Hello ,
We hope you are enjoying your summer, staying cool and healthy! This past quarter has been a busy one, in the field, the office, and beyond. LORHN represented our members and region at several professional networking and development opportunities. As an NRHA Rural Health Fellow, I attended NRHA's Annual Conference in San Diego, CA this past May. In June staff also joined the Office of Minority Health's virtual CMS Health Equity Conference and the Florida Community Health Worker Annual Summit.
We also recognize the great work our network members and numerous community partners are up to around Lake Okeechobee, with updated Community Health Assessments and the kick-off for updated Community Health Improvement Plans for each county and many new programs and services taking off. We look forward to supporting these efforts to improve awareness of and linkage to the strong resources within our rural communities.
We also continue to work with our State Office of Rural Health to expand our Community Health Worker programs and support other new and expanding programs. LORHN partners with our affiliate, the Health Council of Southeast Florida, to provide CHW Core Competency training (20 hours) and technical assistance with the state certification exam.
We trust you will find the information, resources, and professional development opportunities shared in this newsletter helpful.
Be well and stay safe,
Andrea Stephenson, MBA, MHS, FACHE
Chief Executive Officer
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Partner Spotlight: BRIDGES of Pahokee |
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Our spotlight in this newsletter is BRIDGES of Pahokee. BRIDGES are gathering places that connect local families to community resources so more children are born healthy, remain free from abuse and neglect, are ready for kindergarten, and have increased access to quality afterschool and summer programs.
BRIDGES graciously share their office space and coordinates a schedule with clients to meet with CHAs for help linking with various health and social needs programs.
LORHN's Community Health Advocates have been providing continuous support and linkage to community resources to clients of BRIDGES in Pahokee. CHAs meet with clients on-site weekly to assist them with completing and submitting applications for various resources such as rental payments, utility assistance, and SNAP benefits while also educating them on updated COVID recommendations and encouraging them to get vaccinated as well as Opioid awareness and education.
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Elea Dean, BRIDGES Director,
Bree Spence, LORHN CCHW, and Jacqueline Esparza, BRIDGES Navigator
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Preventing Opioid Overdose in Rural Western Palm Beach County |
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LORHN Community Health Advocates (CHAs) continue to provide Opioid education via live or virtual presentations, one-on-one meetings, and educational handouts during outreach.
Beware of xylazine aka 'Tranq' linked to increased overdose death throughout the state, causes increased risk of infections and death, and does not respond to naloxone/ narcan.
If you, or someone you know, may be experiencing signs of addiction to opioid medication or other substances we are here for you. We have assisted many individuals to apply for unemployment, SNAP benefits, health insurance, and more. Whether you are ready to seek treatment or need help getting by, call us.
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**There are no eligibility requirements for the program, it is open to all in Palm Beach County**
Refer clients to our team via Unite Us, phone call (561) 557-9273, or email. You can also download and share the flyer below.
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July 13, 2023
2:00-3:30 pm Eastern Time
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Panelists will provide a brief overview of Xylazine, a substance newly found in illicit drug supplies, and its impacts on the unsheltered community. Panelists will describe their team's experiences with Xylazine, including overdose response, wound care, and incorporating harm reduction principles throughout. |
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COVID Grant Closeout and Successes |
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LORHN CHAs, in collaboration with many community partners, have encouraged and connected more than 200 rural residents to the COVID vaccines; thank you to all of our partners that have been a huge part of our success!
- FDOH in Palm Beach County, Belle Glade Office
- Belle Glade, Pahokee, and South Bay libraries
- BRIDGES at Pahokee and Belle Glade
- Glades Faith-based Health Educators
- Florida Community Health Centers
- Farmworkers Coordinating Council
- Sun Valley Health Care Services
- Hendry Regional Medical Center
- Belle Glade Housing Authority
- Pahokee Housing Authority
- L.O.T. Health Services
- Belle Glade Pharmacy
- Lighthouse Cafe
- South Bay Villas
- Covenant Villas
- Glades Initiative
- City of Pahokee
CHAs are providing a $35 Winn Dixie or Walmart gift card to vaccine-hesitant individuals through July 31, 2023. Additionally, we are helping individuals impacted apply for various public programs and financial assistance.
Call our team today to help find a vaccine near you or make an appointment at (863) 532-3099 or (561) 545-4751.
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County Data - Health Assessments & Improvement Plans |
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These assessments are completed over the course of several months and are rich with health data that includes community feedback via surveys, interviews, and focus groups. This data is incredibly helpful to partners seeking to understand the specific community needs, resources, and efforts underway to improve overall health outcomes for our rural residents. Many partners find the information in these helpful to support grant applications.
Palm Beach County
Hendry- Glades Counties
Okeechobee County
Martin County
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Important Florida Health Insurance Updates |
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Please read and share this important information with your colleagues and clients regarding Medicaid coverage obtained during the COVID pandemic, redetermination steps, and the expansion of Florida KidCare that will start January 2024. LORHN's Community Health Advocates are trained to assist individuals and families enroll in a health insurance program that makes the most sense for them.
Have questions or need help? Call us (561) 557-9273.
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Florida’s Medicaid Redetermination Plan
Florida Department of Children and Families
June 2023
As a result of legislative changes in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, the continuous coverage provision ended on March 31, 2023, and is untied from the end of the PHE. The Department will follow federal guidance to restore Medicaid eligibility through normal processing while working to ensure eligible recipients remain enrolled. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) allows state agencies up to 12 months to complete Medicaid reviews once the continuous coverage period ends. Florida will undertake this task by scheduling and conducting redeterminations in a manner that will meet federal regulatory requirements while minimizing the impact on families.
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Healthy Kids Celebrates Florida KidCare Expansion Bill 121 Passage

Florida Healthy Kids
June 28, 2023
Florida Healthy Kids Corporation (FHKC) celebrates the signing into law of landmark Florida KidCare legislation. House Bill 121 increases the income eligibility limit for subsidized Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage, from 200% to 300% of the federal poverty level, or from $60,000 to $90,000 annually for a family of four. Through the creation of new premium tiers, the bill establishes a glide path for families by allowing them to keep subsidized coverage as they earn more, so they can pursue financial stability without fear of losing the government help they receive.
These changes will take effect on January 1, 2023.
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Upcoming Professional Events |
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Overview of the 2023 – 2025 HRSA Strategy to Address Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)
July 12, 2023 from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Virtual
The Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA), Office of Women’s Health (OWH) invites you to a webinar, Overview of the 2023 - 2025 HRSA Strategy to Address Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), featuring speakers from OWH, the Bureau of Primary Health Care, and the HIV/AIDS Bureau. This webinar will outline the Strategy’s aims, objectives, and activities for HRSA bureaus and offices to prevent and respond to IPV.
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FL Public Health Association Conference
July 25-26, 2023
The Florida Hotel and Conference Center Orlando, FL
Florida Public Health Association would like to invite our members and other public health professionals from around the state to our 2023 Annual Educational Conference. Presentations and Posters will focus around Social & Economic Factors, Public Health Collective, and Public Health In Action. Click the button for opportunities to be an attendee, speaker, exhibitor, or sponsor.
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SafeSide Framework for Suicide Prevention in Rural Communities: Interactive Workshop
July 25th, 2023 from 12:00pm - 3:30pm
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CommHIT23 Summit : Achieving Today's Advanced Workplace
September 28, 2023 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
CommHIT HQ at the Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, FL
Many leaders, companies, and organizations have dreams of what Tomorrow’s workplace will look like, what that workforce will be able to achieve, and how our workplaces will achieve those dreams "one day." Big dreams are vital, and discovering the facts and opportunities to achieve those dreams is what the CommHIT23 Summit is designed to accomplish.
Tomorrow’s resources, opportunities, and connections are available to organizations of all sizes and types—today. Discover, learn, and connect with what your leadership or organization needs as you join other Attendees, Exhibitors, and Speakers at the Kennedy Space Center to achieve your Advanced Workplace using technology.
Registration opens July 5th, click the logo to view CommHIT's website and event information.
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Maternal Health Equity and Well-being Webinar Series, #3: Building and Mobilizing Support
July 26, 2023 from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Virtual
The final webinar will center the social and economic support needed by birthing people and their families. Content will include how to identify and collaborate with all members of the new parent’s support team, anticipatory guidance, addressing the social determinants of health, and identifying ways to partner with families in your community to build stronger, equitable systems of care.
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NTCA: The Rural Broadband Association
2023 Summer Symposium
July 23 - 26, 2023
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
July 30 - August 3, 2023
Radisson Blu Mall of America
Bloomington, MN
Advance your rural broadband community through effective leadership. The Summer Symposium is the only conference of its kind—designed specifically for new and veteran board members in the rural telco industry. It provides strategic, forward-thinking insights on effective leadership and successful practices in governance.
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Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals and Women Health Symposium
July 18-19, 2023 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Virtual
The HHS Office on Women’s Health will host a virtual symposium to convene federal and non-federal stakeholders in the fields of research, prevention, and treatment focusing on the impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on women’s health and explore actionable solutions addressing evidence to policy and practice gaps.
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FRHA 27th Annual Rural Health Educational Summit
October 10-11, 2023
Tampa, FL
Join other rural health leaders to help keep the rural health voices alive in Florida. The summit is two days full of keynote speakers, breakout sessions, recognition for rural health heroes, and networking opportunities with professionals and exhibitors from around the state.
Continuing education credits will be offered.
Agenda coming soon, check website for updates.
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Sign up for LORHN's bi-weekly distribution of the GrantStation Insider Content e-newsletter or view LORHN's GrantStation Insider Content e-newsletter archive page for previous funding opportunities.
Funding for Individual & Family Assistance
Almost 70 percent of Glades Electric Cooperative members participate in Operation Round-Up, which helps people in GEC's service area who have exhausted normal avenues of financial assistance. The fund is for deserving individuals and organizations. If you know of people who need and deserve assistance and live within the Glades Electric service area (Glades, Hendry, Highlands, and Okeechobee counties), encourage or help them to complete an application.
All applicants applying for services must have a total household income of no more than 150% Federal Poverty guidelines; be responsible for paying their home heating or cooling bills; and be a U.S. citizen, qualified alien, or permanent resident of the U.S. Programs are available for individuals, children, and families.
Eligible Palm Beach Country residents can apply for financial and other support services, including rental and relocation assistance, utility assistance, home repair programs, homeless services, indigent cremation program, senior services, veteran services, and Ryan White services.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program that replaces the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB Program) to help low-income households pay for internet service and connected devices. Only one monthly service discount and one device discount is allowed per household. To receive the connected device discount, consumers need to enroll in the ACP with a participating provider that offers connected devices (Note: not all internet companies offer device discounts.) The internet company will provide a discount to the consumer.
State & National Grants
Community development loans to local governments, public service authorities, user associations, nonprofit organizations, and other community entities for the development and/or construction of large-scale community projects. Deadline: ongoing basis
USDA Telecommunications Infrastructure Loans and Loan Guarantees provide financing for telephone and broadband infrastructure in rural areas. Funds may be used to finance broadband-capable telecommunications services, including improvements, expansions, construction, acquisitions, and refinancing. Applications accepted year-round
Learn about Federal Grant forecasted, posted, and archived grants available via various Federal Government Programs. Grants Learning Center provides information about eligibility, writing, reporting, policies, systems, and more.
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LORHN Community Resource Guides |
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Knowing where to start looking for help for yourself, a friend, family member, or client can be overwhelming. LORHN has developed a community resource guide for each community of our service area. Every guide includes phone numbers for various county services as well as local medical services, senior services, medical and social support services, food, housing and utilities, pregnancy and childcare, mental health services, and employment services.
Click each geographic area below to download the community guide, please share them. Notice something missing? Let us know!
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Hendry & Glades
Community Collaborative Meetings
1st Friday of each month
8:30 am - 11:30 am
Okeechobee
Community Collaborative Council (CCC)
4th Tuesday of each month
10:00 am - 11:00 am
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Western Palm Beach
P.A.T.C.H.
3rd Tuesday of each month
9:00 am - 10:45 am
Martin County
InterAgency Coalition
2nd Wednesday of each month
8:30 am - 10:00 am
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Lake Okeechobee Rural Health Network, Inc. (LORHN) was formed in 1994 as a non-profit corporation designed to provide for the special and specific health-related needs of the residents, visitors, and businesses in the Lake Okeechobee area; with extended services to Glades, Hendry, Okeechobee, Western Martin, and Western Palm Beach counties.
LORHN was established through Florida legislation (Statute 381.0406) and is one of nine local rural health networks covering the state of Florida. As per Florida statute, the goal of the networks shall be to ensure that quality health care is available and efficiently delivered to all persons in rural areas. Our vision is to promote/provide for the special and specific health needs of the residents, visitors, and businesses in the Lake Okeechobee area.
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LAKE OKEECHOBEE RURAL HEALTH NETWORK | 888-880-8242 | www.LORHN.org
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