@NAHC EHR @ NAHC
Part of a National Movement By: Lillawa Willie, PMS/EHR Project Assistant
As you all know, NAHC recently launched a new electronic Practice Management (PM) system on March 27, 2012. Now patient registration, appointment scheduling, and billing are all done electronically using NextGen. Going into a paperless system allows all of our departments to work together in one system. We have changed the way we do business, and our central registration, front desk and billing staff have done a terrific job handling this transition. NAHC is now preparing for the next phase of the project –the transition to Electronic Health Records (EHR). This will be a huge change for providers, as they will no longer use paper charts. All of these changes at NAHC are part of a nationwide movement to improve healthcare. When President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law, the business of healthcare across the country began to shift. There are three major types of improvements taking place: 1. New protections for patients 2. Improvements to the quality of care and a reduction of costs 3. Increased access to care NextGen is the tool that NAHC (together with seven other clinics in our area) is using make these improvements to health care. The information that we get out of NextGen will show us whether we are on target with nationwide goals to improve health, increase
Every single piece of information you enter into NextGen is important and helps us improve health care for people who need it. Please take the time to get familiar with the system and if you are unsure about something, ask for help! Questions? Contact Meriah Gille, PM/EHR Project Manager (510) 329-6040 or MeriahG@nativehealth.org
In this Issue: HR Buzz: Staff Appreciation Week! Employee Contribution New Faces @NAHC Employee Anniversaries Youth Corner Water Walk with Mona Stonefish Native American Heritage Night with SF Giants FCGC Has a New Name! Nutrition Series Calendar Flyers 1 Calendar of Events
HR Buzz
Staff Appreciation Week Thank you for your Hard Work! By: Natalie Aguilera, Director of Human Resources
NAHC celebrated our dedicated and caring staff by providing a host of activities and raffle prizes during the week of April 23rd-28th in honor of NAHC’s Fifth Annual Staff Appreciation Week! The Administration department along with supervisors planned a Jamba Juice and muffin breakfast, catered lunch, raffle prizes and it’s first ever family picnic. The picnic was held on Saturday April 28th at Crab Cove in Alameda. The beautiful weather was the perfect backdrop for the many NAHC staff members and families that attended. The jumpy house was a big hit for the children as were the egg toss contest and three legged race. Congratulations to Roxanne Kelly (Oakland Medical) and Patty Gonzales (Oakland Medical) for winning the three legged race and congratulations to Janet King (Employee Wellness Department) and Julia Echeverria (Oakland Maintenance Department) for coming away without a broken egg!
NAHC raffled a number of prizes to staff at all sites. Congratulations to Aurora Mamea (Employee Wellness Department) for winning two tickets the Giants game on June 8th celebrating Native American Heritage Month and congratulations to Anthuy Nguyen (Oakland Dental) for winning a 19” flat screen TV.
Thank you very much to all of the staff at NAHC for your hard work and commitment to the community!
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Employee Contribution
Life is for Service By: Jesse Harrison Noonan, AmeriCorps/Ped. Outreach
“Life is for service” has been my mantra throughout my life. It drove me to share my newly acquired medical expertise to care for the people of Honduras. Last March, I had the privilege of joining over 90 doctors, nurses, dentists, medical students and helpers to provide medical care to the people of Honduras. The 42nd Hackett-Hemwall Foundation’s (HHF) provided the opportunity with the primary focus for the trip dedicated to prolotherapy, a type of nonsurgical ligament reconstruction that involves injecting a dextrose solution into a joint that is causing chronic pain. I participated in every way I could! I mixed dextrose solutions, set up nurses’ stations and provided medical translation. I had the privilege of learning about pain management therapy and was able to reciprocate by providing a service to alleviate the pain of some of the most medically underserved people. Although it was challenging to leave my team at the Native American Health Center for two weeks, I can’t imagine a better time to offer volunteer medical service. To be able to share my experiences in Community HealthCorps with other healthcare professionals around the world and listen to their medical journeys was a true gift. Every day I am immersed in the Spanish-speaking healthcare world in San Francisco, and through that experience it gave me the ability to connect, linguistically and culturally, with the Honduran. I was welcomed to their native land. It was truly humbling.
New Faces @NAHC
Yvette Torres, Sr. HR Generalist Compensation Analyst, Admin.
Viviana Montano, On Call Dental Receptionist, 7D Dental
Pearl Del Cruz Patient Account Officer, Temporary 3124 Billing
Cheri Jones, Patient Account Officer, Temporary 3124 Billing
Welcome to NAHC!
Although I’m still unsure of what I’ll be when I grow up, this trip and this year have taught me that it will most certainly involve service towards others within the healthcare field. Abigail Perez, On Call Dental Assistant, 7D Dental
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Employee Anniversaries Thank you for your service
First Name First, MI Name
Last LastName Name
Department Class
Date DateStarted of Hire
Time at NAHC Years of Service
Martin G.
Waukazoo
Administration
5/9/1983
29 Years
Jerri
Davis
Fiscal
5/20/1987
25 Years
Charlene C.
Harrison
Administration
5/3/2006
6 years
Serena L.
Wright
Community Wellness
5/7/2007
5 years
Shirley M.
Begay
Central Registration
5/31/2008
4 years
Rita J.
Prado
SF Dental
5/1/2008
4 years
Rene
Gonzalez Jr.
Youth Services
5/10/2010
2 years
Tommy F.
Orange
Community Wellness
5/24/2010
2 years
Phyllis
Waukazoo
Youth Services
5/17/2010
2 years
David A.
Gumpert
Community Wellness
5/16/2011
1 year
Andrea
Pablo
WIC
5/5/2011
1 year
NAHC’S New Website By: Tommy Orange, Media Coordinator It’s nothing new to say that the Internet is a major part of our lives, and that we spend a significant portion of our lives on websites. It’s also common knowledge that the web and technology moves fast, and all of our soft and hardware is in constant need of updates. So in an effort to keep with the times, and utilize the latest kinds of technology available, NAHC is launching a new website, with a new look, and with new funcionality. Our goal for the new website is to be a resource for the community, a place people can visit to get useful information, as well as be inspired by the many healing projects, programs, and stories that are happening in our community today. The website will have video and photo galleries, and a comprehensive calendar that will feature all department activities. We will also have two blogs, one written by NAHC’s Sandra Tavel, and another video blog, our first one featuring Richard Moves Camp explaining the meaning of NAHC’s logo. The launch date for our new website is May 15th, so mark it on your calendars and be sure to visit it once it’s up. 4
SF Water Walk, 2012
NAHC Youth Corner
By: Hinhanska Haney, Media Assistant
By: Hinhanska Haney, Media Assistant
“Whatever happens to our Water happens to Us.” This bit of wisdom is unattributed to any one person, but is a staple of life within indigenous societies. On Tuesday, May 8, 2012, the Native American Health Center will sponsor the Water Walk Ceremony at Ocean Beach in honor of Ojibwe native Josephine Mandamin’s message of our responsibility to the water that sustains all known life on Earth. Grandmother Josephine has walked over 10,000 miles to garner attention to the reality of environmental pollution and the current condition of our water. In the Bay Area, NAHC’s Michele Maas is coordinating the local water project. Michele says, “In the Ojibwe way of life, it is the women’s responsibility to care for the water, for we are the Water Carriers. We are asking the men to support us.” The ceremony is a call for all people to recognize the vital role water plays in our lives, and for us to ensure its protection. Doctor of Traditional Medicine Mona Stonefish will lead the ceremony. Mona says, “We are 65% water. When we care for the water, we care for the mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of ourselves.” Maas reaffirms, “Together, we can bring awareness to care for ourselves and create a healthy community. We must recognize the interconnectedness of life.”` NAHC invites everyone to attend and show their support on May 8th.
Mona Stonefish will also be conducting individual sessions for our SF clients and community members all day Monday, May 7th and Friday, May 11th from 8:30am1:00pm. The sessions are 30 minutes. All sessions will take place at 333 Valencia St. San Francisco, CA. Please contact Aurora Mamea to set up an appointment at AuroraM@nativehealth.org
The Youth Development Fellowship Program is a 9-week stipend summer program for Indigenous high school students to prepare them for college and/or the workforce after high school. The course focuses on workshops related to Indigenous issues, and a new theme is created every year and a project comes out of that theme, such as creating a mural, and developing a personal digital story, and a documentary on affordable housing. Project Coordinator Tahnee Camacho explains, “I want it to be tailored to fit each youth’s goals. We ask questions such as, ‘Where do you see yourself in five years? For example if a youth is interested in the medical field, I want them to learn more about all the roles and job opportunities in the medical field” The group will visit colleges and universities and provide workshops about the admissions process. Youth Fellows are required to choose a community service project that will benefit their communities. A small group that can be considered a youth council was the seed that grew into the 13 year program, and started with 4 participants in 2000 and already has 10 for the summer of 2012. A GPA standard was amended to allow at-risk youth to participate, as they are a core focus. A total of 80 students have completed the program, with an astounding 100% high school graduation rate. 85% have gone on to attend a 2-year college, and at least 50% have continued their studies at a 4-year university. Camacho sees this as a result of the commitment that is asked of the students during their application process. “We are asking them to participate for seven hours a day, four days a week, for a total of nine weeks.” Fellows that complete the program often return to share their stories at the Youth Center. The Fellowship is doing their best to support youth in honoring their commitment to the program and beyond.
Your 2012 Summer Youth Development Fellowship Program Application can be mailed, hand delivered to the Youth Services Drop-In Center, or emailed to TahneeC@nativehealth.org The Deadline is Friday, May 11, 2012 Remember, incomplete or late applications will not be accepted!
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The San Francisco Giants host Native American Heritage Night By: Hinhanska Haney, Media Assistant
On June 8, 2012, the San Francisco Giants will host the Texas Rangers for “Native American Heritage Night”. This collaboration brings together the Native American Health Center, American Indian Child Resource Center, and the American Indian Science and Engineering Society to celebrate the diverse Native American cultures found the in the Bay Area. The primary organizer is Luke Lightning, an Ojibwe from the Buffalo Point First Nation. Watching baseball games with his friends, he saw many other cultures being celebrated, so Luke took it upon himself to reach out to local Native American organizations to approach the San Francisco Giants to create a night for the Native community. The result is the first Native American Heritage Night in 12 years. The night will begin with a pre-game drum performance by the Intertribal Friendship House’s All Nations Drum group along with a variety of Native youth dancers from the Bay community.
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Speaking on the impact this can have within the community, Luke says, “This is a unique opportunity for a large audience to see the work that non-profits are doing on a day-to-day basis. We want to keep and honor our traditions.” Lightning knows that the American public has not always seen the reality of Wahoo. Instead of racism, let’s have real honor.” As Native American cultures. proof, he points to current Native American Major League Baseball players as Kyle Lohse, Jacoby EllsHis hometown’s school mascot is the Benson “Braves”, bury, and Joba Chamberlain. a name that many find offensive. He hopes to counter the stereotypes that exist in baseball by present- Lightning is working hard to make this year’s event ing drummers and dancers that take honor in their a success, and needs support from the community work and art. “I want people to know that we are to make it a significant moment for everyone. He from all walks of life.” sees this as an opportunity to work to create an anNative Americans have been playing professional nual “Native American Heritage Night”, and hopes baseball for over a century, beginning when Louis this sparks other cities to do the same. “If we have Sockalexis signed to play with the Cleveland Spiders another opportunity, it will take a lot of work, but in 1895. Cleveland went on to re-name their franchise we hope it is bigger and better.” the “Indians”, supposedly in honor of Sockalexis. The Indians now sport the logo of “Chief Wahoo”, an You can find the event on Facebook, and the Native image considered offensive by most Native Ameri- American Health Center is selling tickets. Contact cans. “Natives love baseball. We do not want Chief Jordan Paul at JordanP@nativehealth.org
FCGC Has a New Name By: Harriett Skye Paul, Consultant
The past three months have been busy for NAHC’s Family and Child Guidance Clinic. Interm Director, Serena Wright has actively been leading the department’s reorganization. One aspect of the reorganization strategy is to create a better understanding of what services are provided by the department and clarify its role in the broader agency. FCGC has long held the traditional and cultural integrity for NAHC. It offers programming driven by community needs; therefore, it was only appropriate to include staff and community in the name change process. The first step in the process was an FCGC retreat, which allowed staff to brainstorm about names that signified what the department actually does. From the retreat there were several name ideas, which were then circulated to staff in survey form to identify the top 5 choices. Finally, community surveys were done to make a selection from the final 5. There was feedback from the Executive Leadership Team, and the NAHC Board. The results are in! The department formerly known as FCGC is now: The Community Wellness Department
As Mrs. Wright says, “The title captures what we do and contextually broadens our connection to the community.” CWD looks forward to collaborating with all NAHC departments in the very near future because, we are 7 Generations moving in 1 Direction!
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PHASE
Preventing Heart Attacks and Strokes Everyday! Brought to you by: NAHC Nutrition and Fitness
Nutrition & Fitness Class Schedule
Because you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, you have an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. That’’s why your provider thinks you are a good match for the PHASE program. PHASE involves the following: Medications: your provider will prescribe certain medications that reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke if you are not already taking them, and make sure you understand what they are for and how to take them. We can provide medicine bags and pill boxes to help you do this. Nutrition & Physical Activity: you will be invited to attend classes on heart healthy nutrition, active living, and cooking demonstrations to manage your weight and prevent heart attacks and strokes. Smoking Cessation and Stress Management: you will be provided with the resources and medications you need to help you quit smoking and better manage stress. What are the perks? -Intensive therapy individualized for YOU -Prizes and incentives to reward your progress and attendance at classes -Referrals for nutrition therapy -Raffle tickets every time you come to a class, to be entered in a drawing for grand prizes! -Help with transportation to and from appointments (bus and BART) 7
Thursday 12:00-1:00 p.m. Nutrition &Every Fitness Class Schedule Every Thursday 12:00-1:00 p.m. Incentives for adults only Incentives for adults only One Per Household One Per Household
Upcoming Classes: Date Class
Details Diabetes and your Eyes With UC Berkeley’s Dr. Green Taking Care of your Feet With Podiatrist Dr. Shah
May 3
Diabetes Class
May 10
Special Topic
May 17
Fitness Class
Let’s Move! With UCSF Dietetic Intern
May 24
Cooking Demonstration
Let’s Cook! With UCSF Dietetic Intern
May 31
Fitness Class
Walk Your Weight Off With Weights
June 7
Diabetes Class
Getting Deep with Diabetes Group Share led by Suzy, LCSW
June 14
Special Topic
Spring Gardening Workshop
June 21
Fitness Class
Zuuuuuumba!
June 28
Cooking Demonstration
Summer Salads
Location:
Stay tuned for July & August topics!
Classes are held in the 7D Staff Lounge
Questions?
Call Veronica (535-4461)
Flyer Fest!
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Calendar of Events MAY 2012 Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday Berkeley'' Powwow' 11am.7pm'
1
2
3
Waterwalk' with'Mona' StoneďŹ sh'' 11am.4pm'
6
7
Stanford0 Powwow0
8
13
14
Family'Night' 5:30.8:30pm'
5
Stanford'Powwow''' 9
Kaethe' Weingarten' Presenta?on' 9:30am.1pm'
Mother's'Day!'
4
10
11
12
17
18
19
American' Indian'Care' Awareness'Day' 4pm.6pm'
15
16
Ar?cles'for'' @NAHC'Due' Today!'
20
21
22
23 "Sage0Wrapping"24 "Sage0Wrapping"25
19
28
29
30
26
Memorial'Day' (No'work)'
27
31
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