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We Want to Ease Your Mind about the J&J Vaccine Pause with Facts.

Posted on by Community Health Net in ,

With the pause of the Johnson & Johnson Vaccine – we want to ease your mind a bit with some facts around the pause:

  •  6 people out of 6.8 million who received the J&J vaccine developed a blood clot.
  • All were women who developed blood clots.
  • 1 woman died from it.
  • In all the women, the blood clots developed 6 to 13 days after receiving the vaccine.
  • Signs of developing a clot are severe headache, pain in your abdomen or legs, shortness of breath.
  • If you develop any of the above signs within 3 weeks after receiving a J&J vaccine, see your doctor immediately and inform him or her that you received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
  • Your doctor needs to know you received the J&J vaccine because if you do have a blood clot, your doctor will treat it differently than other clots.
  • Do NOT hesitate to see your doctor or go to the ER, regardless if your female or male.

For more information, visit the CDC website.

Community Health Net Receives Over $2.6mm in Federal Funds

Posted on by Community Health Net in

The funding was distributed to health centers under the American Rescue Plan Act.

Erie, Pa. – April 12, 2021 – Community Health Net (CHN), the leading Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving the Lake Erie region, announced it had received $2,601,625 in federal funds under the American Rescue Plan Act.  The funds, distributed by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), are part of a $6 billion investment in the country’s 1,377 community health centers nationwide by the Biden Administration.  An estimated $157,607,000 was distributed to support Pennsylvania’s 42 health centers.

“The Administration’s intent in providing this funding to health centers was to help increase access and confidence in COVID-19 vaccines by empowering local, trusted health professionals,“ said Craig Ulmer, CEO of Community Health Net.  “We are genuinely excited to receive this investment and put it to work to help the people of Erie and the place we love and call home.”

Community Health Net will use the money to support and expand COVID-19 vaccination, testing, and treatment for vulnerable populations, while delivering needed preventive and primary health care services to those at higher risk for COVID-19.  The funds will expand the organization’s operational capacity during the pandemic and beyond, including modifying and improving physical infrastructure.

“Our patients remain our priority.  And COVID-19 vaccination, testing, and treatment for underserved urban and rural populations in the region will continue to take precedence,” said Ulmer.  “As we look to the future, we will rely on our strategic plan as our compass, as we endeavor to make Erie a healthy and vibrant community.”

The media is invited to contact Community Heath Net for comment. 814.454.4530 x227

About Community Health Net
Community Health Net is the preeminent, community-focused healthcare network that advances the wellness of the region.  Our mission is to improve our region’s quality of life by providing professional healthcare services with compassion, respect, and dignity to all. We are a Federally Qualified Health Center with seven locations serving the Lake Erie region for over 35 years.

Acknowledgment

This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $2,601,625 with 0% financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.  For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.

Aetna Better Health Donates Vehicle to Community Health Net During Special Reveal at Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel

Posted on by Community Health Net in ,

Erie, Pa. – April 9, 2021 – Community Health Net (CHN), the leading Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving the Lake Erie region, announced the unveiling of a new vehicle donated and wrapped to reflect Erie’s culture and vitality by Aetna Better Health, the Medicaid managed care business of Aetna, a CVS Health company.  The van will provide transportation for area patients of the FQHC.  Leaders of CHN held a small, pandemic-safe, in-person event on Friday, April 9, at 3 pm, at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel, under the portico to commemorate the reveal.

 

“We are genuinely excited to receive this vehicle from a trusted partner who understands the need to mitigate barriers to quality healthcare for our patient population,“ said Craig Ulmer, CEO of Community Health Net.  “This vehicle is proof that Aetna Better Health is vested in Erie’s vitality, health, and well-being.  We share the same vision, and we look forward to using this means of patient transport to enhance a person’s total care experience.”

Each year, hundreds of people in Erie County do not obtain medical care due to transportation issues. Challenges such as these affect rural and urban areas resulting in missed or delayed health care appointments, increased health expenditures, and overall poorer health in communities. The lack of access to quality health care services is one of the five social determinants of health domains that affect a wide range of quality of life risks. Providing no-cost transportation to patients removes a critical barrier to enhance health outcomes.

“Aetna Better Health is committed to addressing inequities and improving health outcomes for our members and the communities we serve,” said Mary Kathryn Tronco, Director of Community Development, Aetna Better Health. “Donating this patient van helps remove barriers to care and makes access easier for those in need. Working with Community Health Net to provide no-cost transportation goes a long way toward achieving our common goal of being a part of the solution to create a healthier community.”

Community Health Net will use the van to provide transportation services throughout the region, using a concierge driver.  The driver will assist patients with questions about hours of operations at CHN facilities and drop-off and pickup times.  Placards in the vehicle will provide monthly health tips that the passenger can follow.

The media is invited to contact Community Heath Net for comment. 814.454.4530 x227

About Community Health Net
Community Health Net is the preeminent, community-focused healthcare network that advances the wellness of the region.  Our mission is to improve our region’s quality of life by providing professional healthcare services with compassion, respect, and dignity to all. We are a Federally Qualified Health Center with seven locations serving the Lake Erie region for over 35 years.

About Aetna Medicaid

Aetna Medicaid Administrators LLC (Aetna Medicaid), a CVS Health company, has over 30 years of experience managing the care of the most medically vulnerable, using innovative approaches and a local presence in each market to achieve both successful health care results and effective cost outcomes. Aetna Medicaid has particular expertise serving high-need Medicaid members, including those who are dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare. Currently, Aetna Medicaid owns and/or administers Medicaid-managed health care plans under the names of Aetna Better Health and other affiliate names. Together, these plans serve approximately 2.7 million people in 16 states, including Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Texas. For more information, see www.aetnabetterhealth.com

Pennie Extends COVID-19 Enrollment Period to August 15

Posted on by Community Health Net in ,

Uninsured Pennsylvanians or those affected by COVID-19 can visit pennie.com and enroll in a plan through August 15   

Harrisburg, PA – March 25, 2021 – On March 25, the Pennie Board of Directors unanimously voted to extend the current COVID-19 Enrollment Period to August 15, 2021, aligning with the federal extension which was announced earlier this week. Pennie is committed to providing ample time and opportunity for Pennsylvanians to access quality health coverage and financial assistance.

Pennie is currently working to implement and make a reality the significant and exciting savings provided through the American Rescue Plan. These savings will increase financial assistance to those who currently receive it and will ensure no one will be paying more than 8.5 percent of their income on premiums through Pennie for the next two years. An extended enrollment period will give individuals more time to enroll in health coverage and take advantage of the new opportunities for financial assistance once they are implemented. Pennie is committed to providing tangible relief for those who are struggling with the pandemic and its economic repercussions and feels it is necessary to provide an extension of the COVID-19 Enrollment Period to ensure accessible and affordable coverage is an option to all Pennsylvanians during this public health emergency.

Another piece of the American Rescue Plan is providing more generous assistance to those who lost their jobs but want to remain on their employer health insurance plans through COBRA. Currently, those laid-off workers have to pay the full cost of that coverage but under the American Rescue Plan, they will pay no premiums for this coverage from April through September. Following September, Pennie encourages anyone on COBRA to consider switching over to Pennie for their low-cost or no-cost premiums. Pennie will be adding this transition as a qualifying life event for customers to enroll through a Special Enrollment Period.

Pennie is the only source for financial assistance to help with the cost of coverage and care and can also link customers to free certified experts to assist with the application or plan selection process. Pennie encourages anyone who has found themselves uninsured and is seeking coverage, to visit pennie.com to learn more or to call Pennie customer care at 1-844-844-8040 before August 15.

About Pennie
Pennie is Pennsylvania’s state-affiliated health insurance marketplace created to reduce costs and better support the needs of customers purchasing health coverage. For more information, visit pennie.com or follow us on social at //fb.com/PenniePA and //Twitter.com/PennieOfficial.

April is National Alcohol Awareness Month

Posted on by Community Health Net in ,

Excessive alcohol use is responsible for approximately 95,000 deaths in the United States each year. This month, let’s increase the awareness of alcohol abuse.

 

Get the Facts.

  • People who drink alcohol are more likely to have job performance issues.
  • Drinking too much alcohol may cause health problems, such as:
    • high blood pressure
    • brain, liver, heart, nervous system problems
    • cancer
    • learning and memory problems, including dementia
    • mental health problems, including depression and anxiety

Take Action.

  • Identify your reasons. Make a list of the reasons you want to cut down on or stop drinking alcohol. You might want to ask a trusted friend or family member to help you make a complete list.
  • Make a plan. Set a date to stop drinking. Post the list in places where you can see it often.
  • Avoid stumbling blocks. Many things can interfere with meeting your goal to cut down on or stop drinking. If your current life revolves around alcohol use, you might need to choose new friends or a new lifestyle.
  • Reward yourself. Use the money that you are no longer spending on drinking to do something fun with your family or friends. Go out to eat, see a movie, or play sports or a game.

Getting Help

  • Some people can stop drinking on their own; others need medical help to manage the physical withdrawal process.
  • Many people attend self-help groups to help them stick to their plan to cut down or stop drinking. If you are not sure whether a self-help group is for you but would like to try, go to a group at least 3 times before you make your decision.
  • If you drank after successfully stopping (relapse), it does not mean that you have failed. Relapse is common. Begin again, using your experience to help you learn how to stick with your plan this time.
  • Alcoholism is a disease. Never feel ashamed for getting help.

 

Call Community Health Net to schedule an appointment with a provider today: (814) 455-7222. Or visit www.communityhealthnet.org for more information.

Our health information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist the public to learn more about their health. Community Health Net providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Health Facts is a public service partnership of Community Health Net and CF Cares of Country Fair Stores, Inc.

2021 Special Enrollment Period Access Extended to August 15, 2021

Posted on by Community Health Net in , ,

On March 23, 2021, President Biden announced that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is extending access to the Special Enrollment Period (SEP) until August 15 – giving consumers additional time to take advantage of new savings through the American Rescue Plan. This action provides new and current enrollees an additional three months to enroll or re-evaluate their coverage needs with increased tax credits available to reduce premiums.

“Every American deserves access to quality, affordable health care – especially as we fight back against the COVID-19 pandemic,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Through this Special Enrollment Period, the Biden Administration is giving the American people the chance they need to find an affordable health care plan that works for them. The American Rescue Plan will bring costs down for millions of Americans, and I encourage consumers to visit HealthCare.gov and sign up for a plan before August 15.”

  • To read the HHS press release, visit: HHS Press Release
  • To view the extended opportunity SEP fact sheet, visit: Extended Opportunity 2021 SEP Fact Sheet
  • See the updated technical guidance on the SEP at: SEP Technical Guidance
  • For FAQs on the 2021 SEP and the American Rescue Plan visit: SEP and ARP FAQs

Gov. Wolf and COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force Announce Plan to Vaccinate Teachers, Other School Staff

Posted on by Community Health Net in ,

Wolf administration, national guard, and local IUs partnering to administer the J&J vaccine Classroom learning and nutritious meals are important, especially for our youngest students

 

As part of the priority to safely and quickly get more students back in the classroom, Governor Tom Wolf and the COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force today announced that Pennsylvania will use the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) single-dose COVID-19 vaccine for PreK-12 teachers and other school staff.

The governor was joined by task force members Sen. Art Haywood, from the Senate Democratic Caucus, Rep. Bridget Kosierowski from the House Democratic Caucus, Sen. Ryan Aument from the Senate Republican Caucus, and Rep. Tim O’Neal from the House Republican Caucus.

“This new single-dose vaccine adds another layer of support to get students and teachers back in the classroom,” Gov. Wolf said. “Teachers and staff who work with our children will be vaccinated, and I commend the task force and all of our partners for their tremendous commitment to their schools and communities.”

Read more: http://bit.ly/308Oisf

March is National Nutrition Awareness Month!

Posted on by Community Health Net in ,

This month, all are encouraged to make informed food choices and develop sound eating habits they can follow all year.

Get the Facts.

Malnutrition occurs with too much or too little of certain nutrients. Undernutrition is a lack of vitamins, minerals, and other essential substances in their body.

Some signs and symptoms of malnutrition include:

  • a lack of appetite or interest in food or drink
  • tiredness and irritability, an inability to concentrate always feeling cold
  • loss of fat, muscle mass, and body tissue
  • a higher risk of getting sick
  • longer healing time for wounds

Take Action.

  • Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein foods, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products are healthy choices.
  • Include a variety of protein foods such as seafood, lean meats, poultry, beans, peas, lentils, nuts, seeds, and eggs.
  • Choose fresh foods when possible or low-sodium packaged foods.
  • Limit foods and beverages higher in added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium.
  • As you age, manage your calories to stay healthy.

What Does Healthy Eating Prevent?

  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Some types of cancer
  • It can also help you feel your best and have plenty of energy.
  • It can help you handle stress better.

Call Community Health Net to schedule an appointment with a provider today: (814) 455-7222. Or visit www.communityhealthnet.org for more information. Our health information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist the public to learn more about their health. Community Health Net providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Health Facts is a public service partnership of Community Health Net and CF Cares of Country Fair Stores, Inc.

160 Vaccinated Against COVID-19 at Girard High School

Posted on by Community Health Net in ,

Courtesy of Erie News Now / Lilly Broadcasting.

Community Health Net secured COVID-19 vaccines and administered shots to 160 teachers and the Girard School District’s support staff on Wednesday morning during a Girard High School vaccination clinic. The number also included patients of the Community Health Net’s Girard School-Based Health Center. They were part of Phase 1A in the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s vaccine distribution plan.  Erie News Now reported the story:

“A COVID-19 vaccination clinic took place Wednesday at Girard High School. About 80 teachers and support staff who are part of Phase 1A in the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s vaccine distribution plan received the vaccine Wednesday morning. The Girard School District has a longstanding partnership with Community Health Net, which secured the vaccines and administered the shots. In addition, approximately 80 Girard community members who are part of Phase 1A – and patients of Community Health Net – will receive the vaccine on Wednesday afternoon. All available appointments have been filled and walk-ins are not permitted. Event organizers say having a clinic in Girard will be more convenient for residents than having to drive to Erie to receive the vaccine.” ~ Erie News Now

Thank you, Erie News Now for your coverage of this important event.

To view the entire story: http://bit.ly/3aRGXn5

Latest CDC Mask Requirements

Posted on by Community Health Net in ,

The CDC recommends that people wear masks in public settings, at events, gatherings, and anywhere they will be around other people. Effective February 2, 2021, masks are required on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations.

Wear a Mask that

  • Has two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric.
  • Completely covers your nose and mouth.
  • Fits snugly against the sides of your face and doesn’t have gaps.
  • Has a nose wire to prevent air from leaking out of the top of the mask.

Don’t Wear a Mask that

  • Are made of fabric that makes it hard to breathe, for example, vinyl.
  • Has exhalation valves or vents that allow virus particles to escape.
  • Are intended for healthcare workers, including N95 respirators.

How to Wear a Mask

  • Be sure to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before putting on a mask.
  • Do not touch the mask when wearing it. If you have to often touch/adjust your mask, it doesn’t fit you properly, and you may need to find a different mask or make adjustments.
  • Do NOT wear your mask on your forehead, around your neck, on your chin, under your nose, or only on your nose.
  • Scarves, ski masks, and balaclavas are not substitutes for masks.
  • Face shields are NOT recommended.

How to Clean your Mask

  • Reusable masks should be washed regularly. Always remove masks correctly and wash your hands after handling or touching a used mask.
  • Include your mask with your regular laundry.
  • Use regular laundry detergent and the warmest appropriate water setting for the cloth used to make the mask.
  • Use the highest heat setting and leave it in the dryer until completely dry.

Wear a mask to keep your community, family, and self safe! For more information about safe practices, go to https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html

Call us at (814) 455-7222