Community Health in Focus: CHI Celebrates National Health Center Week

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Dr. Elizabeth Philippe checks a patient’s heart during School Physical Day.

CHI celebrated National Health Center Week in August with a series of festivities and events across all health centers. National Health Center Week highlights the value and importance of community health centers nationwide, like CHI, that are providing high-quality health care to those in need. Community health centers care for 31 million people in America with nearly 1,500 health centers in the United States. CHI is among the largest, helping to improve the health and well-being of medically underserved communities, regardless of income or background. It hosted several events throughout the week to give back to patients and the South Miami-Dade and Monroe communities. The organization also celebrated its staff for their unwavering commitment to its patients.

The week kicked off on August 3rd with School Physical Day as parents brought their children into several CHI centers for health physicals ahead of the 2024-2025 school year. Hundreds of students received comprehensive health screenings, including vision, hearing and general wellness checks, to make sure they are ready for the upcoming academic year. The event is aimed to promote student well-being and academic success.

The events continued with Healthcare for the Homeless Day at Homestead’s Soup Kitchen. CHI was happy to join efforts with the company that serves over 1,000 free meals a month in Homestead. Together, they provided hot meals, care packages, health screenings and scheduled appointments for the homeless. “As a community health center, we have a responsibility to make sure everyone is healthy and receiving the care that they need,” said Blake Hall, CHI President and CEO.

CHI volunteers set up utensils for the homeless at the Homestead Soup Kitchen on Healthcare for the Homeless Day.

Agricultural Worker Health Day took place at Costa Farms, where CHI’s outreach, dental team and volunteers delivered healthcare services to agricultural workers in Redland, Florida. The teams conducted screenings for blood pressure and sugar levels, along with dental services. Agricultural workers put in daily long hours that directly benefit our community, and yet they are often medically underserved. That’s why CHI ensures they have access to care regardless of status or insurance.

“We recognize the tireless efforts of agricultural workers who sustain our communities,” said Director for Migrant Health Services and Outreach, Eunice Hines. “It is a privilege to provide them with essential supplies, make a connection with them and let them know that we are here to address their health and social needs. Their well-being is very important to us.”

President and CEO, Blake Hall, and CHI’s Executive Staff stand with Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar and Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay community leaders on Stakeholder Appreciation Day.

Later in the week, CHI hosted Stakeholder Appreciation Day where political officials, such as Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar, Florida Senator Alexis Calatayud and other community leaders, visited Doris Ison Health Center to learn more about CHI’s services. The legislators presented CHI with a proclamation for National Health Center Week and a special certificate of congressional recognition. These visits build a relationship with lawmakers that will ultimately help CHI deliver top-notch healthcare to the community.

Throughout the week, CHI also showed appreciation to both patients and staff. After their wellness visits, patients received small gifts for their loyalty at all CHI locations. The staff was recognized for their commitment to providing excellent care.