Researchers investigated how early treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) affects health outcomes. They found that earlier treatment is linked to a lower risk of disability later on. Seeking diagnosis and early treatment for MS at the onset of symptoms could improve patient quality of life.

Semein “Junior” Ayala has been an Outreach Worker at Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) since April 2022.

The Doris Ison Health Center was abuzz with contagious enthusiasm as men belted out lyrics to select songs in an energetic karaoke session. The excitement was all for CHI’s Men’s Health Fair. It was a joyous atmosphere of men coming together to advocate for and celebrate a shared commitment to a healthy lifestyle.  

It feels like summer is just flying by us. I hope you are enjoying some time with your families and remembering to take precautions in the extreme heat.  

Family medicine graduate, Dr. Katina Richardson gave her commencement speech at the seventh annual Brodes H. Hartley, Jr. Teaching Health Center graduation ceremony as her fellow graduates shared proud smiles, reflecting on their transformative residency.  

Researchers have developed a new biosensor that can detect structural changes in proteins indicative of neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. The sensor could aid early diagnosis of various conditions and help personalize treatment options.

Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) construction and renovation projects

Marie Tilor is a Patient Care Technician at Community Health of South Florida’s Doris Ison Health Center.

As Juan Figueroa walked through the giant colon at Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) Colorectal Cancer Awareness Day at the Doris Ison Health Center, he was hopeful to receive valuable medical advice on colorectal health and cancer prevention.

If you are a Medicaid recipient, you may be at risk of losing insurance coverage and access to specialty care.

On a picture-perfect day, 116 golfers teed off for a good cause at the exclusive Deering Bay Yacht & Country Club on April 3, 2023, for the CHI Golf Tournament. Celebrity guests and sponsors helped to raise an impressive $108,429 for the Children’s Crisis Center.

Big things are coming at Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI).

Maurice Lee is a Warehouse Supply Technician at Community Health of South Florida, Inc. Employed at CHI since 2020, Lee is responsible for printing and delivering supplies to all 14 CHI health centers and school-based programs.

It’s a boy! As the clock struck midnight and cheers erupted in celebration of the new year, CHI’s Dr. Amine Khachani delivered Miami-Dade County’s first baby of 2023 at Jackson South Medical Center. 

The start of a new year is a time where many of us reflect on our life and determine the changes we would like to see in ourselves. One of those areas that you might consider improving is your health.

CHI establishes the “Angel Fund” for employees experiencing financial hardships.

Happy New Year! It’s a fresh start for all of us as we clean the slate and strive for good health, happiness and success in 2023. I know the team at CHI will be forging ahead to continue with high quality compassionate care with new innovations, programs and services this year.  I hope the new year brings new opportunities to all of you. 

When Ashley Nicole Cason was diagnosed with HIV at the age of 15, she thought her life was over. Cason suffered with depression and suicidal thoughts as a teenager and sadly did not see a positive future for herself.  

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 […]

  It’s not typical to see your doctor dancing with you on a Zoom workout to a funky hip-hop beat. Patients enjoyed this experience thanks to the CHIP program, an interactive fitness program created by Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) residents Dr. Arshely Fleuristal and Dr. Rivera Santana. Community Health Initiative Project (CHIP), […]

  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 […]

As we head into the holiday season, I reflect on gratitude for good health. I am thankful to be healthy and thankful to our team for their dedication to maintain the health of our patients and our community. Recently, we received high recognition for the quality of care provided at CHI. In fact, we were […]

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.

CHI patients will soon have highly-qualified medical specialists contributing to their care.

A new remote patient monitoring service will give patients and their providers better control over their health this summer.

  Time flies when you’re having fun! It seems like the school year just wrapped up and here we are already starting to look at heading back to school. As always, we want to be your one-stop shop for healthcare for the whole family. Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) has discounted school and […]

June was an eventful month at the Brodes H. Hartley, Jr. Teaching Health Center as the Class of 2022 graduated on June 11, 2022, after years of dedicated service to CHI and its patients.

Community Health of South Florida, Inc. medical and psychiatry residents are shaping the future of patient care and improving people’s lives through their research. In fact, their research is so compelling they have been asked to present at both state and national levels for organizations such as the Florida Psychiatric Society and the American Psychiatric Association.

Dr. Abiona Redwood, a Core Faculty of CHI’s Family Medicine Residency Program at the Brodes H. Hartley Jr. Teaching Health Center, has received the Excellence in Clinical Teaching Award by the Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine.

Dr. Veronica Alvarez-Galiana always wanted to work at Community HeaIth of South Florida, Inc. (CHI). Born in Miami to Cuban parents who fled their country, Dr. Alvarez-Galiana knew she wanted to work with migrant populations and in underserved communities.

Spring is here and I’m hopeful that we are emerging out of this pandemic thanks to science, vaccines, and the devotion of healthcare professionals like doctors, nurses and the entire staff here at Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI).

For the first time, on May 16, 2022, Community Health of South Florida, Inc.’s Glen Rice Celebrity Golf tournament will tee off from the exclusive Deering Bay Yacht and Country Club.

Black communities in America are 20% more likely than the general population to experience serious mental health challenges, according to Health and Human Services. Yet the American Psychiatric Association says only one in three Black adults will receive the treatment that they need. The problem is made worse during a time when a global pandemic […]

With the pandemic continuing to uproot our community’s sense of normalcy, one population is increasingly struggling with mental health in the midst of it all– our kids. For children between ages 10 and 17 years old, the rollercoaster between being removed from school and being placed in virtual learning has resulted in huge gaps in […]

I feel so honored to now serve as your President and CEO. I love this organization as I have been working for Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) for 16 years. Our team has evolved and become stronger and more strategic over the years. Together we will chart new paths for South Florida and […]

The sun is beginning to set in Key West as a vibrant Junkanoo band makes its way down Fort Street in Bahama Village in a bustle of bells, whistles, and drums.

First I want to thank all for your amazing support received last year in celebration of CHI’s 50th Anniversary. It was a very special milestone and your participation and donations made it another banner year in our fundraising efforts for the Children’s Crisis Center capital campaign.

When Dr. Ora L. Strickland stood up in a Capital Campaign Committee to announce her generous donation of $10,000 she created momentum and inspiration. Her gift toward the Children’s Crisis Center (CCC) paved the way for others to do the same and to reignite the path towards creating a desperately needed place for children with […]

This past September 2021, CHI launched its 2nd annual Employee Giving Campaign. This year was special as employees had the opportunity to donate to a wonderful cause outside of CHI and the healthcare arena.

After nearly 40 years with this outstanding organization, this will be my last CEO message. I am retiring at the end of 2021. It’s an emotional moment for me, on a professional and personal level after pouring my heart and soul into CHI for so long.

The audience erupted in applause after Miami Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava designated September 25th, 2021 as Community Health of South Florida, Inc. Golden Legacy Anniversary Day. It was one of several awards and proclamations celebrated at CHI’s 50th anniversary gala.

Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) is dedicated to keeping the community safe and healthy. In line with CDC guidelines, CHI is now administering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-17 years old. It is also providing vaccinations and booster shots for those 18 and older“This expanded eligibility for lifesaving vaccines moves us […]

Nearly 100 golfers and celebrities teed off at the Biltmore golf course on October 7, 2021, swinging away for a special cause. For the first time the tournament took place at the elite, upscale, Biltmore Golf Course. Guests enjoyed a day full of fun complete with 18 holes of golf, lunch and a dinner awards […]

CHI’s 50th birthday year is all about full circle moments. Fifty years ago, an immigrant farmworker and activist Doris Ison had a vision to provide affordable, quality care to all. With the support of donors and the community, Community Health of South Florida, Inc. has been able to achieve this vision, expanding its services and […]

Ocean Reef Community Foundation is an organization rooted in philanthropy and invested in meaningful charities throughout South Florida.

National Health Center week is one of my favorite times of the year because it highlights the great contributions that community health centers, like Community Health of South Florida, Inc., have made to their communities.

The National Health Care for the Homeless Council (NHCHC) appointed a Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) team member to its national board. Eunice Hines, Director of Migrant Health and Outreach Services, said she is excited to serve in this capacity.

If health centers are the chemistry for strong communities, then patients are the elements that keep them bonded together.

National Health Center week is one of my favorite times of the year because it highlights the great contributions that community health centers, like Community Health of South Florida, Inc., have made to their communities.

There was something very unique about the 2021 graduating class of the Brodes H. Hartley, Jr. Teaching Health Center. It wasn’t the fact that all five graduates were brilliant young doctors, even though they were. It was the fact that all of them were women.

Florida remains among the top five states with the highest rates of HIV diagnoses, according to Becker’s Hospital Review. In South Florida, individuals are faced with stigmas that stem in part from cultural diversity. Many Hispanics, Haitians, and African-Americans have certain biases toward HIV, which pose a challenge to individuals who may be seeking testing or treatment.  […]

On May 4th, therapeutic foster mom Maureen Lewis was welcomed by honks, cheers, and applause as she drove into the Doris Ison Health Center with her two foster children.

A year of celebrations continues! CHI officially turned 50 years old on May 12th, and I want to give a special thanks to those who joined us for our birthday festivities.

On May 12th, excitement buzzed at the Doris Ison Health Center. As the Happy Birthday song played, CHI staff prepared for a day they would never forget: CHI’s 50th anniversary.

The National Health Care for the Homeless Council (NHCHC) appointed a Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) team member to its national board. Eunice Hines, Director of Migrant Health and Outreach Services, said she is excited to serve in this capacity. Hines has been with CHI since 2007, ensuring the migrant and homeless community […]

Nurse Syndia Jean-Baptist sobbed when she received her ACTion Hero Award alongside fellow school-based nurses, Norma Carrasco and Bethany Simmons-Little, at Community Health of South Florida, Inc by the CEO, Brodes H. Hartley, Jr.  The emotional wounds were still raw. Just two weeks prior, Jean-Baptist found herself performing CPR on her former high school teacher […]

Hope has arrived, and we are finally headed in the right direction. As we are able to vaccinate more and more people, I truly believe that we will get through this difficult time in the near future. The pandemic has pushed our team at CHI to reexamine our services and healthcare delivery on a daily […]

Tasha Robinson sat in the observation area of the COVID-19 vaccination site, set up by Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) at Naranja Park. Although her mouth was covered by her mask, she smiled excitedly with her eyes. Just minutes prior, Tasha had received the shot outside the CHI’s mobile medical van. “I feel […]

March is Women’s History Month, dedicated to celebrating women’s important contributions in history.   At Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI), women are recognized every day, as CHI would not exist without the sheer will and passion of one very special woman, Doris Ison.   Ison’s fearless attitude, advocacy and dedication to bring health care […]

Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) began administering the first COVID-19 vaccine for its frontline healthcare workers on January 5, 2021. The Moderna vaccines arrived at Doris Ison Health Center. Maria Caba, a patient care technician at Doris Ison, was the first to receive the vaccine. This marked a milestone moment for CHI and […]

I feel a sense of hope and excitement as we head into a new year, our 50th anniversary as an organization, and now a federal structure to combat COVID-19. Change is coming, and we are seeing the glimmers of healing and recovery all around us. 

Kantrell Young, Executive Secretary at Community Health of South Florida, Inc., couldn’t contain her excitement as she arrived at the main entrance of Doris Ison Health Center. Burnie, the Miami HEAT Mascot, was dancing, and the HEAT dancers were shaking their hips along with him. The music was pumping, and the Doris Ison parking lot […]

In a year that was filled with uncertainty, isolation and grief, @SimoneBoyce reports on what mental health professionals have struggled with in 2020 and what makes them stay hopeful. Watch NOW: https://t.co/U4UZMHn7bF pic.twitter.com/zSgaNG4psE — NBC News NOW (@NBCNewsNow) December 15, 2020

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

“Diabetes Drive-Through” sounds like a nickname for fast-food sweets, but at Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI), it is an innovate blood sugar screening program. Patients drive up to the station at one of CHI’s health centers and get their A1C test, blood pressure, a foot exam, and their test results.

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.

As we head into the holiday season, I encourage you to find ways to be grateful. Despite our trying times, there are glimmers of hope and rays of sunshine all around us. One such glimmer of hope is the Children’s Crisis Center that we are building for kids with severe behavioral health issues. 

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. 

CHI has hired proven South Florida fundraiser Victoria Castro. Castro draws from more than 25 years of successful fundraising and development expertise to help raise funds for the children’s crisis center and other critical projects.

With children’s suicide rates up and related mental health issues on the rise, Community Health of South Florida (CHI) moved forward with a virtual groundbreaking for its Children’s Crisis Center, the first of its kind to serve children in crisis in southern Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties.

June marked a special occasion for Community Health of South Florida, Inc., (CHI) and the Brodes H. Hartley Jr. Teaching Health Center’s class of 2020. After months of hard work coupled with the challenges of fighting a global pandemic, four family medicine residents, one OB/GYN, and three psychiatry residents were honored on Saturday, June 20, at the teaching health center’s first-ever virtual graduation.

I hope this message finds you safe and in good health. We are living through tough times. COVID-19 is spreading through South Florida and on top of that, we have civil unrest linked to the ongoing battle for equality. Our founder, Doris Ison, was a change agent and a visionary. She wanted to be sure that everyone, regardless of economic background or race, had access to high-quality healthcare. Today we continue to fulfill her vision.

With South Florida facing a health crisis, Community Health of South Florida, Inc. became the first facility to offer drive-through COVID-19 testing in Miami-Dade and Monroe County. The non-profit organization sprung into action, mobilizing its team and providing many communities invaluable health resources when they were most needed.

It’s a team effort for Glen Rice and friends as they golf to raise money for a children’s crisis center. Nearly every day, the Crisis Center at Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) sees a child brought in by his or her parents or school police because of a mental health breakdown. Usually the […]

Not many children rejoice about going to the dentist. But for six-year-old Julianna Tajiboyajpacaj, it was a welcome treat. “She was very happy to be here,” said Felipa Ajpacaja, Julianna’s mom. “She enjoyed it!” Ajpacaja said her daughter often complained of toothaches. But the financial expense of going to the dentist was a challenge for […]

One of my greatest inspirations has always been Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He was a man of service and advocated for all people. He gave of himself to speak out for those in need. In the 1960’s, he was quoted as saying “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health is the most […]

A crisp, cool evening in Marathon didn’t keep hundreds of people away from the grand re-opening celebration at Community Health of South Florida, Inc.’s Marathon Health Center. The new state of the art center at 2805 Overseas Highway MM 48.5, Marathon, FL 33050 received a makeover from the inside out to provide a pleasant, serene atmosphere for patients at a convenient location. It is just next door from CHI’s old Marathon Health Center.

Es un esfuerzo de equipo para Glen Rice y sus amigos mientras juegan golf para recaudar dinero para un centro de crisis para niños. Casi todos los días, el Centro de Crisis de Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) recibe a un niño traído por sus padres o por la policía escolar debido a […]

  No muchos niños se alegran de ir al dentista. Pero para Julianna Tajiboyajpacaj, de seis años, fue un placer. “Estaba muy feliz de estar aquí”, dijo Felipa Ajpacaja, la madre de Julianna. “Lo disfrutó”. Ajpacaja dijo que su hija se quejaba con frecuencia de dolor de muelas. Pero el gasto financiero de ir al […]

Una de mis mayores inspiraciones siempre ha sido el Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Fue un hombre de servicio que abogó por todas las personas. Dedicó su vida a hablar por los necesitados. En la década de 1960, afirmó: “De todas las formas de desigualdad, la injusticia en salud es la más estremecedora e inhumana […]

Una noche fresca en Marathon no pudo mantener a cientas de personas alejadas de la gran celebración de reapertura en el Marathon Health Center de Community Health of South Florida, Inc. El nuevo centro moderno en 2805 Overseas Highway MM 48.5, Marathon, FL 33050, recibió un cambio de imagen de adentro hacia afuera para ofrecer un ambiente agradable y sereno a los pacientes en una ubicación conveniente. Está justo al lado del antiguo Marathon Health Center de CHI.

The Family Medicine Program has received continued Accreditation effective January 29th, 2020 from Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). This is a great accomplishment and we are so very proud to share this with you.

Marianne Finizio, Vice President of Community Relations and Business Development, is new to the Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) leadership team. She is a seasoned healthcare executive with comprehensive experience that includes business development, operations, technology, and marketing and promotion of value driven healthcare solutions. Her most recent positions have been with leading […]

Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones. May the new year bring you happiness and good health! That’s not always the case for everyone. For some, it is a difficult time. Many hide depression and other significant problems, despite the holiday lights and festivities. I want you to know that your medical home is […]

Nutritionist Melissa Somers reviews a student’s nutritional plan via telehealth. The computer’s camera and speakers allow the student and Somers to see and hear each other although they are in different locations. When Nutritionist, Melissa Somers meets with her patients it is usually in her office. But thanks to a new telehealth program at Community […]

Community Health of South Florida, Inc. celebrates the diversity of its staff with cultural awareness day festivities. Employees shared their customs, food, dance, clothing art and more with each other. Guissella Lozano, Human Resources Clerk, dressed in a traditional Nicaraguan outfit. The Jamaican team watches and records as a patient sings “One Love,” by Bob […]

Community Health of South Florida, Inc. celebra la diversidad de su personal con las festividades del Día del Conocimiento Cultural. Los empleados compartieron sus costumbres, comida, baile, ropa, arte y mas entre ellos. Guissella Lozano, Recepcionista de Recursos Humanos, vestida con un traje tradicional nicaraguense. El equipo jamaiquino observa y graba mientras un paciente canta […]

Marianne Finizio, vicepresidente de relaciones con la comunidad y desarrollo comercial, es nueva en el equipo de liderazgo de Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI). Es una ejecutiva experta en atención médica que tiene una amplia experiencia que incluye desarrollo comercial, operaciones, tecnología, mercadeo y publicidad de soluciones de atención médica de valor. Sus […]

Felices fiestas para usted y sus seres queridos. ¡Que el año nuevo les traiga felicidad y buena salud! Ese no es siempre el caso para todos. Para algunos, son tiempos difíciles. Muchos ocultan la depresión y otros problemas importantes, a pesar de las luces y celebraciones de las fiestas. Quiero que sepa que nuestro centro […]

Pie de foto: La nutricionista Melissa Somers revisa el plan nutricional de un estudiante mediante telesalud. La cámara y las bocinas de la computadora permiten que el estudiante y Somers se vean y oigan aun estando en diferentes lugares.   Cuando la nutricionista Melissa Somers se reúne con sus pacientes, usualmente es en su clínica. Pero gracias […]

Nuestro lema es más que una frase pegadiza para nosotros en Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI). Cuando decimos que “La atención al paciente es lo más importante”, lo decimos en serio. Nos esforzamos constantemente por alcanzar la excelencia y siempre buscamos maneras de mejorar la manera en que atendemos a nuestros pacientes. Reconocemos […]

Our motto is more than just a catch phrase here at Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI). When we say, “Patient Care Comes First,” we mean it! We are constantly striving for excellence and looking at ways to improve our delivery of care for our patients. We recognize that there is a nationwide shortage […]

No, no leyó mal el título. Es cierto. Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) tiene un nuevo programa de incentivos para animar a los pacientes a devolver sus kits de análisis de sus pruebas inmunoquímicas fecales (Fecal Immunochemical Test, FIT), una prueba de detección para el cáncer colorrectal. De acuerdo con los Centros para […]

No, you didn’t misread the headline. It is accurate. Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) has a new incentive program to encourage patients to return their Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) test kits, a screening test for colorectal cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control, colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer […]

Comisionada Daniella Levine Cava (centro) presenta a Anthony Acevedo, presidente de la Fundación CHI (izquierda) y a Brodes H. Hartley, Jr. presidente/director general de CHI (derecha) con la proclamación de la declaración del “Día de CHI”.   Cientos de personas asistieron a la noche de casino de la Community Health Foundation. Desde líderes prominentes hasta […]

  Hundreds attended Community Health Foundation’s Casino night. From prominent leaders, to business owners, everyone came together to roll the dice and spin the roulette wheel with a charitable purpose on September 7th at Christ the King Lutheran Church Hall, in Pinecrest. The event raised funding to help Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) […]

El nuevo grupo de residentes médicos de CHI contribuye a la calidad total de la atención médica dentro de la organización. Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) es reconocido como un “Centro médico líder en calidad” por el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de EE. UU. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, HRSA). […]

CHI’s newest class of medical residents contribute to the overall quality of healthcare within the organization.   Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) is recognized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HRSA) as a “Health Center Quality Leader.” CHI received the award for placing among the top 20 percent nationwide in […]

From left to right Dr. Elizabeth Philippe, Program Director and Assistant DIO, watches as Brodes H. Hartley, Jr., President/CEO, presents new resident, Dr. Ludonir Sebastiany with his white coat. Dr. Saint Anthony Amofah, Sr. VP, DIO, CMO, CAO looks on. From left to right Dr. Elizabeth Philippe, Program Director and Assistant DIO and Brodes H. […]

This is one of my favorite times of the year as we celebrate all that community health centers bring to our nation and our neighborhoods. National Health Center Week (NHCW) is August 5th through August 10th. During this week we will highlight the mission and strengths of community health centers and the valuable resources that […]

SOMETHING TO SMILE ABOUT CHI’S NEWEST GRANT OFFERS CHILDREN FREE DENTAL CARE When the Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) mobile dental trailer rolls up to a school or summer camp, the end result is a beautiful smile for children. CHI recently received a grant of nearly $180,000 from the Children’s Trust to provide […]

CHI GRADUATES ITS 3RD CLASS OF RESIDENTS AND WELCOMES IN NEW RESIDENTS WITH WHITE COAT CEREMONY Graduates left to right: Dr. Michael Nilmeier, Family Medicine, Dr. Michael Taylor, Family Medicine, Dr. Urania Davis, OB/GYN, Dr. Christine Dunlop, Family Medicine, Dr. Elkins Guzman, Psychiatry, Dr. David Bohannon, Psychiatry. Community Health of South Florida, Inc (CHI) graduated […]

Dr. Antonella Annunziato, Pharmacist and Health Blogger, talks about the safety of sunscreens, as well as the pros and cons of their use. Did you know that applying sunscreens to prevent burns reduces the risk of the Melanoma, but could it increase the incidence of other benign skin cancers? It is increasingly known that the […]

Summer is here and the children are out of school. Many of you are likely planning family vacations. Keep in mind the summer is the perfect time to schedule all of your appointments without having to juggle school schedules. At Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI), we want to make quality healthcare convenient for […]

Saving and improving lives is Community Health of South Florida’s (CHI) top priority. The organization was founded to ensure that everyone has access to high-quality healthcare. That mission should also be a top concern for Congressional leaders. Community Health Centers throughout the nation are calling on Congress to take action and pass the funding bill, […]

As a working mother of two school-age children, Yozuhara Delgadillo found herself struggling to put food on the table. In spite of her back pain, Delgadillo managed to find work as a housekeeper, while her husband worked as a gardener.   “The job wasn’t steady,” Delgadillo said. “We could not rely on a steady income.” […]

Title: Doctor/MD Languages: English, Spanish Location: Naranja Health Center/Naranja Dr. Linda Zambra from CHI sat with us to give us a little insight on Pap Tests and the benefits behind them. Dr. Linda Zambra has been a provider at CHI’s Naranja Health Center since 2003 and received her medical degree in 1988 from the National […]

Black History Month is a time to look back at past achievements. At Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) the late Doris Ison helped pave the way for equality among races in healthcare starting in 1971. “She convinced a group of doctors from her church to volunteer their time and the team worked out […]

Merlys Garcia and Ester Gomez, Hedis Compliance Technicians, do not typically make house calls. But recently they ventured out of their offices at the Doris Ison Health Center to bring two new pairs of shoes to a patient. Typically, Garcia and Gomez connect with Community Health of South Florida Inc. (CHI) patients over the phone […]

Two hundred children received free dental cleanings, fluoride treatment and dental sealants at Community Health of South Florida Inc.’s (CHI) Give Kids A Smile Day on February 1st. The event offered dental services to children ages 3 to 16-years-old in partnership with the American Dental Association Foundation. Christina Colley made sure to bring her 4-year-old […]

How’s your golf swing? It doesn’t have to be outstanding to join us at our annual Glen Rice Celebrity Golf Tournament at the Shula’s Golf Club in Miami Lakes on April 12th. In fact, some people just like to come and enjoy the food, drinks and the greens. Whether you’re golfing or not I hope […]

Yvette Casas is the new Director of Managed Care at CHI. The department oversees referrals, HEDIS (Health Effectiveness Data and Information Set), a set of managed care performance measures, Care Coordination, and Comprehensive AIDS Resources and Education Services (CARES). Yvette began the first stage of her career working for Ocean Bank as a lending officer […]

Sandra Reyes is the new Director of Patient Services. Reyes comes with more than 20 years of experience in the Healthcare industry which includes software and administration knowledge. She received her undergraduate degree from Rutgers University, in New Jersey and a master’s degree from Florida International University. Reyes later worked as an adjunct faculty member […]

It is that time of the year when everyone wants an easy, fast way to get rid of all the extra pounds gained during the holidays. Some turn to fasting as a way to lose the weight. Those who do it drink only water or juice and avoid food for 24-48 hours. Many religions promote […]

Eight-year-old Genesis Guevara loves to smile and wants to keep her pearly whites healthy. Unlike her 4 siblings, she has never had a cavity. On her regularly scheduled dental cleaning at Community Health of South Florida’s Doris Ison Dental Department, the hygienist suggests that she gets sealants on her back teeth. “Sealants are very important,” […]

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to all of you. Its been a tremendous year for Community Health of South Florida, Inc (CHI) and I want to thank you for your support. Our Teaching Health Center graduated its second class of residents in 2018 and became an ACGME accredited program. CHI made national headlines when […]

The holidays came early in Washington D.C. as legislators in the House voted 361 to 61 to approve $1.63 billion in funding for community health centers for 2019. The Senate previously passed the bill 93 to 7. The bipartisan support will be combined with $4 billion authorized earlier in the year bringing the total support […]

Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) is recognized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HRSA) as a “Health Center Quality Leader.” CHI received the award for placing among the top 30 percent nationwide in clinical quality measures. “This award shows our commitment to providing top quality care,” said Brodes H. Hartley […]

Intense concern and worry over funding is alleviated after Congress passed legislation to fix the health center funding cliff with a two-year extension and $600 million in additional dollars to further support health center operations and address unmet needs.  The news came as a huge comfort to Community Health of South Florida Inc. (CHI) and […]

Specialized Therapeutic Foster Care Program We held a brunch on Saturday to honor the foster parents in our Specialized Therapeutic Foster Care Program. These parents really do some miraculous work with some of the most difficult children. They have turned lives around and been the saving grace for so many. CHI wanted to show these […]

As a health care professional, should I be held to a higher standard for personal health? As I type this blog entry, a half empty bag of red, white and blue peanut M&M’s sits on my desk and the yellow one on the cover of the bag is smiling at me. The good thing is […]

Community Health of South Florida Inc.’s blog contains health tips, current medical news from infectious diseases to up-to-date advancements including treatments and medications, as well as columns from providers. This blog is an opportunity for CHI to share relevant and important health care information to encourage preventative care and a work-life balance. Please use this […]

We are about to celebrate the 50th year anniversary of the National Association of Community Health Centers. In the 1960’s, this community health center model was brought to the United States from South Africa. This one-stop model allows patients the convenience of taking care of several medical appointments in one day at one location. Soon, […]

One out of every eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer disease over the course of her lifetime. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in women. The cancer forms in tissues of the breast, usually in the tubes that carry milk to the nipple (ducts) and glands that make […]

We’ve all heard this before, and, I agree: health care should be a right, not a privilege. Recently, a decision was made by the U.S. Supreme Court (King v. Burwell) to uphold the payment of premium tax credits to qualified people. The argument was over the wording of the statute providing eligibility for tax credits only […]

Our children are constantly changing throughout the year, from physical to emotional changes.  But, there is one time of the year that academic and social demands go through the biggest change. That time is now! Summer represents fun, sun, and a much needed break for parents and kids. It can also represent the upcoming stress […]