Dr. Jany Mesa and Dr. Mary L. Kewin

CHI Residents’ Research Gain National Attention

Dr. Jany Mesa and Dr. Mary L. Kewin

Dr. Jany Mesa (right) and Dr. Mary L. Kewin (left) stand in front of Dr. Mesa’s poster at the Florida Psychiatric Society. Dr. Mesa is the 2022-23 co-chief resident for CHI Psychiatry and Dr. Kerwin is the upcoming co-chief

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.

“There are a lot of quality improvement projects in progress here at CHI,” said Dr. Mary Kerwin, DO, the upcoming co-chief resident of CHI’s Department of Psychiatry. “Everyone is doing impactful work, like practice-based research, to help the community beyond direct patient care.”

Dr. Kerwin conducted her own research, along with other residents in the program. It explores telepsychiatry and how effective it can be within Black and Brown populations. During the pandemic, many patients moved to telehealth services. Now appointments are offered both in-person and virtually. Dr. Kerwin and her colleagues are determining how telepsychiatry can impact patient care and how it can help CHI serve more patients. The aim is to create the greatest impact on their quality of life while conserving resources.

“Our residents have the opportunity to do practice-based research with real-world impact,” said Dr. Saint Anthony Amofah, CHI’s Chief Medical Officer and Chief Academic Officer. “These are activities that make a difference in the lives of the patients we take care of. They’re ideas that have the potential to make a difference across the country. That’s powerful.”

 

CHI resident researchers have shared their noteworthy findings with important professionals in the industry and were awarded for doing so. Residents Dr. Stefanny Santana and Dr. Ashely Fleuristal won 2nd place for their presentation. They were also recognized for the impact of their research on weight loss in family medicine.

“This is what sets us apart—the practice-based research that makes a huge difference in the lives of the patients we care for,” said Dr. Amofah. “And it’s gaining attention.”

These opportunities improve quality patient care and attract first-rate residents nationwide.

It also offers residents practice-based learning, development of new skills, networking opportunities and recognition.

CHI residents are well-positioned to excel and shape the future of their careers.

 

Family Medicine:

Stefanny Santana Rivera, MD
Arshely Fleuristal, MD
  • 2nd Place Winners for Poster Presentation
  • 2021 Family Medicine Cares Resident Service Award for your service project, “Community Health Weight Loss Initiative.”

 

Yeily Hernandez Mato
  • “Optimization of Statin Therapy in CAD in Community Practice”

 

Psychiatry:

  • “Is Telepsychiatry Effective for Racial-Ethnic Minorities in a Community Healthcare Setting?”

 

Tamara Fuerra, MD
Jany Mesa, MD
  • Neuropsychiatric Presentation of Temple Lobe Epilepsy: A case study

 

Olaocha Okwuadigbo, MD
  • Disparities in dementia care at US mental health care facilities: Analysis of US nationwide data from 2010 to 2020

 

Upcoming poster presentation on May 20-25, 2022
at the American Psychiatric Association
Somto V. Enemuo, MD
  • “Exploring the Association Between Electronic Wearable Device Use and Levels of Physical Activity Among Individuals With Depression and Anxiety”
Dr. Abiona Redwood

Dr. Abiona Redwood Wins Excellence in Clinical Teaching Award From FIU’s Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine

Dr. Abiona Redwood

Dr. Abiona Redwood receives local award.

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.

The award recognizes a clinician-educator who excels in clinical teaching in family medicine, is a role model as a physician and educator, is available to students, cultivates lifelong learning, and is community-based faculty at FIU HWCOM.

At CHI, Dr. Redwood is responsible for the education and training of residents, medical students and allied health professionals through the implementation of a curriculum that addresses the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education’s core competencies.

Dr. Redwood graduated from Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, North Carolina before moving to Miami and completing her Internal Medicine and Pediatrics Residency at the University of Miami Hospital/Jackson Memorial Hospital, where she was a Resident Clinic Director.
Dr. Veronica Alvarez-Galiana

Dr. Veronica Alvarez-Galiana Recognized With National Emerging Leader Award

Dr. Veronica Alvarez-Galiana

Dr. Veronica Alvarez-Galiana wins prestigious national award

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.

“It was a calling,” said Dr. Alvarez-Galiana, who started at the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at CHI three years ago where she is now the OB/ GYN Medical Director. “The culture at CHI is very inclusive and like a family. So, I was really happy when I got the job.”

For many leaders at CHI, it was no surprise when the National Association of Community Health Centers honored Dr. Alvarez-Galiana with the prestigious Geiger Gibson Emerging Leader award for her commitment to developing the OB/GYN department, growing the number of providers and making innovative changes to the department in service of her patients.

Under her leadership, pregnant patients began making appointments earlier on in their pregnancies, the department instituted group prenatal care to promote education and build stronger support systems, the department hired and trained registered nurse-midwives, and partnered with FIU to train medical students. Dr. Alvarez-Galiana also initiated partnerships with INVITAE to provide non-invasive prenatal and breast cancer gene testing to patients, and with FIU’s Mammogram Van which provides mammograms to uninsured patients with transportation issues in South Dade.

She also led the expansion of the department to new locations in Marathon and Key West. Then, when the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020, Dr. Alvarez-Galiana quickly switched gears into telehealth services and instituted safety precautions for all patients, including a number of steps to keep pregnant patients safe.

“Certainly COVID-19 was one of the biggest challenges,” Dr. Alvarez-Galiana said. “There was a lot of fear among the patients and staff. I had to think on my feet.”

Dr. Alvarez-Galiana’s leadership and achievements were just a part of why Dr. Saint Anthony Amofah, CHI’s Chief Medical Officer, nominated her for the Geiger Gibson Emerging Leader award.

“It was very refreshing to see that she was able to pick this up without batting an eyelid,” said Dr. Amofah. “She was able to pick up the reigns and run with it and quickly earned the respect and influenced members of her department. She is a visionary for such a young woman.”

Dr. Alvarez-Galiana says it was nice to pause and take in the recognition and is forging ahead on building out her vision for the OB/GYN department at CHI.

“It’s a very humbling experience,” she said. “But it’s really about doing the right thing even when nobody is watching. I want to continue being of service to the community.”

Driven by CHI’s motto, “Patient care comes first,” Dr. Alvarez- Galiana said she hopes the next phase of her work might implement new and innovative cancer screenings, and more.

But there’s another order of business Dr. Alvarez-Galiana is seeing to this year: the birth of her second child this summer. She is expecting a baby girl and currently receiving her own prenatal care at CHI.

A Message From the President & CEO

New innovations are blooming at Community Health of South Florida, Inc. CHI. We have implemented EPIC as our new electronic health record and are excited about all thetools that it will provide us to better care for our patients. Initially, as we get accustomed to the new system, there may be some challenges, however, we hope and expect that it will be a major improvement in how we provide care in the long term. Please be patient with us as we get through this learning curve and move on to bigger and better services for you. We will also soon roll out remote patient monitoring to help better care for those who suffer from chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Technology will help us assist patients to live healthier, happier lives.

What’s more? I’m proud to tell you that our new Key West Health Center is well embraced by the Florida Keys community. We are so happy to see new patients coming in for primary care, OB/GYN, pediatric and
behavioral health care since its inception late last year. In addition, we are excited about pushing forward with construction and renovation projects, including the expansion at our Coconut Grove Health Center on Grand Avenue, and the construction of the Children’s Crisis Center on the campus of our Doris Ison Health Center.

I hope you will join us on the golf course on May 16 at the Deering Bay Yacht & Country Club for our annual Glen Rice Celebrity Golf Tournament. You can swing with the pros to help us reach the finish line of our capital campaign to fund the Children’s Crisis Center.

Finally, never before has the impact of community health centers been more evident than our response to the pandemic and our dedication to keeping our communities safe and healthy for more than 50 years. CHI leaders have joined other community health centers across the nation to meet with members of Congress. It is important that they are aware of the critical work that we do so that they can help provide more support for community health centers and the patients we serve. We hope you will continue to help us advocate by contacting your member of Congress.

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Blake Hall

Glen Rice Celebrity Golf Tournament Heads to Exclusive Course

Deering Bay Yacht & Country Club, a world-class South Florida Private Club and home to a breathtaking 18 hole, par-71 Arnold Palmer Signature Course

For the first time, Community Health of South Florida, Inc.’s Glen Rice Celebrity Golf Tournament will tee off from the exclusive Deering Bay Yacht and Country Club. The May 16, 2022 golf tournament will help make a lasting impact on the lives of the children in our community, as the proceeds will benefit the opening of the Children’s Crisis Center.

With just under $517,000 left to raise, CHI is nearing a fundraising goal of $5.5 million to open the Children’s Crisis Center, an 11,400-square-foot state-of-the-art facility that will serve nearly 1,000 children annually experiencing mental health crises in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties.

“The golf tournament is a wonderful, two-way approach for connecting the community with the purpose of CHI,” said Victoria Castro, CHI’s Director of Development. “Every dollar counts toward getting us to the finish line.”

This year, attendees will enjoy the tournament at a picturesque golf course designed by Arnold Palmer that boasts stunning waterfront views and tropical wildlife in an exclusive part of Miami.

CHI supporters have come out every year to enjoy the Glen Rice Celebrity Golf Tournament as sponsors and attendees. For the second year in a row, One Digital has been the tournament’s presenting sponsor and for the third year in a row, Quest Diagnostics has also sponsored the tournament.

“These are corporate leaders who continue to show up for CHI year after year because they understand the importance of our mission,” said Blake Hall, President and CEO. “We could not be more grateful to them for their unwavering commitment to helping us get to the finish line and open the Children’s Crisis Center.”

This year has been dubbed the year of the superhero. The nonprofit is recognizing its donors and supporters for their superhuman support to make this project a reality.

That includes first-time sponsors as well, such as Tampa-based healthcare tech company DeliverHealth, which is heading out to the green this year.

“Everyone’s support goes a long way,” said Castro, noting how much progress CHI has made in the last two decades since the inception of the Glen Rice Celebrity Golf Tournament. “It’s going to be a turning point in getting us close to concluding the campaign. It’s our big push for 2022.”

Whether or not you’ll be taking a swing on the green at the tournament this year, there is still an opportunity to become a CHI Superhero for the Children’s Crisis Center. Every donation holds a superpower that will lead CHI to the completion of this important center.

The Glen Rice Celebrity Golf Tournament will take place on May 16, 2022, at the Deering Yacht and Country Club with registration starting at 10:30 a.m. and tee-off at 12:30 p.m. It will also include dinner and an awards ceremony!

To sign up and learn more, visit chisouthfl.org/golf.

#MentalHealthMatters: Break the cycle and start the conversation in the Black community

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 and social justice movements have significantly impacted Black Americans’ mental health.

That’s why Community Health of South Florida, Inc. is starting the conversation with a special video released in honor of Black History Month. It’s called “Mental Health in the Black Community.” The video can be watched at chisouthfl.org/blackhistory

The video features an interview between Tiffani Helberg, Vice President for Communications, and Jean Pierre, Vice President and Chief Behavioral Health Officer. Pierre examined the factors that led to an uptick in patients at CHI seeking behavioral health services in the past two years, and yet, he points out that there are reasons why not everyone who needs help seeks it.

One of those reasons can be traced to a historical mistrust in the medical community, stemming from a lack of diversity in the medical field.

“At CHI, we’re extremely privileged,” said Pierre, encouraging patients to find a CHI provider with whom they feel comfortable. “We have clinicians from all races, creeds, and ethnic backgrounds.”

Other times, people will seek support from their faith community rather than from a mental health professional—a fact that Jean Pierre said is an opportunity to connect with churches and faith-based organizations.

“The churches in African-American communities play a phenomenal role,” said Pierre. “As a community health center, we have the opportunity to partner with our spiritual leaders and actually participate in the congregations’ activities such as health fairs and other outreach events.”

Nevertheless, CHI has made it easier to seek behavioral health services, he said. “The pandemic has enabled us to expand our telehealth services where patients can actually see a doctor, therapist, or clinician from the comfort of their own home.”

CHI’s telehealth services are an option for both adults and children, as well as in-person services at many of the 12 health centers across Miami-Dade and Monroe counties.

As people continue to cope with the ongoing pandemic and other issues, relatives should maintain awareness of their loved ones if they show changes in attitude or daily behaviors, mood swings, appetite loss, decreased interest in personal hygiene and isolation—which could mean that it’s time to seek behavioral health services.

If you or your family are struggling with mental health, you can start a conversation with us at CHI by visiting chisouthfl.org/blackhistory or calling 786-272-2100.

Mental Health Services Crucial to Helping Our Children Cope

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 social development.

Dr. Pratt is the Behavioral Health Medical Director at CHI and specializes in pediatric psychiatry. He says peer-to-peer relationships in this age group are crucial.

“This is when we develop relationships and figure out who we are,” said Dr. Pratt. “And really, we do this at school.”

When it comes to depression, stress, and anxiety, our children and adolescents may not be equipped to verbalize these feelings. Many times when they do, parents may end up dismissing them. Dr. Pratt points out this can be a missed opportunity to intervene and provide the behavioral health services the child needs.

Other times, parents may notice a change in their child’s behavior, such as isolating themselves, or not taking pleasure in things they used to enjoy doing. Dr. Pratt notes that parents and caretakers must also look after their own mental health during the pandemic.

“Parents also need to take care of their own mental health,” said Dr. Pratt. “Kids learn how to cope with things by watching their parents.”

Low-income households are often the most affected, but least supported in Florida. “Unfortunately, our system isn’t designed to help children until they’ve reached a breaking point,” said Dr. Pratt. “That’s why it’s crucial to maintain awareness of our kids’ well-being, making sure to intervene at the earliest stages.”

“It’s so much easier to address issues when they’re in the infancy stages, rather than when it becomes chronic.” CHI offers behavioral health services for children and adults at most of its health centers and via telehealth.

“CHI has really stepped up in getting more behavioral health professionals,” said Dr. Pratt, who adds that CHI’s telehealth services can also make a difference in how our kids are coping with the pandemic. In order to serve children who are struggling with severe mental illness in south Miami-Dade and Monroe counties, CHI is opening the Children’s Crisis Center in 2022.

“Unfortunately, when a child is in crisis, they may sit in the ER for three or four days before they’re even able to get into a bed,” said Dr. Pratt. “The Children’s Crisis Center is going to be a wonderful resource for the area because south of here to the Keys, there’s not a place for kids to go.”

In the meantime, Dr. Pratt said that acknowledging our children’s resilience and ability to overcome challenges through the pandemic can help them cope.

“Kids are much more resilient than we give them credit for,” Dr. Pratt said. “We forget how hard it is to be a child. It’s important to acknowledge that.”

A Message From The President and CEO

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 work hard to keep everyone healthy. Yet the solid tenants of our motto and mission remain the same. We will always put patient care first.

I have the highest regard for the staff at CHI. They have powered through one of the most difficult times in healthcare. The pandemic has pushed them to the limit. Yet their unwavering devotion to our community and our patients has never been more apparent.

As you might know, this team was the first to offer drive through COVID-19 testing at the onset of the pandemic. Today, we continue to administer both the rapid and PCR tests. We also offer all three vaccines to people ages five and above for free. We continue to offer a robust line of comprehensive services at our 12 health centers. Our services include primary care, pediatrics, OB/GYN, behavioral health for adults and children, dental, urgent care, vision, pharmacy, radiology and transportation. It is critical that the community has access to high quality healthcare.

But the high quality, compassionate organization of CHI would not be what it is today without the leadership of my mentor, Brodes H. Hartley, Jr. He selflessly spent nearly 40 years pushing his vision to reality. I thank him for his dedication to the organization, to the people of South Florida and for my own growth. As he passes the baton to me, I recognize the enormity of the role that he leaves to me. I will do everything within my power to ensure the continued success of CHI.

We have a lot of exciting things ahead of us. Sites and services will be expanding. But innovation is what helps set us apart over time. We are a service industry and our ability to provide what the community wants and needs, when they want it, and in a way that they expect it is crucial. It will help us continue to be the place that patients choose as their medical home.

Yours Truly,

 

 

 

Blake Hall

Key West Health Center Opening Marks Important Milestone in CHI’s Mission

CHI Key West Health Center is located at

727 Fort Street, Key West, FL 33040.

 

For more information visit:

chisouthfl.org/keywest-health-center

or call (786) 272-2160

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.

The band concludes with a round of applause erupting in front of the brand new CHI Key West Health Center. It is CHI’s 12th health center in South Florida and the third in Monroe County—marking a significant milestone: to serve Monroe County residents with a health center in the lower, middle, and upper Keys.

Dignitaries from the city of Key West and Monroe County and local residents gathered with CHI leadership and professionals to reflect on the significance of this center for the surrounding community.

CHI’s former CEO, Brodes Hartley, Jr. spoke at the event, noting that patients can expect high-quality, reliable care and services at the Key West Health Center.

“It doesn’t matter whether they have insurance or do not have insurance, whether they have money or do not have money,” said Hartley. “We are dedicated to providing services to the entire community.” CHI President and incoming CEO, Blake Hall, echoed Hartley’s sentiments, adding that this health center has been a longtime goal of CHI.

“I remember in 2007 when CHI was invited into the Keys,” Hall noted. “This has been something that we’ve been dreaming about and here we are. Today is it!”

The CHI Key West Health Center is now open to the public and plans to offer primary care, pediatrics, behavioral health, OB/GYN, dental, and telehealth services to the community.

CHI President Blake Hall

Message From The President and CEO

 

CHI President Blake Hall

Blake Hall – CHI President and CEO

Dear Friends,

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.

As we head into the homestretch of our campaign I am proud to let you know that we are only $529,124 away from meeting our $5.5 million goal. This could not have been achieved without you —  our superheroes — and for this reason, and in your honor, we have dubbed  2022 The Year of the CHI Superheroes.

The dictionary says the following about a superhero: “a morally righteous hero in a fictional work who possesses extraordinary abilities or supernatural powers and uses them to fight evil, as in comic books and movies.” Much of the definition is so appropriate as our donors are extraordinary, compassionate, morally righteous people who want to help these kids overcome their mental health issues.

In this e-newsletter, we proudly acknowledge superheroes such as Dr. Ora L. Strickland for her generosity and advocacy of the Children’s Crisis Center. We also highlight the CHI staff for contributing over $64,000 during our 2021 -2022 Employee Giving Campaign of which over $10,000 was provided to help the people of Haiti via the Ayiti Community Trust.

I am so proud of the work we are doing here at Community Health of South Florida, Inc. to provide high-quality comprehensive healthcare for kids and adults. I am excited to share with you our achievements throughout the year and look forward to seeing you soon.

Let’s continue to be SUPERHEROES and help those in need — together we can change the world for the better.

In Sincere Gratitude,

 

 

 

 

Blake Hall

President and CEO

Community Health of South Florida, Inc.