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Family First Health

A community health care center

National Health Center Week and Public Health in Housing: Family First Health partners with Affordable Housing Advocates to Improve Public Health in Underserved Communities

National Health Center Week runs from August 4th through the 10th with each day highlighting the important work health centers, like Family First Health, do day in and day out. You can find the list of each day’s theme  here. To kickoff National Health Center Week 2024, and to recognize “Public Health in Housing” day, we want to shine a light on our Community Medical Program’s work with the Affordable Housing Advocates to improve public health in their housing properties in underserved communities.  

The team’s work with Affordable Housing Advocates began in June 2023. Our Community Medical Program goes to Delphia House, Kingston House, and Cloverfield Apartments monthly to provide free blood pressure screenings, linkage to care, and insurance navigation. They have also offered vaccine events, smoking cessation classes, and provided COVID test kits and education. 

Having the Community Medical Team come onsite to these locations eliminates the barriers to the residents so that they can receive vaccines, screenings, testing, and education. Since they have been coming to these locations, the team has done 241 blood pressure checks to the residents. The team has also linked residents to Family First Health services and assisted with insurance needs. 

For the residents of Affordable Housing Advocates, having our Community Medical Program coming onsite and providing these services is breaking down any potential barrier that they may have previously had, such as transportation. The residents can meet with an RN, get their blood pressure checked, receive health information, or talk to a Community Health Worker about social or insurance needs. Hear from some of the residents about the impact our Community Medical Program is making on their lives:  

“I am able to get my pressure checked in the comfort of where I live. I do not have to travel anywhere to get it checked.” -Anonymous 

“It is convenient. Comes every month. Do not have to worry about if I have high blood pressure anymore.”  – Anonymous 

“When they check my blood pressure, I can give that information to my doctor and they have said that having my blood pressure checked each month is very important as I get older. I am very blessed to have this program.” – Anonymous 

For more information about our Community Medical Program, please contact our Community Medical Program Manager at 717-845-8617 ext. 4876. 

Haitian Heritage Month Spotlight: Loucena Barbara Emile

As we recognize Haitian Heritage Month, we are sharing Loucena’s story. Loucena is a Certified Community Health Worker on our team, and supports the Connections for a Healthy Pregnancy program, as well as the George Street and Hannah Penn communities/sites. 

About Loucena… 

My name is Loucena Barbara Emile. I was born and raised in Haiti. My mother’s tongue is Haitian Creole; I am also fluent in French. I came to the States in 2014 and lived for a year in Georgia. I moved to York, PA in 2015 with my mother and little brother, and have lived here ever since. I am also a York High alumna.  

Starting over in a foreign country was not easy. I had to learn a new language, change my cursive style of writing, and adapt to this new lifestyle. However, I was eager to learn. Everything I learned was to help my family who did not speak English at that time. At 18 years old, I interpreted at any appointments for my family. Every time they needed something, I did some research on Google and was able to find sources that could help them. Friends and family come to our residence anytime they need help with buying a house, applying for a job, or purchasing on the Internet. Every time my mother sees someone struggling, she tells them her daughter can point them in the right direction. 

I became a Community Health Worker when a former employee of FFH referred me due to seeing how I have been helping the Haitian Community in York. I said “yes” because I never turn down an opportunity to help people. I find joy in it. 

I grew up watching my family help their community in Haiti. Caring for people runs in my DNA. I was always confused about what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. By becoming a CHW, I found my true calling.

Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight: Alex Nunez

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate and recognize the many contributions of individuals of Hispanic Heritage. At Family First Health, we are excited to shine a light on some of our Hispanic team members who contribute to our work and community every day.

Today’s spotlight is on Alex Nunez, who is a Medical Receptionist/Medical Assistant on our Hanover Medical team. Read more about Alex’s Hispanic Heritage, and how it influences her work.

Site: Hanover

From what country do you or your family originate?

Michoacán/Guanajuato, Mexico

What does your heritage and Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

Hispanic Heritage Month, I believe, is a way to honor our culture, and a way to celebrate and share our diversity in the community. I treasure the culture and values inherited from my parents and take PRIDE in being able to pass them on to my children so that they never forget their heritage.

How does your heritage influence the work you do?

I am proud of my roots that taught me the true meaning of serving others. With Family First Health and our mission, I am able to do that every single day.

What are some of your favorite family and/or cultural traditions?

Something that I absolutely love from my culture is the FOOD! Another favorite tradition is the way we celebrate quinceñeras, weddings, and, in general, any celebration! There is always color and music to celebrate one another, I love it!

What is something you wish others knew about Hispanic Heritage?

I wish others knew how hardworking and family oriented we are.

Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight: Yasmin Rogers

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate and recognize the many contributions of individuals of Hispanic Heritage. At Family First Health, we are excited to shine a light on some of our Hispanic team members who contribute to our work and community every day.

Today’s spotlight is on Yasmin Rogers, who is the Dental Billing Specialist Lead on our team. Yasmin has been on the Family First Health team for almost 18 years. Read more to learn about Yasmin’s Hispanic Heritage, and how her heritage influences her work.

Site: George Street

From what country do you or your family originate?

Puerto Rico

What does your heritage and Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

Hispanic Heritage Month means being proud of who I am and what I’m able to do as a Hispanic.  Also, it means noticing the progress Hispanic people have made in America.

How does your heritage influence the work you do?

My heritage influences the work I do because I’m able to help others who are not bilingual with paperwork and to provide translation for them.

What are some of your favorite family and/or cultural traditions?

Dancing salsa and making different foods.

What is something you wish others knew about Hispanic Heritage?

Hispanic Heritage doesn’t have an official language.  Spanish, and all Indigenous languages, are considered National languages.

Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight: Rosmerli (Rose) Payano

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate and recognize the many contributions of individuals of Hispanic Heritage. At Family First Health, we are excited to shine a light on some of our Hispanic team members who contribute to our work and community every day.

Today’s spotlight is on Rosmerli (Rose) Payano, who is a Dental Reception Specialist II on our team. Rose has been on the Family First Health team for almost a year and a half. Read more to learn about Rose’s Hispanic Heritage, and how her heritage influences her work.

Site: George Street

From what country do you or your family originate?

Dominican Republic

What does your heritage and Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

My Hispanic Heritage means a lot to me. We are full of culture & very religious.

How does your heritage influence the work you do?

Being Dominican gives me the opportunity to help those with language barriers. The translation is important to both language and culture because it enables better communication between two people so being able to help other makes me feel really happy.

What are some of your favorite family and/or cultural traditions?

Christmas. Birthdays. Family gatherings. Church on Sunday.

What is something you wish others knew about Hispanic Heritage?

I wish others knew that Hispanic Heritage is not only being Puerto Rican or Mexican, but it celebrates a diverse group of people from different parts of the world.

Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight: Luis Garcia, MD

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate and recognize the many contributions of individuals of Hispanic Heritage. At Family First Health, we are excited to shine a light on some of our Hispanic team members who contribute to our work and community every day.

Today’s spotlight is on Dr. Luis Garcia, who is a Physician on our team. Dr. Garcia has been on the Family First Health team for nine years. Read more to learn about Dr. Garcia’s Hispanic Heritage, and how his heritage influences his work.

Site: George Street

From what country do you or your family originate?

Puerto Rico

What does your heritage and Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

Though I grew up in the states (Maryland), I always had a sense that I was part of a greater, broader community of not only Puerto Ricans but all Hispanics across the globe. Though individual cultures vary from country to country, and even region to region, I’ve always felt a sense of solidarity with all those that share a common Hispanic lineage. Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate and honor that common lineage, celebrating and experiencing our various cultures.

How does your heritage influence the work you do?

There are many aspects of heritage that are tied to culture, one of which is language. Spanish has always been a part of my life. In fact, this was my first language, and it was by watching Sesame Street and going to pre-school that I finally learned English. This great gift of speaking Spanish, which my parents gave me, has allowed me to care for many of the underserved within our community of York.

What are some of your favorite family and/or cultural traditions?

When I think of something unique to Puerto Rican culture, I always think of “parrandas.” This is a custom of high-energy celebration with lots of food, dancing, and music taking place during the Christmas season. Think of it as Christmas Carols but on steroids! Families join together and go from house to house celebrating all night until the early morning hours. Though we don’t do this as much anymore, my parents did this with their small community of Puerto Rican immigrants in Maryland while I was growing up, and I have fond memories of this lively tradition.

What is something you wish others knew about Hispanic Heritage?

All Hispanic cultures are different and beautiful! The way we speak, what we eat, our cultural dress, it is all different! There is so much to experience and learn from every country.

National Recovery Month: A Formula For Change

In honor of National Recovery Month, hear from one of our Substance Use Services patients about their inspiring journey below.

“Most of my life, I have been on a path of self destruction, not really knowing how I got here or why I choose to continue on down this road. I have a lot of past trauma. My way of dealing with this has always been to pretend it never happened and keep moving forward. I am surrounded by happy people with happy normal lives and it seems to come so easy to everyone but me. I have tried more times than I can count to get help through doctors. I have been on tons of different medicines for depression, anxiety etc. all failed attempts to heal myself. I had given up completely on doctors helping me so I did what I thought worked for me, self medicate. I basically slept walked through most of my life. At age 35 I realized that it had been two decades of self-medication, self-loathing and self harm because let’s face it, that is what drug addiction is. I wanted normal, or as close to it, as I could get. I wanted it for myself, for my family and for my future. I had tried many times before on my own, but the problem was always the same as soon as my mind cleared along with my system, I remembered and I felt it all like a ton of bricks all at once. On top of that, it took everything I had just to get out of bed every day, the results of years of drug addiction. A constant struggle and a constant mess was my reality.

This program has changed my life. It is the perfect formula for people like me who have exhausted all other options. The key is you have to be ready, only then will the formula work. The Suboxone medicine is what originally drew me to this program but I found so much more than I expected. They really go above and beyond the call of helping people with an addiction issue. I have never felt like just another number here. They gave me tools and resources to help me heal from within. I have a Doctor who sees me as a person, and who really cares and hears me. I get to speak with someone who has gone through everything I am going through, someone who not only understands, but it is proof you can overcome this, and come out on top.

Counseling, you have to open the hard doors even if you don’t want to, it’s where you find the answers to how you got here and how to end the cycle so you don’t end up back where you started. You build a support system, people rooting for you that you can talk to and find an outlet like going to the gym, hiking or swimming, it helps you to release frustration, tension and clear your mind.

The formula ensures not only that you get the help you came for, but it changes you. It changes your life and who you are as a person and it affects everyone around you and their perception of you.

People see me now that I haven’t seen in a few years and they can’t believe it’s me. I get lots of compliments and of course they want to know how. I just smile, and thank them, but I’ll tell you my secret, I switched my path from the path of self-destruction to the path of self-preservation. Where my heart used to feel so much pain and sadness it only feels peace, love and gratitude. It shows, and it only grows from there. I am grateful to the people who created this program, and to the people who work for the program because they make this work for us. Its changing the world, helping it heal one broken person at a time. I owe all of this to the person I used to be for being brave enough to reach out to them.

Best wishes to future patients. You are the author of your own story. Write something beautiful.”

Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight: Daniela (Dani) Manjarres

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate and recognize the many contributions of individuals of Hispanic Heritage. At Family First Health, we are excited to shine a light on some of our Hispanic team members who contribute to our work and community every day.

Today’s spotlight is on Daniela (Dani) Manjarres, who is a Human Resources Generalist on our team. Dani has been on the Family First Health team for two months. Read more to learn about Dani’s Hispanic Heritage, and how her heritage influences her work.

Site: George Street

From what country do you or your family originate?

Colombia

What does your heritage and Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

It is a time to celebrate and reflect upon the cultural, historical, diversity, family, and social influence that Hispanics and Latinx people have brought to the US and the world.

How does your heritage influence the work you do?

Learning about my heritage helps me understand who I am, and helps me as a guide to be passionate about the work I do and who I want to help. Understanding who I am helps me connect with others and work together to make a better world.

What are some of your favorite family and/or cultural traditions?

Some of my favorite cultural traditions are the holidays at the river and for lunch, a soup called Sancocho (soup almost like stew) cooked at a fire by the river. The Carnivals, and Christmas and New Year’s are a whole celebration and a time to be with family.

What is something you wish others knew about Hispanic Heritage?

I wish others knew that being Latina can have so many different dimensions depending on what country you are from. For example: we share the same language but it is spoken differently. We don’t have the same foods, traditions, and dances. We have our own identity, yet we celebrate each other. But something that is very important for Hispanics/Latinos is our values and family.

Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight: Elizabeth Otero

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate and recognize the many contributions of individuals of Hispanic Heritage. At Family First Health, we are excited to shine a light on some of our Hispanic team members who contribute to our work and community every day.

Today’s spotlight is on Elizabeth Otero, who is a Medical Reception Supervisor on our team. Elizabeth has been on the Family First Health team for almost 11 years. Read more to learn about Elizabeth’s Hispanic Heritage, and how her heritage influences her work.

Site: George Street

From what country do you or your family originate?

Puerto Rico

What does your heritage and Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

It means a lot to me. Being that I am Hispanic, I can contribute and help Spanish speaking patients in our community.

How does your heritage influence the work you do?

My heritage influences my work in being able to help the Hispanic community here at Family First Health.

What are some of your favorite family and/or cultural traditions?

I love festival parties, the food at Christmas and El Día de los Reyes (Three Kings’ Day) where kids get gifts as if it were Christmas.

What is something you wish others knew about Hispanic Heritage?

I wish everyone knew its not just to celebrate the Hispanic heritage , just with Hispanic. We can celebrate with other cultures so they can learn more about all other different Hispanic cultures and countries.