… in the news
Chesapeake Health Care's New AI Phone Scheduling System
We are excited to introduce a cuttingedge solution to enhance patient access and streamline appointment scheduling our new AI-powered phone scheduling agent, powered by AssortHealth!
This state-of-the-art system is now live at Woodbrooke OB/GYN and Woodbrooke Adult Medicine, allowing patients to schedule, reschedule, confirm, or cancel appointments quickly and easily without ever waiting on hold.
Why This Matters for Our Patients
We understand that long wait times and voicemail queues have been ongoing frustrations for our patients. With this AIdriven phone system, calls are answered immediately, 24/7, eliminating the need to wait on hold or call back during office hours.
Additionally, the system offers multilingual support, ensuring patients can communicate in their preferred language.
How It Benefits Our Staff
This system doesn't just improve patient satisfaction it also enhances efficiency for our teams. By automating routine scheduling tasks, our staff can focus more on direct patient care, reducing administrative burdens and improving workflow.
Additionally, AssortHealth’s technology prioritizes data security and privacy,
ensuring that all patient information is protected with top-level security measures.
Try It Out!
The AI scheduling agent is now available at the following locations:
Woodbrooke OB/GYN – 410-546-2424
Woodbrooke Adult 410-546-6650
This innovative solution marks a significant step forward in our commitment to providing the best possible patient experience. By leveraging AI technology, we are making healthcare more accessible, efficient, and patientfocused.
We encourage all staff to familiarize themselves with this system and help spread the word to our patients!
For any questions or feedback about the new scheduling system, please reach out to Josh Boston, Chief Operations Officer at jboston@chesapeakehc.org.
Welcome New Staff
Please welcome these new staff members who joined our team in March:
Alicia McCastle – Medical Receptionist at Berlin Mental Health
Brittany Moore, CRNP-Peds – Certified Nurse Practitioner at PMD Peds
Cheyenne Franklin – Medical Assistant at Woodbrooke Adult Medicine
Christie Fils – Haitian Interpreter at S. Division St.
Glendy Almeida – Dental Assistant at PA Dental
Karla Christie – Pharmacist at Delmarva Pharmacy
Katie Martin – LPN at Woodbrooke Adult Medicine
Katyra Duffy – Medical Receptionist at Riverside Mental Health
Kimberly Saks – Medical Assistant at Woodbrooke Adult Medicine
Sydney Wood – Pharmacy Technician at Delmarva Pharmacy
Teoni Weathers – Dental Sterilization Aide/Clinic Aide at PA Dental
Traydacia Pendleton, CNM – Certified Nurse Midwife at Woodbrooke OB/GYN
Valarie Anderson – LPN at Woodbrooke Adult Medicine
Victoria Carlino, PA-C – Physician Assistant at Berlin Adult Medicine
Zareen Ahmed, MD – Physician at S. Division St.
Orientation Week March 17 – Kimberly Saks, Teoni
Week March 3 –
Orientation Week March 31 –
Orientation
Karla Christie, Cheyenne Franklin, Glendy Almeida, Dr. Zareen Ahmed, Sydney Wood, and Valarie Anderson.
Weathers, Alicia McCastle, and Katie Martin.
Katyra Duffy, Christie Fils, Victoria Carlino, Brittany Moore, and Traydacia Pendleton.
Staff Recognitions
THANK YOU to everyone who goes out of their way to help others! If you would like to recognize someone for their hard work and dedication, please use this link: https:// chesapeake.health/Kudos.
Berlin PA Dental
Ajee Finney
Angie Leonard
Crystal Woods
Nicole Ford
Corporate
Alecia Lovett
Brittany Williams
Colleen Castro
Madisyn Hickman
Mary Ann Castro
Mary Jo Schultz
Ashley Hills Troy Forse
Princess Anne Pocomoke
Delsheta Sample Robin Iler
Ellen Barnes
Hillary Collins SBHC
Maria Vansant
Stacie Ennis
Riverside Dr. Woodbrooke Adult
Mindy Straub
Healthway Dr. PA MH S. Division
Alma Moreira
Rachel Thomas
Brianna Trevillian Sarah Pryor
Meredith Rathkamp
Roberto Voltaire
Shannon Wright
Christine Drew Stacey Gibson
Courtney Hurley
Brianna Trevillian Kim Nuse Woodbrooke OB/GYN
Tonya Creighton
PMD Peds
Marina Collins
Holly Smith
Teresa Greene Taylor Shores Jodie Foxwell
Krystal Baker
Jordan Price Sara Haverty
A Simple “Thank You” Can Go a Long Way!
You never know how much a few kind words can mean to someone especially at work! A little appreciation can make a big difference, and here’s why it’s worth sharing more often:
It shows people their hard work matters. When someone feels valued, they’re more motivated to keep doing their best.
It boosts morale. Gratitude has a ripple effect! When we show appreciation, it encourages others to do the same, creating a more positive workplace for everyone.
It keeps us engaged. Feeling recognized makes us more dedicated to our work and each other.
It builds loyalty. A culture of appreciation strengthens teams and keeps great employees around.
The key? Be genuine. Don’t overthink it just let people know you’re grateful. A quick “thank you” or a handwritten note can go a long way.
Join the “Kudos Challenge”!
Let’s make appreciation a daily habit! This month, we challenge YOU to recognize a coworker for their hard work and dedication. Whether it’s a small act of kindness or an ongoing effort that deserves the spotlight, take a moment to say thanks!
Give a shoutout using this link: https://chesapeake.health/Kudos
Let’s spread gratitude and celebrate the amazing team we have here at Chesapeake Health Care. Who will YOU recognize today?
Department Updates
Celebrating Our Amazing CHC Team!
Last week, we had the pleasure of showing our appreciation for the incredible Chesapeake Health Care staff with a special Staff Appreciation Breakfast! From start to finish, it was a morning filled with great food, gratitude, and a strong sense of community.
A huge thank you to Billie's Catering for providing a beautiful and delicious spread for the occasion. The food was nothing short of amazing, and the standout detail a watermelon carved with the Chesapeake Health Care logo
was a true work of art!
This event was just a small token of appreciation for the dedication and hard work each of you brings to our patients and community every day. Whether you’re on the front lines of patient care or supporting operations behind the scenes, your commitment does not go unnoticed.
We are proud to have such a compassionate, talented, and hardworking team at CHC. Thank you for everything you do!
If you need your car safety seat checked for proper installation and how to secure your child, here are the 2025 dates in our area.
Virtual Kids in Safety Seats (KISS) Video Car Seat appointments are also available via Zoom throughout the month. Scan the codes to make an appointment.
• Email: mdh.kiss@maryland.gov.
• Call the Helpline at 800-370-SEAT (7328).
• Register for an in-person car seat check.
Share this information with others!
Staff Anniversaries & Birthdays
The following staff members are celebrating a work anniversary in April. Congratulations!
Patience Murray – 7 years
Heather Bare – 7 years
Melinda Maranan – 23 years
Crystal Lambert – 15 years
Traette Dunn – 12 years
Amy Haynes – 12 years
Janessa Soisson – 11 years
Dana Evans – 11 years
Nancy Baker – 10 years
Sandra Chen – 10 years
Alisha Gentry – 9 years
Anjanette Cannon – 9 years
Andrea Zockoll – 9 years
LaTonya Mitchell – 8 years
Kandace Davis – 8 years
Kelley Holloway – 8 years
Mia Stephens – April 1
Kelly Sturgis – April 4
Jayde Gilliece – April 4
Krystle Dean – 7 years
Brooke Naumann – 6 years
Jennifer Swanton – 5 years
Sheleena Holland – 4 years
Mehreen Kassoo – 3 years
Tina Savage – 3 years
Morgan Carbaugh – 3 years
Susanna Bechtel Boehs – 3 years
Alexa Shoultes – 3 years
Katrina Cooks – 3 years
Rose Doane – 2 years
Sentara Ernst – 2 years
Shannon Brady – 2 years
Penny Anske – 2 years
Tina Savage – April 16
Christine Collins – April 17
Kelsie Wright – April 17
Brooke Naumann – April 5
Kelley Ruark – April 6
Caroline Wheeler – April 6
Kathy Walton – April 7
Elizabeth Morton – April 7
Davina Campbell – April 8
Vanessa Gutierrez – April 8
Kimani Smith – April 8
Amber Lecompte – April 12
Timothy Lynch – April 15
Bennett Young – April 15
Clint Anderson – 2 years
JyAsia Frazier – 2 years
Madeline Parler – 1 year
Jason Burroughs – 1 year
Bridgette Williams – 1 year
Faith Stivenson – 1 year
Rachell Connelly – 1 year
Lyryc Truitt-Hughes – 1 year
Hillary Boyd – 1 year
Robin Iler – 1 year
Sujata Malla – 1 year
William Lucas – 1 year
Robin Gaines – 1 year
Tracey Grupp – 1 year
Michele Pusey – 1 year
Jessica Noyola – April 19
Crystal Woods – April 20
Stephen Cooper – April 21
Shareka Dennis – April 21
Melissa Richardson – April 22
Alexa Lynn Shoultes – April 22
Leslie Ennis – April 22
Alicia Auleta – April 23
Douglas King – April 23
Ashley Pasquith – April 24
Ann Morris – April 25
Tyesha Parsons – April 26
Stephanie Bohon – April 26
Jennifer Parsons – April 27
Angela Land – April 27
Samantha Schneider – April 27
Maggy Schaller – April 28
Marie Adolphe – April 28
Catherine Burkhard – April 29
Bahar Boroumand Rad – April 29
Ellen Cook – April 30
Amy Haynes – April 30
Department Updates
Department Spotlight: Our Health Outreach Partners (HOPs) Are Hopping into Action!
Have you ever wondered what the Health Outreach Department does at Chesapeake Health Care? Let’s take a closer look at how this dedicated team of HOPs support our patients, community, and staff, and how they work to improve lives and remove barriers to care!
Our HOPs team is a dynamic group of Community Health Workers, Social Workers, Nurses, Medical Assistants, Coders, Data Analysts, and our Transportation Team. Their offices are located in the Tree Sap Admin Building (next to Delmarva Pharmacy) and at South Division Street. But their outreach extends far beyond through home visits, community events, phone calls, and even on the road. They meet patients where they are on their health journey!
Focusing on Population Health, the HOPs tackle key Social Determinants of Health like transportation, food insecurity, housing, safety, and isolation all barriers that impact well-being.
Recognizing that transportation is a major hurdle, CHC created its own Transportation Team to help qualifying patients get to their CHC appointments across all three counties. Case Managers provide crucial support to patients and families, connecting them with resources
The HOPs also play a vital role in Transitional Care, following up with recently discharged patients to review instructions, reconcile medications, and arrange needed services to prevent complications. Their Clinical Care Managers assist patients in managing chronic diseases like diabetes, offering coaching and preventive screenings to improve outcomes.
The Emergency Room Utilization Team works to reduce unnecessary ER visits by following up with discharged patients, ensuring they understand their care plan, and reconnecting them with their primary providers.
Data analytics is another key aspect of what the HOPs do, helping to identify at-risk populations and track patient progress for more personalized care. They also assist with quality measures, ensuring compliance with preventive screenings and appointments across pediatrics, OB/GYN, and adult care.
The HOPs Department embodies CHC’s vision of healthier communities, breaking down barriers to care and improving lives. So, the next time you see them out and about in the community, hear their voices on the phone, or receive an email from them, know they’re making a difference every day!
Meet Our Transportation Team – Joseph Williams, Kenny Palmer, William Lucas, Ann Palmer, Vanessa Gutierrez, David Bonhom, and Rose Doane.
Meet Our HOPs Team – Front row: Mary Woody, Denise Conner, Jordan Coursey, and Sandra Chen. Back row: Juanita Davenport, Donna Pitts, Bridgette Williams, Dornese Whittington, Teniya Williams, Dimples Conquest, Andrea Hickman, Natasia Gaines, Kayla Beiler, Kennesha Wilkins, and Valerie Purnell. Not pictured: Anita Ramos and Jennifer Ward.
Healthy Living Corner
Healthy Living Corner: The Power of Immunization
WorldImmunizationWeekisApril24–30
April is a month of renewal and growth, making it the perfect time to focus on one of the most impactful public health interventions of our time vaccines. From April 2430, the world will observe World Immunization Week, an annual campaign to highlight the importance of vaccines in protecting individuals and communities from preventable diseases. This year’s theme, “Humanly Possible: Immunization for All,” reminds us of the incredible strides we have made and the work that remains.
The global vaccine efforts of the last 50 years have led to some of the greatest medical achievements in history. We’ve eradicated smallpox, brought polio to the brink of elimination, and drastically reduced childhood mortality rates. Since its inception in 1974, the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) has played a critical role in ensuring that all children have access to vaccines. Today, we’ve expanded beyond childhood immunizations to a broader Essential Program on Immunization, covering 13 universally recommended vaccines and additional contextspecific ones to protect individuals throughout their lives.
Yet, despite these advancements, recent years have shown a troubling backslide in immunization coverage. The COVID19 pandemic disrupted routine vaccinations, leaving 20 million children without one or more of their vaccines. Additionally, vaccine hesitancy, conflicts, and economic
Every Kid Healthy Week – April 21-25
From April 21-25, we celebrate Every Kid Healthy Week, an annual recognition of the vital role that schools and families play in improving children’s health and wellness. This initiative highlights the strong connection between nutrition, physical activity, mental health, and learning because when kids are healthy, they are better prepared to thrive in school and beyond. By focusing on healthy habits early in life, we help build strong communities where every child has access to the nourishment and movement they need to grow into healthy adults.
Healthy Kid-Friendly Recipe: Banana Oatmeal Pancakes
These pancakes are packed with fiber and natural sweetness perfect for a healthy breakfast or snack!
Ingredients:
2 ripe bananas
2 eggs
½ cup rolled oats
downturns have contributed to outbreaks of diseases like diphtheria and measles diseases we had nearly conquered.
At Chesapeake Health Care, we recognize that vaccinations are one of the safest and most effective ways to protect our families and communities. We are committed to ensuring that every child, adolescent, and adult has access to the immunizations they need. Whether it’s childhood vaccines, flu shots, or COVID-19 boosters, we encourage everyone to stay up to date on their vaccinations.
We can all do our part to support immunization efforts by:
✓ Making vaccination a priority for ourselves, our families, and our community.
✓ Advocating for strong immunization programs ensuring they remain well-funded and accessible.
✓ Spreading awareness talking about the importance of vaccines and addressing concerns with factual information.
The power to prevent disease is in our hands. By supporting immunization efforts, we can continue to save lives, protect future generations, and build a healthier world for all. Let’s work together to make immunization for all
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon baking powder
Cooking spray or butter for the pan
Instructions:
1. Mash the bananas in a bowl until smooth.
2. Add eggs, oats, cinnamon, vanilla, and baking powder. Stir well.
3. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly grease with cooking spray or butter.
4. Pour small amounts of batter into the pan and cook for about 2 minutes per side, until golden brown.
5. Serve warm with fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey.
Let’s work together to create healthier environments for our kids one meal and one movement at a time!
April Trivia Contest
Think you know the answers to these April-themed trivia questions? Send an email with your answers to Julie Houk at jhouk@chesapeakehc.org before Friday, April 11th to be entered into a random drawing for a PRIZE!
1. If you were born in April, what would your flower be?
a. Peony
b. Sweet Pea
c. Foxtail
d. Bee Balm
2. If you were born on the 28th of April, what would your zodiac sign be?
a. Sagittarius
b. Aquarius
c. Taurus
d. Leo
3. Which classic board game is honored on the 13th of April?
a. Monopoly
b. Chess
c. Scrabble
d. Clue
4. The Titanic hit the infamous iceberg on which day in April?
a. 29
b. 14
c. 22
d. 7
1. What astronomical event marks the first day of spring?
Answer: The vernal equinox
2. When does daylight saving time officially begin in March?
Answer: On the second Sunday of the month
3. What mathematical holiday do we celebrate in the middle of March?
Answer: Pi Day
4. What year did the March Madness tournament begin?
Answer: 1939
5. Why is Easter sometimes in March and sometimes in April?
Answer: The date is determined by the first full moon following the spring equinox. Easter occurs on the first Sunday following this event.
5. Which fast food franchise first opened its doors on April 15th, 1955?
a. McDonalds
b. Arby’s
c. Dairy Queen
d. A and W
6. What International Day is recognized on the 22nd of April?
a. Earth Day
b. Intergalactic Alien Day
c. National Pizza Day
d. International Children’s Day
7. What should you be doing on the 26th of April?
a. Baking cookies
b. Drinking a margarita
c. Planting a tree
d. Eating hotdogs
8. In which country did the Easter Bunny tradition originate?
a. Italy
b. Germany
c. Ireland
d. France
6. True or False: Saint Patrick was Irish.
Answer: False
7. What year did MTV's first spring break program premiere?
Answer: 1986
8. Which team was the first NCAA championship winner?
Answer: Oregon
9. What color should you not wear on St. Patrick's Day?
Answer: Orange
10. Who was the Ancient Greek God of the Sun?
Answer: Helios
Congratulations to Nicole Andrews, CAN at Woodbrooke OB/GYN, who was the winner of our March Trivia Contest! Congrats!