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 deaths in the United States. But this simple FIT test kit can help with early detection and doctors say that is key to saving lives. Just taking a small stool sample at home and bringing it in to the lab is all that’s needed. Every year, those between the age of 50 to 75, or those with a genetic predisposition to the cancer need to be screened. But far too many people avoid the test.

“It’s just not a pleasant subject for people and they find it embarrassing,” said Allison Madden, Assistant Vice President for Performance Improvement at CHI. “I think it’s out of sight, out of mind. The thought of obtaining a sample discourages patients from returning the test.”

The test is only $10 for the uninsured and covered by all insurance companies. Yet the cost of avoiding the test is priceless when you consider it can save a life.

“Studies have shown that with other health centers the way to increase colorectal cancer screening return rates is by perhaps offering incentives to patients,” said Madden.

That is why CHI developed a new program to encourage patients by offering two $25 Walmart gift cards that the organization will raffle off every month. Any patient who returned a FIT test during that month will automatically be put into the raffle to possibly win one of the two gift cards.

“I think the incentive program will work,” said Tito Iyaogeh, a patient dropping off her FIT test at the lab. “I’m with Ambetter (insurance) and they give you $25 for taking your physical every year, which is awesome. I make sure I take my physical, my husband takes his physical and my children take their physical every year. The money actually comes in handy.”

Iyaogeh said winning the gift card for returning her fit test would be a bonus, but her primary reason for returning the test is easy.

“I need to be healthy,” she said. “I want to live long and I want to live a healthy long life!”

CHI employees will also get in on the incentive fun. Those who follow-up with patients and get them to return the FIT test can win $1 per test for those above 10 returns.

“It will motivate me to increase the colorectal cancer numbers and also to get our patients to return their fit tests,” said Sonya Gerald, LPN Care Coordinator. “It also gives me something extra to look forward to.”

 

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) move closer to breaking ground on a Children’s Crisis Center at its corporate headquarters, 10300 SW 216 St., Miami, FL 33190.

“We are in desperate need,” Dr. Howard Pratt, Child Psychiatrist at CHI, told the crowd. “There are only eight facilities between West Palm Beach and South Miami Dade that will treat children. That is only 160 beds.”

CHI currently has an adult crisis unit that is not suitable for kids. Yet, it receives at least 600 children in crisis a year via Baker Act and families that bring their kids in for help, some families as far away as Key West and St. Thomas. The non-profit healthcare company has to process the child and then transfer them to another facility which can be very difficult given the shortage of available beds for kids. All this can be traumatic for a child suffering from a behavioral health crisis, many of these kids have been abused or are experiencing severe behavioral health issues.

“Last October it just seemed like between Orlando and Miami, hospitals were full, and kids sat in the ER for two days,” recalled Dr. Pratt. “So those families are less likely to seek treatment for their kids now.”

But attendees at CHI Foundation’s Casino Night hope their goodwill will go a long way for these kids. Nearly 40 organizations sponsored the event, attendees bid on trips, an original Salvador Dali painting and fine jewelry, all with the goal of helping to save these children in crisis. The Florida Villager served as a media sponsor.

Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava presented CHI with a proclamation at Casino Night declaring that day “Community Health of South Florida, Inc. Day” throughout the County to help raise awareness of the issue and mission.

“We are so grateful for the community’s support and partnership in our mission to make this Children’s Crisis Center a reality,” said Brodes H. Hartley, Jr. President and CEO of CHI. “These families can’t wait any longer. Even if you don’t have a child in crisis, this issue affects you. These kids go to school with your kid, they grow up and their problems become more intense. They are your neighbors, the person in front of you in the grocery store, your co-worker. Together we need to ensure that there is access to care.”

Dr. Pratt echoed those concerns, “It is much easier to treat children with very little and change their lives for the better than it is to treat chronically ill adults,” said Dr. Pratt.

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 clinical quality measures.

“This award shows our commitment to providing top quality care,” said Brodes H. Hartley, Jr., President/CEO at CHI. “Our patients can expect that we will always go above and beyond to strive for the best outcomes so that they can lead healthy lives.”

HRSA awarded the designation by comparing CHI’s clinical quality measures to more than 13,000 other health centers throughout the United States.

“Thank you for your commitment to providing quality primary health care services to your community,” wrote James Macrae, HRSA Associate Administrator, in a letter accompanying the award.

Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) started out as a beacon of hope for the uninsured more than 45 years ago. Today, it has grown into a comprehensive nonprofit health care company that cares for nearly 83,000 insured and uninsured patients every year. It has 11 health centers spanning from Coconut Grove into the Keys. It also has 35 school-based health centers and a teaching health center. CHI is accredited by the Joint Commission and recognized by the National Committee on Quality Assurance as a Level III Patient Centered Medical Home and CHI was the 2nd Federally Qualified Health Center in the nation to be designated as a Behavioral Health Medical Home. CHI is also the winner of the Florida Governor’s Sterling Award.

CHI has a one-stop shopping model that allows patients to utilize several services in one location. It has primary care, pediatrics, OB/GYN, dental, behavioral health, vision, urgent care, pharmacy, radiology and laboratory services. CHI even offers free transportation for patients going to and from doctor’s appointments and delivers low-cost prescriptions at no delivery charge.

CHI is also home to the Brodes Hartley, Jr. Teaching Health Center. The residency programs are accredited by the Accreditation Counsel on Graduate Medical Education.

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 they provide. Health centers play a key role in the health of underserved communities. Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) has provided more than 1,200 jobs and cared for nearly 83,000 patients. Almost 65 percent of those patients are low income.

Each day of National Health Center Week we will shine the light on different areas in which community health centers have made tremendous strides. Some of those areas include healthcare for the homeless, for agricultural workers, healthcare for children and much more.

This is also the time of the year when summer is coming to a close and children prepare to start a new and fulfilling school year. That’s why CHI is hosting school physical days in Monroe County on August 10th and in Miami-Dade County on August 17th. Physicals are just $35, sports physicals are $35 without an EKG and with an EKG a sports physical is $50. Of course, most of that is covered under insurance. But you don’t have to wait until those dedicated dates. You can come in and get the same rates leading up to the start of school. Make sure to bring your child’s immunization forms.

I would like to encourage you and your family to become an advocate for the growth and progression of health centers. Visit www.hcadvocacy.org/takeaction/ to learn more about ways to get involved. On this site you can contact your senator or representative to express your opinion on the urgent issues and legislation that affect funding of community health centers. Become the voice that will help cultivate the culture of advocacy around the country by becoming informed with different tools created to endorse the pivotal responsibility of our health centers.

Finally get ready to roll the dice and join us for an evening of winners. The CHI Foundation is hosting Casino Night on Saturday, September 7, 2019 at Christ the King Lutheran Church Hall. The event is always a blast with delicious food, drinks and casino games, all for a great cause.

As many of you know, CHI is working on constructing a Children’s Crisis Center to provide children with short term, residential, intensive behavioral health treatment. For more information on tickets and ways to become an event sponsor visit www.chisouthfl.org/casino/. It is important that we as a community help our youth suffering from mental roadblocks that affect not only their present, but their future as well.

Sincerely,

Brodes H. Hartley Jr.

President and CEO

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 its third class of medical residents from its Brodes H. Hartley, Jr. Teaching Health Center. Six physicians finished their residencies in family medicine, psychiatry and OB/GYN.

“I am proud of the progress and growth of our residents as well as the faculty team that continues to guide these young doctors,” said Brodes H. Hartley, Jr., President and CEO. “Your dedication and commitment have surpassed expectations.”

It was an emotional afternoon as graduates and faculty reflected on the journey to get to this point. Long nights, early mornings and intensive studying have helped to mold the graduates into smart, compassionate and devoted doctors.

“I am thankful for the lessons that we have learned along the way,” said Chief Resident, Urania Davis. “Thank you to our attendings who taught us patience, and for setting an example in the way you care for your patients. Thank you for placing a scalpel in my hand when everything inside of me said I couldn’t do it. Thank you for teaching us practical study habits that will make us lifelong learners.”

Dr. Joan St. Onge, Associate Dean of Graduate Medical Education at University of Miami Health System, gave the keynote address.

“Look around you. Look at your mentors, your faculty, and your fellow residents,” said Dr. St. Onge. “This is your network. While your network over your career will expand, staying close to this network has a great number of benefits. Do not be afraid to call on your network. No matter how many years have passed. They will be there for you.”

Dr. St. Onge also encouraged the young doctors to think about one of CHI’s founders, Doris Ison. She recognized that there was a critical problem in South Dade, a lack of access to healthcare and set out to change that.

“She was able to get doctors to volunteer their time and at the end was the creation of CHI,” said Dr. St. Onge. “You are part of her legacy.”

Just a few weeks later, that legacy continued as CHI welcomed in its new class of seven residents in family medicine and psychiatry with a white coat ceremony. (See photos on page 3)

“We are so proud of this program because the success that we have experienced in a short time,” said Hartley. “The last two classes to graduate in family medicine all passed their boards at a 100 percent pass rate. That’s exceptional! So we are proud of that and we know you have chosen a quality program.”