Same-Day PrEP
Since the launch of sameday PrEP, CCI has seen an increase in patients receiving the medication. From a student at one of our School-Based Wellness Centers to patients across our health centers, receiving counseling on the medication and going home with it all on the same day has proven to be a success. It shows that with increased access, everyone gets a chance to make informed decisions about their health.
For two consecutive years, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) recognized CCI as a National Quality Leader (NQL) in HIV Prevention and Care.
MAPPING OUT OUR COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS
Alexandrea McIntosh-Ogunfolu, CCI’s Infectious Disease Program Manager, spearheads the organization’s clinical and outreach efforts related to sexually transmitted infection (STI) and HIV care. Here she maps out our community’s health needs and our approach to meeting them.
Community Health Need: Access to STI and HIV Testing
CCI’s Approach: The Annual Maryland STI report shows STI rates in 2022 were the highest since 1984. As many STIs often show no symptoms, CCI knows how necessary screening is for a timely diagnosis and treatment. That’s why we incorporate testing into our standard of care. With an “opt-out” approach to care, every patient between the ages of 15-65 will receive HIV and STI screenings. And when coming into a health center is a barrier for our neighbors, we work with our community partners such as Gilead to host rapid HIV testing on-site at local events.
Community Health Need: PrEP Education and Outreach
CCI’s Approach: According to the Maryland Department of Health HIV Surveillance, new HIV diagnoses have increased year over year since 2020 in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. PrEP, a daily pill or injection used to prevent HIV transmission, is an effective medication that can help address the growing disparities in HIV cases. Unfortunately, due to widespread stigma, PrEP access has been limited to those who identify as gay. However, at CCI, we know PrEP is for everyone. This June marked the launch of our same-day PrEP initiative. Now, patients can schedule virtual appointments and get access to PrEP all in the same day.
Community Health Need: Affordable Prevention and Treatment
CCI’s Approach: Thanks to our expert team of clinicians and medical assistants, CCI has been able to maintain a 100% linkage-to-care rate for all new HIV patients. When a patient tests positive for HIV, our team is trained to ensure that the patient gets the necessary care they need regardless of financial or other social barriers. Patients who receive a positive HIV test result are immediately connected to the care team and scheduled for their first comprehensive appointment. Our goal is to provide the patient with the necessary support and tools they will need to successfully manage their health.
Responding to REC RD HEAT
Climate change is the public health challenge of our time, affecting our health in multifaceted, complex, and sometimes irreversible ways. It impacts everything from food production and security to infectious disease transmission, which are critical matters today that will shape the experiences of future generations tomorrow. But the most pressing issue we face right now is heat, which compromises the health of our neighbors and puts millions at risk of illness or death.
THE RISKS OF EXTREME HEAT
Sweltering temperatures force us to reassess how we live and find joy. Whether it’s canceling a regular afternoon walk or postponing a family outing, a heat wave usually means a change of plans. It’s unfortunate given the physical and mental health benefits of spending time outdoors, yet necessary to protect ourselves from a worst-case scenario. After all, the U.S. saw a record number of deaths due to heat in 2023.
So, what exactly does heat do to our bodies? In short, it puts stress on every organ and makes regulating a cool body temperature difficult. That’s hazardous for anyone, but it’s especially dangerous for those with a chronic health condition. Anyone living with heart disease, respiratory illness, obesity, or a mental health condition has to be aware of their heat tolerance and cautious of the time they spend in the sun. Unfortunately, it’s neighbors from historically underserved communities who are more likely to live with a chronic health condition, putting them at greater risk of heat-related illness.
But chronic health conditions are just the beginning of the disparities. Neighborhoods with high poverty levels experience higher temperatures due to less green space and more asphalt. People of color disproportionately make up the outdoor workforce, an industry susceptible to heat-related illness or death. Even finances play a role; energy consumption costs can peak in the summer and become expensive for those with limited means (presuming air condition access, a privilege not available to everyone.)
CLIMATE RESILIENCE AND COMMUNITY HEALTH
Clinicians have an obligation to understand and communicate the effects of climate change to their patient population, particularly the dangers of extreme heat. We’re in an era where clinical care is much more than recognizing the symptoms of heat stroke; it’s anticipating and responding to the repercussions of rising temperatures. Promoting environmental health education requires a concerted effort from health professionals across all sectors and roles. Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), like CCI, are well-positioned to alleviate the burden of heat and educate patients on how to stay safe.
FQHCs adapt to the times. We closely monitor health trends in our community and offer services that help our neighbors thrive. At CCI, we’ve built a rapport with our patients that enables us to deliver environmental health information in a way that informs and empowers. Our team of community health workers plays a critical role in that effort, using their knowledge of local resources that can accommodate any need, from accessing temporary housing to finding a cooling center.
Still, our greatest strengths are our experience and insight. CCI has worked directly with the communities most at risk of climate change for over five decades. They trust us with their care, and we’re uniquely capable of promoting their well-being with their experiences in mind. That history together primes us to deliver effective care with a lens on climate, offering supplies like affordable inhalers, counseling for pregnant and senior patients, and even referral services to organizations that can assist with needs such as HVAC or insulation. That’s community health at its best.
IT'S TIME FOR A CHANGE IN APPROACH
Climate change is here, it’s getting worse, and it’s affecting our community right now. Heat puts everyone in a precarious position, but none more so than our neighbors from historically underserved communities. However, through quality, patient-centered services coupled with accessible education, health care providers like us can be a source of relief for neighbors and a conduit to climate resilience. As we continue to expand and innovate, we’ll do so with the health and comfort of our patients always at the forefront of our work.
PICTURED ACROSS:
1. May 13th: Flower Hill Elementary School Resource Fair, Gaithersburg, MD
2. May 29th: Rockville Senior Center Health Fair, Rockville, MD
3. June 2nd: Rockville Pride, Rockville, MD
4. June 23rd: LIYT Night and Drag Duels, Downtown Silver Spring, MD
5. June 27th: National HIV Testing Day, Takoma Park, MD
6. June 30th: Pride in the Plaza, Downtown Silver Spring, MD
CCI in the Community
No matter who you are, what your background is, or where you are going in life, CCI Health Services is here for you. We work to meet community members where they are so we can provide them with health knowledge and information about our services. So far this summer we have been able to attend events such as Pride in the Plaza, Rockville Senior Center’s Annual Health Fair, DC Black Pride, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated's Summer Fiesta Health Fair.
We have also provided free HIV testing at the Walgreens in Takoma Park and the Walgreens in Cheverly for National HIV Testing Day on June 27th. We are proud to work across Montgomery and Prince George’s counties to provide comprehensive and affordable health care to anyone that walks through our doors.
PICTURED TO THE RIGHT:
CCI held its 4th Annual Block Party in August. With the transition to the new health center in Greenbelt, this marked the last event to be held in the Franklin Park apartment complex. More than 800 community members attended for fun, food, and giveaways.
PICTURED: Patients waiting in lobby at CCI’s annual Block Party
Digging in with Dental
Dental care is one of the main pillars of health, says Dr. Parastoo Golestani, CCI’s Chief Dental Officer.
In just a short amount of time, Dr. Golestani has identified gaps in access to dental care for patients and laid the framework for a new focus area: children.
“The number one reason children miss school is because of oral pain.” – Dr. Golestani
A surprising but true data point. According to the National Children’s Oral Health Survey, children miss more than 9 million full days of school due to oral health problems. Dr. Golestani believes if we focus on children’s dental health, we will see the most tangible and visible difference. With early preventative dental care, children won’t have to miss school and parents and caregivers won’t have to miss work or worry about paying for an unexpected dental visit.
Other key priority areas for Dr. Golestani and her team include focusing on pregnant individuals to set up health expectations for the whole family and ensuring all CCI patients are addressing their oral health needs. By participating in outreach events, working with WIC, refugee health, Centering, and our pediatricians, her team is committed to meeting its goal:
All children who visit CCI for medical care are also referred for dental services.
Jessica Gutierrez
Family Planning Coordinator
What is your role and how does it help CCI achieve our mission?
I assist in completing the administrative side of our Title X Program. This means coordinating training, assisting health center managers with Title X supplies, running data reports, and more. I also participate in outreach events, so I am often in the community informing people about our family planning services and presenting our program to local organizations.
Tell us about your journey
I’ve worked with CCI for six years. I started as a patient representative, then became a community health worker, and now program coordinator. I wouldn’t change a thing about my journey because my earlier roles allowed me to connect directly with patients and observe how things work in our health centers, which proved useful for me. I was able to get a different perspective on how we operate.
What I really enjoy is the collaboration. I’ve been lucky enough to work on several exciting projects with other departments, including the marketing and infectious disease management teams. It’s sometimes hard to find volunteers willing to participate outside of work hours, but I understand the importance of connecting with the community and our patients (or potential patients!) I try to make myself available whenever needed.
What’s your favorite thing about CCI?
CCI genuinely wants to do good within the community. We have a lot of projects and things going on which can be stressful, but you can see the passion in our staff and know they genuinely want to help people. Our team is driven by people who want to make a difference and truly care, and I like that because I can relate.
Are there any achievements you would like to highlight?
One of my biggest fears was always public speaking. However, I conquered that fear by speaking at a conference last year. My manager pushed me to do more presentations and get used to being uncomfortable. The experience has helped me grow as an employee. I was also able to get certified as a community health worker and HIV PrEP Navigator.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
As Dr. B has previously said, I found my ‘why’ at CCI. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do careerwise when I started, but CCI has helped me find my passion. I can talk to teens about different reproductive and sexual health topics, which I didn’t have when growing up. I was a teen mom at 15, and when my son turned 18, I presented at my old high school, Gaithersburg High, for the same girl’s group I was in as a student. It was a full-circle moment, and I feel blessed to have had that opportunity. I was able to show them that being a teen parent doesn’t have to be seen as another statistic but that there are resources available for you to grow and learn.
New
From kids t-shirts to accessories, there’s something for everyone on CCI’s new merch shop! We’ve created new designs in support of our health awareness campaigns and even included an expanded selection of CCI employee gear.
