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.

 

Superhero Feature Dr. Ora L. Strickland

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 severe mental illness.

Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) and Community Health Foundation are extremely grateful to Dr. Strickland for her guidance and participation on the committee and for her wonderful donation.

Dr. Strickland is Dean and Professor at the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Florida International University in Miami, Florida.  She is the Founding Editor of the Journal of Nursing Measurement, and she initiated the Nursing Citation Index, which was subsequently integrated into CINAHL, a leading nursing search engine.  She was one of the founders of the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute for Nursing Research.

“I am very proud to give my support to CHI and the Children’s Crisis Center,” said Dr. Strickland. “The center is extremely important for the overall health of our community. It has been so rewarding to work side by side with my fellow capital campaign committee members and with the CHI leadership team.  I have seen how every donation counts and takes us closer to bringing this center to a reality. Knowing that we are only $529,000 away from reaching our $5.5 million goal, I was personally inspired to do my part.”

The CCC will be the first comprehensive center of its kind in southern Miami-Dade.   The 11,400 square foot facility will provide a haven for children suffering from mental illness. This in-patient, 24-hour, 20-bed facility will house a team of board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrists, mental health clinicians, social workers, and counselors. The medical team will provide full-service comprehensive mental health care for children up to 17 years of age, regardless of their ability to pay.

“CHI is so fortunate for the support and gift from Dr. Strickland. She has been an exemplary advocate for the center and the need for increased mental health services and we cannot thank her enough. She is a true superhero,” said Blake Hall , President and CEO of CHI.

For more information on the Children’s Crisis Center and how you can join our circle of supporters please visit https://www.chisouthfl.org/give/ or call 786- 293-5504.

CHI Gives Back

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. To date, a total of $64,000.00 has been raised by the CHI Team of which nearly $11,000 was designated to the CHI for Haiti Fund benefiting the Ayiti Community Trust (ACT).

Dr. Guerda Nicolas, Co-Founder of the ACT visited CHI to thank the employees for their support and share insight on ACT’s projects in Haiti. The Ayiti Community Trust’s mission is to support and sustain development innovation in Ayiti (Haiti) in the areas of civic education, environment, and entrepreneurship. CHI employees presented Dr. Nicolas with a check for $10,854.84 to assist ACT’s Earthquake Relief Fund. This fund is focusing on providing emergency relief, recovery, and reconstruction in Haiti which is still very much needed after last year’s devastating storms. CHI is proud to help the people of Haiti. CHI is proud to give back.

Message From The CEO

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.

As I look back at the milestones of my tenure here, I am so proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish for the people of South Florida. 

I arrived at CHI on May 14, 1984 after the Chairman of the Board, Odell Johns, recruited me as Executive Director. At the time, there were just two centers: The Doris Ison Health Center and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Clinica Campesina Health Center. The staff was comprised of county and CHI employees working side by side, a challenge in itself, that eventually we overcame.

These were difficult times. Most of CHI’s funding back then was coming from the county and annual budget hearings were trying. 

I also learned that sometimes out of the ashes, new life can bloom. In 1992, Hurricane Andrew destroyed our community. But it provided an unexpected opportunity to expand healthcare.  As a result of federal dollars, we were able to open health centers in the Everglades and South Dade farm worker communities. In addition, we were able to purchase the Martin Luther King, Jr. Health Center annex building and open a new site in Naranja. That was the beginning of phenomenal growth for this organization. Then, with the Affordable Care Act, opportunities for new access points became available. We leveraged that funding to open centers in West Kendall, South Miami, and Coconut Grove.

Also worth noting, in 2007 we expanded into the Florida Keys for the first time, at the invitation of Fisherman’s Hospital. Then, under the Affordable Care Act, we were able to establish a center in Tavernier. This led to the mantra of “we are always in a growth mode!”

Beyond new locations, I am proud of the new services that we have added over time. Today we provide a comprehensive array including primary care, pediatrics, OB/GYN, behavioral health for children and adults, dental, vision, pharmacy, a mobile dental unit and mobile medical van. We are accredited by the Joint Commission for primary care and behavioral health. We are recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance as a patient centered medical home. Plus, we have received numerous awards and recognition for the outstanding services that we have been able to provide to the community: the healthcare hero award from Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, recognition of phenomenal growth by Chamber South, and many more. 

As I prepare for my retirement, I am confident of the continued excellence of service with the new President and CEO, Blake Hall. He has been with the organization for more than 16 years and has extensive knowledge of CHI and federally qualified health centers. In fact, he was recently appointed as secretary of the board of the National Association of Community Health Centers.  

I will always have a special place in my heart for CHI and take pride in my continued affiliation with it.

 

Warm Holiday Wishes,

 

 

Brodes H. Hartley Jr.  

CHI Celebrates with Golden Anniversary Gala

Blake Hall, CHI President, and his wife, Jocelyn Hall stand together as they enjoy the CHI 50th Anniversary Gala.

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. 

Nearly 400 people attended the premiere fundraising gala at the Double Tree by Hilton, Miami Airport and Convention Center.  It raised nearly $150,000 for the Children’s Crisis Center, a 24-hour in-patient facility for kids with severe behavioral health issues. 

“My heart swells with pride as I watch what this healthcare team has accomplished over 50 years,” said Brodes H. Hartley Jr., CEO. “The excellence of our staff, doctors, nurses and other professionals is astounding. This is a special evening where we can reflect and celebrate.”

Staff and local leaders also honored Hartley as he announced his retirement at the gala. After 37 years at the helm of the organization, CHI has grown from two to 12 health centers with continued expansion in the pipeline, thanks to his leadership. 

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kionne McGhee and former Miami Dade County Commissioner Dennis C. Moss presented a proclamation, designating September 25th, 2021, as Colonel Brodes H. Hartley Jr. Day.

Former Commissioner, Dennis Moss, CHI CEO , Brodes. H. Hartley Jr.,  Commissioner,  Kionee McGhee, and Miami-Dade County Mayor, Daniella Levine Cava, stand together as they announce September 25th, 2021 as Community Health of South Florida, Inc. Golden Legacy Anniversary and Colonel Brodes H. Hartley Jr. Day

“The Colonel has served as a war hero, as a teacher, as a segregation door buster during his days at FAMU,” said Commissioner McGhee. “I call upon the people of Miami-Dade to join me in applauding this distinguished gentleman, thanking him for putting our community at the forefront of his life’s work.”

CHI also honored former Commissioner Dennis Moss with the prestigious Dewey Knight Jr. award for public service linked to his tireless dedication to CHI.

The evening took a look back at the five decades of service for the organization. From special videos to multiple speakers, the audience learned about the milestones in the rich history of CHI. The new history book titled Standing in the Gap, by Kitty Dumas, was also unveiled and gifted to all attendees. 

“This book chronicles the compelling story of how healthcare intersects with the struggle for access and civil rights,” said Blake Hall, CHI President. “It helps memorialize the hard work of 50 years of service from our staff, our board and the countless community leaders who banded together to make the high quality, comprehensive healthcare organization.”

If you missed the celebration, you can watch the video of it at chisouthfl.org/gala. 

CHI Gives COVID-19 Vaccines to Younger Kids and Booster Shots to Adults

CBS 4 News Anchor Eliott Rodriguez received the COVID-19 booster shot at the Doris Ison Health Center.

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 closer to ending the pandemic,” said Patricia Philippe, Director of Education, Infection Prevention and Control.

CHI is also providing the additional dose for adults of the COVID-19 vaccine. This third dose is for those who received their second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine at least 6 months prior.

“At CHI, we are here for you. Whether you are bringing your children to get the first dose or to get tested for COVID-19,” said Philippe. “We have all the options ready for you whenever you need them.”

Patients and community members have been turning to CHI for more information about the vaccines, what to expect, and who is eligible for an additional dose. Philippe answers some of the most asked questions:

Why children should get vaccinated for COVID-19?

Getting a COVID-19 vaccine can help protect children ages 5 years and older from getting COVID-19. Vaccinating children can help protect family members, including siblings who are not eligible for vaccination and family members who may be at increased risk of getting very sick if they are infected.

Vaccinating kids can help keep them in school and help them safely participate in sports, playdates, and other group activities.

Who should get booster COVID-19 shots?

Adults should get a booster shot. The risk of severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age and can also increase for adults with underlying medical conditions.

At CHI, patients can find all three vaccines: Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson. CHI is also offering three COVID-19 tests (the PCR test, rapid test, and antibody test) in several of its locations.

Patients can make their appointment or walk into any CHI health center location. For more information about COVID-19 vaccines and testing, please visit chisouthfl.org/covidvaccine.

or call (305) 252-4820.

Glen Rice Celebrity Golf Tournament Raises Funds for Children’s Crisis Center

(left to right) Glen Rice, former NBA All-Star, Livan Hernandez, former Major League baseball pitcher, Michel Valdez and Ryan Keltz stand together as they golf at the Glen Rice Celebrity Golf Tournament

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 celebration.

Participants helped to raise more than $100,0000 for the Children’s Crisis Center. A worthy cause said celebrity golfers such as former Major League Baseball pitcher, Livan Hernandez, and former NBA All Star Glen Rice. 

“Ever since I came to Miami, when I was drafted by the Miami Heat, I’ve had a devotion to give back to the community,” said Rice. “CHI is doing great things for the community and trying to help those who are less fortunate and I’m all about that.”

(left to right) Anthony Acevedo, CHI Foundation President, Brodes H. Hartley Jr., CEO, Larry Renouf, Elias Feanny, Gaston Rodriguez, Kenny Sowma and Glen Rice hang together as the 1st place foursome winners receive their prices.

“I want to thank everyone for making this day possible,” said Brodes H. Hartley, Jr., CHI CEO. “We are definitely swinging for a great cause. What a beautiful day of partnership and philanthropy!”

CHI President, Blake Hall, played golf and reflected on the day’s big wins. “This is a win for children who are struggling with their own mental health. The support from this tournament will change lives and that’s a big deal. It means together we can heal our community.”

If you’d like to donate, please visit https://chisouthfl.org/give/ or call (305) 252-4853.

The Power of Your Donations: How Community Health Centers Change Lives

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 changing people’s lives along the way.

 

This was especially true during CHI’s virtual White Coat Ceremony on June 23. One incoming resident, Dr. Yeily Hernandez-Mato, had been in a terrible car accident as a homeless 18-year-old. When she was released from the hospital four months later, Hernandez and her mother had nowhere to go. With no money or insurance for care, they went to CHI, where the doctors took care of them, allowing Hernandez to make a full recovery. From that day on, Hernandez vowed to walk in her doctors’ footsteps, a dream that was fulfilled when she finally donned on her white coat. She now has the opportunity to pay it forward to the new generation of CHI patients.

 

Hernandez’s story is a testament to the power of donations. Every donation to Community Health of South Florida not only helps the organization deliver health care to South Florida but, more importantly, it empowers the community to achieve their dreams and goals.

 

To listen to Hernandez’s full story on NBC 6 here.

Ocean Reef Community Foundation Partners with CHI to Vaccinate Vulnerable Communities

Ocean Reef Community Foundation is an organization rooted in philanthropy and invested in meaningful charities throughout South Florida. Every year, the Foundation provides support via an annual grants program to distribute funds to nonprofit organizations serving the community. This year, the team at Ocean Reef Community Foundation went even further and partnered with Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) to address and facilitate COVID vaccination for the protection of our residents.

In order to be responsive to the needs caused by the pandemic, the Foundation created the COVID-19 Relief Fund, giving it the opportunity to expand its geographic limitations and include more neighbors than its annual program. For this, it needed a partner that was rooted in the community, so the Foundation reached out to CHI. The result: a $42,848 grant for COVID-19 vaccinations in south Miami-Dade and Monroe counties with a focus on vulnerable populations.

“CHI was the ideal partner for what we wanted to achieve with this particular vaccination grant. The many locations in the Keys and Homestead are perfectly aligned with our interest areas, and CHI is well-positioned to reach those most in need as a trusted messenger,” said Yurianna Mikolay, Executive Director of Ocean Reef Community Foundation. “While we were also funding larger mass vaccination efforts, CHI helped us to complement the big events by reaching those who couldn’t access them for a variety of reasons.”

CHI and Ocean Reef Community Foundation made COVID-19 vaccines available through a series of small to medium-scale vaccination events at Marathon, Tavernier, Florida City, Homestead, Naranja, Goulds, and Perrine. It is also collaborated with other organizations to ensure key neighborhoods are vaccinated. Ultimately, the project allowed CHI to administer 2,258 vaccines to individuals in need.

“The driving force behind this effort was our desire to help remove barriers and get as many people as possible vaccinated, leaving no one behind. No one is really safe until everyone is safe,” said Mikolay. “CHI helped provide the opportunity to many who would not have had it without this grant. We couldn’t ask for a better partner and we’re grateful for CHI’s expertise and reach.”

 

Message From CEO

The success of our 50th birthday celebrations continues to lift us up and drive CHI forward. We held our first Donor Recognition Event, where we inducted more than 80 donors into CHI’s Giving Societies with cumulative giving between $1,000  to over $300,000.  Thank you to our inductees for believing in CHI. If you missed our event, you can watch it by visiting www.chsiouthffl.org/givingsocieties.

The event was made extra special with the announcement of a $50,000 gift from Direct Relief. Direct Relief is a humanitarian aid organization active in all 50 states and in 80 countries, dedicated to improving the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies. In the past, Direct Relief has been instrumental in helping CHI acquire our Medical Mobile Van and PPE for our medical teams during the COVID-19 pandemic. And now, their $50,000 grant will help CHI continue providing quality care to the South Florida community. We are very grateful to the Direct Relief team for their support.

With less than $1 million away from our goal, our Children’s Crisis Center capital campaign is nearing the finish line – but not before we enjoy a few more festivities! Join us on our special birthday year for a variety of exciting events and fundraising initiatives. On September 25, we’re hosting our Golden Legacy 50th Anniversary Gala, complete with dancing, food, and incredible milestones. On October 7, we invite you to bring your ‘A’ game to our annual Glen Rice Celebrity Golf Tournament at the Biltmore Hotel Golf Course. All proceeds will go toward helping children with severe mental illness via our Children’s Crisis Center. To sponsor or buy your tickets to these events, visit chisouthfl.org/gala or chisouthfl.org/golf.

If you can’t make our events, there are plenty of other ways to give. Participate in CHI’s Happy Birthday Campaign, where every gift received this year, no matter the amount, is recognized on our Birthday Wall at Doris Ison Health Center and on our website. You can also design your own brick with a special message that will be laid at the entrance of the Children’s Crisis Center to welcome all who come for care. To donate, please visit our website at chisouthfl.org/give.

 

Sincerely,

Brodes H. Hartley, Jr.