CHC Staff Newsletter August 2023

August 2023

… in the news

CHC Receives $2M Grant to Address the Maternal Health Crisis

We are delighted to share some exciting news at Chesapeake Health Care. We have been awarded a generous two-year, $2,000,000 grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). This grant will allow us to make significant strides in tackling the maternal health crisis and advancing new approaches to care.

In 2022 alone, Chesapeake Health Care provided care for more than 3,000 expectant mothers and delivered over 2,100 babies. While we are proud of our achievements, we also recognize the existing disparities in maternal health outcomes within our community. That is why we are deeply grateful for this grant, as it empowers us to develop and implement innovative initiatives that cater to the unique needs of our maternal patients.

One of the most transformative initiatives we will undertake with this grant is the establishment of the Centering Pregnancy Program. This program will revolutionize prenatal care and childbirth education for expectant women by adopting a group-based approach rather than individual consultations with doctors or midwives. Our primary objective is to promote the well-being of underprivileged women and their infants throughout pregnancy and postpartum. Importantly, this initiative will be introduced in our local region for the first time, making it one of the first of its kind within the state of Maryland.

Additionally, we will be using a portion of the funds to expand our utilization of Community Health Workers (CHWs), who play vital roles as integral members of the CHC staff. Often referred to as “frontline public health workers,” CHWs possess an intimate understanding of the community they serve. By acting as liaisons between health and social services and the community, CHWs facilitate access to crucial services while enhancing the quality and cultural competence of service delivery.

The grant from HRSA is a powerful endorsement of our commitment to improving maternal health outcomes and promoting equitable care for all. As we embark on these initiatives, we are filled with hope and determination to make a lasting impact on the lives of mothers and infants in our region. Together, let's work towards a healthier and brighter future for our community.

OUR MISSION

Chesapeake Health Care’s mission is to provide affordable, culturally competent patient and family-centered health care, leading to individual and community wellness, to residents of the three lower counties in Maryland, regardless of their ability to pay.

Some of the staff at the Woodbrooke OB/GYN location. (L to R) - Sentara Ernst, RN; Dr. Lee Jennings, CMO; Nancy Baker, CNO; Dr. Monique Williams; Taylor Booker, MA; Dr. Catherine Casto; Florence “Chuck” Rayne, Sonographer; Denise Lewis, RN; Karri Washbon, CNM; Brenda McCarty, LPN; Dr. Michael Lantz, MFM; and Jodie Foxwell, RN.

Welcome New Staff

Please welcome these new staff members to the Chesapeake Heath Care Team!

 Shaneta Dix – Medical Receptionist for Healthway Drive Mental Health

 Emily Hay – Medical Assistant for WB OB/GYN

 John Gilligan – Mental Health Therapist for PA Mental Health

 Daneé Erb – Mental Health Therapist -Berlin Crisis Center

 Angela Toth – Dental Receptionist for PA Dental

 Teirra Thomas – Medical Receptionist for Pocomoke Adult

 Kerri Willkow – Surgery Scheduler for WB OB/GYN

 Deepali Bhanot – Pediatric Dentist – PA Dental (Part Time)

 Victoria Stubbs – Registered Nurse - Float Nurse – PA Peds

 Patricia Dias – Registered Nurse for Power Street

 Ashley Ross – Medical Assistant – Pocomoke Peds

 Kelechi “Crystal” Nzenwa – Registered Nurse for WB OB/GYN

 Haily Smith – Dental Sterilization Aide – PA

Dental

 Samantha Schneider – Referral Specialist for PA Mental Health

Welcoming Our New Staff Members

Let's give a warm welcome to all our fantastic new employees! It's time to extend a friendly hand and make them feel right at home. We encourage you all to reach out and introduce yourselves – it's the perfect opportunity to create new connections and build a supportive work environment.

Remember, we've all been the new kid on the block at some point. So, let's put ourselves in their shoes and make their transition as smooth as possible. Taking them out for lunch and introducing them to your colleagues in the department can work wonders in making them feel like part of the team from day one.

Let's show these new staff members just how delighted we are to have them onboard! We know that a warm, inclusive atmosphere is what sets our company apart, and together, we can make their journey with us truly memorable.

So, let's get out there, greet our new colleagues with enthusiasm, and let the good vibes flow! Here's to a harmonious and productive time together!#TeamCHC

Birthdays & Anniversaries

Madalyne Adams

Ferris Postley – Aug. 1

Justin Howard – Aug. 2

Ella Davis – Aug. 2

Theresa Kelley – Aug. 3

Chris Davis – Aug. 3

Austin Chen – Aug. 4

Anita Ramos – Aug. 5

Kyleigh Witter – Aug. 6

Tracy Howard – Aug. 7

Anjanette Cannon – Aug. 8

Michel'le White – Aug. 9

Latina Cottman – Aug. 10

Neiman Holdman – Aug. 12

James Pratt – Aug. 13

Maria Sofia Avendano

Linda Chester – Aug. 13

Kenya Thomas – Aug. 14

Silwat Adeel – Aug. 15

Cliche Morris – Aug. 15

Destiny Frazier – Aug. 16

Deirdrie Givens – Aug. 17

Tasia Smith – Aug. 18

Motunrayo Etteyit – Aug. 18

Colleen Castro – Aug. 19

Sara Malott – Aug. 20

Jaquelin Sanchez-Leyva – Aug. 20

Kandyce Tolbert – Aug. 20

Kelley Holloway – Aug. 21

Susan Lewis – Aug. 22

Samiska Collins – Aug. 24

Tiana McKnight – Aug. 24

Hannah Bukowski – Aug. 25

Michelle Corbin – Aug. 25

MaryJo Brinson – Aug. 26

Priscilla DiPalma – Aug. 27

Shalinda Taylor – Aug. 28

Aaron Townsend – Aug. 28

Phyllis Boffa – Aug. 31

These are the incredible team members who are celebrating their work anniversaries in August. Thank you for your dedication and hard work!

Jane Crick – 29 years

Tricia Sterling – 22 years

Michele Urban – 19 years

Nicole Krasner – 19 years

Rhonda Dixon – 18 years

Martha Christopher – 17 years

Kelli Luttrell – 14 years

Deirdrie Givens – 13 years

Tynesha Waters – 13 years

Brian Holland – 13 years

Dana Malone – 13 years

Jeannie Ciszewski – 12 years

Angela Robertson – 12 years

Sheila Stewart – 12 years

Mariam Lanier – 10 years

Monique Williams – 10 years

Lena Dechert – 10 years

Susan Smith-Walls – 10 years

Marvia Jenkins – 8 years

Ashley Cooper – 8 years

Anita Jackson – 8 years

Amanda Daisey – 8 years

Stephen Robinson – 7 years

Diane Stoker – 7 years

Emmanuel Edmond – 7 years

Barbara Passo – 6 years

Cindy Spann – 6 years

Catherine Burkhard – 5 years

Charlotte Welsh – 5 years

Lori Holland – 5 years

Kenzie Smith – 5 years

Hannah Sievers – 4 years

Melinda Straub – 4 years

Rachel Thomas – 4 years

Phyllis Boffa – 3 years

Justin Pusey – 3 years

Leena Saj – 3 years

Miriam Machuca – 3 years

Cynthia Vincent – 2 years

Dornese Whittington – 2 years

Taylor Shores – 2 years

Alicia Auleta – 2 years

Katie Maldonado – 2 years

Breeanna Popp – 2 years

Ronald Travitz – 1 year

Justin Howard – 1 year

Graciela Martinez – 1 year

Denise Conner – 1 year

Alexes Tazewell – 1 year

Timothy Lynch – 1 year

MaryJo Brinson – 1 year

Karyn Mierau – 1 year

Erin Estep – 1 year

Ariel Snell – 1 year

Dental Grant

CHC Receives Grant from Delta Dental Foundation to Enhance Access to Oral Care

We are excited to announce that we were recently awarded a $30,000 grant from The Delta Dental Community Care Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of California. This grant has been provided to CHC through the Access to Care Grants Program, which aims to bolster and ensure access to affordable, high-quality oral health care in underserved areas.

At Chesapeake Health Care, one of our primary missions is to provide dental care to patients facing limited or no access to such services on the lower Eastern Shore of Maryland. Through this significant grant, we seek to address oral health challenges proactively and diminish the need for urgent dental treatments, ultimately reducing complications arising from inadequate dental care

Brian Holland, the CEO of Chesapeake Health Care, expressed his gratitude, stating, “We are grateful to the Community Care Foundation for this grant, as it will enable us to extend dental care services to people in our community. Thanks to this generous support, many more individuals in our community will gain access to critical dental care that would have otherwise been beyond their means.”

The grant funds will be used to offer uninsured and underinsured patients essential dental exams, x-rays, and tooth extractions, if necessary. By leveraging this grant, Chesapeake Health Care can continue to deliver essential services to the most vulnerable members of the communities we serve, positively impacting their lives and overall well-being.

Kenzie Ferguson, Vice President of Foundation and Corporate Social Responsibility for Delta Dental of California, highlighted the significance of this year's Access to Care Grants, stating, “The program's largest annual funding focuses on three critical areas of need: the oral health crisis among older adults, health equity, and rural oral health access. Our valued partnerships with organizations like Chesapeake Health Care allow us to work together toward broader mutual goals of building strong, healthier, and more resilient communities.”

The Delta Dental Community Care Foundation supports local community partners by providing funds to increase access to care, address health disparities, drive health equity, and promote innovation in the oral health field. This grant will enable Chesapeake Health Care to continue delivering vital and beneficial services to those in greatest need within the communities we serve.

We, at Chesapeake Health Care, remain dedicated to our vision of a healthier, happier community, and this grant from The Delta Dental Community Care Foundation reaffirms our commitment to making quality oral health care accessible to all. Together, with the ongoing support of partners like Delta Dental, we will continue to create a positive impact on the lives of our patients and work towards building stronger and healthier communities.

Our staff at our Dental location in Salisbury - (L to R) Dr. Kevin Rodriguez, DDS, Dental Dept. Head; Alexis Dean, Dental Receptionist; Noelle Wilkins, Front Desk Op. Specialist; Troy Forse, Dental Asst.; Amanda Daisey, Dental Op. Manager; Colleen Castro, Dental Asst.; Joshua Boston, COO; Brooke Naumann, Lead Dental Asst.; Dr. Ariel Snell, DMD, MPD; and Crystal Beauchamp, RDH.

As we move forward, let’s all celebrate this achievement and renew our shared dedication to providing compassionate care and fostering wellness in the lives of those we serve.

You can now use the Policy Auto-Match tab on the Add Policy page with insurance card images captured by your Front Desk staff during check-in. However, you can still use the existing Policy Lookup tab to manually search for an insurance, if you prefer.

CHC Family Fun Events

Reserve Your Spot at our Company Crab Feast! – Sept. 23 & 24

Join your coworkers for a casual gathering at Chesapeake Health Care’s All-U-Can-Eat Crab Feast, designed exclusively for our valued staff members and their families! You can choose which date you would like to attend: Saturday, Sept. 23rd (from 12-4 PM) or Sunday, Sept. 24th (from 4-7 PM) at Hooper’s Crab House in West Ocean City.

To register, go to https://chesapeakehc.org/shop The last day to register for the event is Friday, September 15, 2023.

Our staff and their families always have a great time at our Company Crab Feasts at Hooper’s!

Only 2 WEEKS AWAY!

Get Your Wristbands TODAY for

CHC Jolly Roger Day

Sunday, August 13, 2023

Join us on Sunday, August 13, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for CHC Day at Jolly Roger Amusement Park!

Wristbands are $25 for CHC employees, family members, and friends. Tickets are regularly $55, so this is a great deal!

Splash Mountain, unlimited rides at the amusement park, and one game of mini golf are all included in the price.

Wristbands are now for sale in the CHC Store here: https://chesapeakehc.org/ shop

CHC Family Fun Events

Chesapeake Health Care’s 10th Annual Golf Tournament Presented by

We are always so grateful for the support from our golf tournament volunteers! Here are our CHC volunteers from 2022.

Chesapeake Health Care is hosting its 10th Annual Charity Golf Tournament Presented by Labcorp on Friday, Sept. 1, 2023. The tournament will be held at the beautiful Ocean City Golf Club in Ocean City, Maryland. Funds raised at this tournament will support CHC’s Summer Therapeutic Program. This tournament raises funds that will help make a difference in the lives of so many of our area’s underprivileged children. For more information, please visit www.CHCgolf.com.

3 Weeks Away for CHC Night at the Ballpark!

Saturday, August 19, 2023

Get your tickets now for the CHC staff and family night at the Delmarva Shorebirds! We’re planning a fun-filled night watching the Shorebirds take on the Salem Red Sox. After the game, you can watch the fireworks show at Perdue Stadium! Tickets are $15 each for all ages, and can be purchased in the CHC Store: https://chesapeakehc.org/shop

It’s also Scrapple Night at the Ballpark! Enjoy the delicious taste of Scrapple at the Shorebirds Scrapple Night featuring special Scrapple Menu Options as the Shorebirds become the Delmarva Scrapple for one night!

Maui Jack’s is Now OPEN!

Chesapeake Health Care has partnered with Maui Jack’s to offer you a discount on admission price! Just show your badge at the ticket window to get the $20 price. The discount applies to you and three others.

News from Our Sites

Kelly Sturgis, Phlebotomist in Pocomoke, and her family recently welcomed their third little one on July 7th. His name is Grant and he weighed 9lb 10oz. Congratulations!

Amanda Swanton, Medical Receptionist at Berlin Mental Health, welcomed a son named Grayson Philip on July 11th. He weighed 8lb., 12 oz. Welcome to the world!

Eight-year-old Isabelle, granddaughter of Christie Brittingham, QA/QI Coordinator, had her first dance recital for the X Squad Dancers in June. Way to go, Isabelle!

Taylor Shores, MA at Power Street, will be entering WorWic Community College in August begin the RN Program. Way to go, Taylor!

Jennifer Riley, MSN RN/DN, Clinical Manager at Power Street, will be attending Wilmington University in August to obtain her Dual NP Certificate in Family Medicine and Psychiatry. Congrats!

Our drivers from the Transportation Dept. are shuttling seasonal workers from the Migrant Camp in Princess Anne beginning in July and continuing until October. They provide free daily transportation to and from their CHC appointments. Thank you!

Our drivers pictured above: Kenny Palmer, Dana Burkett, Monet Johnson, Jay Pratt, and Rose Doane.

Miriam Machuca, Translator at Sweetbay, Suzanne Chauveheid, Translator at WB OB/GYN, and Blonde Moussignac, Translator at WB OB/GYN, shared information about CHC at La Mexicana in July. They are continually connecting with the community to ensure everyone has access to the care they deserve. Let's give a big shout-out to our dedicated team!

Our CHC team was at the Somerset County Fair in July to spread the word about the top-notch healthcare services we offer to the community. Thanks for all you do! (L to R) Shawnice Hayman, CAC; Deirdrie Givens, CAC; Francina Jones, CAC; Meagan Donophan, Dental Care Coordinator.

August Health Calendar

August 2023 Health Observances Calendar

Monthly Focus Topics

Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month

Digestive Tract Paralysis Awareness Month

Gastroparesis Awareness Month

National Breastfeeding Month

National Immunization Awareness Month

Psoriasis Action Month

Weeks to Note:

World Breastfeeding Week – August 1-7

National Health Center Week – August 6-12

OSHA’s Safe and Sound Week – August 14-20

Contact Lens Health Week – August 20-26

Days to Note:

World Lung Cancer Day – August 1

Int’l Overdose Awareness Day – August 31

Spending time outside is a great way to be physically active, reduce stress, and get vitamin D. You can work and play outside without raising your skin cancer risk by protecting your skin from the sun.

Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. UV rays are an invisible kind of radiation that comes from the sun, tanning beds, and sunlamps. UV rays can damage skin cells.

Protection from UV rays is important all year, not just during the summer. UV rays can reach you on cloudy and cool days, and they reflect off of surfaces like water, cement, sand, and snow.

Follow these Summer Sun Safety Tips to stay safe in the sun this summer!

Staff Kudos for July

THANK YOU to everyone at CHC who goes out of their way to help others! These are the people who were recognized in July. If you would like to recognize someone for their hard work and dedication, please send an email to Jonathan Moore, Corporate Trainer at jmoore@chesapeakehc.org

You can also click on the “Kudos” icon on your desktop. >

Healthway Drive MH Dental

Woodbrooke Adult Power Street

Summer Program Staff Dr. Ariel Snell All Staff Taneka Spence

Victoria Meintzer Glen Gie x3 Kim Glass Front office staff

Kerri Lambert

Megan Chandler

Binh Phan (Dental Resident)

Troy Forse x2

Keyonia Dale Dr. Ajayi

Brooke Naumann x2

Riverside Drive MH Cara Lizer x2

Tonya Silva Jy'Asia Frazier

Mindy Straub Dr. Trivedi

Berlin Tree Sap

Mckenzie Dancy

Sandra Chen

Melinda Mattox

Natasha Turner

Shannon Wright

Jennifer White

Katrina Cooks

Sunny Lowe Rhonda Dixon

Lakreisha Parker

Woodbrooke OB/GYN

Stacy Mae Kennedy

Marina Collins

Power Street Staff

Princess Anne Medical

Angela Ridenour x2 Donna Coulbourne

Leisa Reid x2

Janessa Soisson

Princess Anne MH

Vera McGowan Tasia Smith

Pocomoke Deirdre Givens

Alisha Gentry PMD Peds

Karen Jester

Audra Smullen

Keynaja Trader Faye Touissant

Alicia Auleta

Cassidy Hall

Pharmacy

Andrew Carmine

Alisha Mosher

Fabiane Jones

Sheila Stewart

Brandon Johnson

Clint Anderson

Lu Ann Hampshire Front Desk Staff

Janaya Tyler

Annisa Cannon

Kyesha Brown Tracey Howard

Shoyndace Corbin

Krystle Dean Corporate

Suzanne Chauveheid Anjanette Cannon

Caroude Jean Francois Billing Staff

Gladys Acevedo x2

Kelsea Mathis

Jessica Baer Sweetbay Adult Hub Nurses Finance Team

Amy Massey

Blonde Moussignac

Miriam Machuca Entire OB Staff

New Berlin BH Site Opens

Expanding Our Behavioral Health Services to Meet Community Needs

We are proud to announce the acquisition and operation of the outpatient Behavioral Health & Crisis Center in Berlin, Maryland.

The Berlin Behavioral Health & Crisis Center, formerly operated by Atlantic General Hospital, has now transitioned into the capable hands of Chesapeake Health Care. Donald Owrey, MBA, FACHE, President and CEO for Atlantic General Hospital and Health System, expressed his satisfaction with this transition, stating, “I was extremely pleased that Chesapeake Health Care was able to continue the responsibility of managing the center’s operations and closing existing gaps in crisis care for individuals experiencing behavioral health crises. They have been a wonderful partner in this transition and share in our commitment to organize and provide services to our community as efficiently as possible.”

Here are some of the dedicated staff at the new Berlin Behavioral Health & Crisis Center.

At the Crisis Center, a dedicated team of behavioral health care providers will focus on addressing immediate crisis symptoms, providing observation, determining appropriate levels of care, and diverting unnecessary hospital admissions. Through triaging, individuals will be connected with peer and community services support, offered crisis counseling, medication management services (including psychiatric and substance abuse treatment when necessary), care navigation, and coordination of their overall health needs.

The Berlin Behavioral Health & Crisis Center caters to both adults and children aged 5 and above. Conveniently located in proximity to Atlantic General Hospital, the center will operate on a walk-in basis, ensuring accessibility for those in need. Its doors will be open from Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Crystal Lambert, LCSW-C, Director of Mental Health for Chesapeake Health Care, acknowledged the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health crisis in the community, stating, “The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the already growing mental health crisis in our community. We’re proud of the work that our team here is providing. This Crisis Center is already having a positive impact on the lives of those in our community.”

Kudos to Our IT Team

July 28th was System Administrator Appreciation Day! A huge shoutout goes to the unsung heroes behind the scenes - our incredible IT team at Chesapeake Health Care. Their dedication and hard work keep our systems up and running smoothly, making sure we can focus on what we do best.

From troubleshooting tech issues with lightning speed to safeguarding our data with care, they are the backbone of our organization, and we couldn't function without them! Send a big "Thank You" to our amazing IT team!

Our IT Team – Bryce Wharton, IT Support Specialist; Carson Cabrera, IT Network and Systems Engineer; and Jamie Webster, Director of IT.

August Trivia Contest

I hope you enjoy these August-themed trivia questions! Send an email with your answers to Julie Houk at jhouk@chesapeakehc.org before the end of the day on Friday, August 11th to be entered into a drawing for a special PRIZE!

1. In which hemisphere does August mark the last month of summer?

a) Northern Hemisphere

b) Southern Hemisphere

c) Eastern Hemisphere

d) Western Hemisphere

2. What is the birthstone for August?

a) Sapphire

b) Ruby

c) Emerald

d) Peridot

3. Which famous playwright and author was born in August 1564?

a) William Shakespeare

b) Jane Austen

c) Charles Dickens

d) Mark Twain

4. August 15th is celebrated as a national holiday in India to mark its independence from British rule. What is the name of this holiday?

a) Republic Day

b) Independence Day

c) Gandhi Jayanti

d) Diwali

July Trivia Questions & Answers

1. What is a sudden, sharp increase in wind speed that lasts for minutes?

Answer: Squall, which are often named for the weather phenomenon that accompanies them, such as rain, hail, or thunder.

2. Which popular summer music festival takes place annually in the desert of Nevada, USA?

Answer: Burning Man is an annual nine-day festival that involves music, art, and culture.

3. Which famous author wrote the novel "To Kill a Mockingbird," which is often required summer reading for students?

Answer: Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird (1960) is the most important novel ever authored by a native Alabamian. The Pulitzer Prize–winning novel spent 88 weeks on bestseller lists.

4. What is the name of the traditional summer dance that originated in Hawaii and involves hip movements and storytelling through hand gestures?

Answer: Hula is the storytelling dance of the Hawaiian Islands.

5. In the United States, the first Monday in September is celebrated as Labor Day. What does this holiday signify?

5. Which natural phenomenon occurs during the summer in certain parts of the world when the sun remains visible at midnight?

Answer: The midnight sun is a natural phenomenon that occurs during the summer in certain parts of the world when the sun remains visible at midnight. It is also known as the polar day.

6. Which popular beach destination is known as the "Surfing Capital of the World" and hosts an annual surfing competition called the Vans Triple Crown?

Answer: Known as the "surfing capital of the world," Oahu's North Shore spans from La'ie to Ka'ena Point.

7. Which famous inventor and engineer is credited with developing the alternating current (AC) electrical supply system, which powers air conditioners, a summer essential?

Answer: Serbian-American engineer and physicist Nikola Tesla invented the first alternating current (AC) motor and developed AC generation and transmission technology.

Melissa Benson, Dental Revenue Cycle Specialist, was the winner of our July trivia contest. Congrats!