Spring Newsletter 2022

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A Note from Help Me Grow Skagit's Physician Champion

Dr. Francie Chalmers


Welcome to our Spring 2022 e-newsletter! We hope this provides helpful information about resources and opportunities to help facilitate the services you provide for your patients and families.  

First, a big thank you to those who were able to attend Session 1 of the FREE Perinatal Mental Health Management for PCPs CME on 4/12/22. It is not too late to register and attend Session 2 on Thursday April 28, 6:30-8 pm. Dr. Mary Ann Woodruff will be sharing her clinic system’s experiences with perinatal MH screening and management and local community providers will be sharing about resources you can access to support families with positive screens. Registration also gives you access to a recording of session 1.


This month we are excited to let you know of yet another valuable CME, titled Unleash the Power of Oral Health in Your Primary Care Practice. Attendees will not only learn valuable skills to more effectively screen children, educate families, and provide protective fluoride varnish resulting in improved oral health but they will become certified to obtain valuable financial reimbursement for these services. See registration details below.


Other highlights from this issue include ongoing information about the Healthy Steps care collaboration model, Skagit’s ABCD dental access program for young children and an update on happenings at Help Me Grow Skagit. As Skagit’s “Physician Champion” please remember that I am here to help facilitate connections between your practice and community supports. I can be reached anytime with questions and feedback at fchalmers.md@gmail.com.

*Featured CME Event for Skagit County*

Date: June 9, 2022

Time: 7:00 - 8:00 a.m.

Location: Virtual - Register HERE for the Zoom link. See flyer HERE.

[1.5] AMA PRA Category 1 Credit

Training conducted by: Arcora Foundation - The Foundation of Delta Dental of WA


Need help connecting your young patients to dental care?

ABCD can help!

Access to Baby and Child Dentistry (ABCD) is a system of care in Washington that connects children who have Apple Health coverage with specially trained dentists in their communities. ABCD specifically focuses on children under age 6 and those up to age 12 who are enrolled with the Developmental Disabilities Administration. 


Dentists participating in the ABCD program are certified to care for young children. ABCD families receive coaching about the importance of accessing early preventive dental care and learn how to care for their children’s oral health at home. Families who need extra help making and keeping dental appointments receive assistance from local ABCD program staff.


Skagit County’s ABCD program is available through the Public Health Department. For more information, contact Jennifer Sass-Walton 360-416-1529 / jennis@co.skagit.wa.us

Help Me Grow

Prescription Pads are Here!

As a health care provider, you play a significant role in promoting the healthy development of children in Skagit County. Help Me Grow is here to help. The Help Me Grow Family Resource Navigator assesses a family's needs and connects them to community resources and services that will assist them in raising healthy, happy children.  If you recognize a need, please refer the family to Help Me Grow. The prescription pads are a great tool to use. If you would like prescription pads, please contact Francie Chalmers.

HealthySteps has launched at

Skagit Pediatrics!



"As we integrate Healthy Steps at Skagit Pediatrics, we are learning tools to better provide the care needed by so many families in our community. With an emphasis on promoting healthy relationships, strengthening early social and emotional development, and providing access to community resources, the Healthy Steps approach has helped us to better support the wellbeing of young children and their families. The Healthy Steps program has offered a wonderful opportunity to focus our efforts to provide truly integrated care." Dr. Richard Levine


To learn more about HealthySteps or to explore becoming a HealthySteps site visit www.healthysteps.org or contact Susan Goss, United General District 304 Thriving Children and Families Pillar

Helpful Resources

Perinatal Mental Health CME - Follow up Items


Links pertaining to upcoming Oral Health/Mouth Matters CME

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