News

York, PA: Pressley Ridge and Family First Health are welcoming referrals for Healing Ahead, a supportive group for children and youth, ages 12-17, directly impacted by substance use in their families or with their friends.

The program includes 6 weekly sessions, held from January 16 until February 20. Sessions will be held at the Pressley Ridge York Office from 5:00-6:00 p.m. The Pressley Ridge York Office is located at 141 E. Market Street in York. Snacks and drinks will be provided.

The group is FREE to all participants, made possible by support from the Rotary Club of York. Participants will receive a $25 gift card upon completion of the 6-week program.

Please contact Pressley Ridge for referral forms at 717-845-6624.

York, PA: Family First Health will observe the 30^th anniversary of World AIDS Day with several activities on Friday, November 30^th. This year?s theme is ?Know your status.? Significant progress has been made in the AIDS response since 1988, and today three in four people living with HIV know their status. But there is still progress to be made in reaching people living with HIV who do not know their status and ensuring that they are linked to quality care. Through Family First Health?s Caring Together program, a collaborative partnership with WellSpan Health, we offer a seamless system of coordinated, high-quality care for people who are HIV positive, so they can access the services they need.

World AIDS Day observance activities planned for Friday, November 30^th include:

• Free, confidential HIV testing at Family First Health?s George Street Center from 9:00 am-1:00 pm for anyone age 13 and older. The George Street Center is located at 116 South George Street in York. Testing will be done on the 3^rd An Informational booth will be set up on the 1^st floor during the same hours.
• Time of reflection and remembrance at the Serenity Garden of Hope from 2:00-3:00 pm. The Serenity Garden of Hope is located at Albemarle Park, 117 South Albemarle Street in York.
• Informational booth at Minnich?s Pharmacy from 9:00 am-1:00 pm. Minnich?s Pharmacy will also donate a portion of sales of over the counter items to support the Caring Together program. Minnich?s Pharmacy is located in the Colonial Shopping Center, 976 South George Street in York.
• Family First Health?s building will be illuminated with red lights on both Friday, November 30^th and Saturday, December 1^st.
• Patient quotes and informational facts will be posted on Family First Health?s Facebook page (facebook.com/fFamilyFirstHealth) on both Friday, November 30^th and Saturday, December 1^st.

Family First Health is also seeking donations of toiletries and women?s hygiene products to support Caring Together clients. Donations can be dropped at the George Street Center on the 3^rd floor at any time during normal business hours.

Individuals or medical providers interested in more information about the Caring Together Program can contact Program Manager, Rebecca Wilson, at 717-846-6776 ext. 4855.

York, PA: Family First Health Physician and Medical Director, Dr. Asceline Go has achieved the HIV Specialist credential through the American Academy of HIV Medicine.

Open to physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and pharmacists, the AAHIVM HIV Specialist credential remains the only one of its kind nationwide, establishing a standard by which all HIV care providers should deliver quality HIV care. Becoming an Academy-credential HIV Specialist is a way to remain current, demonstrate frontline experience and evolve with changes in HIV technology, with discoveries of new treatments and shifts in the nation?s health care system.

Dr. Go has been with Family First Health since 1999. She earned her Bachelors of Science in Zoology from the University of the Philippines and received her M.D. from St. Louis University. Dr. Go specializes in Family Medicine?and is credentialed with the American Board of Family Medicine. HIV Medicine is her sub-specialty and?she is credentialed with the American Academy?of HIV Medicine. She has spent nearly 20 years working to improve patient outcomes by providing health care that is patient-centered, prevention-oriented and educational.

Through Family First Health?s Caring Together program, we offer a seamless system of coordinated, high-quality care for people who are HIV positive, so they can access the services they need. Interested individuals can call 717-846-6776 for more information.

Family First Health also offers free, confidential HIV testing and counseling for individuals ages 13 and older at our George Street Center, Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Gettysburg, PA: Family First Health is now seeing patients with substance use disorders at its Gettysburg Center. Family First Health takes a team-based approach to working with substance abuse disorders by providing patients with the comprehensive support they need to reach and maintain recovery, all within a primary care environment.

The Substance use services program provides social, biological and psychological support services together. Family First Health?s team:

• Offers medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to support ongoing treatment
• Navigates medical and dental care as needed
• Links to necessary outside supports related to treatment
• Addresses social issues such as transportation and housing
• Navigates community resources for ongoing recovery support

Family First Health?s Gettysburg Center is located in the Pebbles Plaza ?1275 York Road, Suite 17, Gettysburg. Substance use services are also available at its Hanover, George Street and Columbia Centers.

Interested individuals should call (717) 801-4864 to schedule an appointment.

York, PA: Family First Health Medical Receptionist, Maria Aponte, received recognition at the annual Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers (PACHC) Conference this week. Maria was awarded the Patient Choice Award (non-clinical), an Award for Primary Care Excellence (APEX Award), which recognizes the outstanding efforts of a dedicated individual who works for a Pennsylvania health center.

Maria has been a member of the Family First Health team for 4 years. In her role as Medical Receptionist, she always goes above and beyond for Family First Health patients and especially loves working with children in the Pediatric Department. Maria believes strongly in the mission and vision of Family First Health and strives to provide the best quality health care for our patients at all times.

“Maria has a smile on her face every day, regardless of what is occurring. I honestly don’t know how she does it. Her customer service skills are excellent! She is a great asset to Family First Health and is awesome to work with.” – Sue Posey, George Street Practice Manager

“Maria has excellent customer service skills and always makes sure that patients feel welcome. She always goes above and beyond to meet the patient’s expectations. She is a valued member of the Medical Receptionist department.” – Merielene Siple – George Street Medical Reception Supervisor