Family First Health

York, PA: Family First Health’s Connections for a Healthy Pregnancy program has expanded its service area to include zip codes 17402 and 17408, in addition to zip codes 17401, 17403 and 17404.

Connections for a Healthy Pregnancy is a free community outreach program that supports expectant mothers living in York City and surrounding communities by connecting them to community resources that can mitigate or remove barriers to good health – increasing the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy outcome.

Community Health Workers meet with expectant mothers at their prenatal visit with the obstetric care provider and then check in on a regular basis through home visits and phone calls to access needs, provide peer support and offer connections to community resources.

The Connections for a Healthy Pregnancy program began in December 2017. Currently 78 expectant mothers are participating in the program.

Expectant mothers who would like to participate can call Connections for a Health Pregnancy staff at (717) 801-4812.

York, PA: Family First Health Medical Receptionist, Maria Aponte, received recognition at the annual Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers (PACHC) Conference this week. Maria was awarded the Patient Choice Award (non-clinical), an Award for Primary Care Excellence (APEX Award), which recognizes the outstanding efforts of a dedicated individual who works for a Pennsylvania health center.

Maria has been a member of the Family First Health team for 4 years. In her role as Medical Receptionist, she always goes above and beyond for Family First Health patients and especially loves working with children in the Pediatric Department. Maria believes strongly in the mission and vision of Family First Health and strives to provide the best quality health care for our patients at all times.

“Maria has a smile on her face every day, regardless of what is occurring. I honestly don’t know how she does it. Her customer service skills are excellent! She is a great asset to Family First Health and is awesome to work with.” – Sue Posey, George Street Practice Manager

“Maria has excellent customer service skills and always makes sure that patients feel welcome. She always goes above and beyond to meet the patient’s expectations. She is a valued member of the Medical Receptionist department.” – Merielene Siple – George Street Medical Reception Supervisor

York, PA: Recently, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced $125 million in Quality Improvement grant awards to 1,352 community health centers. Funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), health centers will use these funds to continue to improve quality, efficiency and the effectiveness of healthcare delivery in the communities they serve.

Family First Health received the award for recognition of employing Electronic Health Record Reporters (EHRs) to report on all clinical quality measures (CQM), improving clinical quality in one or more CQMs, enhancing access to care – increasing the total number of patients served and number of patients receiving comprehensive services, addressing health disparities, advancing health information technology and achieving Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) recognition.

Family First Health’s award of $130,753 is the sixth highest award in the state of Pennsylvania out of 42 total organizations.

Family First Health is thrilled to be recognized for its work to improve the quality of care it delivers every day in the communities we serve.

York, PA: On Tuesday, September 19, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Health Resources Administration (HRSA) awarded nearly $400 million to combat the opioid crisis. HRSA awarded $352 million to increase access to substance use disorder and mental health services through the Expanding Access to Quality Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health Services (SUD-MH) to 1,232 community health centers across the nation.

Family First Health was awarded $336,250 to support its efforts to implement and advance evidence-based strategies that best meet the substance use disorder and mental health needs of the population it serves.

Currently nearly 400 patients receive substance abuse services through Family First Health’s Center of Excellence. Award funds will be used to support those patients and expand access by supporting the staffing of both a case manager and recovery specialist and purchasing additional Naloxone kits for distribution to patients. Funds will also be used to hold a joint health summit with community partners to provide education on substance use disorders.

“Family First Health is positioned to use this funding to expand and enhance our primary care based model of treatment for substance use disorder that is needed by so many in our community” says Jenny Englerth, CEO. “We are grateful for the opportunity to deepen our impact and look forward to supporting the recovery process for more individuals in the coming year.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Courtney Lewis
[email protected]
717.801.4808

Family First Health Expands Substance Use Treatment Program to Columbia Center

Columbia, PA: Family First Health’s Center of Excellence provides patients with substance use disorders the support they need to reach, and maintain recovery. The team links patients to community resources and support services, and then walks alongside each patient to ensure that critical needs are met and that the patient remains in care for as long as needed. The goal – to give each patient the supports needed to get, and stay healthy.

The program began in 2016, with Family First Health’s Hanover Center and George Street Center offices. On September 12, 2017, Family First Health will begin offering these services to patients in our Columbia Center office. Services at these three locations include:

• Support and medical care coordinated with the primary care provider.
• Access to a comprehensive care management team comprised of case managers, recovery support specialists, and a licensed clinical social worker.
• Customized support to navigate the care system and get to/maintain recovery.
• Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) to support sustained recovery.

For more information regarding the Center of Excellence, substance use treatment program, please call the program manager, Erin Cosgrove-Findley at 717-801-4864.