Winter 2014 newsletter

The Greater Hudson Valley Family Health Center Community Connection Winter 2014

Our Locations The Kaplan Family Pavilion 147 Lake Street Newburgh, NY 12550 (845) 563-8000

New Windsor

91 Blooming Grove Turnpike New Windsor, NY 12553 (845) 561-2257

Lipman Family Dental (on Broadway) 100 Broadway Newburgh, NY 12550 (845) 569-8412

The Center for Recovery 3 Commercial Place Newburgh, NY 12550 (845) 220-2146

Harper Health (for Individuals & Families in Transition) 290 Broadway, Suites 2 & 3 Newburgh, NY 12550 (845) 561-3759

Highland Falls

127 Main Street Highland Falls, NY 10928 (845) 446-4076

Benefiting GHVFHC: Encore Consign for a Cause, Inc. 45 Quaker Avenue; Suite 100 & 104 Cornwall, NY 12518 (845) 534-2940

Happy Holidays from GHVFHC!

Wishing you a Safe and Healthy Holiday Season Hello All: As the year comes to an end, I would like to wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday season.

This year has been a year of good fortune and growth for The Greater Hudson Valley Family Health Center. We now offer pediatric urgent care services to provide more patient-centered care; we reached more patients at our two newest locations: Harper Health and Highland Falls; and we have established new programs and initiatives to better meet the needs of all our patients.

I hope that each of you had a wonderful year. As always, our Health Center is committed to ensuring your good health and keeping you healthy for life’s little moments. If you are looking to support a local organization, think of us this year by contacting Sophia Goitia at 845-220-3156.

With Warmest Regards,

Linda S. Muller, MS GHVFHC President & CEO

Sign up for our newsletter today! email: marketing@ghvfhc.org

Did you Know?

To date, the Enabling Services Department assisted over 425 individuals in need of health insurance coverage.

Do you Still Need Health Insurance?

We can Help!

Who can Help: Denise Suarez 845-563-8000 ext. 1034 Jose Santiago 845-563-8000 ext. 1253 Nellie Ortiz 845-563-8000 ext. 1032 Patricia Ranyak 845-563-8000 ext. 1075 Violet Bruno 845-563-8000 ext. 1033

L to R: Jose Santiago, Violet Bruno, Nellie Ortiz, Denise Suarez, and Patricia Ranyak

For those of you who do not have health care insurance, it is that time again to enroll in a health insurance plan through the New York State of Health, the state’s health insurance marketplace. If you have any questions or concerns regarding health insurance enrollment, please contact The Greater Hudson Valley Family Health Center’s Enabling Services Department. With our help, you will be able to complete the following in regard to 2015 enrollment: • Apply for a new Marketplace health insurance plan by February 15, 2015; • Keep a current health insurance plan. Re-enroll before December 15, 2014; or • Pick a new plan.

Need to Know More About Health Insurance Enrollment?

Join GHVFHC for an Affordable Care Act (ACA) Open Enrollment Information Session on the following Saturdays: December 13, 2014 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

February 7, 2015 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Enabling Services Department The Kaplan Family Pavilion 147 Lake Street, Newburgh (845) 563-8000

Our Enabling Services team is dedicated to helping you choose a plan that is right for you and your family. At The Greater Hudson Valley Family Health Center, we make access to health insurance enrollment assistance a priority. For more information, call (845) 563-8000.

Health Insurance Enrollment Check List Social Security Card Home and/or mailing address Employee and Income Information

Pay Stubs

W-2 Forms

Wage and tax statements Document number for legal immigrants Best estimate of your 2015 household income Policy numbers for current health insurance plans Notices from your current plan (ie: Plan ID)

All of this information should be provided for each member of your household looking to enroll in a health insurance plan.

GHVFHC Board of Directors Chairman Charlie Milich

RAL Supply Group

Vice Chair Marcel Martino Inspire

Treasurer Wayne Day, CPA, MBA Day Seckler, LLP

Secretary David Dendy

Fine & Associates Engineering

Immediate Past Chair Paul Broadie II, Ph.D. Orange County Community College

Board Members Rev. Nelson McAllister Retired

Paul Ernenwein, Esq. Catania, Mahon, Milligram & Rider, PLLC

Floyd Johnson Engineer

Daisy Vale Retired

Rhonda Green

Youth Advocate Programs, Inc.

Debra Johnson

William A. Smith & Son, Inc.

Thank you to all of our board members for their continued support and dedication to our organization!

Departments Working Together

Peds Partners with Dental & Urgent Care Dental Care in Pediatrics

By Richard Herman, DDS, Chief of Dental Services

How old do you think a child should be when they come for his or her first dental visit? If you said three, four or even two you would be wrong!

GHVFHC’s Dental Department prefers to see children right after their first tooth erupts and no later than one year of age. Why is this important? Because many children have cavities by the age of two. Also, 1 out of 4 children have a cavity by age four.

GHVFHC pediatric patient receiving a cleaning

With early preventative care, dental health is addressed before issues occur. Little ones don’t have to get cavities at such a young age or ever!

Did you know that GHVFHC’s Dental Department also offers dental care in the Pediatric Department? Since it is important for children under the age of one to start receiving dental care, GHVFHC dental and pediatric staff work closely to provide dental cleanings and screenings for children ages one to three. For more information about these services, call (845) 563-8000.

GHVFHC Opens Pediatric Urgent Care

GHVFHC’s new Pediatric Urgent Care is now open and is convenient for pediatric patients and their parents! With this new service, parents can complete express registration for their child who is seeing their pediatric provider for an urgent medical issue. Young patients also have access to an iPad to keep them entertained during their appointment, which is extremely helpful for those times when a child is not feeling well.

“The Pediatric Urgent Care gives pediatric patients the ability to see their pediatric providers and allows new patients access to our services,” said GHVFHC Chief Medical Officer and Pediatrician, Avi Silber, MD. GHVFHC’s Pediatricians spend a little extra time with these patients to make sure a child also is up-to-date on well visits, lead screenings, immunizations, as well as to schedule a follow-up appointment.

The Pediatric Urgent Care is housed in the Urgent Care Department, located at 147 Lake Street, Newburgh. GHVFHC’s Pediatricians are available in the Urgent Care Department every Monday through Friday from 4 - 8 p.m. No appointment necessary! If you have any questions, please call (845) 563-8000.

Over 350 patients have used the Pediatric Urgent Care since its grand-opening in September 2014!

Signing up for the Patient Portal To sign up for the Patient Portal, click on the yellow Portal link on GHVFHC’s homepage at www.ghvfhc.org.

How our Patient Portal Helps You A Practice Manager’s Point of View

GHVFHC’s Patient Portal was recently updated! This online tool allows you to securely view your health information from your computer or smartphone anytime. You can request an appointment, e-mail your provider, view lab results, refill your prescription, or pay your medical bills (Coming Soon).

Here is what our team has to say about the Patient Portal: “The Patient Portal saves our patients’ time! The portal allows GHVFHC’s patients to ask questions or make requests on their time. Patients do not have to be on hold or wait for an answer.”

- Kiersha McAdam, Internal Medicine Practice Manager

“We have had much success communicating with breastfeeding moms via the Patient

Portal. New moms do not get much sleep but have many questions that need answers.

Having the ability as a new mom to send in a breastfeeding question at 3 a.m., rather

than waiting until the office opens, shows our patients that we are here for them 24 hours a day.”

For your smartphone, download the free “GoPatient” app from your App or Play Store.

- Jamie Ackerly, OB/GYN Practice Manager

Contact GHVFHC’s Informatics Department at emrhelpdesk@ghvfhc.org, if you have any questions about the Patient Portal.

request immunization records or last physical exam for school or sports.”

“Our parents in the Pediatric Department love how easy it is to ask nurses questions,

make appointments, and get their child’s information quickly and privately. Our parents have all kinds of questions for either the nurses or our providers and they are able to - Nan Burroughs, Pediatric Practice Manager

“Patients’ concerns and questions are answered rather quickly. If a patient asks questions regarding their visit in Urgent Care or needs a copy of their test results we can send it securely via email.”

- Nanci Solis, Urgent Care Practice Manager

Winter Health Tips

Here are useful tips provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that will help you stay healthy as the weather gets colder.

Wash your hands Stay warm Don’t stress Travel safely Be smoke-free Get Check-ups Prevent injuries

Red Cross Blood Drive in September Nearly 40 Individuals Make Donations

In September 2014, The Greater Hudson Valley Family Health Center participated in an American Red Cross blood drive. We are proud to announce that because of the nearly 40 individuals who donated blood, about 100 patients will directly benefit from these donations. Congratulations to the 16 individuals who donated for the first time! For more information about donating blood or to volunteer, contact:

American Red Cross Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter (845) 471-0200

The Effect of Your Voice

Advocacy: Giving Our Patients a Voice Congressman Maloney Visits Health Center

In the last week of October, GHVFHC participated in the Community Health Care Association of New York State’s (CHCANYS) advocacy efforts to urge members of Congress to address the funding cliff that would cause a 70 percent reduction in funding for every Health Center nationwide.

Thanks to our Health Center Advocates, GHVFHC was the top health center in the state to reach elected officials, stressing that funding allocated to Health Centers matter to our patients and our community.

Our voices will continue to make a difference as we communicate and build relationships with elected officials.

R to L: New York State Senator William “Bill” Larkin; Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney; GHVFHC President & CEO Linda S. Muller; and New York State Assemblyman James Skoufis

Within the last year, The Greater Hudson Valley Family Health Center has participated in many advocacy efforts on behalf of our patients and the community.

This was made possible by the continued support of several elected officials, including United States Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), New York State Senator William “Bill” Larkin (R-NY), and Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY, 18th District).

A huge thank you to Congressman Maloney who visited the Health Center not once, but twice within the last few months! In August 2014, Congressman Maloney accepted the 2014 Distinguished Community Health Center Advocate Award at the Health Center on behalf of the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC).

Are you interested in having your voices heard? Become a Health Center Advocate today!

For more information, visit saveourchcs.org and click on “Join the Campaign.” Taking these easy steps with allow you to receive the right care, at the right time, in an environment that is right for you.

Then, in September 2014, Congressman Maloney and his colleague Senator Larkin hosted a press conference in partnership with GHVFHC to address the growing concerns of prescription drug abuse. Both the Congressman and Senator voiced the importance of combating the drug abuse epidemic currently spreading across the county and state. Both elected officials credited GHVFHC for being at the forefront of these efforts with the mention of the Health Center’s chemical dependency and substance abuse treatment facility, Center for Recovery, as well as the Narcan training, which took place immediately following the press conference.

This training certified health care professionals and others to use Narcan, an overdose reversal agent.

Patient advocacy is one of our main priorities. As we further address the growing needs of our patients and the community, we will continue to work closely with elected officials. With their support, we will be able to provide improved medical care and services to all our patients. Thank you to those policymakers who give our patients a voice and fight for the care that every individual deserves.

Meet our Health Educators

Health Education Spotlight

LGBTQ at the Family Health Center

Name:

Annia Reyes

Position:

Health Education Coordinator

Health Ed classes taught:

Tobacco Cessation, Living Well with Diabetes, Managing your Health, ShopRite Grocery Store Tour, etc.

Reason for becoming a health educator at GHVFHC: Ever since I was in college, I have been interested in health education. I began my career as an AmeriCorps VISTA. Twenty years later, I still love teaching.

Fun Fact:

I have a terrier named Natalie!

Name:

Lesly Retamozo

Position:

Health Educator

Health Ed classes taught:

Fit for Life, Tobacco Cessation, Living Well with Diabetes, Managing your Health, Cooking Demonstration, etc.

Reason for becoming a health educator at GHVFHC:

My personal experiences growing up in Newburgh and learning about the persistent disparities in health care compelled me to choose a career where I could give back and make a significant impact on my community.

Fun Fact:

I love trying new healthy recipes.

Name:

Whitney Thompson

Position:

AmeriCorps Health Educator

Health Ed classes taught:

Fit for Life & Living Well with Diabetes

Reason for becoming a health educator at GHVFHC:

I am planning to go to medical school and want to gain experience working with patients before doing so.

Fun Fact:

I help train guide dogs through Guiding Eyes for the Blind.

R to L: GHVFHC Health Educator, Lesly Retamozo and GHVFHC Health Education Coordinator, Annia Reyes at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center in August 2014

Do you want to learn more about how The Greater Hudson Valley Family Health Center best meets the needs of our patients who identify as LGBTQ? Here is what Annia Reyes, GHVFHC Health Education Coordinator had to say. She is the driving force behind our LGBTQ initiatives and programs.

Q: What programs are currently being offered at the Health Center that are specific to the LGBTQ community?

A: We are involved in many initiatives—we offer regular trainings and webinars in partnership with the Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center.

We primarily cover cultural competency and LGBTQ health-related concerns.

Q: How many individuals have participated in the programs?

A: To date, over 100 individuals have taken advantage of the programs that we offer. I hope to reach more members of the LGBTQ community and those who work with this population.

Q: What other resources are available to patients who identify as LGBTQ? A: There are many resources available through the Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center that we share with our staff and patients. We also have created a work-group specific to LGBTQ issues.

Q: What are the goals of the work group?

A: To actively develop GHVFHC as an LGBTQ-friendly practice. Right now, we have seven dedicated employees who meet regularly to make this happen.

Q: What are the benefits of partnering with the LGBTQ Community Center?

A: Many of the individuals who work at the community center identify as LGBTQ. They are able to provide real life examples of what it means to be part of the LGBTQ community. They also offer a lot of clarification and resources to our staff who are looking to better understand the needs of our LGBTQ patients.

Q: This is an initiative that you have played a major role in. What has been the most rewarding about the process?

A: One of the best parts of this initiative is witnessing the sincere interest and eagerness of GHVFHC employees and leadership to learn about LGBTQ issues. It is very apparent that the Health Center is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for the LGBTQ community.

Q: You mentioned that GHVFHC employees have commented on how these efforts have made a significant difference in their professional and personal lives.

How so?

A: After one of our LGBTQ meetings, one of our providers told me that they have a greater respect for what GHVFHC chooses to accomplish as a Community Health Center...

(continued) It was touching to hear that these efforts positively impact those who are striving to provide care in an understanding and open manner.

An LGBTQ Program for you At the Health Center is it our mission to provide high quality, affordable health care to everyone who walks through our doors. One of our goals is to be aware of the needs of the LGBTQ community and to offer resources that will benefit the LGBTQ population that we serve.

The following is just one program that we have available to the LGBTQ Community:

Voices of Diversity

an LGBTQ Support Group for People of Color This social and support group meets every other month at GHVFHC on the third Saturday of the month.

For more information, contact voicesdiversity@aol.com

2014 Health Screening Day

Recognized in the Community

Linda S. Muller, Dave Jolly & Anthony Mariani

Children at GHVFHC’s 5th Annual Health Screening Day in Newburgh.

Linda S. Muller, MS GHVFHC President & CEO

Dave Jolly GHVFHC Chief Operating Officer

Anthony Mariani Director of New Projects & Initiatives

GHVFHC CEO Receives Distinguished CHCANYS Award In October 2014, The Greater Hudson Valley Family Health Center’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Linda S. Muller, received the Jeffrey T. Latman Memorial Award from the Community Health Care Association of New York State (CHCANYS).

Dental screenings with Pushpa Naik, DDS. Nearly 200 people received dental screenings.

Each year, the award is given to a health care professional who has advanced the delivery of medical care and the depth and scope of services offered at a Community Health Center.

The award is named in honor of Jeffrey T. Latman, founder of Jeffrey T. Latman & Co., CPA, P.C., a health care accounting firm later known as Health Services Group.

Throughout his career, Jeffrey T. Latman worked closely with The Greater Hudson Valley Family Health Center. Linda is extremely honored to have receive such an esteemed award in memory of her dear friend and colleague.

Linda received the award at the 2014 CHCANYS State Conference & Clinical Forum. She is one of ten individuals to ever receive the award.

GHVFHC’s Dave Jolly Recognized by HONORehg Children examining their pediatric growth charts courtesy of GHVFHC.

GHVFHC Chief Operating Officer, Dave Jolly, received the Rabbi Schwab Leadership Award from HONORehg for his unwavering support to the organization and its mission. Dave’s passion for helping those who need it most has been exemplified over the last 10 years through his tenure as Orange County Commissioner of Social Services and continues with his leadership role at The Greater Hudson Valley Family Health Center. Congratulations, Dave!

Member of GHVFHC’s Advancement Team Named Orange County ‘Rising Star’

GHVFHC Staff: Anthony Mariani, Linda S. Muller, and Richard Herman, DDS.

GHVFHC Director of New Projects and Initiatives, Anthony Mariani, received the Rising Stars Award, which is presented each year to individuals between the ages of 21 and 40 who live, work, or volunteer in Orange County. ‘Rising Stars’ exhibit qualities such as leadership, vision, innovation, experience, and achievement.

Congratulations, Anthony!

Photos From the Night

Pillars of the Community Awards Gala Fall 2014

GHVFHC Board Member Daisy Vale and her husband, Pablo.

R to L: Pillars Honoree Sharon “Jellybean” Warantz; GHVFHC President & CEO, Linda Muller, Pillars Honorees Josh Sommers and Johann Huleatt from The Bruderhof Community.

New York State Senator Bill Larkin and 2014 Pillars Honoree Josh Sommers.

On Saturday, November 1, 2014 over 400 Friends of The Greater Hudson Valley Family Health Center gathered to celebrate the 15th Annual Pillars of the Community Awards Gala and pay tribute to the 2014 honorees.

Sharon “Jellybean” Warantz of Jellybean Promotions accepted an award for lifetime achievement. Josh Sommers, President of Focus Media, and the Bruderhof Communities were honored for Outstanding Community Service. Their contributions to the communities they serve, their fellowship, and their generosity of time and talent were recognized by the Family Health Center and all of the Gala guests, believing as we do, that Health Care is A Right and Not a Privilege.

L to R: Chief Medical Officer, Avi Silber, MD; Chief Advancement Officer, Jonnie Wesley-Krueger; Chief Operating Officer, Dave Jolly; CEO & President, Linda Muller; Chief Financial Officer, Patrick Murphy & Director of Development, Regina McGrade.

Thank you to all our 2014 Pillars of the Community Awards Gala Sponsors!

Each year the Gala has grown in size and is ever a more beautiful evening. The Pillars Gala is The Health Centers single major fundraiser and did not disappoint this year. Over $125,000 was raised through sponsorships, donations, and commemorative journal support.

This amazing financial support will help the Health Center’s pediatric literacy program, outreach and health education programs that include medical care for the homeless and dental screenings and care for seniors via our Mobile Health Van as well as numerous other clinical services.

Charlie Milich, Board Chair stated, “Over the past 10 years, I have watched this Health Center grow tremendously from a small facility to one on the cutting edge of health care. Together we have been able to enhance the lives of patients and others living in the Hudson Valley.”