Baby Delivered at CHI’s Marathon Health Center

From left to right, Vilma del Valle, Medical Assistant and Dr. Sharon Ward are all smiles as they hold the baby born at the Marathon Health Center

Having a baby can be very exciting. But Ana Rivas has a story she will never forget. She welcomed her baby into the world on September 9th at Community Health of South Florida’s Marathon Health Center.

Rivas made her way toward the center for her weekly pregnancy exam with Dr. Sharon Ward, CHI OB/GYN Specialist. But she said she felt different that day.

When she arrived in the lobby, medical assistant, Vilma Del Valle, saw Rivas and asked her what was wrong. Rivas told Vilma she wasn’t feeling well and felt nauseous.

“I knew something was not okay,” said Del Valle. “I immediately went to check her vitals to see what was going on.”

When Del Valle took Rivas to the vitals room, she started moaning on the scale. Ana was experiencing pain every seven minutes.

“I quickly realized she was having contractions,” Del Valle said. “They came more frequently and ferociously every time.”

Del Valle quickly brought Dr. Ward to the exam room to check on Rivas.

“Mrs. Rivas was nine centimeters dilated,” recalled Dr. Ward. “We knew we had to keep an eye on her because she could deliver the baby at any time.”

Dr. Ward informed Del Valle that if her water broke, they would need to deliver the baby there.

Del Valle stepped out of the room for a minute and when she returned, she found water all over the place. 

“Everything happened very quickly,” said Del Valle. “At that moment, I just screamed YES because I was very excited to see a baby being born at our center.”

Dr. Ward came back in the room along with other doctors in the center at the time: Dr. Cooreman, Primary Care doctor, and Dr. Morales, Pediatrician.

Staying calm, Rivas leaned back, kicked up her legs, and delivered the baby. She swaddled the crying child in a blanket and held him to her chest.

 “It was a team effort,” said Dr. Ward. “It was all thanks to the people that were with us that made this delivery process so smooth and successful.”

In fact, Del Valle won CHI’s 

ACTion Hero Award for her impeccable work in helping deliver the baby. Del Valle’s effort to put Rivas’ needs first built a trust and comfort for the laboring mother. 

The little guy weighed 5 pounds and is 19 inches long. Rivas is thankful the CHI team was there to help.

“Thank God for the great team that received me and the baby and took really great care of us,” said Rivas.

Foster Parent Appreciation

CHI Shows Appreciation for Foster Parents

[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]

CHI - Diabetes Drive-Through

CHI Offers Diabetes Drive-Through Screening for the South Florida Community

[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=”21271″ img_size=”450×650″ 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]“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. Diabetics need regular monitoring, but many didn’t feel comfortable coming into the health center during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. This ensured that those patients with a chronic condition still received the necessary help and guidance. 

The A1C test is a common blood test used to diagnose type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It also monitors how well they are managing their diabetes.

“I am extremely satisfied with the service I received during my appointment,” said Rosa Garcia, CHI patient. “The nurse that helped me through the process did not hesitate to explain everything to me as we were doing the test.”

CHI hosts the drive-through twice a month. The medical team wears full protective equipment and ensures high-quality care for each patient.

“Our physical layout is ideal to follow the necessary precautions during this pandemic,” said Allison Madden, Assistant Vice President for Performance Improvement. “We are so pleased to see many of our patients returning to our centers, even if it is through our drive-through operations.”[/vc_column_text][vc_separator type=”transparent” up=”15px” down=”15px”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

CHI President Blake Hall

Blake Hall Promoted to President of CHI

[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]

A Message from the CEO

[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=”21116″ 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]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. 

Tis’ the season to give, and we hope you will find it in your hearts to give to the Children’s Crisis Center. As we continue the construction of this 11,400-square-foot facility on our main campus, we are giving hope to the hundreds of children in crisis who arrive here every year with nowhere to turn. This facility will be like an intensive care unit for kids with severe mental health issues. Please do your part and support this project by donating at chisouthfl.org/give.

We are also excited to launch our Bricks for Hope campaign. These bricks will pave the entrance of our Children’s Crisis Center. The multitude of names all around will provide a sense of support to every child entering the building. They will know that they are not alone during their crisis. You can permanently leave your name at the entrance for just $250 to $400, depending on the size of the brick you desire.  It can also serve as a nice gift for a friend, colleague, or loved one this holiday season. To buy a brick, call (786) 293-5504.

I’m proud to share with you that CHI was recognized by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) as a Health Center Quality Leader. The award recognition ranked CHI among the top 10 percent of health centers nationwide for best overall clinical performance. I want to thank our care team for their tremendous work. 

I would also like to remind you that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I want to encourage women to get a mammogram. Our Doris Ison Health Center has a state-of-the-art radiology and women’s center, so you can see your provider and have your mammogram all in the same place. As your medical home, we take great pride in providing quality convenient health care.

Yours truly,

sign

 

 

 

Brodes H. Hartley, Jr.

CEO[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

CHI Mobile Medical Van

New Mobile Medical Van Designated to Bring Better Access to Healthcare

[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]

Top South Florida Fundraiser Victoria Castro Joins CHI As New Director Of Development

[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=”21123″ img_size=”600×800″ 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]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.

“I am honored to be a part of this storied institution and look forward to the tireless work ahead to get the needed funds to complete this worthwhile project,” said Castro.

Castro previously worked for University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine, where the majority of her tenure focused on supporting the Department of Pediatrics, Miami Transplant Institute and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. She was subsequently tapped as Senior Director of Development for UM’s School of Business Administration, for the school’s department of health sector management and policy.

Before joining CHI, she served for two years as Senior Vice President of Development at Jackson Health Foundation, which only confirmed her love of fundraising for projects that have an immediate impact on the communities she serves.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

CHI Ground Breaking

Virtual Ground-Breaking For Children’s Crisis Center

[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=”21121″ img_size=”800×600″ 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]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.

On hand for the virtual ceremony was Brodes H. Hartley, Jr., president and CEO of CHI, who was joined by Miami-Dade Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, Child Advocate David Lawrence, and foster mom, Miss Alina.

“The need for a children’s crisis center is more important than ever,” said Hartley, Jr. “We continue to see children suffering from behavioral health issues, with the global pandemic making them even more susceptible to mental crisis and making us all the more committed to seeing this center built.”

When fully built, the structure will have 20 sleeping rooms, plus play rooms, therapy rooms and much more designed to care for kids suffering from severe mental illness. Located adjacent to CHI’s Doris Ison Health Center at 10300 SW 216 St., it will treat about 1000 children annually.

More than 80 children per month are brought to CHI’s adult crisis center, which is not fully equipped to address the youth’s needs. The onset of the pandemic has only highlighted the urgency where the number of visitations never dropped

The 11,400 square foot building will provide 24-hour, comprehensive mental health care for children up to 17 years of age, regardless of their ability to pay. The construction of the building is projected to take about 18 months with $3.3 million left to raise to be on track to open.

WATCH THE VIDEO AND DONATE AT:

chisouthfl.org/groundbreaking[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

CHI’s Brodes H. Hartley, Jr. Teaching Health Center Celebrates 2020 Class With Virtual Graduation, White Coat Ceremonies

[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 width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”21119″ img_size=”800×600″ add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” qode_css_animation=””][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”21118″ img_size=”800×600″ 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_separator type=”transparent” up=”30px” down=”30px”][vc_column_text]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.

In compliance with CDC guidelines and social distancing, the graduation ceremony was live-streamed on Facebook and YouTube, while a small group gathered at CHI’s main campus to award the residents their certificates.

“This year, we achieved significant milestones together,” said Dr. Elizabeth Philippe, Chief of Family Medicine, Associate Director of Medical Education, and Program Director for family medicine. “Our residents presented themselves as leaders for social justice and the underserved community. We became fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), and overcame unprecedented obstacles, from COVID-19 to telemedicine to the ever-changing healthcare system.”

This year’s graduation was very different from past commemorations, which hosted a trove of families, friends, faculty, and former residents at CHI facilities but there was no shortage of joy and pride among those attending the virtual event. Dr. Ajoy Kumar, former president of the Florida Academy of Family Physicians and a passionate advocate for the teaching health center, delivered the keynote address.

On Wednesday, June 24, CHI also held a virtual White Coat Ceremony to welcome in a new class of residents. The donning of the white coat is a symbol of passage for incoming residents. Each individual must take on the responsibility of becoming a physician for the community. This role is no easy feat and one that requires compassion, engagement, and a lifelong dedication to CHI’s slogan, “Patient Care Comes First.”

“I am very proud of our graduating class and thrilled to welcome our incoming residents,” said Dr. Saint Anthony Amofah, Senior Vice President, Chief Medical and Academic Officer. “Now more than ever, training the next generation of healthcare professionals is extremely important, and our teaching health center is keeping us well-positioned to deliver comprehensive quality care for everyone.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

A Message from the President

[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=”21116″ 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]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.

I want to commend our team, the heroes on the front lines, who come to work every day despite the circumstances, to care for our patients. We set the tone in South Florida by being the first to offer drive-through COVID-19 testing in Miami-Dade and Monroe County. It’s a service that we continue to do for free to you. Our teams are also working around the clock to clean and disinfect to ensure our health centers are clean and safe for you. We are pleased to see that many of you are returning to the health centers for care. Some who wish to see the doctor from home have been taking advantage of our telehealth services. It’s easy and convenient, and helps you maintain your health throughout this pandemic. I am so proud to have held our virtual groundbreaking for our children’s crisis center as well as virtual graduation and white coat ceremonies for our graduating residents and incoming class of residents. In August, we will celebrate National Health Center Week. During that time, we highlight the valuable work that community health centers like Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) do for some of the most vulnerable populations. It’s a time when we will visit the homeless, those living in public housing, and our migrant community, and give them special care packs. We also have contests and educational resources for children. You can read all about our National Health Center week plans at chisouthfl.org/Nationalhealthcenterweek.

I am also excited to tell you about our new mobile medical van. We just purchased it thanks to support from Direct Relief and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The van is state of the art and will help us provide greater access on wheels with primary care, pediatrics, and behavioral health services. The mobile van will go to four of our nearby public housing centers and also 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.

Yours truly,

sign

 

 

 

Brodes H. Hartley, Jr.

President/CEO[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]