Our Compassionate Team Serving You

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Dr. Jorge Exposito, pharmacist at the Doris Ison Health Center

Dr. Jorge Exposito is a pharmacist at the Doris Ison Health Center and Martin Luther King Jr. Clinica Campesina Center. Dr. Exposito started his career at CHI as a pharmacy tech 14 years ago. In last few years, he graduated from Florida International University and Larkin University and received his pharmacist license. Becoming a pharmacist has brought more responsibility for Dr. Exposito as he sees about 300 patients in a day. But it is an incredibly rewarding job in which he enjoys interacting with his patients and taking care of their needs. He appreciates that CHI provides options for patients to have access to affordable medication. Dr. Exposito takes pride in being a first-generation pharmacist. In his free time, he likes to go out, travel, and attend sporting events.

 

Environmental Service employee, Patricia Salazar, at the Doris Ison Health Center

Patricia Salazar is a dedicated member of the Environmental Service Department at CHI. She has worked with the organization for seven years and says that the best part of her job is being on the move and seeing different faces every day. She travels to four different CHI centers throughout the week, which has allowed her to build strong relationships with fellow staff. Salazar is responsible for keeping CHI centers sanitized and managing the inventory of supplies. She is dedicated to her role at CHI and is happy to contribute her efforts to the organization’s success. Outside of her professional responsibilities, she finds joy in unwinding and spending quality time with her beloved family.

Beyond Medications: CHI’s Warfarin Clinics Prioritize Health and Community Ties

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Dr. Rolando Caldrin and patient Karl Mills at one of CHI’s monthly Warfarin clinics

Throughout the years, Rosa Jackson Sneed has become well acquainted with Warfarin, an anticoagulant medication that she has relied on since 1999 due to a longstanding history of blood clots. The medicine prevents her blood from clotting, which could lead to death. Understanding the crucial part that Warfarin plays in maintaining her overall health, Sneed turns to Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) for healthcare support. For more than ten years, CHI has had monthly clinics for patients taking Warfarin and other anticoagulants. These sessions provide education and create a sense of community among the patients. Actively participating in these clinics at the Doris Ison Health Center, Sneed ensures her well-being through ongoing participation.

“I have been with CHI for years and coming to this clinic for the longest,” Sneed said. “It has been a help. We get our blood checked at the same time and come to class. It has been very beneficial.” 

At the November session, Sneed was among a handful of patients in the room who completed lab work and took to their seats for the education portion of the program. CHI pharmacists and pharmacy students addressed their concerns and provided information for treatment options.

Patient laboratory results are then closely monitored by pharmacists and doctors. The goal is to check patients on the spot and adjust their treatment plans immediately. “If their test shows us that their levels are high, they will have bleeding issues,” said Dr. Rolando Caldrin, a CHI pharmacist. “If their levels are low, they will have blood clots. That’s why we adjust it on the spot.” 

CHI Director of Pharmacy Services, Dr. Samuel James, who has played a role in this initiative, recognizes that although this is a challenging time for the patient, he is grateful that they have access to services like these. 

“They come to this class for us to help them stay healthy and we adjust their treatment based on what levels are on the test,” he said. “It has become a small little community. It gives some of these patients who have nobody to talk to, an opportunity to talk to each other and feel better about their situation.” 

Dr. Caldrin reflected proudly on more than a decade of collaboration between CHI clinicians. A program that started as a mere concept, has now expanded to 50 patients in the group. 

“We have a whole policy and procedure that was created just for this class,” Dr. Caldrin said. “The idea is both compliance and education, so the patient can—to a certain point—fend for themselves. It has been successful!”

Elevating Patient Care: The Brodes H. Hartley, Jr. Teaching Health Center’s Expansion for a Brighter Future

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President and CEO Blake Hall, Brodes H. Hartley, Jr. Teaching Health Center residents, and CHI providers and staff, pose for a photo inside new suite

The Brodes H. Hartley, Jr. Teaching Health Center at Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) embraces growth with the unveiling of the new family medicine and behavioral health facility at the Doris Ison Health Center. The 7,000-square-foot space is equipped with 15 state-of-the-art family medicine exam rooms and seven consultation rooms for behavioral health services. This clinical expansion not only provides additional access to healthcare for CHI patients, but also serves as a great learning environment for the Teaching Health Center residents. Chief of Family Medicine, Dr. Elizabeth Philippe, highlights that the driving force behind this expansion was the commitment to elevate education for the residents and ensure proper care for patients.  

“The goal was to have an integrative space for the residents where they can see patients and be able to provide primary care,” Dr. Philippe said. “We wanted to have a bigger space with more exam rooms so we can accommodate all 35 residents on their clinic days.”

In this new facility, both teams enjoy designated spaces alongside support staff and nurses. The real advantage, however, is the emphasis on residents working closely together, promoting collaboration and opportunities for learning.

“With the family medicine and psychiatry residents working side by side, they can work in a close environment,” Dr. Philippe said. “If a family medicine resident needed to consult someone for a behavioral health issue they could, and vice versa.”

As the Teaching Health Center continues to grow and evolve, these advancements will help better prepare residents for their future as doctors. This progress not only improves the residents’ training but also promises improved patient care, reflecting a positive path for CHI.

President & CEO Message

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Happy Holidays to all of you! I hope the warmth and joy of the season are upon you and your family. As we approach the end of 2023, I want to express my gratitude for the community partnerships that support the mission of CHI and the team that works tirelessly to care for our patients and keep our health centers running at a high-quality level. I also want our patients to know that we are so thankful for the opportunity to serve as your medical home. We know you have a choice and putting your healthcare in our hands is a privilege that we take very seriously. 

The holidays are usually associated with joy and celebration, but not for some. Together we can make a difference. If you know someone who is alone, depressed, or suffering this holiday season, you can be the light to carry them through. We have a compassionate team of psychiatrists, therapists and more who are ready to help. Don’t delay in getting behavioral healthcare to change your mindset or help someone else change theirs.  

I’m very pleased with the progress I’m seeing as the construction of our Children’s Crisis Center moves forward. Crews have completed pouring the concrete slab that serves as the base of the center. Right now, they are making the steel structure. We hope the project will be complete by the end of 2024 so that we can have a special place to heal the young hearts and minds of children with severe mental health issues in our community. If you’re looking for an impactful gift this holiday season, consider buying a Brick of Hope. The bricks will line the entrance of the Children’s Crisis Center and can be personalized with your name or a loved one’s name. It’s a lasting impact that will always connect that person to the mission of helping these children. Just visit chisouthfl.org/bricksofhope or call (786) 293-5504. 

I wish you all love, happiness and good health in the New Year! 

 

Yours Truly,

 

 

 

 

Blake Hall

Cutler Bay Hosts First Annual Turkey Trot 5K Run

CHI Hosts World AIDS Day Walk in Cutler Bay

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Hundreds laced up their sneakers to kick-off CHI’s Annual World AIDS Day Walk

Leo Martinez was diagnosed with HIV at the early age of 24. In his first decade of living with the disease, he experienced intense shame and heartache. “Coming out as HIV positive and gay, together, was a challenge, a huge challenge,” he said. “I won’t lie, I lost family members, I lost friends.”  

Remarkably, Martinez remained confident that his diagnosis would be one of his biggest blessings and he would quickly realize why. He eventually made the conscious decision to transform his shame, reframe every negative aspect of life, and put a positive spin on it. Martinez detailed his road to living a normal life with HIV at Community Health of South Florida,  Inc.’s World AIDS Day Walk at JL and Enid W. Demps Park on December 2nd.

Emceed by TK Owens, a seasoned non-profit professional and Miami native, the walk was organized to raise awareness for HIV and AIDS and to spread the message that HIV is preventable and treatable. Hundreds participated in the one-mile walk in Cutler Bay and enjoyed music with their family and friends.  

Attendees had the opportunity to learn about testing and treatment. Many were moved by the dozens of red kites flown above to commemorate those who have lost their lives to the disease.    

In a speech to the audience, Dr. Edwin Bosa Osorio, a physician at CHI, reflected on the virus’s devasting impact on healthcare and the country four decades ago.  

Leo Martinez, who was diagnosed with HIV at the age of 24, gave a heartfelt speech to the audience

“Back in the day, having HIV was a death sentence. We have all heard that story because there was no treatment,” he said. “Slowly but surely, we started getting new things like testing. We can now say that HIV is no longer a death sentence!”  

Martinez is proof that life continues after a diagnosis. At this stage in his life, he credits his ability to thrive with HIV, to a growth mindset.

“The mistakes I made were teaching me discernment and building resilience,” he said. “Now, I can push myself to achieve greater things. The situations that did not work out led me to my calling!”

Our Compassionate Team Serving You

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Dr. Cheryl L. Holder is one of CHI’s newest internal medicine providers at the Doris Ison Health Center. She will also serve as residency program faculty for the Brodes H. Hartley, Jr. Teaching Health Center. She is a graduate of Princeton University and George Washington University School of Medicine. Dr. Holder has dedicated her career to improving the health of underserved populations as a National Health Service Corp Scholar, Internist, and HIV specialist. She is a fierce advocate for climate change and had the wonderful opportunity to host her own TED talk on the subject. Dr. Holder brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this role and is excited to be at CHI, continuing her work of giving back to the South Florida community.

Dr. Cheryl L. Holder joinged CHI in 2023

Esmeralda Torres, PFSS, works at the Martin Luther King Jr. Clinica Campesina Health Center. She has been a devoted employee at CHI for 23 years. A self-proclaimed “people person,” she loves what she does and enjoys helping the community. The most rewarding part of her job is helping people. She takes great pride in putting a smile on their faces and seeing them return after a successful visit with a provider. It is a rewarding feeling when patients thank her for connecting them with a doctor. Beyond her professional commitments, Torres’ pride and joy is her family. She often spends her free time with her two children and grandchildren. She is passionate about teaching them the importance of family.

Esmeralda Torres at Martin Luther King Jr. Clinica Campesina Health Center

CHI Provides a Bright Future for Youth Volunteers and Interns

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Campodonico watches closely as Dr. Amofah discusses a patient’s care during an appointment.

From an early age, Vanessa Campodonico knew that she always wanted to be a doctor. Interning at Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) this summer marked a step toward becoming the well-rounded doctor she always dreamed of becoming.

“I have shadowed at a big hospital before,” she said. “Today, I get to see the difference between a hospital and a smaller community health center.”

Vanessa is one of three youth volunteers and interns who had the opportunity to shadow CHI’s Chief Clinical Officer, Dr. Saint Anthony Amofah for a day. These interns aspire to work in the healthcare field and were excited to have a practical look into the career of a family medicine physician. They also were among several other volunteers who joined CHI this summer for hands-on learning and a deeper understanding of diverse healthcare roles. Interns and volunteers had the chance to work and learn in a variety of departments including patient services, pharmacy, event planning, clerical services and more.

(From left to right) Aixya Montaya, Dr. Amofah, Natalie Calvo and Vanessa Campodonico pose for a photo at the Doris Ison Health Center.

Natalie Calvo and Aixa Montaya joined Vanessa on their day with Dr. Amofah. It started with a team huddle in the morning. This is a time when CHI providers are briefed on the day’s schedule, get up to speed on the patients of the day and create team plans for care. The interns were treated to the full clinical experience, actively participating alongside Dr. Amofah, and absorbing his approach to medical practice. Individually, they were provided with the opportunity to observe a patient appointment, learning important procedures under Dr. Amofah’s guidance. He expressed the importance of developing great customer service skills and treating patients with kindness.

“The most important thing is that patients need our help,” he said. “We owe it to them to be extraordinarily nice. You have to make sure they feel good!”

Each intern had a one-on-one with Dr. Amofah while reviewing patient charts before appointments. They reviewed patients’ blood pressure and cholesterol levels. During this time, they shared with him their goals and what they hoped to take from the day’s experience. Montaya, who is currently a senior at a local collegiate high school, dreams of one day being an emergency room physician.

“I have wanted to work in medicine since I was young,” she said. “My current goal is to graduate with my associate degree and get my high school diploma. From there, go to college and go to medical school.”

By the end of the day, the interns gained valuable perspectives into the routine schedules of a family medicine provider. These experiences will significantly influence their career making decisions moving forward. Dr. Amofah was thrilled to play a role in the process.

The 2023 youth volunteers and interns are all smiles on the final day of this year’s summer program.

“My favorite part of this experience is seeing the eagerness in their faces, knowing the potential that they have and knowing that I can provide support and encouragement,” he said. “Whatever we can do or say that will give them a sense of confidence, I love that!

Silent Crisis: Understanding the Causes of Rising Suicide Rates

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Behavioral Health Medical Director, Dr. Howard Pratt

In 2022, suicide deaths rose approximately 2.6 percent from the prior year, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The shocking rise brings the CDC’S estimated number of deaths to nearly 50,000, revealing an alarming trend in suicide rates. Dr. Howard Pratt, Behavioral Health Medical Director at Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) highlights the concerning nature of this situation.

“Suicide rates have been increasing in the United States for several decades,” he said. “Anxiety and depression are at an all-time high. More than 49,000 people we know have died by suicide, but that number is not fixed, it is something that is going to increase as we investigate this a bit more.”

CDC research suggests that the rise in suicide rates is due to factors such as limited access to healthcare and job and financial problems or loss. This has unfortunately created a sense of hopelessness in some groups who were already experiencing daily stresses. Social distancing during the pandemic also had a lasting impact on people’s mental health, according to Dr. Pratt.

“During the pandemic, people were left with more time to themselves,” he said. “When you take away the distractions of everyday life, you get faced with having to deal with the way you have been feeling for a long time.”

One group that saw the largest increase in suicide deaths in 2022 was people ages 65 and older.

“For the elderly and for all people, having a sense of purpose is really important,” Dr. Pratt said. “Especially for this age group, part of their identity has been that they are strong, and they are the support of their family. They were just at a state where they never talked about their mental health and now for the first time, they are seeking help and that was the group that had the largest increase in suicide. It was a 35% increase in people over the age of 65.”

Mental health plays a vital role in our overall well-being. With suicide being one of the leading causes of death in the United States according to CDC data, Dr. Pratt urges those who are struggling with their mental health to speak to a professional as soon as they can. CHI offers behavioral health services and aims to connect the community to essential care.

“At CHI you have people like me, I am an adult and child psychiatrist, we have therapists here, we have a lot of resources,” he said. “Connecting to resources is the most important thing. It might not start with behavioral health; it may be with your family physician. With kids, it may be at school. At CHI, patient care comes first and that includes mental health.”

CHI’s Dr. Saint Anthony Amofah Awarded Prestigious Award

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A big congratulations to our Dr. Saint Anthony Amofah who recently won the prestigious 2023 Health Professions Education and Training Award from the National Association of Community Health Centers! Over the course of his impressive nearly 30-year career, Dr. Amofah has touched countless lives and continues to do so with compassion.

As the Chief Clinical Officer at Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) and Chief Academic Officer for the Brodes H. Hartley, Jr. Teaching Health Center, he deeply cares for his patients and dedicates his efforts to fostering the next generation of healthcare professionals. This welldeserved award recognizes his dedication to contributing valuable guidance and clinical education to residents and fellow CHI health professionals. Dr. Amofah is both an innovator and committed provider of service to the South Florida community and CHI is grateful to have him!