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2022 Community Health Needs Assessment

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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.

Get Active

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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!

Community Health Net Receives Over $2.6mm in Federal Funds

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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.

April is National Alcohol Awareness Month

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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.

March is National Nutrition Awareness Month!

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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.

PACHC Comments on Expanded Eligibility; Existing Supply of COVID-19 Vaccine Statewide

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Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 10, 2021

For more information, contact:
Amanda Tekely, Communications Manager
Phone: (717) 761-6443, ext. 205 / amanda@pachc.org

PACHC Comments on Expanded Eligibility; Existing Supply of COVID-19 Vaccine Statewide

HARRISBURG – Cheri Rinehart, President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers’ (PACHC) responds to the announcement of the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to ensure that the nation’s hardest hit populations are receiving the vaccine by launching the first phase of the Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) Program for COVID-19 Vaccination.

“We are excited that the Biden-Harris Administration recognizes the valuable role of FQHCs in providing primary care services, including vaccination, in underserved communities across Pennsylvania and across the country. Two-thirds of the population that FQHCs serve are living at or below the federal poverty line and 60% are racial and/or ethnic minorities, populations disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.”

“While we applaud the administration’s efforts, patience is still warranted because vaccine supply remains inadequate to meet eligibility and demand. According to the administration, the program to directly distribute vaccine to FQHCs will be slowly phased in, with limited supply. Initially, only 25 health centers across the country will receive direct distribution of vaccine, and none of these health centers is in Pennsylvania. The following several weeks, vaccine will be sent directly to 250 of the nation’s 1,400 FQHCs and we don’t yet know if that includes any Pennsylvania health centers.”

“Health centers across the Commonwealth are working diligently to meet the vaccination needs of their vaccine-eligible healthcare partners, patients, and community members, and are working to do so as quickly and as safely as possible within the constraints of current supply. Our goal is to help each health center meet the needs of the communities they serve.”

“As production and distribution ramp up, we look forward to offering vaccination to more eligible individuals and to continue doing our part to make Pennsylvania communities safer.”
“We urge anyone calling to inquire about scheduling for a COVID-19 vaccine to be patient as we all work to effectively manage the administration of vaccine. We are confident that the process will continue to improve as additional vaccine supply becomes available.”

About PACHC
The Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers (PACHC) is a statewide membership services organization representing Community Health Centers – the largest primary care network in Pennsylvania and the nation – rural health clinics and other safety net providers that care for more than 917,000 Pennsylvanians at over 330 delivery sites in rural and urban communities across the Commonwealth. Visit www.pachc.org or call 1-(866) 944-CARE to find a Community Health Center near you.

Coronary Artery Disease – #HeartMonth

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In observance of American Heart Month, Community Health Net wants you to be aware of good heart health!

Did you know?

Coronary artery disease is the most common heart disease type and is the number one killer of men and women in the United States.

What is it?

Coronary artery disease is caused by fat or plaque build up in your arteries; This can block your heart from getting the blood it needs to work well. It can cause shortness of breath or discomfort in your chest. Other symptoms are increased sweating, fast heartbeat, and feeling sick to your stomach.

What you can do.

  • Go to your family doctor and have regular check-ups!
  • Lifestyle changes are crucial to staying healthy.
  • Quit smoking, heavy drinking, and foods with high fat.
  • Eat healthy foods such as leafy greens, fruits, and foods with high-fiber.
  • Exercising regularly can help reduce heart problems and other health issues.

Talk to your doctor immediately if you:

  • Have a history of heart disease
  • Feel anything wrong with your heart
  • Are older than 65
  • Are a smoker
  • Have high cholesterol
  • Have high blood pressure or diabetes

February is American Heart Month

Posted on by Community Health Net in ,

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.

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 

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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

phone number