Category: News

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Although over 10 million U.S. adults experience domestic violence annually, it can affect everyone regardless of age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality.

 

Get the Facts

  • Domestic violence is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another. It includes physical violence, sexual violence, threats, economic, and emotional/psychological abuse.
  • Every year millions of children are exposed to domestic violence.
  • Domestic violence is prevalent in every community and affects all people regardless of age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality.
  • Physical violence is often accompanied by emotionally abusive and controlling behavior as part of a much larger, systematic pattern of dominance and control.
  • Domestic violence can result in physical injury, psychological trauma, and even death.
  • An average of 20 people are physically abused by intimate partners every minute. This equates to more than 10 million abuse victims annually.
  • 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have been physically abused by an intimate partner, and 1 in 5 women and 1 in 7 men have been severely physically abused by an intimate partner.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic and the accompanying lock-downs, social distancing, and other mitigation measures have only exacerbated domestic violence.

Take Action

Know the Warning Signs of Partner Abuse in a Relationship

  • Telling you that you never do anything right.
  • Showing extreme jealousy of your friends and time spent away from them.
  • Preventing or discouraging you from spending time with friends, family members, or peers.
  • Insulting, demeaning, or shaming you, especially in front of other people.
  • Preventing you from making your own decisions, including about working or attending school.
  • Controlling finances in the household without discussion, including taking your money or refusing to provide money for necessary expenses.
  • Pressuring you to have sex or perform sexual acts you’re not comfortable with.
  • Pressuring you to use drugs or alcohol.
  • Intimidating you through threatening looks or actions.
  • Insulting your parenting or threatening to harm or take away your children or pets.
  • Intimidating you with weapons like guns, knives, bats, or mace.
  • Destroying your belongings or your home.

Know the Warning Signs of Child Abuse and Neglect

  • Child abuse and neglect is any harm to a child that is not an accident.
  • Child abuse and neglect are also called child maltreatment.
  • Neglect is when parents or caregivers fail to ensure a child’s health and well-being.
  • Neglect may result from not providing a child with appropriate shelter, schooling, clothing, medical care, or protection from hazards.
  • Physical abuse causes bodily injuries, such as bruises, burns, fractures, cuts, punctures, or organ damage.
  • Physical abuse includes harming a fetus, such as when a pregnant woman has substance use disorder or is purposefully injured.
  • Emotional (psychological) abuse is a repeated pattern of intentional verbal or behavioral actions or lack of actions toward a child that give the message that he or she is worthless, flawed, unloved, unwanted, endangered, or only of value to meet someone else’s needs.
  • Withholding emotional support, isolating, or terrorizing a child are forms of emotional abuse.
  • Intimate partner (domestic) violence that is witnessed by a child is also considered a form of emotional abuse.
  • Sexual abuse is any act with a child that is intended to sexually gratify an older child or adult. It includes any sexual activity that a child does not comprehend or consent to, or that is against the law. Exhibitionism, voyeurism, and exposing a child to pornography are also types of sexual abuse.
  • You suspect child abuse. Call your local child or adult protective agency, police, or a health professional, such as a doctor, nurse, or counselor.

What should you do if you’re being abused?

  • It’s important to get help. Talk with someone you trust, such as a friend, a help center, or your doctor. Talking with someone can help you make the changes you need.
  • Your first step is to contact a local advocacy group for support, information, and advice on how to stay safe. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233) for the nearest program. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in English, Spanish, and other languages.
  • You can also see the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence website at https://ncadv.org/resources to find programs that offer shelter and legal support.
  • Know your legal rights. Consider asking the police for help.
  • Make sure that you know phone numbers you can call and places you can go in an emergency.
  • Teach your children not to get in the middle of a fight.
  • If you think you may leave, make a plan to help keep you safe. This will help when you are getting ready to leave. Your plan might include:
  • Putting together and hiding a suitcase of clothing, copies of your car and house keys, money or credit cards, and important papers, such as Social Security cards and birth certificates for you and your children. Keep the suitcase hidden in your home or leave it with friends or family or at work if possible.
  • Open a savings account or get a credit card, if you can do so in secret.
  • If you are a teen, talk to a trusted adult, such as your parents, family friend, or school counselor. You can also call the National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline toll-free: 1-866-331-9474.

What should you do if you know someone who is being abused?

  • Be a good listener and a caring friend.
  • Remind the person that no one deserves to be treated this way.
  • Let the person know that the abuse is against the law and that help is available.
  • Help the person make a plan to stay safe.
  • You can also suggest that the person call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233) to find a local domestic violence support group.
  • Keep in mind that the person may not want or be ready to leave. He or she probably knows the abuser best and knows what options are safest. But it is important for victims of abuse to know where they can get help.

Why do victims stay?

People who are not abused might find it hard to understand why anyone would stay in a violent relationship. Some people think that if a person stays in an abusive relationship, she or he must be weak or needy. This is not true. There is more to this issue than simply leaving or staying. A woman may fear that the abuser will hurt her and her children or take her children away. She may have limited financial options. She may blame herself. She may stay for religious reasons or because she does not want to break up the family. Also, she may still love her abuser and hope that things will get better. The abuser may threaten self-harm or suicide. Men who are being abused may have similar feelings.

 

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.

Join Us for Our Annual Meeting: “Removing Barriers”

Community Health Net Annual MeetingCommunity Health Net Annual Meeting: “Removing Barriers”

Community Health Net will hold its annual meeting on Friday, October 22, 2021.  The theme is “Removing Barriers,” presented by guest speaker James W. Grunke, President and CEO of the Erie Regional Chamber. The program will begin at noon. Tickets are $30 per reservation or $150 per table.  For more information, contact Mary Lynn Slivinski at mslivinski@community-healthnet.com or (814) 454-4530, ext. 227.

About the Speaker

James W. Grunke has more than 30 years of experience in economic development leadership, with key roles at a number of economic development organizations. During his 6-year tenure at the Missoula Economic Partnership in Missoula, Mont., the community gained 10,000 new jobs while attracting nearly $1 billion in capital investment. The partnership assisted more than 100 new start-up companies and helped attract more than 30 companies that relocated from other areas. Grunke holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Public Policy degrees from Boise State University. He also is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute – widely regarded as the nation’s premier economic development educational program – and the Northwest Community Development Institute, an intensive three-year training program for economic development professionals, community leaders, and elected officials.

September is National Aging Awareness Month!

National Aging® Awareness Month focuses on practical ways for adults, ages 45-plus, to improve their physical and mental well-being and take control of their health!

 

Get the Facts

  • Falls are very common in older adults. Many falls cause only minor injuries, but some can be life-changing and cause older adults to restrict their activities.
  • Memory concerns often cause anxiety for older adults and families. They may — or may not — reflect substantial decreases in thinking abilities.
  • Although healthy older adults have lower rates of depression than the general public, depression is still a common problem that is easily missed. It’s more common in those who are struggling with illness, involved in caregiving, or socially isolated.
  • About 50% of all adults aged 65+ experience bothersome pain every month, often in multiple parts of the body. Persisting pain is linked with decreased social and physical activity, depression, and taking worse care of one’s own health. Pain can also be a sign of a new health problem that needs attention or a chronic problem that’s being poorly managed.
  • Both isolation (not having a lot of social contact with others) and loneliness (the feeling of lacking social connection) have been linked to declines in physical health. A 2012 study found that 43% of older adults reported feeling lonely; over the next 6 years, they were more likely to lose physical abilities or die. Loneliness and isolation have also been linked to decreased immune function and a greater risk of depression.
  • Polypharmacy means taking multiple medications. It’s a problem mainly because as people get older, they become especially at risk for harm from medication side-effects or interactions.
  • According to the CDC, every year 177,000 older adults visit the emergency room due to medication problems.

Take Action.

  • Exercise can be as simple as walking just ten or fifteen minutes, three to four times a week, and increasing as you go.
  • For those who are more active, try taking up tennis or joining a club where you can swim or use the exercise equipment.  Even just taking a dance class or senior yoga, gardening, or mowing the lawn.
  • Consider proper portion sizes when eating.  Eating larger portions than recommended leads to obesity, diabetes, and/or heart disease.
  • Keeping your mind active and engaged may ward changes that could lead to Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Be pos­i­tive in your con­ver­sa­tions and your actions every day.
  • Stay Social. Don’t be afraid to make new friends, and make an effort to see your old friends, too. A sedentary lifestyle devoid of interaction with friends and family leads to health issues and isolation can lead to depression.
  • Maintain regularly scheduled visits to your healthcare provider.
  • If you feel pains or symptoms, do not ignore them.  See your provider immediately.

 

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.

10 Facts You Should Know about Girard School-Based Health Center

Fact #1: 𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 is a doctor’s office inside of your child’s school, staffed with a primary care provider and clinical staff from 8 am to 5 pm each week throughout the school year. Services are provided through 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗡𝗲𝘁. The SBHC was established to supplement the care children already receive, reach children who may not have access to care, and decrease absenteeism.

Fact #2: 𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 is located at Girard High School.

Fact #3: Any student with a signed consent form that attends school within the Girard School District may be seen at 𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘁 𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹. Our providers will also administer primary health care services to the staff of Girard School District and Girard/Lake City Community members.

Fact #4: Our primary care providers offer a variety of services through 𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘁 𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹. These services include yearly well-child exams, vaccinations, sports physicals, acute care visits (i.e., sick visits, lacerations, injuries, etc.), chronic care visits (i.e., asthma, allergy shots, etc.), and early intervention/prevention through consistency and education.

Fact #5: 𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 was formed in collaboration with Girard School District Board of Education and 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗡𝗲𝘁 to provide care and convenience for the children and the staff of the Girard School District. Completing a consent form and registering your children in school-based health care is optional.

Fact #6: Before each visit with your child (whether previously scheduled or not), the provider at 𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 will contact you by phone before that day’s visit to verify that your child may be seen. If the provider cannot reach you, they will defer to your child’s written consent form. If a written consent form is not available and the provider cannot speak with you to obtain verbal consent, your child will not be seen. Verbal permission is good for that day’s visit and may only be obtained once per school year.

Fact #7: We accept consent forms anytime throughout the school year. These are available at each location of Girard School District (Elk Valley Elementary, Rice Avenue Middle School, and Girard High School), in the main office and nurses’ offices.

Fact #8: Yes, all services provided within 𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 will be billed. We accept most major insurances, including PEIA, CHIPs, Medicaid, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. If your child does not have insurance, they can still be seen at the SBHC, and you will be billed directly for the cost of the services.

Fact #9: If your child is uninsured, please contact 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗡𝗲𝘁 at (814) 454-4530 for assistance in enrolling in an insurance plan or the CHN 𝗦𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗲𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺. The Sliding Fee Discount Program reduces the cost of care to uninsured patients based on their family size and income.

Fact #10: 𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 is funded by Community Health Net and staffed by a primary care provider and a clinical team.

Community Health Net Shares in White House Mask Initiative

The government is distributing 25 million masks to health centers and pantries.

 

For Immediate Release

Erie, Pa. – August 16, 2021 – Community Health Net (CHN), the leading Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving the Lake Erie region, has announced that it has received a supply of 1000 youth masks under a new White House mask initiative. Through the National Strategy to defeat COVID-19, the Administration is delivering more than 25 million facemasks to over 1,300 Community Health Centers across the country and 60,000 food pantries and soup kitchens, reaching some of the nation’s most vulnerable populations. Led by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Department of Defense (DoD), the purpose of the effort is to ensure that low-income individuals have affordable access to this essential protection.

“The safety and health of individuals and families in the Lake Erie region is top of mind for us, especially those who can be adversely impacted by COVID-19 due to their economic status,” said Craig Ulmer, CEO of Community Health Net.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends mask-wearing as a critical step to slow the spread and protect people from getting COVID-19. However, many low-income Americans still lack access to this protection. Two-thirds of the people served by Community Health Centers nationally live in poverty, 60% are racial and/or ethnic minorities, and nearly 1.4 million are unhoused.   “We are excited to be included in this special initiative as it integrates perfectly into our ongoing regional COVID-19 mitigation efforts.”

Residents in the region may pick up an individually wrapped package of two masks for each person in their household at any CHN location.  Child sizes are available. The masks are 3-ply, high-quality, washable, and consistent with the mask guidance from the CDC.  The distribution will not impact mask availability for health care workers.

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

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in partnership with the Department of Defense (DoD).  For more information, please visit WhiteHouse.gov.

 

 

July is National UV Safety Awareness Month!

Sunburns can increase your risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, and UV exposure can raise skin cancer risk even without causing sunburn.

Get the Facts.

  • Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is electromagnetic radiation from the sun and manufactured sources like tanning beds and welding torches.
  • Everyone’s skin and eyes can be affected by the sun and other forms of ultraviolet (UV) rays.
  • People with light skin are much more likely to have their skin damaged by UV rays (and to get skin cancer), but darker-skinned people, including people of any ethnicity, can also be affected.
  • You don’t need x-rays or blood tests to find skin cancer early – just your eyes and a mirror.
  • Both IARC and NTP classify the use of UV-emitting tanning devices, including sunlamps and tanning beds, as carcinogenic (or having the potential to cause cancer to humans.)

Take Action.

  • Protect your skin with clothing that covers your arms and legs.
  • If you’re going to be outside, simply staying in the shade, especially during midday hours, is one of the best ways to limit your UV exposure to sunlight.
  • Wear sunglasses that block UV rays to protect your eyes and the skin around them.
  • Use sunscreen to help protect skin that isn’t covered with clothing.

You need to be especially careful in the sun if you:

  • Have had skin cancer before.
  • Have a family history of skin cancer, especially melanoma.
  • Have many moles, irregular moles, or large moles.
  • Have freckles and burn before tanning.
  • Have fair skin, blue or green eyes, or blond, red, or light brown hair.
  • Have certain autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, or lupus).
  • Have had an organ transplant.
  • Take medicines that make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.

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.

2022 Community Health Needs Assessment

Community Health Net is conducting this survey to identify health needs in Northwest Pennsylvania.  We need your input!

We are conducting a 5-minute Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) survey. It is a way of involving community members to identify Erie’s community health needs. The survey results also provide a way for us to prioritize, plan, and act upon unmet community health needs.

This is an ANONYMOUS survey. You must be 18 years or older to complete this survey. Please complete this survey ONLY ONE TIME.

Thank you for participating. Your feedback is important.

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.

May is National High Blood Pressure Education Month

High blood pressure is a common condition that is a leading risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and vascular dementia.

Get The Facts.

  • Certain factors increase your risk for high blood pressure, such as:
    • Being overweight
    • Having a family history of high blood pressure
    • Eating too much salt
    • Drinking too much alcohol
    • Increasing age

Take Action.

  • Get regular check-ups and talk to your doctor about any of your concerns
  • Stay at a healthy weight or lose extra weight.
  • Eat heart-healthy foods and limit sodium.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Limit alcohol to 2 drinks a day for men and 1 drink a day for women.

What is High Blood Pressure?

Another name for high blood pressure is hypertension. Blood pressure is a measure of how hard the blood pushes against the walls of your arteries as it moves through your body. Your blood pressure naturally goes up and down throughout the day. When blood pressure is high, it causes damage to your blood vessel walls that worsen over time. High blood pressure is serious, but the good news is that there are many ways to manage blood pressure.

 

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.

 

PA Department of Health Identifies Community Health Net as “Best-in-Class Equity Performer”

COVID-19 vaccinations on par or in greater proportions to county racial/ethnic minority.

Erie, Pa. – April 28, 2021 – Community Health Net (CHN), the leading Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving the Lake Erie region, announced it was named “Best-in-Class Equity Performer” by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.  The designation, issued by Parker Beene, Executive Advisor, Secretary of Health,  states that CHN facilities are vaccinating on par or in greater proportions to Erie County’s racial/ethnic minority populations.  The conclusion is an affirmation of Community Health Net’s efforts to distribute doses of the COVID-19 vaccine throughout the region equitably.

“This recognition is aligned with our mission to improve the quality of life in our region by providing professional healthcare services with compassion, respect, and dignity to all,“ said Craig Ulmer, CEO of Community Health Net.  “It highlights the success, tremendous work, and positive impact of distributing vaccines equitably to our community by the CHN team during this public health crisis.“

To distribute its Moderna supply equitably, Community Health Net focused on reaching out to minority populations through dialogue and engagement with community leaders and influencers.  The health center also used targeted efforts through flyers, mailings, and other media channels to inform individuals while providing easy access to online registration for the vaccine.  Additionally, CHN maintained open communication channels with state and federal agencies while providing consistent availability to community members throughout the crisis.

“We are proud of Community Health Net and excited by this designation and what it means for the people of Erie.  It is a testimonial to the resolve of our health centers to help ensure equitable health outcomes for all of our communities,” said Cheri Rinehart, President & Chief Executive Officer of the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers.  The organization is the state primary care association (PCA) for community health centers, serving more than 900,000 patients annually at 300-plus sites in underserved rural and urban areas. “This finding is reflective of our commitment to provide affordable, quality health care for all by supporting the largest network of primary health care providers in the commonwealth.”

Get Active

If you feel stress or anxiety during the COVID-19 health crisis, you’re not alone. Staying active during this time may improve both your mood and your physical health. And when you find the right exercise, it can be fun. For many people, being active can reduce stress, blood pressure and improve sleep. You may want to start by walking for just 10 minutes. Try walking around the block every morning or take a stroll during your lunch break.

Staying Active at Home During the Pandemic

  • If you have kids, involve them in activities. Have a dance party, play chase, or jump rope. Be silly with kids. They’ll love it.
  • Do relaxation and flexibility exercises like yoga or Pilates.
  • Try an exercise routine that uses your body weight as resistance. Pushups, crunches, and squats are examples of this kind of exercise. Many routines are available for free online.
  • Find creative ways to be active. Walk around during TV commercial breaks, read standing up, or make a standing desk. Daily routines like cooking, cleaning, and gardening can get you moving.

Living through a pandemic can take a toll on a person’s motivation. Remember that there are many ways to stay safe during this time while remaining active. Make a plan. Invite some of your friends to get active with you!

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