« Recognition
IN THE
center SPRING 2017
THIS ISSUE: Celebrating Excellence
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A Message from Our CEO
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Make a Joyful Noise
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Spreading Christmas Cheer
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Meet New Staff Member
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Stronger Together
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What’s Happening
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Prayers of Thanks
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CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE Dr. David G. Hall, founder and Medical Director Receives Award at 2016 Awards for Primary Care Excellence.
n October 12, 2016, the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers (PACHC) presented the 2016 Awards for Primary Care Excellence (APEX). Dr. David G. Hall, founder and Medical Director of the East Liberty Family Health Care Center (ELFHCC) an FQHC in Pittsburgh, PA received the 2016 Outstanding Primary Care Clinician Award. The 2016 Outstanding Primary Care Clinician Award is presented to an individual or team, whose work has made a significant contribution in the delivery of primary care to vulnerable populations, thereby improving quality, accessibility and/or outcomes of care. Dr. Hall was nominated by both patients and staff. In 1982, a local pastor encouraged Dr. Hall to pursue his dream of providing care to those in need and donated space in the basement of the Eastminster Presbyterian Church to establish the health center. Dr. Hall has remained true to his vision and mission of providing “whole person” health care for all people, regardless of ability to pay, for the past 34 years. With his academic background, he could practice medicine anywhere, but he chooses to continue to serve the underserved. He models the mission and vision every day. He is humble and begins staff meetings by telling his staff that it is HIS privilege to work with THEM. One of his guiding principles from the bible is: What does the Lord require of you but to do justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with God. He is not motivated by money, as we understand that anyone who sees his minivan will attest to. He carves out time to make home visits to the health center’s homebound patients, and is always the first to volunteer to see additional patients or help with rounding when inpatient volumes are high. He consistently offers holistic care to his patients and even when he is busy, takes time to offer prayer for his patients. Dr. Hall is the Medical Director for the Health Care for the Homeless Initiative of Allegheny County (1996-present). He received a “Healthcare Hero” Award in 1997. In 2014, 2015 and 2016 Pittsburgh Magazine listed him as “One of America’s Best Doctors,” based on peer recommendations.
A Message from our CEO »
Our Continuous Quality Improvement model reflects our organization-wide commitment to quality patient outcomes and safety. It involves a system-wide approach to quality assurance, utilization review, risk management and continuous quality improvement. This model is a crucial part of our value system and is interwoven with our mission. Our QA/QI Plan is comprehensive, and includes all three of our locations, numerous outreach initiatives, and all programs and facets of the organization. The Plan is based on Lean/Toyota principles and is designed to encourage every staff member to be a frontline problem solver. Barriers to excellence are identified, and work processes redesigned through collaborative teams that include both management and staff. All activities of our Health Center that have the potential to directly or indirectly impact the health and safety of patients are covered by the Plan. In order to achieve optimal results, actions may include updates to policies/procedures, modifying specific protocols, conducting education and training, and/or system changes as indicated. The purposes of our QA/QI Plan are to:
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1. ensure objective identification, measurement and evaluation of the appropriateness, timeliness, efficiency and effectiveness of patient care, treatment and outcomes. 2. ensure that patients are respected and care/treatment is based on individual needs and is sensitive in providing culturally appropriate services. 3. identify opportunities for continuous improvement in patient care and to ensure that appropriate and effective actions are implemented. 4. ensure coordination and communication of quality improvement activities. 5. ensure a continuing level of professional performance by patient care providers. Rodney B. Jones, Sr. Chief Executive Officer
MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE …unto the Lord, all ye lands.
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ctober 2, 2016, brought friends, donors, community partners, board members, practitioners, patients and staff together to praise God, honor the East Liberty Family Health Care Center mission, acknowledge community partners and share fellowship at Joyful Noise. Guests were greeted by trumpet player Ronald Jones as they entered the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater, in East Liberty. ELFHCC Board Member, Stephen Paff opened the event with prayer and CEO, Rodney B. Jones, Sr. welcomed the crowd before the Blessed Messengers took the stage and filled everyone’s heart and soul with inspiring song. A special presentation of appreciation acknowledged Beulah Presbyterian Church, Bower Hill Community Church, Church of the Ascension, East Liberty Presbyterian Church, Eastminster Presbyterian Church, Southminster Presbyterian Church, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Unity United Presbyterian Church and Westminster Presbyterian Church. Recognized by their Health Center peers George Rivers and Ivette Melendez were appreciated for the way they live the ELFHCC mission and go above and beyond in caring for their patients and co-workers. Ladies of Bethany, Sr. Michele Van Voorst and Sr. Monique Dietz were appreciated for their thirty-four years of steadfast prayer and support of ELFHCC and our patients. Srs. Michele and Monique have been such faithful supporters of the Center because the mission reflects their thoughts on whole-person care. ¹
« Joyful Noise Event
Plan to join us Saturday, October 7th for the 17th Joyful Noise event and 35th Anniversary of East Liberty Family Health Care Center, Reaching for Higher Ground.
Photos by Diana Armstrong
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Save the Date
Pediatric Patient Christmas Toy Program »
Spreading
CHRISTMAS CHEER ELFHCC Hosts Pediatric Patient Christmas Toy Program for Local Families.
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ast Liberty Family Health Care Center (ELFHCC) began planning for the Christmas Toy Program in September of 2016. Toy request forms for pediatric patients were placed at the front desks of the three offices – East Liberty, Lincoln-Lemington, and Wilkinsburg. The pediatric staff reviewed the request forms during well-child care and immunizations. ELFHCC made a formal request to the Toys for Tots program in November to help the Center bring Christmas joy to the children. In order to fulfill the requests received in November and December, ELFHCC staff were asked to participate in an Angel Tree by donating toys for children. Festive garland Christmas trees were placed on the walls of the lunchrooms at the East Liberty and Lincoln-Lemington centers, and angels representing children adorned each tree. Beautifully wrapped gifts began to appear bringing with them the ELFHCC spirit of Christmas.
Learning about this gesture, Gateway Health generously offered to provide presents for patients in addition to hats and mittens. Green Tree Chiropractic and Rugger’s Pub hosted separate holiday parties requesting attendees donate a new unwrapped toy to our Pediatric Patient Christmas Toy Program. With the help of ELFHCC staff members and friends of Greentree Chiropractic, the toys were gathered and carefully sorted by the children’s ages and gender. The combined generosity of staff, Gateway Health, Green Tree Chiropractic, Rugger’s Pub, and Toys for Tots enabled ELFHCC to fill requests for 342 children from 173 families!
Friends from Gateway, Harry Manley, playing Santa, and Clinton Rhodes, his helper, assisted in distributing toys to children and parents; they posed for photographs and handed out candy canes. East Liberty Family Health Care Center is grateful to Toys for Tots, ELFHCC staff members, Gateway Health, Greentree Chiropractic, and Rugger’s Pub for their generosity. ELFHCC was blessed with the spirit of Christmas and personal touch that the generosity of individuals and organizations brought to the program. ¹
Thank you one and all!
LEFT Harry Manley, Gateway Health, spreads joy as Santa
MEET REVEREND DOCTOR MARY LOVETT, ELFHCC’S NEW CHAPLAIN
Rev. Mary Lovett was born and raised in Clarksdale, located in the Mississippi Delta region. Her Masters of Divinity and Doctorate of Ministry in Marriage and Family Ministries is from Palmer Seminary of Wynnewood, PA. She likes to be referred to as Rev. Lovett and she has spent more than 30 years ministering to predominantly local churches and in the field of hospice and eldercare. Rev. Lovett is a Board Certified Clinical Chaplain and Pastoral Counselor through the College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy (CPSP). By accepting the position at ELFHCC, Rev. Lovett says she has answered God’s call to minister with us: “My mission is to work in partnership with others to advance the Kingdom of God. I feel I have been called to ELFHCC for such a time as this.”
Total number of children who received gifts
173 Total number of families supported through program
TOP Leah Pope and Ivette Melendez pose with the wrapped donations MIDDLE J’Kaia, KaiRee, Kairen, Darrin Chavez smile for a photo with Santa BOTTOM Sorted donations waiting to be gift wrapped
Rev. Lovett can be reached by email at
[email protected] or by calling 412-665-1011.
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Rev. Lovett is married with three adult children and eight grandchildren. In addition to spending time with family, she loves to read and enjoys crafts, especially puzzles. She moved to Pittsburgh five years ago after pastoring for fifteen years in New Jersey.
Staff Retreat and Quality Fair »
STRONGER
TOGETHER Staff Retreat and Quality Fair Facilitates Worship, Education and Fellowship.
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n June 23, 2016, East Liberty Family Health
topics were highlighted. Game
Care Center (ELFHCC) staff and board members
winners were given tickets
participated in a Staff Retreat/Quality Fair. The
for a choice of the many prize baskets that were generously
purpose of the event was worship, staff education, and fel-
donated by staff members. A display of health care cartoons
lowship. The site for the event was East Liberty Presbyterian
provided an opportunity for shared laughter. Another display
Church. The event was coordinated by Martha Hochendoner,
board allowed staff to share their contributions to ELFHCC
Director Quality and Risk Management at ELFHCC.
within the focus of the mission statement.
Following a light breakfast, staff and board members joined
CEO Rodney Jones, Sr. delivered his “Positioning for Sus-
together in the church’s beautiful chapel. Dr. David Hall led
tainability” presentation, which had been part of the recent
the worship service of “Greetings and Gratitude”, intertwin-
Board of Directors retreat. A farewell and thank you to the
ing scripture and prayer with the history and mission of East
two AmeriCorps members was led by Julia Hill. It was then
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Liberty Health Care Center. The service was accentuated with
time for the prize basket drawings and the announcement
music prepared by Rebecca Kennedy and David Hampson.
of the winners.
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The end of the worship was devoted to staff contributions of “Fingerprints where the Lord is Working”; these were their stories of the patient care delivered at ELFHCC and the ways God has blessed this work. The group left the chapel and moved to the social hall for the Quality Fair. Carnival games and bingo were set up around the room, all themed in preparation for HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration) survey, later in 2016. Quality care measures, abbreviations, QI/QA (Quality Improvement/Quality Assurance) Departmental project
Staff and board members enjoyed a potluck lunch before leaving to open the offices for patient care. Staff were each given a gift of appreciation for their service to ELFHCC. A lapel pin with the new logo was attached to a beautiful photo of the sky above green grass and water, telling staff that “East Liberty Family Heath Care Center appreciates you and the devotion you share.” ¹
« What’s Happening
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OUR MISSION:
Kathy Mayle Towns RN, Chairperson
To witness to God’s love, known
Georgette D. Powell Vice Chairperson
in Jesus Christ, by empowering our
Stephen Paff Secretary
patients through community-centered,
Michael T. Wherry CPA, Treasurer
whole-person quality health care for all,
Diana Armstrong
which includes those who are uninsured,
Rev. Etta Calvert Sean Conroy Angelica Cooper
underinsured and underserved.
Abimbola ‘Abi’ O. Fapohunda Pastor Mark Richardson Rev. Paul E. Roberts Pastor Michael Smith Kristen Wilson Mattie Woods
THANK YOU TO OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
David Hall, MD Executive Officer
Church Partners if you plan to host a Health or Mission Fair in 2017 East Liberty Family Health Care Center would be happy to participate. Please contact Jo Ellen Welsh at 412-345-0418 or
[email protected] for scheduling.
Reid Carpenter Emeritus Director
East Liberty Family Health Care Center is proud to be a member of PACHC, a statewide membership services organization representing Community Health Centers — the largest primary care network in Pennsylvania and the nation — and other primary health care safety net providers that care for more than 700,000 Pennsylvanians through nearly 250 nonprofit health centers. These centers provide comprehensive primary medical, dental and behavioral health services throughout sites in rural and urban communities across Pennsylvania. Community health centers share the mission of improving access to affordable, quality primary medical, dental and behavioral health care for all.
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IMPROVING ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE, QUALITY PRIMARY CARE FOR ALL
Stephen P. Paschall, Esq. Emeritus Director
HEALTH AND MISSION FAIRS
Rodney B. Jones, Sr. CEO
E A S T L I B E R T Y FA M I LY H E A LT H C A R E C E N T E R
As a show of appreciation for their hard work and quality compassionate care throughout the year, the Board of Directors hosted a Christmas luncheon for ELFHCC Staff. The sumptuous luncheon was catered by Bistro to Go Café and Catering and held in the Eastminster fellowship hall. Praising God, fellowship, games and laughter completed the wonderful luncheon. On behalf of ELFHCC Staff we offer our heartfelt thanks and gratitude!
East Liberty Family Health Care Center complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. Language assistance services are available to you free of charge.
6023 Harvard Street Pittsburgh, PA 15206
East Liberty Family Health Care Center cumple con las leyes federales de derechos civiles aplicables y no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, nacionalidad, edad, discapacidad o sexo. Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística.
A copy of the official registration and financial information for the East Liberty Family Health Care Center may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1.800.732.0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. If you do not wish to continue receiving these newsletters, simply call 412.345.0418 or email
[email protected]
PRAYERS OF THANKS UPMC Shadyside Hospital Auxiliary Offers Generous Grant to Replace Outmoded Defibrillators In 2016, City of Pittsburgh EMS personnel conducted a CPR recertification training with ELFHCC staff. At the time it was suggested ELFHCC replace our current Automated External Defibrillators (AED’s) at all three locations. Through a generous $5,000 grant from the UPMC Shadyside Hospital Auxiliary ELFHCC was able to replace all three outmoded AED’s. Our Centers are now equipped with three Heartstart FRX Defibrillators, battery packs and smart pads, an infant/
child key and fast response kit, as well as two back-up batteries and two sets of back-up Heartstart smart pads. Should a patient, visitor or employee experience life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias of ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia they can be treated through defibrillation and CPR until EMS personnel arrive. ELFHCC extends our heartfelt thanks to the UPMC Shadyside Hospital Auxiliary for the grant to purchase this life saving equipment.
