Community Health Connections
March 2021 - Vol.2, Issue 3
Covid-19 Task Force leads to vaccines for
affordable housing residents
As a result of the Cambria/Somerset Covid-19 Task Force coming together, Richland Family Health Center, Johnstown Housing Authority (JHA), University of Pittsburgh Johnstown Baccalaureate Nursing Program, and 1889 Jefferson Center for Population Health partnered to vaccinate residents of Vine Street Tower, Connor Tower and Town House Tower on Saturday, March 13th. Hundreds of Phase 1A-eligible senior residents received the vaccine in Tower community rooms. More partnerships like this to come!
Advocating for the People:
Flor Hernandez, HUB Community Health Worker
Check out March's Community Health Worker (CHW) spotlight with Flor Hernandez, employed by HUB care coordination agency, Beginnings, Inc.

"Today, I am blessed to have a place at the table and the privilege to speak for those who feel disenfranchised, neglected, left behind, marginalized, and exploited. Every day I try to promote a beloved community through my actions and shine light on those trying to make it happen!"
- Flor Hernandez, CHW
Conemaugh Eat Right Pharmacy
Partnerships expand healthy food access
Erika Johnson, RD & Amanda Hoffman, RD of the Conemaugh Diabetes Institute with Thrive Food Boxes from GPCFB.
Conemaugh Eat Right Pharmacy program was developed at the Conemaugh Diabetes Institute in response to the Cambria/Somerset County Community Health Needs Assessment and the Local Foods, Local Places initiative. The evidence-based program utilizes a social determinants of health approach to address nutrition, food insecurity and health related issues. Program participants are provided with nutritional evaluation, counseling and food insecurity support. The program is a result of collaborative efforts between Conemaugh Health System, 1889 Jefferson Center for Population Health, and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

For more information please call 814.534.6800 or 1.866.641.3828.
Rev. Sylvia King addresses Covid-19
Vaccine Hesitancy: "This is not a test"
Recently, we had the chance to talk with Rev. Sylvia King of Christ Centered Community Church in Johnstown, PA about the personal impact of her Covid-19 diagnosis and the reluctance among some African Americans to get the Covid vaccine. 

“As an African American, I truly understand the apprehension and fear in taking the shot, BUT this is not a test,” says Rev. Sylvia King. “The fear of taking the vaccine is understandable because of the history, but this is not a guinea pig situation. The field has been leveled. We are all being given the same thing.” 
HUB Community Health Worker to speak
on National APHA Panel April 6th
Flor Hernandez, Community Care HUB CHW employed by Beginning's, Inc.
As part of the Healthiest Cities and Counties Challenge (HCCC) through the American Public Health Association (APHA), National Association of Counties and the Aetna Foundation, HUB Community Health Worker Flor Hernandez (employed by Beginnings, Inc.) and 1889 JCPH Project Manager Leanna Bird will have the opportunity to participate on a national panel entitled "Advancing Racial Equity and Health in Community Settings and Open Peer Exchange" on April 6th from 12-1:30 PM.

The two-part panel and peer exchange discussion will be led by local project leaders of the Healthiest Cities & Counties Challenge. This session is part of APHA's National Public Health Week. Any community members and professionals interested in public health are invited to participate.

1889 Foundation, in partnership with the 1889 Jefferson Center for Population Health (CPH), received funding through HCCC to support the work of the Community Care HUB and is leading one of the 20 teams chosen across the U.S. to participate in the Challenge. 
News Bites
Community Health Worker (CHW) Certification is available through the Pennsylvania Certification Board. The CCHW Legacy Application period is open until June 30, 2021. Click here to learn more and apply. A CHW is a trusted individual who contributes to improved health outcomes in the community. CHWs serve the communities in which they reside or communities with which they may share ethnicity, language, socioeconomic status, or life experiences. 
The Cambria County Health & Welfare Council 2021 Scholarship application is now open. Two $500 scholarships are available to individuals residing in Cambria County who have been accepted to attend a post-secondary institution in Cambria County with the goal of receiving a certificate, associate's degree, or bachelor's degree in a human service field. Deadline is April 15. Click here to apply.
Every day, HUB Community Health Workers help to remove social determinant of health (SDOH) barriers in order to achieve positive health outcomes for individuals living in Cambria/Somerset Counties. The Community Care HUB (HUB) is an organized, outcome-focused, network of Care Coordination Agencies who hire and train CHWs to reach those at greatest risk and connect them with existing resources in Cambria & Somerset counties.

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