CCRHN Quarterly Newsletter | SPRING 2021

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HEALTHCARE NETWORK FEATURED AT THE NACHC ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Addressing Farmworker and Migrant Health

During the National Association of Community Health Centers 2021 Policy and Issues Virtual Forum, Healthcare Network's COVID-19 Response Team was highlighted during the presentation “Supporting Special Populations During COVID-19" for effectively providing care and resources to underserved and vulnerable communities in Collier County.

The team's work has helped reduced health disparities for people who face multiple barriers to care during the pandemic by providing testing, education and community outreach. When needed, the team has also worked with local agencies to connect families to critical social support services.

The national forum hosts the largest gathering of health centers clinicians, executive directors, State and Regional Primary Care Partners, board members and advocates on record.

You can learn more about how Healthcare Network is addressing health inequities by visiting HealthcareSWFL.org.
FIGHTING COVID-19 VACCINE HESITANCY


By Dr. Corin DeChirico, Healthcare Network chief medical officer

With seniors willing to stand in line to get the COVID-19 vaccine, fear and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy seems to have lessened.

However, before COVID-19, the World Health Organization in 2019 declared vaccine hesitancy a Top 10 threat to global health. Fear of vaccines for other illnesses include the vaccines themselves, political factors and vaccine-related attitudes and beliefs. 

During the pandemic, misinformation on social media included conspiracy theories about the pandemic and the vaccination. As a result, this led some people to be fearful or skeptical about the effectiveness, safety and need for the vaccine. 

Accordingly, BioSpace.com, a Life Science industry news and information source, finds that 47% of Americans are still hesitant to get the vaccine, including some frontline workers. In addition, an ABC poll found 44% of respondents prefer to wait and see how the vaccine performs in others...

You can read the full article on the Healthcare Network blog!
IN THE NEWS
CBS News - In the article, "Efforts to vaccinate farmworkers hindered by eligibility" Healthcare Network President and CEO Dr. Emily Ptaszek discusses how state constraints and vaccine eligibility restrictions have hindered migrant farmworkers from being inoculated against COVID-19. Dr. Ptaszek expresses her concerns for this vulnerable population as the Florida harvest season ends.

USA Today - "How Florida left farmworkers out of its COVID-19 pandemic response" speaks to the "state's inadequate and lagging response to health needs of farmworkers throughout the pandemic." The comprehensive piece includes several quotes from
Dr. Ptaszek about Healthcare Network's work to improve access to vaccines to migrant and farmworker communities in Collier County.

AP - The article "Groups rush to get Florida farmworkers vaccinated" details how nonprofits like Healthcare Network, organizations and officials across the state are trying to distribute vaccines to thousands of farmworkers before they travel to harvest crops in other states.

To learn more about how Healthcare Network is combatting health disparities in vulnerable migrant communities throughout Collier County, visit HealthcareSWFL.org.
THE IMPORTANCE OF DENTAL CARE

By Dr. Douglas Keck, dental director for Healthcare Network

When we think of primary health, dental health is often overlooked. Some even consider it non-essential. With links between oral health and overall health, routine dental care is important throughout life, especially for young children.

Tooth decay (or cavities) can develop with a child’s first tooth. The CDC reports, “by age 8, more than 50% of children have had a cavity in their primary (baby) teeth.” Even more surprising, cavities are one of the most common chronic diseases among children in the United States. Cavities are four times more common in juveniles than asthma. Yet, tooth decay is preventable...

To find out the impact of untreated dental issues, read the full blog post here.
COMMUNITY EVENTS ON THE
HEALTHCARE NETWORK'S WEBSITE
Do you have an upcoming community event? You can now submit an event for consideration for inclusion on the Healthcare Network website. Events must be free and open to all.

All Healthcare Network COVID-19 testing sites and events are currently updated on the website calendar. Check them out!

To learn more or submit an event, visit HealthcareSWFL.org/calendar.
NEW AT HEALTHCARE NETWORK:
MOBILE CHECK-IN

Healthcare Network patients now have the ability to check-in for a medical appointment through their own mobile device before or at arrival at one of Healthcare Network's practices.

This new system will make the check-in process faster, more convenient and more secure.

It will also allow patients to confirm appointments, update important medical information and pay copays all before stepping into an office.

For patients who feel more comfortable communicating in other languages, the new check-in system offers several language options. Tablets will be available at the practices for patients who do not have access to a smartphone, tablet or computer.

Visit their website for more information on the new check-in process.
1454 Madison Ave., Immokalee, FL 34142
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