Health Federation of Philadelphia

In our world, every week is Health Center Week! As we close out this week though, we send special appreciation to all the providers, clinical staff, administrators, security and cleaning staff, clerical staff, IT staff, health professions students, and everyone who makes sure that health centers are open for business and providing great primary care, including behavioral health, vision, dental care, social services, and many other kinds of care. You truly are "Powering Communities through Caring Connections!" We are proud to be your partner. #NHCW24

#NHCW24 Shout Out: As one of the National Health Corps’ many host sites, Esperanza Health Center takes a leading role in shaping the Community Health Fellowship (CHF) experience by providing opportunities for Philadelphians to gain hands-on training, experience, and supportive supervision. During National Health Center Week, we’d like to shout out Esperanza’s own Maryann Salib, the Associate Medical Director of Community Health and Wellness. As the supervisor for our NHC:CHF Greater Philly member, Maryann is an invaluable source of support and guidance, and has been instrumental in creating a meaningful Public Health AmeriCorps experience for our member. We appreciate you, Maryann, and the contributions you’ve made to our work and the broader work of Esperanza. Thank you for your partnership!

During #NHCW24, HFP is excited to highlight a recent pilot program from Spectrum Health Services, Inc. that focuses on the synergistic effect of integrated care and partnerships. Spectrum's collaboration with Get Fresh Daily (https://lnkd.in/eeeuebGD) on a “Health Produce Prescription Pilot Program” showed promising preliminary results. The program addressed both social influencers of health and health behaviors for a cohort of patients with two or more chronic conditions. During the 16-week program: - Participants received local/organically grown produce boxes weekly for free, along with recipes.  - Participants met with members of their care team that included a medical provider, behavioral health consultant, and dietician at least three times.  - Participants were encouraged to attend monthly cooking classes. At the end of the 16-week program, there were notable changes in participants’ health and health behaviors. Significant outcomes included improved diabetes and hypertension control and improved cholesterol for many participants! The program was primarily designed and coordinated by Hilary Reichlin, MSW, LCSW, the Director of Integrated Services at Spectrum, with Jiana Murdic, Founder of Get Fresh Daily, as its primary collaborator. Registered Dietitian Biancha Jackson, RD abd primary care provider Dr. Akilah Bates also participated in the project’s design. Major kudos, Spectrum!

Health centers provide a range of preventive care services throughout one's lifespan, including screening for cancer. In 2023, health centers in HFP’s network ensured that more than 30,000 women were up to date on their breast cancer screening, more than 45,000 were screened for cervical cancer, and more than 50,000 adults, 45 and older, had completed a colorectal cancer screening. That’s a lot of cancer prevention! #NHCW24

It’s National Health Center Week! #NHCW24 Health Centers are incredible partners to their communities in combating diabetes and helping people to achieve healthy lifestyles and manage their chronic conditions. Delaware Valley Community Health, Esperanza Health Center and the City of Philadelphia Health Centers are working with HFP and the CDC to support patients with diabetes and prediabetes. One resource is the National Diabetes Prevention Program. If you are prediabetic (blood glucose levels are elevated, but not high enough to be called diabetes) and looking for support to prevent Type 2 Diabetes, contact us to learn more about the NDPP.  https://lnkd.in/eAnAhbgc

Health Centers do an incredible job supporting people who live with chronic diseases, like hypertension. Some health centers — working with HFP and other partners — have empowered patients to understand and control their blood pressure using self-measured blood pressure monitoring, preventing heart disease and strokes, and saving lives. Watch a patient video about the SMBP program at Delaware Valley Community Health: https://lnkd.in/ezWQVV_6 CHESPENN HEALTH SERVICES, BERKS COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER and The Family Practice & Counseling Network have been working to help their patients improve blood pressure control in the Million Hearts program with great results. They presented their work at a recent meeting with the CDC in Chicago. #NHCW24  #MillionHearts

It’s National Health Center Week! #NHCW24 Did you know…

In late July, HFP's Connect4Health team, in partnership with HealthShare Exchange, brought together community-based and other social service organizations from around the Philadelphia region for a half-day workshop and networking event. The day included a Connect4Health platform demonstration, explaining how to search for programs and send referrals; a session on how to manage program listings and gain access to free CBO tools, exclusively available to “claimed programs”; a question and answer session with several community-based organizations that currently take advantage of what Connect4Health offers; and more! Read more about the event and see photos here: https://lnkd.in/eUsySAHJ

Have you heard of PA Navigate? It is a web-based platform that connects PA residents with social services to keep them healthy and engaged in their communities as they age. Just like Connect4Health! HealthShare Exchange (HSX) will speak on the long-term vision for PA Navigate and answer questions regarding the 1115 waiver and how community based organizations can become more engaged with healthcare. When: This Friday, July 26; 8:30am - 12:00pm Where: Temple University's Student Faculty Center. Register: https://lnkd.in/eKzWncdp We hope you'll join us to learn more about the future of social care in PA!