Cecily Hill poses for a photo at the Doris Ison Health Center.

Cecily Hill, MA, is a Medical Assistant at Community Health of South Florida’s Doris Ison Health Center. She has been employed at CHI since 2021. As a medical assistant, she assesses the medical needs of the patient before they see a doctor or nurse. Hill takes pride in offering quality care to her patients. Originally from Miami, Hill spends her free time going to the beach and reading. Hill plans to continue her career in children’s behavioral health.

Juan Lopez, stands proudly in front of his CHI transportation van.

Juan Lopez is a Lead Driver at Community Health of South Florida, Inc. He is responsible for transporting patients from their homes to CHI Health centers. He began working at CHI in 2014 as a driver and was promoted to Lead Driver three years later in 2017. Lopez loves giving back to his community and believes he is making a difference transporting patients to their health appointments. He is originally from Mexico City, Mexico and enjoys spending time with his daughter.

CHI staff and patients pose for a photo after diabetic group visit.

Shirl Jones suffered from fainting spells and low blood sugar for months as a diabetic. She was not aware that going through long periods of fasting would be the cause.

“I work very long hours and occasionally will miss meals,” said Jones.

She was one of several diabetic patients who participated in a group visit at Community Health of South Florida’s Naranja Health Center. CHI is dedicated to offering support and quality care to the South Florida community. As part of that continued care, an interactive visit was offered to diabetic patients like Jones as part of their regular check-up appointment. The visit included an educational cooking demonstration by a nutritionist and one-on-one discussions with CHI physicians and pharmacists.

Rochelle Anderson, nutritionist at CHI, explained to Jones the importance of eating enough as a diabetic.

“Even if you don’t think you’re hungry, you should still eat to fuel your body during your shift,” said Anderson.

Jones shook her head in excited agreement with Anderson, grateful for the suggestion. She now had a renewed approach on managing her diabetes.

“Seeing a nutritionist, a professional, will help them make necessary changes,” said Margarita Sarmiento, Licensed Nurse Practitioner.

She has witnessed firsthand among her patients a reluctance in making changes in one’s lifestyle due to a lack of education about diabetes.

“Sometimes they just do not want to change,” she said.

However, CHI providers are hopeful that more visits like this will bring positive results in the lives of their patients.

During the visit, patients were treated to a healthy, delicious plate of ceviche and black bean salad prepared by Anderson. She also talked about the value of key ingredients in a meal.

“I would like for your meals to have a complex carb, for instance, a sweet potato, or black beans. These carbs have fiber in them and provide your body with nutrients,” said Anderson.

(Left) Rochelle Anderson, nutritionist at CHI, discusses healthy food options with Shirl Jones, patient (Right).

Diabetes affects 37.3 million people in the United States. According to Dr. Paulin Gotrace, patient education is a key factor in controlling this disease. Dr. Gotrace’s focus when treating his patients is encouraging compliance, education, and a healthy lifestyle. He emphasized that the most effective method in his treatment plan is detailing the beneficial results they will see from taking their medication.

“We serve this community and know their needs. Constant education is very important,” said Dr. Gotrace.

The patients left the group visit feeling hopeful that they can better manage their diabetes with the information they learned.

“Classes like this will help me because I get educated,” said another patient, Charmaine Drammond.

Dina Orellana, Medical Assistant at CHI, receives her Monkeypox vaccine.

The 2022 outbreak of Monkeypox has reached South Florida. Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) is dedicated to combating the disease by providing quality medical care and is now offering the Monkeypox vaccine to high-risk individuals.

Monkeypox, a viral disease, commonly shows up as a rash on the skin, flu-like symptoms, and headache, is now classified as a public health emergency by the World Health Organization. Although the virus is not an epidemic currently, CHI doctors are warning the community to take precautions.

“The numbers are significant, and they present concern,” said Dr. Saint Anthony Amofah, Senior Vice President, and Chief Medical Officer.

As cases continue to rise in South Florida, CHI providers encourage patients to turn to them with their questions and concerns. Dr. Amofah answers some frequently asked questions:

How is Monkeypox transmitted?

Monkeypox is transmitted most through prolonged and direct skin to skin contact. This may be through hugging or kissing, sex, as well as touching bedding or clothing that has been contaminated with the virus. The virus can also be transmitted by respiratory droplets through face-to-face interactions.

When should you be concerned that you’ve contracted Monkeypox?

If you have been exposed to the virus or traveled to an area with a high transmission rate, you should be concerned. Additionally, if you are experiencing rashes or flu-like symptoms, you should self-isolate and contact your primary care physician.

Who qualifies for the Monkeypox vaccine?

The vaccine is available to patients at CHI who are at a high-risk for developing severe disease. That includes patients with immunocompromised conditions such as cancer, HIV, or Lupus. The vaccine is also available to CHI staff.

How can you protect yourself against Monkeypox?

Avoid situations where you are exposed to prolonged direct contact with others. If you are going to be in those situations, try to be fully clothed and wear a mask. It is better to make the presumption that the person next to you is infected.