Strengthening Connections in Community Health: Speed Networking Event July 16th -- Addressing Heat-Related Illness in Vulnerable Populations -- Summer Immunizations: Back-to-School Readiness Starts Now -- Staying Active Safely: Summer Physical Activity -- Take Charge of Your Balance and Confidence - From the Comfort of Home!
| | Strengthening Connections in Community Health: Speed Networking Event July 16th | |
Healthcare professionals, care coordinators, and community-based organizations are invited to join an exciting Speed Networking Event on Wednesday, July 16th from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM at St. Susan Center (31 Water Street in Jamestown). Hosted in partnership by the Chautauqua Health Network, Chautauqua Integrated Delivery System (CIDS), United Way of Chautauqua County, and St. Susan Center, this event is designed to bring together those working on the front lines of health and social care to build relationships and explore collaborative opportunities that improve outcomes for individuals and families in our community.
Attendees will engage in brief, impactful conversations that highlight available programs, share strategies for closing care gaps, and promote resource sharing across sectors. This is a valuable opportunity to learn from peers, build referral connections, and stay informed on the latest innovations in community-based care. Whether you work in a clinical setting, coordinate care, or deliver vital community services, this event supports integrated, person-centered care.
To register, follow this link (connect.chq.health/l/1035203/2025-05-19/3cs8q) or scan the QR code on the flyer below and complete the brief form. For questions, please contact Jason Carmen at jason.carmen@chq.health.
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Addressing Heat-Related Illness in Vulnerable Populations
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As temperatures rise, primary care teams and community-based organizations must be vigilant in protecting patients from heat-related illnesses. Older adults, individuals with chronic conditions (especially heart and kidney disease), people with limited mobility, and those without stable housing are particularly vulnerable.
Key Actions for Care Teams and CBOs:
- Identify patients at high risk and flag them in your EMR.
- Educate patients on heat exhaustion and heat stroke warning signs: dizziness, nausea, excessive sweating, confusion, or rapid pulse.
- Encourage hydration and provide clear instructions for managing medications that may increase sensitivity to heat (e.g., diuretics, anticholinergics).
- Coordinate with local partners to provide access to cooling centers, fans, or transportation.
- Incorporate SDOH screening questions related to utility access and housing into summer outreach calls.
Being proactive can prevent ER visits and potentially save lives during extreme heat events.
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Summer Immunizations: Back-to-School Readiness Starts Now
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While the school year may feel far away, now is the time for practices and care teams to help families prepare.
Summer is ideal for catching up on required immunizations, sports physicals, and routine well visits before the late-August rush.
What You Can Do:
- Use your EMR or health plan reports to identify children due for immunizations or physicals.
- Launch outreach campaigns (texts, calls, or postcards) to remind families about school form deadlines.
- Partner with local schools and CBOs to share resources or co-host summer vaccine clinics.
- Educate parents on the importance of staying up-to-date with Tdap, MMR, HPV, and meningococcal vaccines — even if their children are in virtual or hybrid learning environments.
Timely immunizations are a critical step toward healthy, successful school years — and now’s the time to act.
| | Staying Active Safely: Summer Physical Activity | |
Staying active is vital for managing chronic conditions and supporting mental health, but summer heat brings new challenges — especially for older adults and patients with cardiovascular or respiratory disease.
Encourage Safe Movement with These Tips:
- Suggest early morning or evening walks when temperatures are lower.
- Recommend indoor movement options like mall walking, YouTube exercise routines, or local community center classes.
- Remind patients to hydrate and wear breathable, light-colored clothing.
- Counsel patients to listen to their bodies — dizziness, cramps, or excessive fatigue are warning signs to stop.
- For patients with asthma or COPD, encourage them to check the air quality index before exercising outdoors.
By promoting smart activity strategies, care teams can keep patients moving — and healthy — all summer long.
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Take Charge of Your Balance and Confidence—From the Comfort of Home!
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Many older adults experience concerns about falling, which can lead to limiting daily activities and independence. The YMCA's A Matter of Balance virtual workshop is an evidence-based, award-winning program designed to help participants reduce fall risks and stay active. Through eight interactive online sessions, attendees will learn to view falls as controllable, set realistic goals for activity, make simple changes at home to prevent falls, and engage in gentle exercises to boost strength and balance.
This free program is perfect for anyone concerned about falls, those who have fallen in the past, or individuals looking to improve flexibility and mobility. The classes are led by trained volunteer leaders and offered entirely online, making participation easy and accessible. Ready to regain your confidence and stability? Register today by visiting findyourY.org or contact the program team at lhvfallprevention@gmail.com or (828) 280-1193 for more information.
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This e-newsletter is for anyone in, and interested in, care coordination and accountable referral Chautauqua County. We'll look at resources and educational opportunities in the area with the goal of increasing care coordination, wellness and overall quality of life in the Southern Tier; please forward this email freely!
Your feedback is important. Drop us a line and let us know what you want to hear more about.
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