Volume 1, Issue 6 | June 2022 |
|
Our Monthly News & Updates |
|
Governor Kelly Recognizes Community Health Workers and COPE Partners in Community Health Workers Month |
|
Governor Laura Kelly has proclaimed June as Community Health Workers Month in an official signing ceremony on May 26 at the Kansas State Capitol. Governor Kelly signed a proclamation to honor and celebrate the significant importance of Community Health Workers (CHWs). Representatives from key alliances and organizations, many of whom are COPE partners, attended the signing ceremony. They included the Community Health Council of Wyandotte County, Wichita State University, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) and Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).
Governor Kelly recognized how important it has been for CHWs to engage with their community to form a trusted, long-lasting relationship to promote and increase individual and community capacity. “Our community health workers keep us safe and healthy. We owe them our gratitude for their hard work, especially during COVID-19,” said Governor Kelly in a 2021 statement.
Ton Miras Neira, COPE CHW Project Manager, was one of the honorees at the ceremony. “It was an emotional journey at a personal level. I got to share this honor with people I have been working with for a long time,” said Miras Neira.
Governor Kelly was also knowledgeable about the collaboration between KDHE and COPE at the KU Medical Center. “Being recognized at the state-level is validating. This shows how much the government values CHWs,” said Miras Neira.
|
|
Courtesy photo: Ton Miras Neira.
Images (L to R): Stefanie Olson (KDHE CHW Section Director), Juliet Swedlund (Program Manager of KDHE), Alma Vargas (Kansas CHW Coalition Executive Co-Chair and Community Health Council of Wyandotte County), Guadalupe Tredway (Community Health Council of Wyandotte County), Jackie Catron (Program Manager of KDHE), Diana Lady (Public Health Specialist at Wichita State University Community Engagement Institute), Crystal Rodriguez (CHW of KDHE). Colette Lee (CHC/SEK Family Resource Specialist), Amber and Ton Miras Neira (COPE CHW Project Manager) are positioned from the far left.
|
|
Geary County Tackles Food Insecurity, Transportation and Child Care Issues |
|
|
|
The team also deployed a child care needs assessment survey in both Spanish and English and received 28 responses from the event. The survey participants received $15 market bucks, a child's market bag, and a magnet.
Courtesy photos: Ruaa Hassaballa-Muhammad
|
|
COPE Attends the Community Health Worker Symposium in Wichita |
|
Ajmal Ahmadi and Manuel Guzman (CHWs from Finney County with a home base in Genesis Family Health) were in attendance. Symposium speakers left an impression on them. "The symposium was amazing. It started strong with a great presentation from Dr. Edward Ehlinger. He even blessed us with an original song he wrote and sang himself," said Guzman.
The symposium offered many learning opportunities for CHWs, including 'Hope Mapping' from Stefanie Olson, KDHE CHW Section Director. "It gave me a great way to help my clients asses goals, simplify their goals and make them attainable," said Guzman. Ahmadi also took home some important lessons. "I learned from this symposium to have hope for your future and have respect for other ideas and dreams even if we know it's not coming to reality. But, it is crucial to continue to have hope and encourage clients to have hope for life and for the future."
In addition to Ahmadi and Guzman, other COPE representatives at the symposium included: Angela Scott, Flor Sanchez, Lakia Dupree, Thien Doan, Gloria Calderon, Vicky Ortiz, Linda Gibson, Goretti Sanchez, Ruaa Hassaballa-Muhammad, Clarissa Carrillo Martinez and partners from Konza Prairie Community Health Center and Genesis Family Health. COPE was one of the symposium sponsors, along with Wichita State University, KDHE, Sunflower Health Plan, Sunflower Foundation, United Healthcare Community Plan and United Methodist Health Ministry Fund.
Courtesy photos: Angela Scott
|
|
|
|
Labette County LHEAT Revitalizes a Community Garden that Welcomes All |
Under the leadership of Lauren Coover (LHEAT lead of Labette County), the Parsons Kansas Community Garden is gaining much media attention and traction in the community. Coover's leadership and partnership with the City of Parsons, the K-State Extension Office and Blue Cross Blue Shield Pathways made it possible for children and adults alike to savor the joy and pride of growing and donating home-grown food.
The Garden's Facebook page regularly featured updates and pictures of events and activities. Pictured left is a recent post that featured James Coover (K-State Research and Extension Agent) teaching children in Parsons Kid's Garden Club how to use organic fertilizer. It has already garnered 28 reactions, 11 comments and 6 shares.
Courtesy photos: Jody Hoener and The Parson Kansas Community Garden Facebook page
|
|
Ford County LHEAT Attends 'Kan Be Healthy' Fair in Dodge City |
|
From left to right: Vicky Ortiz, Goretti Sanchez, Clarissa Carrillo Martinez, Manuel Guzman, Gloria Calderon, Andrea Gallegos, Dr. Ximena Garcia and Ajmal Ahmadi
|
|
Ford County LHEAT recently attended the 'Kan Be Healthy' fair. ‘Kan Be Healthy’ provides health care coverage, such as screening and services, to children, families, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Dr. Ximena Garcia, Senior Advisor for Covid Vaccine Equity to Governor Kelly, was also at the event.
Clarissa Carrillo Martinez (Regional Community Lead), Phil Handsaker (LHEAT Lead of Ford County) and Gloria Calderon (CHW Supervisor of Ford County) were seen in the photo on the left. Manuel Guzman (CHW of Finny County, pictured bottom right) was also there to support the event. LHEAt member, Angie Gonzales (Housing and Special Projects Coordinator of the Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation) attended the event to educate attendees about her non-profit organization and its role in promoting economic vitality of the county.
|
|
Shawnee LHEAT Supports Community in a Resource and Job Fair |
|
On June 25, Shawnee LHEAT organized a Resource and Job Fair that attracted 18 agencies, including Mirror Inc., and numerous attendees. Information about critical resources in the community and COVID-19 at-home test kits were distributed at the event. About 20 attendees also took the opportunity to share needs they see in their community, many of whom left their contact information for CHWs to follow-up.
LHEAT's presence has created a rippling effect. Attendees told CHWs that they left the event feeling empowered and supported by their community. This event was not possible without the dedication from Shawnee County LHEAT and cross-pollination across organizations. Nikki Ramirez-Jennings, a LHEAT member and Executive Director of SENT Topeka (pictured on the far left), was seen here broadcasting the fair live on Facebook.
Courtesy photos: Ruaa Hassaballa-Muhammad
|
|
Hi, I am Rachel Carpenter and I am the LHEAT Lead in Bourbon County. I work at the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team as the Program Coordinator. I oversee a grant that we received that involves creative placemaking projects and another grant program for different type of small business in the county. I am pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and along the way in my academic career I have gotten certified in Grant Writing and Community Development.
I am the President and CEO of the non-profit organization, The Carpenter’s Hands. I coordinate short-term mission trips to San Antonio De Cortes and Honduras to build houses, provide humanitarian aid and do street ministry. I am currently expecting a little girl that my husband I want to name Evelyn. We are excited and nervous to start this new journey into parenthood!
|
|
Hi, I am Robin Henderson, the CHW Supervisor in Cowley County. I completed my Bachelor of Social Work at Wichita State University in 2012. I have over nine years of professional experience working with individuals and families, ranging from counseling within public health as a Certified Lactation Counselor, to case management in child welfare as a Permanency Case Manager and to community-based mental health as a Psychiatric Support Targeted Case Manager.
This is my first experience working with CHWs and I am excited and motived by the opportunity to work alongside individuals with familiar passion to advance their community.
I am originally from Kansas City, KS. But I live, play and work in Cowley County. As such, I have a unique lens as a transplant to Cowley County where I can identify gaps, barriers and success as well as voice ideas and solutions from my lived experience and from a leadership role. I am the Executive Director for Eagle Nest, a non-profit organization providing access through our programs for women to reach their fullest potential. I am also a member of various city and county advisory boards in Cowley County and I love to collaborate for the advancement of under-resourced communities and individuals through leading and collaborating on large-scaled projects.
I am a mom to five girls, ages 6-15 years old and have been married for 12 years. When I have free time, I enjoy KU basketball, crafting, concert going, traveling and spending time with my family.
|
|
Hello! My name is Joseph Shane Adcock. I am the Patient Engagement Project Coordinator for the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) and I supervise the COPE CHWs throughout the region. Additionally, I am Co-Founder and Director of the Progressive Lateral Aid Network of Pittsburg (PLAN), a non-profit, mutual aid organization dedicated to providing immediate assistance to people in need.
I have been happily married for 11 years to my beautiful wife, Summer, and we have two adorable (and exhausting) children, a 5-year-old son named Jericho and a 9-year-old daughter named Sophia.
I was what you might call a troubled youth. After a rocky start though, I graduated from high school in Miami Oklahoma and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Infantry. I did 4 years and 2 tours of duty before using the G.I. Bill to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Pre-Law Political Science with Minors in Sociology and Justice Studies.
I am currently working toward a Master of Arts in Communication at Pittsburg State University. The goal of my research is to work with historically silenced populations to intervene into unjust discourses and reconstruct them in ways that promote health equity and social justice, so the COPE project is like a dream come true for me!
In my free time, I try to spend as much quality time with my family as possible. We love going to the lake, jamming to loud music, singing our hearts out and speaking truth to power because life is fleeting and injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
|
|
We love to hear from you! Share any noteworthy stories and activities you'd like for us to include in our future newsletters. |
|
Jerome Staab, Sara Guillermo and Jocelyn Hernandez, CHWs of Johnson County, were featured in the summer issue of Johnson County Government Magazine.
This piece highlights their collective achievements (along with another colleague Estella Fondzeka). For example, they provided resources to more than 500 individuals, including food, rent and utility assistance, health insurance navigation and essentials for those quarantined or isolated at home.
According to Megan Foreman (Program Manager at Johnson County Department of Health and Environment), this recognition is a part of a campaign to educate residents about the presence and contributions of CHWs.
Read the Summer 2022 issue here. |
|
The Central Kansas Rocket, a local news outlet in Great Bend, featured COPE and Barton County LHEAT on June 14.
The coverage emphasized how Barton County LHEAT has identified health needs as its priority and its plan to expand to financial, housing, food and crisis response needs. In addition to covering one past LHEAT event in May, it promoted the second annual Community Baby Shower, which Flor Sanchez (CHW of Barton County, whose home base is with Heart of Kansas) is organizing with the support of Barton County LHEAT on June 23.
|
|
Linda Gibson Assists Seniors through Regular Blood Pressure Monitoring and Event Support |
|
|
|
Since April, Linda Gibson, CHW of Geary County, has been conducting monthly blood pressure checks with seniors who come to the Geary County 4H Senior Center for their chair aerobic classes.
Regular blood pressure monitoring helps optimize seniors' health and well-being. It can check for severe illnesses if seniors are not feeling well, help reduce fall risk by checking sitting vs. standing blood pressure, and check on the effects of a recent medication change.
For Gibson, she is also benefiting from interacting with seniors. She has heard beautiful stories and words of wisdom from seniors, such as Pastor Larry Ruiz (pictured here with Gibson in the top image).
"It's truly an honor to work as a CHW and work with our seniors. They are all very pleasant and I always look forward to seeing them," said Gibson.
On June 18, Gibson also supported event set-up and distributed health information and COVID-19 at-home test kits at the Five State Pow Wow event (bottom image). This event was organized by the VFW Post 8773 of Geary County.
Courtesy photos: Linda Gibson
|
|
Celebrating Juneteenth with Health and Wellness |
Gibson is pictured here with Linde Martinez of Konza Prairie Community Health Center. They and Shannon Rosauer of Konza Prairie Community Health Center (not pictured) attended the Junction City Juneteenth Celebration on June 11 at Heritage Park.
Courtesy photo: Linda Gibson
|
|
|
|
Say Cheese! COPE In-Person Retreat |
On June 23, COPE hosted an in-person Regional Community Lead (RCL) Retreat to amplify the synergies among core groups to a new height. RCLs participated in boot camp with the LHEAT and CHW teams, discussed evaluation insights and underwent media training courtesy of KU Medical Center's News and Media Relations.
To work across many partners, the COPE team understands the importance of fostering team spirit. In the picture on the left, Angela Scott and Ruaa Hassaballa-Muhammad were concentrating on a 'marshmallow challenge' in which they were tasked to build the tallest free-standing structure only using sticks of spaghetti and a marshmallow on top.
Thanks to Jeffrey Fields (Communications Coordinator of Department of Family Medicine & Community Health) who took the team picture (top) on June 22.
Courtesy photos: Jeffrey Fields, Team COPE
|
|
Congratulations to Dr. Ithar Hassaballa for being prominently featured in the "Boston Congress of Public Health in 40 Under 40 Winner" by the New York City Daily Post on June 17.
In this piece, Hassaballa answered twelve career journey questions, touching on guidance for the next generation of public health workforce, impact she would create, challenges she has faced when she first moved to the U.S., and support she has received at the personal and professional level. Read the full interview here.
|
|
We are celebrating three COPE team members' promotions, effectively at the start of the fall semester. Dr. Vicki Collie-Akers (pictured middle) has been promoted to Associate Professor and awarded tenure. Drs. Sarah Kessler (pictured left) and Yvonnes Chen (pictured right) have been promoted to Full Professor.
University of Kansas Chancellor Douglas A. Girod recognized the accomplishment of faculty awarded with promotion and tenure in a statement. "Congratulations to an exceptional group of faculty and researchers who have reached the next milestone in their careers. Our faculty conduct innovative research, deliver comprehensive research and outstanding educational experiences, and take part in professional, service and clinical activities required in their fields. Their dedication to the success of students and this university has contributed to our mission of educating leaders, building healthy communities and making discoveries that change the world," Girod said.
|
|
Quote of the Month
“AIDS is a plague – numerically, statistically and by any definition known to modern public health – though no one in authority has the guts to call it one.” – Larry Kramer
|
|
|
|
The AIDS epidemic, which reached its peak in the 80s and 90s, was a vital moment for the queer community. Gay men were the group most ravaged by the disease and the most feared and hated group. Larry Kramer was a vocal advocate for those with AIDS and continues to speak out to this day about the failure of our society to help and protect those sufferings. |
|
Celebrating LGBTQ and Pride Month in June |
|
|
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month is celebrated in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. The Stonewall Uprising was a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the U.S. Keep in mind, as we celebrate the incredible advancements in the fight for equality, many queer individuals still face acts of discrimination and hate daily, including the type of healthcare they receive. Celebrate the victories achieved and cheer for the wins on the horizon.
“Gay pride was not born of a need to celebrate being gay, but our right to exist without persecution. So instead of wondering why there isn’t a straight pride parade, be thankful you don’t need one.” – Dr. Ron Holt
|
|
Rainbow Health offers mental, chemical, and sexual health services for LGBTQ+ people, people living with HIV, and folks from communities that historically and currently face barriers to behavioral health support. They offer individual, group, couple, and family therapy.
A field guide to advancing effective communication, cultural competence, and patient- and family-centered care for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community.
The Kansas City Center for Inclusion, Inc. (KCCI) is Kansas City’s LGBTQIA+ resource and community center. KCCI provides safe, inclusive LGBTQIA+ community spaces where people can come for education, resources, and activities, as well as support a more cohesive LGBTQIA+ community in the greater Kansas City area.
The Haus of McCoy seeks to provide a safe space for queer and trans youth to engage with the Lawrence community and learn from one another.
The LGBTQ+ Workplace Education Center is a trusted expert in learning how to support your LGBTQ+ employees. The Center is the leading online training provider for businesses looking to further their LGBTQ+ cultural competency and expand their workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies. The company strives to provide convenient and affordable solutions to reduce barriers to accessing knowledge about the LGBTQ+ community.
|
|
Missed our prior issues? Want to share our work with community partners? Our prior issues can be found below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
