[vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”21273″ img_size=”750×450″ add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” qode_css_animation=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_separator type=”transparent” up=”15px” down=”15px”][vc_column_text]The 26 families serving as foster parents in Community Health of South Florida, Inc.’s Specialized Therapeutic Foster Care Program are facing tough times. The challenge of caring for a foster child with severe behavioral health issues can be a daunting task. But with COVID-19, quarantine, and online school, the job has become astronomically more difficult. That is why CHI set out to do something special to recognize those parents for their devotion and love. 

“I’ve been taking care of children for over seven years, and for me, there is no greater satisfaction than to make them feel like they matter,” said therapeutic foster mom, Ms. Alina. “It feels great to be recognized for the tireless effort we make for these amazing children.”

Usually, the organization hosts an annual foster care appreciation brunch, but this year, that was not possible. So instead, the drive-through appreciation event helped show foster parents that their work has not gone unnoticed. 

Making the decision to become a foster parent is a serious commitment to a child. That’s why CHI’s team of therapeutic foster parents are truly an example of perseverance and admiration.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator type=”transparent” up=”15px” down=”15px”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”21269″ img_size=”250×300″ add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” qode_css_animation=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_separator type=”transparent”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_column_text]Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) is excited to announce the promotion of Blake Hall as its new president. He has been with the non-profit healthcare company for 15 years and has excelled at securing opportunity, growth, and quality care improvements.

Hall is promoted after serving as the federally qualified health center’s Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President. Previously, he served as the Director of Planning and Development and Administrator for the CHI Foundation. Over the years, Hall has helped the organization grow from a $30-million-dollar agency to now a more than $75-million-dollar company by securing multiple funding sources. Those funds allowed for the opening of five new health centers, effect multiple capital improvement projects, and formed the basis for the Brodes H. Hartley, Jr. Teaching Health Center at CHI. The Teaching Health Center was the first in the state of Florida funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Hall has also led strategic planning for the organization since 2008. 

“Blake has demonstrated a strong ability to lead and inspire others,” said Brodes H. Hartley, Jr., CEO. “His vision and dedication to our mission has helped create new programs, guide and improve existing services, and propel the organization forward. I am confident that under his leadership, CHI will continue on its journey to excellence.”

Hall has been a big advocate for community health centers. As such, he has spoken at House and Senate committee meetings and regularly meets with legislators. 

Hall has received a number of awards and recognitions over the years, including Legacy Magazine’s Top Black Healthcare Professional in 2016, 40 Under 40 Leaders of Today and Tomorrow, multiple CEO awards, and the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) Betsey K. Cooke Grassroots MVP Award. Under his leadership, the organization won the Florida Governor’s Sterling Award in 2016 and the NACHC  Advocacy Center of Excellence recognition.

Currently, he serves as the 2nd Vice Chair of the National Association of Community Health Centers Membership Committee. He is active in the community and has participated in multiple chambers and organizations. He is a current member of the Iota Pi Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha.

Hall graduated from the intensive Health Care Executive Program at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) funded by HRSA and Johnson & Johnson.  He has completed leadership training from Nova Southeastern University, attended Leadership Miami and received advanced public information officer training from FEMA. His formal education includes a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Clark Atlanta University and an undergraduate degree in communication from Georgia Southern University.

Prior to joining CHI, Hall worked for Eagle Group International, a logistics, health care, and training firm, in the United Arab Emirates and for the US Army Reserve. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”21265″ img_size=”750×450″ add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” qode_css_animation=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_separator type=”transparent” up=”15px” down=”15px”][vc_column_text]Accompanied by community leaders, Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) leaders celebrated a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new mobile medical van. The goal is to continue to drive community health forward by providing greater access to care in the South Florida community. 

The state-of-the-art van is helping CHI provide greater access on wheels with primary care, pediatrics, and behavioral health services. The 40-foot mobile van goes to four of CHI’s nearby public housing centers and local homeless camps. 

“We have always gone above and beyond to reach everyone and fulfill the great Doris Ison’s vision for equality in care,” said Brodes H. Hartley Jr., CEO of CHI. “We are excited to expand the services we provide to our community beyond the walls of our health centers.”

Thanks to support from Direct Relief and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), CHI is now able to serve those who need it the most.

“In just the first few weeks of service, the mobile medical van has reached people who have not been to the doctor in years,” said Eunice Hines, Director for Migrant and Outreach Services. “Some were diagnosed and treated for chronic illnesses.”

The new mobile medical van complements the mobile dental trailer that CHI previously rolled out in 2017. The mobile dental trailer allows dental teams to do cleanings and other basic preventative services, along with restoration and minor oral surgeries. It also has digital x-rays, the latest dental equipment, Wi-Fi, and an education TV system.

“As we move forward in 2020, we continue to advocate for excellence in care,” said Hines. “I am proud to say that CHI is closing a gap by ensuring that everyone, regardless of race or income, has access to high-quality, compassionate health care.”

CHI continues to grow its services and programs to meet the increased needs of the community.  

To watch the ribbon-cutting ceremony, visit CHI’s Facebook page for the full livestream.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator type=”transparent” up=”15px” down=”15px”][vc_column_text]Call (305) 252-4820 to make an appointment with the mobile medical van at the following locations.

Mondays: Perrine Gardens, 10161 Circle Plaza

Tuesdays: Arthur Mays Villas, 11341 SW 216th Street

Wednesdays: Pine Island, 26862 SW 127th Avenue

Thursdays: Homestead Gardens, 1562 SW 4th Street

Fridays: Homeless Encampments[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]