18-19 JUL 2024
There is no goal impossible to achieve when we work together.
This summit was made possible by the collaboration of
Message from the CEO of Acacia Network
Dear partners and friends,
In January of 2022, the Biden-Harris Administration announced the awarding of $103 million in American Rescue Plan Funds to reduce burnout and promote mental health and wellness amongst healthcare workers. Through this initiative, Acacia Network’s primary care arm, La Casa de Salud, was awarded $2.96 million from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to support healthcare entities and federally qualified health centers (FQHCs).
Given Acacia’s longstanding footprint in Puerto Rico, we extended our project and funding to our network of partners on the island in order to provide support to healthcare providers within medically underserved communities in Puerto Rico. We proposed to carry out the work in partnership with our Agendas Comunes Coalition, a network of partners from the primary care, behavioral health, and social service sectors that were brought together by Acacia Network to explore potential avenues for collaboration and develop initiatives to support the wellbeing of underserved communities in Puerto Rico.
Today, we are proud to see the fruits of this incredible labor of love, which has been made possible thanks to the passion and dedication of the staff and leaders in each of these agencies. Together, we have not only made a real difference, but we’ve saved lives. Eternamente agradecida,
CEO Acacia Network
HRSA SUMMIT 2024 | PUERTO RICO
ABOUT OUR LEADERS
Kate Hilton is Faculty and Lead Coach in IHI’s partnership with the Health and Public Safety Workforce Resiliency Technical Assistance Center, the Workforce Change Collaborative, a HRSAfunded center that supports health professional workforce grantees in their on-the-ground efforts to promote wellness and reduce burnout among health and public safety workers and trainees and create better working and learning environments across the United States. Since 2019, Kate has contributed to IHI’s Wellbeing & Joy in Work Results-Oriented Learning Networks, supporting health care organizations to boost joy in work, increase staff engagement and productivity, and improve overall quality of care and experience for staff and patients. She was Lead Faculty in an IHI collaboration to improve staff wellbeing and leadership with Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in England. Kate also contributes to Safer Care Victoria’s joy in work learning network in Australia and the American Society of Health System Pharmacists Wellbeing Ambassador program in the United States. She co-authored IHI’s Conversation & Action Guide to Support Staff Wellbeing & Joy in Work During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Lauren Mendenhall is an experienced and dynamic healthcare professional with over 17 years of experience in the healthcare industry. She presently serves as La Casa de Salud’s Executive Director, responsible for overseeing all programmatic and operational aspects of LCDS. Prior to this role, she served as Acacia Network’s Vice President of Primary Care and Quality Improvement, responsible for leading and managing the overall operations and staff of our Federally Qualified Health Care (FQHC) clinics, in addition to establishing and overseeing Acacia’s quality improvement and informatics infrastructure and leading the Network’s efforts to transform its framework in order to thrive in a valuebased care environment. Prior to her role at Acacia Network, Lauren worked at Ryan Health for 13 years, a FQHC in NYC where she rose through the ranks to ultimately lead the agency’s QI Program. There she built a data-driven QI culture, led DSRIP and managed care efforts to maximize reimbursement, and developed sustainable, system level changes to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs. She also has nearly a decade of extensive experience in strategy, planning and development and project management. Lauren earned her BA from the University of California Santa Barbara, and attended New York University for Project Management and Not-For-Profit Business and Management.
Kate B.
Lauren Hilton Mendenhall
Faculty Institute for Health Care
Executive Director
La Casa de Salud
Dr. Humberto A. Cruz Esparra is a clinical psychology researcher, primarily contributing to the field by utilizing Implementation Science strategies to address mental health disparities related to treatment delivery. He obtained a BS degree in Biology with a Psychology minor at the University of Puerto Rico. Subsequently, he completed master’s and doctoral degrees in Behavioral Sciences in Counseling Psychology. In 2020, he pursued post-doctoral studies at the University of South Carolina Medical School, specializing in Bio-behavioral Medicine. He is completing a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Clinical and Translational Science at the University of Puerto Rico, Medical Science Campus, where his clinical work will concentrate on Cultural adaptations to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to treat depression and anxiety among the rural population in Puerto Rico. In his professional role as the Clinical Director at Mennonite CIMA Hospital, Dr. Cruz-Esparra oversees the clinical logistics of federal grants from SAHMSA and HRSA to mitigate mental health disparities among healthcare workers specifically Physician Burnout and Moral injury. He is also involved in developing evidence-based protocols to reduce mental health disparities and address gaps in Psychiatry/Psychological delivery for patients diagnosed with depression and anxiety in Puerto Rico’s rural regions.
Mr. Ángel M.
Santini Palos
Vice President of Special Projects, Events & Cultural Programs
Dr. Humberto A.
Cruz Esparra
ClinIcal Director
CIMA Mennonite Hospital
Angel Santini joined Acacia Network in 2016 after working with its affiliate, the Institute for the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Elderly (IPRHE) for more than a decade. In his present role, he oversees the planning and fundraising efforts for diverse special initiatives across the network, including cultural and senior programming, as well as regional initiatives across Upstate New York and Puerto Rico.
Angel has been instrumental to Acacia Network’s relief efforts in Puerto Rico during the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, the subsequent earthquakes, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Among other critical initiatives, Angel secured and coordinated the delivery of first aid articles and emergency food to the communities hardest hit by these disasters, and organized wellness and cultural activities around the island.
Since 2023, he has also served as Project Manager for Acacia Network and La Casa de Salud’s work in Puerto Rico through the “Promoting Resilience and Mental Health Among Health Professional Workforce (PRMHW)” Program, funded by HRSA. Prior to joining Acacia Network and to his work as an events planner for IPRHE, Angel served as Ambassador for the Puerto Rico Convention Bureau, worked in the Cultural Affairs Department for the New York Office of the Puerto Rico Governor, and served as Special Assistant to the Mayor of Caguas, Puerto Rico. For more than 25 years, he has also been involved with Comité Noviembre (CN), a nonprofit organization dedicated to commemorating and acknowledging the invaluable contributions of Puerto Ricans across the United States.
Agenda
HRSA SUMMIT 2024
PUERTO RICO
THURSDAY | July 18 | 2024
1 DAY
1:00 PM- 1:30 PM |
Registration
Participants will receive a Welcome Package that includes a gift, name tag and general information, as well as instructions to validate parking tickets ($15 flat rate per day).
1:30 PM- 2:10 PM |
Opening of the Summit
Recognition of special guests and welcome remarks.
2:10 PM- 2:30 PM |
Our Team, our Commitment
Presentation of the teams of each agency and its staff. Then, you will discover the magnitude of this program and how Puerto Rico has made a significant impact around the world.
2:30 PM- 3:00 PM |
Ice-Breaker Exercise
It’s time to have some fun during an energetic ice breaker facilitated by Angeliz Pagán from Salud Integral en la Montaña (SIM) and Christopher Velazquez from Hospital Menonita CIMA.
3:00 PM- 4:00 PM |
About this Summit
Learn more about the objectives of the summit, the daily agenda, as well as the workshops and plenaries that will be offered the next day.
4:00 PM- 5:00 PM |
Team Building Exercise
Alert, treasure seekers! You have been chosen to try to open the lost treasure chest! Together as a group, you must find solutions to various challenges to obtain the key to the treasure. Only one group will take the contents of the chest. Will you be the first? Facilitated by: Carlos M. Martínez Pérez
6:00 PM- 8:00 PM |
Workplace Social Event
A great opportunity to unwind and network! This event will take
Agenda
HRSA SUMMIT 2024
PUERTO RICO
FRIDAY | July 19 | 2024
7:30 AM- 8:30 PM |
2 DAY
Breakfast
Start your day with energy: Breakfast and coffee will be served on the first floor in front of the Ballroom. ¡Buen provecho!
9:00 AM - 9:10 AM |
9:10 AM- 10:30 AM |
Warm Up Activity
“IKIGAI” | Kate Hilton
Learn about “Ikigai”, the Japanese concept of “a reason for being.” We will explore how combining what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs and what you can be paid for can lead to a fulfilling life. Discover your unique Ikigai and create a life of meaning and joy.
15-Minute Break 10:30 AM - 10:45 AM |
10:45 AM - 11:30 AM |
Ending Well | Kate Hilton
How is our psychological response to change? Let’s find ways to “end well” as programs and activities change and/or come to a natural close
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM |
Lunch & Relax Time!
LUNCH MENU: Plantain Soup | Caesar Salad | Your choose of a Grilled Chicken or Charcoal Flank Steak. You can add Seasonal Vegetables with Cilantro Butter & Lime Sauce or “Mamposteao” rice. Enjoy the delicious Guava Cheesecake. You can also ask for the Hotel Menu (not included).
RELAX TIME: Enjoy a relaxing room in Ballroom #4.
1:30 PM - 2:45 PM |
The achievements |
Dr. Humberto Cruz & Lauren Mendenhall
Join us for an evaluation session where we will analyze the demographics of individuals served by our program and review the quantitative outcomes and impact. This session will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of our initiatives, highlight key achievements, and identify areas for improvement to better serve our community’s healthcare needs. Attendees will gain a thorough understanding of our program’s reach and its tangible benefits, supported by detailed data analysis and outcome metrics.
15-Minute Break 2:45 AM - 3:00 PM |
3:00 PM - 3:45 PM |
Discussion Panel
Panel made up of participants from the 8 agencies that were part of the project. We will talk about personal experiences, the importance of self-care, the challenges and lessons learned, and the impact of the program on health systems and the well-being of patients.
3:45 PM - 4:30 PM | 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM |
Sustainability | Dr. Humberto Cruz
Learn about “MOCHA” as tool for identify what needs to be done ensure sustainability of your programs.
Closing Remarks & Announcements
ABOUT OUR TEAMS
We are thrilled to highlight the remarkable teams whose commitment and effort have been the cornerstone of this program’s success.
Each team member’s dedication and hard work have driven the project’s achievements, ensuring we meet our goals and create impactful results. Their collaboration and innovative approach have been crucial in navigating challenges and delivering outstanding outcomes.
The contributions of these teams have truly been instrumental in making the “Agendas Comunes” project a success. We invite you to learn more about their organizations and the significant impact they make.
ACACIA NETWORK
Acacia Network is one of the leading human services organizations in New York City and one of the largest Hispanic-led nonprofits in the State.
With more than 100+ affiliates across six states and Puerto Rico, we serve more than 150,000 individuals annually through integrated, culturally-competent, and trauma-informed programs in the areas of health, housing, social services, economic development, and cultural revitalization.
Our Network is comprised of more than 100 affiliates and over 2,700 employees across four boroughs in New York City, Buffalo, Albany, Dunkirk, Rochester, and Syracuse in New York State, as well as Maryland, Tennessee,
Palacio Dorado Home for Elderly in Toa Alta, Puerto Rico
Palacio Dorado Christmas celebration.
Community Aid | After the earthquakes in Guánica, Puerto Rico Health Fairs | Puerto Rico
La Casa de Salud
La Casa de Salud (LCDS) is a network of community health centers in the Bronx, New York.
La Casa de Salud (LCDS) is a network of community health centers committed to improving health outcomes in underserved communities by increasing access to integrated primary care & behavioral health services. Our community clinics and federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) provide a robust array of bilingual, culturally competent services for patients of all ages, regardless of their ability to pay.
We accept all major insurances, including Medicaid and Medicare, and offer sliding scale fees for uninsured patients. Our patients may also be eligible for our Pharmacy Assistance Program.
For more information or to schedule an appointment at any of our Health Care Centers, visit lacasadesalud.org or call (718)734-2539.
Casa La Providencia
The doors of Casa La Providencia are always open for those who need assistance.
Casa La Providencia is dedicated to the recovery of adult women struggling with substance abuse. It is a program with a biopsychosocial-spiritual approach for the treatment and recovery of women dependent on the use of drugs and/or alcohol, various problems derived from gender violence.
The program is based on spiritual principles and has an interdisciplinary team of professionals, such as psychiatrists, therapists, nurses and social workers and group assistants. Additionally, the Oblate Sisters provide spiritual development.
The community of former residents is organized into mutual support groups to facilitate a successful transition into society upon completion of the program.
CIMA | Mennonite Hospital
It is the first Mental Health Hospital in Puerto Rico! It has served 1.5M patients and has more than 500 professionals.
CIMA provides the tools for mental, physical and spiritual recovery, in a comfortable, healthy environment and with Christian love. Its mission is to offer excellent mental health services to help every human being reach the HEIGHT of their potential. They are part of the community and provide support, guidance and treatments aimed at preventing suicide, highrisk behaviors and mental health conditions such as depression, bipolarity, addictive disorders, alcohol use and abuse, schizophrenia, anxiety, among others. They also offer services through conveniently located outpatient clinics for children, adolescents and adults in the primary service region.
TIn 2023 they received the “Leading Mental Health Recovery” award given by the Association of Industrialists of Puerto Rico during the Health Industry Summit 2023.
Corporación SANOS
SANOS Corporation is and will be a community health center. Its Board of Directors includes patients, educators, private companies and the government.
The SANOS Corporation is a non-profit organization founded on June 5, 2005 by the Autonomous Municipality of Caguas, with the main purpose of promoting, developing and participating in initiatives that contribute to making the “cagüeños” the healthiest in the country. Since 2011, SANOS is a Primary Health Center qualified by the federal government by receiving funds from section 330 of the Federal Public Health Law. Since December 2012, SANOS has been a provider of physical and mental health services and treatment for problematic substance use to the beneficiary population of the Health Plan of the Government of Puerto Rico.
Through the different programs and services they hope to achieve optimal comprehensive health for the patients who attend their facilities.
Equality Clinic
Equality Clinic is a non-profit organization that reaches out to communities, especially those marginalized and forgotten, to provide physical and mental health.
Equality Clinic by Aracelys Amador, has attended more than 1,800 patients, including orientation to prevent STI’s, more than 4,000 HIV 1 and 2, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis tests. In coordination with the Department of Health of Puerto Rico, we provide COVID-19 vaccine to our patients. Their services includes: Rapid HIV Tests (4th Gen), STI’s Tests, pregnancy tests, contraceptives, STI Prevention Program , HIV Treatments and general health.
All of these services are offered by bringing clinics directly to the community. The services do not represent any cost to the patient. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we not only support patients with their treatment, but we also bring food and essential items to quarantined patients. We also offered solid support in prevention by distributing masks, alcohol and disposable medical clothing to the Puerto Rico Medical Center of Rio Piedras, Sur-Med Medical Center of Salinas, several municipalities, police and firefighters stations, nursing homes and the community throughout the island.
Estancia Serena
Men dependent on drugs and alcohol Rehabilitation Program
The Estancia Serena, Inc. (ESI) men’s detox center was created by the Hon. Mayor of Juncos, Alfredo Alejandro Carrión and First Lady Medelicia “Cuca” Peña.
They, as parents, suffered the ravages of substance dependence in their home. This motivated them to extend a hand of solidarity to every Puerto Rican who suffers from this disease.
With a municipal investment of more than 2 million dollars, ESI is positively positioned among the few detoxification centers in Puerto Rico.
At Estancia Serena Inc. we work on the comprehensive well-being of employees with a holistic approach to promote health and balance between work and personal life. Over the past few months we have continued with activities and workshops emphasizing the understanding of being selfaware and making decisions that help achieve a state of optimal holistic health and well-being.
Migrant Health Center
MIGRANT is the first Federally Qualified Health Center on the Island that has received Patient-Centered Medical Home certification along with the Distinction in Integrated Behavioral Health Services.
Migrant Health Center Western Region, Inc. (MIGRANT) is a non-profit organization in operation since 1971. For more than 50 years it has provided high-quality, integrated health care services through 14 clinics located in the Northwest, West and southwest of Puerto Rico, serving more than 35,000 enrolled patients. Health services are offered under an integrated model that includes general practitioners, internal medicine, family medicine, HIV specialists, obstetricians/gynecologists, pediatricians, dentists, behavioral health (psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers), substance use treatment, treatment for opioid use with buprenorphine, laboratory, pharmacy, optometry, radiology, health education, nutritionists, ancillary services, case management and community outreach, among others. MIGRANT has a Special Projects Division that focuses on providing prevention services and linkage to treatment to historically marginalized populations. Services include: Prevention and treatment for patients with HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, preventive and behavioral health for the homeless, treatment for injection drug users, among others.
Additionally, MIGRANT stands out for its BRAVE Project, whose vision is to create a resilient and motivated work environment that promotes the emotional health and well-being of employees. Project BRAVE focuses on psychoeducational strategies and evidence-based treatments for the well-being of all employees.
Salud Integral en la Montaña
They provide medical assistance to more than 50,000 patients in the Mountain. They also have been members of the Lares HIV/AIDS Consortium since 1997.
Salud Integral en la Montaña, Inc. (SIM) is located in the north central region of Puerto Rico. They are a non-profit, community-based organization, incorporated into the Department of State since 1974, recognized by the federal government as a “Federally Qualified Health Center” with a grant under section 330 of the Federal Public Health Law. They provide primary and preventive health care. They serve low-income communities with limited medical care through our Comprehensive Health centers located in the municipalities of Barranquitas, Bayamón, Comerío, Corozal, Naranjito, Orocovis and Toa Alta. SIM have a wide range of clinical services and specialized programs, such as Home Health and Hospicio La Montaña, among others. They currently have the Behavioral Health Program which aims to Integrate Mental Health services into the existing Primary Care model.
Likewise, it has the V.I.D.A Project aims to develop relevant strategies for the prevention and care of burnout syndrome in its employees. Through this project they have impacted more than 700 employees, giving them the time and dedication to prevent burnout syndrome.
SUMMIT TEAM
Ice-Breaker Exercise
CHRISTOPHER ANGELYZ Velázquez Díaz Pagán Fernández
Industrial Organizational Psychology Consultant
PAE Program - CIMA
Clinical Social Worker
V.I.D.A. Project Salud Integral en la Montaña
Master of Ceremonies Team Building Exercise
DRA. IVETTE
CARLOS MIGUEL Lopez Sepúlveda Martínez Pérez
DR. GUILLERMO
Garcia Hall
Clinical Psychologist
CIMA Mennonite Hospital
GLORIA
Santiago Tirado
Financial Director
Equality Clinic by Aracelys Amador
NANCY
Carrasco
Executive Director
Estancia Serena
DRA. ALEJANDRA
Ramírez de Arellano
Clinical Psychologist
Corporación SANOS
DRA. VICTORIA
Larrieux Villanueva
Clinical Psychologist
Migrant Health Center
SANDRALI
Ortíz González
Clinical Social Worker
V.I.D.A. Project
Salud Integral en la Montaña
LOURDES
Moran Ojeda
Executive Director
Casa La Providencia
EVELYN M. Figueroa
Director of Behavioral
Health in Primary Care
La Casa de Salud
HRSA SUMMIT 2024 |
SPECIAL THANKS
DEPARTMENT OF TELE-RADIAL COMMUNICATION
The Department of Tele Radio Communication at the University of Puerto Rico in Arecibo, founded in 1982, offers a Bachelor’s Degree program in Tele Radio Communication Technology. The Department began its course offering with an Associate Degree program, a program that concluded in 2007. In 1990 the Department began offering the Baccalaureate program. Currently, about 400 students from all over Puerto Rico study here. The program offers a flexible curriculum, allowing the selection of courses that fit each student’s career goals.
We are very honored to have your support in the production of the HRSA PR Summit 2024. We wish you success in your career.
ANILYN Díaz Communications Professor - UPRA
DANIELLA Olivo Communications Student - UPRA
YAMALIS M. Lugo Pérez Communications Student - UPRA
KIARA E. Román Communications Student - UPRA
