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Category: News

February is American Heart Month

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Heart disease is preventable with healthy choices, such as maintaining a healthy weight, getting moderate-intensity physical activity, and regular checkups.

Get The Facts.

  • Heart disease kills more people than all forms of cancer combined.
  • Heart attacks affect more people every year than the population of Dallas, Texas.
  • 83% believe that heart attacks can be prevented but aren’t motivated to do anything.
  • 72% of Americans don’t consider themselves at risk for heart disease.
  • And 58% put no effort into improving their heart health.

Take Action.

  • Quit Smoking. No matter how old you are, you will decrease your heart attack risk, stroke, and many other health problems.
  • Eat Healthy Foods. Eating healthy is one of the best things you can do to prevent and control many heart diseases.
  • Be Active. Improving your fitness is beneficial for your heart and blood vessels, as well as the rest of your body.
  • Maintain a Healthy Weight. Staying at a healthy weight is also part of a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Heart Healthy Diet

  • Eat more fresh foods, like fruits and vegetables.
  • Buy plenty of spinach and broccoli.
  • Watch your sodium intake.
  • Eat whole grains likes oats, whole wheat pasta and bread, and brown rice.
  • Choose healthy fats like olive, sunflower, and canola oils.

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.

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month

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Beat the odds and win! Cervical Cancer is preventable with an annual exam and HPV vaccination. 13,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with Cervical Cancer each year.

Get the Facts.

  • The cervix is the lower part of the uterus. Cervical Cancer occurs when abnormal cells on the cervix grow out of control.
  • Most cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV.
  • HPV is contracted through intercourse with someone who has it.

Symptoms may include but are not limited to bleeding between menstrual periods, after intercourse or after menopause, pain in the lower belly/pelvis, pain during intercourse, or a discharge that isn’t normal.

Take Action.

  • Cervical cancer can often be successfully treated when it’s found early.
  • A screening test (Pap) can find changes in cervical cells before they turn into cancer.
  • If you are age 26 or younger, you can get the HPV vaccine, which protects against types of HPV that cause most cases of cervical cancer.
  • The best way to avoid getting an STI is to not have intercourse. If you do, be safe by using prophylactics and limiting the number of partners you have.

How is it Treated?

  • Surgery, such as a hysterectomy and removal of pelvic lymph nodes with or without removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes.
  • Chemotherapy.
  • Radiation therapy.

Finding out that you have cancer can change your life. You may feel like your world has turned upside down and you have lost all control. Talking with family, friends, or a counselor can really help. Ask your doctor about support groups. Or call the American Cancer Society (1-800-227-2345) or visit its website at www.cancer.org.

 

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.

Community Health Net Receives Moderna Vaccine Shipment

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Erie, Pa. – December 29, 2020 – Community Health Net (CHN), the leading Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving the Lake Erie region, announced that it has received its first shipment of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine. Dr. Anthony Ignocheck, Acting Medical Director, Dr. Warren Beaver, and other clinical staff will receive the first distributed doses at the organization’s primary location, 1202 State St., on Tuesday, December 29, at 4 pm.

Community Health Net’s Acting Medical Director, Dr. Anthony Ignocheck, Dr. Warren Beaver, and other clinical staff will be the first to receive a dose of the just received Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine at the organization’s primary location at 1202 State St. on Tuesday, December 29 at 4 pm. Clinical staff, members of CHN’s Board of Directors, and Executives will be available for comment. The media is invited to attend. Social distancing rules will be in place.

“Families in our region have been ravaged by the COVID-19 virus, along with severe economic impact to our community,” said Craig Ulmer, CEO of Community Health Net. Based on evidence from clinical trials, the Moderna vaccine was 94% effective at preventing laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 illness in people without evidence of a previous infection. “We recognize this vaccine as an opportunity to irradicate this menace and restore vitality back to the place we call home.”

The media is invited to contact Community Heath Net for more information at 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 six locations and eight offices 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 $280,000 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.

Congratulations to Kathy Howard

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We want to congratulate one of our own, Kathy Howard, Director of Operations at CHN! She is the founding Chair of the Board of Directors for the PA School-Based Health Alliance. The mission of PSBHA is to support School-Based Health Centers across the state to grow their reach and impact more students. The goals of the organization are to provide technical assistance, create a unified voice to promote the link between educational success and health through school-based health centers and advocate with, and on behalf of, SBHCs among our elected officials, state leaders, and other stakeholders to secure and protect public funding and support for SBHCs in Pennsylvania.

We wish Kathy and the PA School-Based Health Alliance great success. Learn more at www.psbha.org.

A Special Thanks to Wabtec!

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? ??????? ??????! Our friends at Wabtec conducted online donation campaigns and then partnered with Erie Apparel to find the best deal on a large number of quality socks. They also had donation bins in buildings at Wabtec. ?? ?????, ?? ???????? ??? ????? ?? ?????! Also, Mr. Schaaf’s wife donated four of her handmade new double-layer fleece blankets.

Thank you for your generosity and commitment to the Erie community from the staff of Community Health Net!

In the photos are Sherrai Holland, Healthcare for the Homeless Coordinator, and Andy Schaaf, Wabtec.

Community Health Net Begins 3-Year Process to Develop Local Medical Respite for the Homeless

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Erie, Pa. – December 17, 2020 – Community Health Net, the leading Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving the Lake Erie region, announced that it was accepted into a special initiative of the National Institute for Medical Respite Care. The 3-year learning collaborative process will result in a medical respite program for the Lake Erie region’s homeless population.

“We see this prestigious opportunity as a way to develop a much needed, strong and sustainable respite program for our community,” said Kathy Howard, Director of Operations, Community Health Net. The organization was accepted into the special initiative, called the National Health Care for the Homeless Medical Respite New Start Initiative, after a rigorous application process. Few organizations were invited. “This effort will provide a clear path for members of the homeless community to receive lifesaving care.”

Medical respite care is acute and post-acute medical care for people experiencing homelessness who are too ill or frail to recover from a physical illness or injury on the streets but are not sick enough to be in a hospital. These programs provide short-term residential services (often in a shelter or transitional program) coupled with support services and medical care access.

“This is a great opportunity to serve our community in a greater capacity,” said Sherrai Holland, Homeless Program Coordinator.  Medical respite programs are uniquely positioned to coordinate care for a complex population of patients who may otherwise face barriers to navigate and engage in support systems adequately.  It provides participants the opportunity to access medical and supportive services needed to assist their recuperation. “We look forward to learning how to develop the framework necessary to become a center of excellence for medical services to our homeless community.”

Respites for the homeless differs from “caregiver respite,” skilled nursing facilities, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospice care, and supportive housing programs.  Many programs exist as partnerships between two or more organizations that provide services that have a unique opportunity to influence the long-term health and quality of life outcomes for individuals experiencing homelessness.

“The result of this initiative will help us to build upon our strategic goal, to develop systems that will have a transformational impact on the region’s health care indicators,” said Craig Ulmer, CEO of Community Health Net. Characteristics of Medical Respite Care closes the gap between hospitals/emergency rooms and homeless shelters that do not have the capacity to provide medical and support services and provide a low-cost, high-quality, and innovative discharge option to aid emergency room diversion and hospital discharge options. “Primarily, this opportunity will help us to fulfill our mission, to improve the quality of life in our region, by providing professional healthcare services, with compassion, respect, and dignity to all.”

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 the quality of life in our region 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.

 

Contacts

Community Health Net

Mary Lynn Slivinski

Director of Administrative Services

mslivinski@community-healthnet.com

814.454.4530 x227

Senator Casey Invites Community Health Net To ACA Forum 

Posted on by Community Health Net in ,

U.S. Senator Bob Casey

Senator Casey Invites Community Health Net To ACA Forum. The forum discussed the Open Enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act.  

Erie, Pa. – December 08, 2020 – Community Health Net, the leading Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving the Lake Erie region, announced its participation in a forum presented by U.S. Senator Bob Casey on Tuesday, December 08, at 10 am. The panel addressed the Open Enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act, and publicity regarding Pennie, the new health insurance marketplace for Pennsylvanians.

“Health insurance coverage is vital to the well-being of families and individuals in the Lake Erie Region,” said Craig Ulmer, CEO of Community Health Net. The open enrollment period started on November 01, 2020, and closes on December 15, 2020, for those that require coverage as of January 1, 2021. “It is a particularly appropriate time to have a discussion on the health insurance marketplace for members of our community.”

U.S. Senator Casey, Jessica Altman, Insurance Commissioner for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Anthony Ignocheck, M.D., Acting Medical Director, and Maria Calderon, Marketplace Navigator at Community Health Net, were in attendance with others.

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 the quality of life in our region 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.

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

Contacts

Community Health Net

Mary Lynn Slivinski

Director of Administrative Services

mslivinski@community-healthnet.com

814.454.4530 x227

Erie County Public Library partners with Community Health Net to offer Open Enrollment Coverage

Posted on by Community Health Net in ,

Erie, PA –The Erie County Public Library partners with Community Health Net to offer information on open enrollment insurance coverage options.

The collaboration will offer a Zoom presentation on insurance coverage options with Q&A sessions on Tuesday, Dec. 15, at 10 a.m. Registration is free and required to participate; register at events.erielibrary.org. An enrollment specialist will schedule one-on-one appointments following the presentations for those attendees in need of further information or assistance accessing the enrollment marketplace.

Health insurance coverage is vital to the well-being of families and individuals. In 2019, over 29 million Americans were living without health insurance. Uninsured nonelderly adults were over twice as likely as those with private coverage to have had problems paying medical bills in the past 12 months. Uninsured residents may face unaffordable medical bills when they do seek care.

The programming was made possible by the “Libraries connecting you to coverage” grant from the American Library Association.

For more information, contact Marcus Yuille at myuille@eriecountypa.gov, or Mary Lynn Slivinski at mslivinski@community-healthnet.com.

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.

CONTACT:
Marcus Yuille
myuille@eriecountypa.gov
814-451-6959

Community Health Net
Mary Lynn Slivinski
Director of Administrative Services
mslivinski@community-healthnet.com
814.454.4530 x227

December is National Influenza Awareness Month

Posted on by Community Health Net in , ,

The flu isn’t a “bad cold.” It can result in serious health complications that could lead to hospitalization. The flu can sometimes even lead to death. Now is the time to consider the flu vaccination.

Get the Facts.

  • The flu comes from influenza viruses A and B. There are different strands of the flu virus every year.
  • The flu causes fever, body aches, a headache, a dry cough, and a sore or dry throat. You will probably feel tired and less hungry than usual.
  • For people with higher risk, the flu is more likely to lead to severe complications resulting in hospitalization or even death.
  • Most people will recover in several days to less than two weeks. Some people will develop serious flu complications.

Take Action.

  • You can help prevent the flu by getting a flu vaccine each year. It’s best to get the vaccine as soon as it’s available.
  • See a medical provider immediately at the onset of symptoms.
  • Stay home, keep your distance from others, cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, wash your hands frequently, and wear a mask if you must leave home.
  • Flu symptoms can be treated at home by getting rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking medicine to lower your fever.

Why Get the Flu Shot?

Many people don’t get the flu shot because they think that it doesn’t work. Indeed, you can still get the flu because the flu is constantly evolving, but getting a vaccine can lower your chances of getting the flu and make the symptoms less severe. The flu can be very dangerous to people with health issues. Get the flu shot to protect the people you love.

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 in learning 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.

Erie County Public Library partners with Community Health Net to offer Open Enrollment Coverage

Posted on by Community Health Net in ,

Erie, PA –The Erie County Public Library partners with Community Health Net to offer information on open enrollment insurance coverage options.

The collaboration will offer two Zoom presentations on insurance coverage options with Q&A sessions on Tuesday, Dec. 1, at 6 p.m. and Tuesday, Dec. 15, at 10 a.m. Registration is free and required to participate; register at events.erielibrary.org. An enrollment specialist will schedule one on-one appointments following the presentations for those attendees in need of further information or assistance accessing the enrollment marketplace.

“We are well aware that a single organization cannot provide the resources necessary to assist with the health needs of the region. We must work unitedly,” said Craig Ulmer, CEO of Community Health Net. One of Community Health Net’s strategic goals is to generate and promote meaningful preemptive care through collaborations. The organization believes that quality preemptive care is predicated upon a person’s ability to secure affordable health insurance.  “By partnering with vested partners, such as the Erie County Public Library, we have a better opportunity to help our community to address their health insurance needs,” said Ulmer.

Health insurance coverage is vital to the well-being of families and individuals. In 2019, over 29 million Americans were living without health insurance. Uninsured nonelderly adults were over twice as likely as those with private coverage to have had problems paying medical bills in the past 12 months. Uninsured residents may face unaffordable medical bills when they do seek care.

“Our hope in 2020 is to create an awareness that there are insurance coverage options for the patients and patrons that our organizations serve,” said Marcus Yuille, outreach services manager for the Erie County Public Library. “Together we are committed to providing life-sustaining information to community members and helping walk them through the process of finding insurance that fits their needs.”

The programming was made possible by the “Libraries connecting you to coverage” grant from the American Library Association.

For more information, contact Marcus Yuille at myuille@eriecountypa.gov, or Mary Lynn Slivinski at mslivinski@community-healthnet.com.

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.

CONTACT:
Marcus Yuille
myuille@eriecountypa.gov
814-451-6959

Community Health Net
Mary Lynn Slivinski
Director of Administrative Services
mslivinski@community-healthnet.com
814.454.4530 x227

phone number