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Sarah Chain
schain@gavinadv.com
o: 717-848-8155
c: 203-731-7228

  

Family First Health receives $50,000 grant from The Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation in support of Kids Against Cavities

 

Central Pa. – Family First Health is pleased to announce it has received a $50,000 grant from The Stabler Foundation in support of Kids Against Cavities, which aims to increase access to coordinated, cost-effective and high-quality oral health care for children in York and Adams counties.

Kids Against Cavities is a comprehensive pediatric oral health care system based on the Hub and Spoke Model, which was created in 2007 by the Kansas Association for Medically Underserved (KAMU).

As an initiative of Family First Health, Kids Against Cavities uses the federally qualified health center’s five established sites in York and Adams counties as dental “hubs,” with satellite locations, services and partnerships as “spokes” to provide expanded treatment options.

This model allows providers to directly deliver services to underserved children and reserve fixed-site services for high-intensity treatment. This takes a proactive approach in strengthening the community’s oral health by decreasing geographic barriers to care. In addition, the expansion of the portable dentistry approach contributes to the financial viability of the “hub” by providing reimbursable services off-site to a target population.

The $50,000 grant, awarded by The Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation on June 23, 2014, will support Kids Against Cavities as it enhances its services, including:

• Expanding mobile service to 500 children enrolled in 18 Early Head Start and Head Start of York County locations
• Increasing operating room capacity for treatment of children with special needs
• Further developing partnerships with local dental residency programs
• Implementing technology to enable expanded treatment options
• Tracking oral health outcomes

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About Family First Health

Founded in 1970, York Health Corporation, now Family First Health, is a non-profit, federally qualified health center dedicated to providing a broad range of primary health, dental care and social services at its sites on South George Street in York, Hannah Penn Middle School, Lewisberry, Hanover and Gettysburg. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, Family First Health offers a reduced fee program for the uninsured and accepts most other health insurances. For more information regarding the programs and services offered through Family First Health, please visit the website at www.familyfirsthealth.org. Se habla español.

 MEDIA ADVISORY 

Media Contact
Sarah Chain
schain@gavinadv.com
o: 717-848-8155
c: 203-731-7228

 

Say Yes to the Test: Family First Health recognizes National HIV Testing Day, part of its summer campaign to #sharegoodhealth

DATE:
Friday, June 27, 2014
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

WHAT:
Family First Health staff and volunteers will be handing out flyers to recruit participants for its free, confidential HIV testing. Participants dressed in “Say Yes to the Test” T-shirts will be distributing flyers on King, George, Market, Beaver and Princess streets and Pershing Avenue, as well as in Continental Square.

In conjunction with National HIV Testing Day, the center will distribute condoms and offer incentives to participants receiving testing on-site at its George Street center. Family First Health provides free, confidential HIV testing at all five locations year-round.

WHERE:
Downtown York

BACKGROUND:
On June 15, Family First Health launched a four-week campaign called “Spread the Word. Share Good Health,” which employs shareable images and social media updates that encourage Facebook fans and Twitter followers to encourage their family and friends in good health. Each message maintains that good health is an attainable goal so long as an individual has the correct information and appropriate support from friends, family and health professionals.

Topics range from preventing skin cancer and childhood obesity to proper dental care and access to HIV testing.

“One of our core values at Family First Health is promoting and supporting healthy lifestyles,” said Jenny Englerth, CEO of Family First Health. “Preventative care is an important part of building a healthy community, and this campaign highlights some of the small steps individuals can take to improve their health and the health of others in their families, workplaces and neighborhoods.”

The campaign runs through Sunday, July 13, with several updates each week in both English and Spanish. Follow along with updates on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FamilyFirstHealth or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/famfirsthealth, or with the hashtag #sharegoodhealth.

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About Family First Health

Founded in 1970, York Health Corporation, now Family First Health, is a non-profit, federally qualified health center dedicated to providing a broad range of primary health, dental care and social services at its sites on South George Street in York, Hannah Penn Middle School, Lewisberry, Hanover and Gettysburg. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, Family First Health offers a reduced fee program for the uninsured and accepts most other health insurances. For more information regarding the programs and services offered through Family First Health, please visit the website at www.familyfirsthealth.org. Se habla español.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact
Sarah Chain
schain@gavinadv.com
o: 717-848-8155
c: 203-731-7228

 

Wellness Arts Committee to host free screening of “The Waiting Room” in Gettysburg Monday, May 19

The Wellness Arts Committee, composed of health care partners in southcentral Pennsylvania, will host a free screening of “The Waiting Room” at 7 p.m. May 19, 2014 at the Majestic Theater, 25 Carlisle St., Gettysburg. The documentary is a behind-the-scenes look at an American public hospital struggling to care for a community of largely uninsured patients as they cope with the complexity of the nation’s public health care system. Tickets are free and open to the public; reserve yours at the Majestic Theater box office or by calling the theater at 717-337-8200. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; seating is limited.

A panel discussion featuring four health care experts will immediately follow the film. Speaking are Jenny Englerth, CEO of Family First Health; Eugene McElwee, D.O., medical director of WellSpan Ready Care; Lawrence Goldhahn, M.D., physician at WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital Emergency Department; and Adam Wasserman, M.D., physician at Gettysburg Family Practice.

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About Family First Health

Founded in 1970, York Health Corporation, now Family First Health, is a non-profit, federally qualified health center dedicated to providing a broad range of primary health, dental care and social services at its sites on South George Street in York, Hannah Penn Middle School, Lewisberry, Hanover and Gettysburg. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, Family First Health offers a reduced fee program for the uninsured and accepts most other health insurances. For more information regarding the programs and services offered through Family First Health, please visit the website at www.familyfirsthealth.org. Se habla español.

MEDIA ADVISORY

Media Contact
Sarah Chain
schain@gavinadv.com
o: 717-848-8155
c: 203-731-7228

 

Family First Health dentists to offer free screenings for kids as part of YMCA Healthy Kids Day 

WHEN:
Saturday, April 26, 2014
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WHAT:
Family First Health’s dental directors Drs. Joseph and LaJuan Mountain will provide free dental screenings to children as part of the York YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day.

In partnership with Colgate’s Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program, the Mountains will set up inside a dental bus outside the YMCA to offer free dental health information, screening and dental care kits to children 1 to 12 years old. 

“An early focus on dental health has a lifelong cumulative effect,” LaJuan Mountain said. “When a child has early encounters with a dental professional, it allows for that first visit to be a positive. The focus of the first visit can be placed on educating parents on the prevention of dental problems versus addressing an acute or painful issue.  

“Tooth pain can negatively effect a child’s nutrition and cause poor behavior or missed days from school, and it makes them fear anything associated with their teeth. An outreach event like this is another opportunity to increase the community’s awareness of the importance of oral health.”

WHERE:
York YMCA
90 N. Newberry St., York PA

ON-SITE CONTACT:
Cori Strathmeyer, Director of Healthy Living, York YMCA
 717-843-7884, ext. 269

BACKGROUND:
Family First Health offers dental services in York, Hanover and Gettysburg, providing comprehensive dental care to children with the goal to establish a dental home for all children seen in our medical facilities.

# # #

About Family First Health

Founded in 1970, York Health Corporation, now Family First Health, is a non-profit, federally qualified health center dedicated to providing a broad range of primary health, dental care and social services at its sites on South George Street in York, Hannah Penn Middle School, Lewisberry, Hanover and Gettysburg. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, Family First Health offers a reduced fee program for the uninsured and accepts most other health insurances. For more information regarding the programs and services offered through Family First Health, please visit the website at www.familyfirsthealth.org. Se habla español.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact
Sarah Chain
schain@gavinadv.com
o: 717-848-8155
c: 203-731-7228

Family First Health providers kick off ‘Eat Your Greens!’ campaign
Community health center focuses on fruits and vegetables as an important part of the conversation with your doctor and dentist

 Central PA (3 March 2014) – An apple a day keeps the doctor away? Family First Health, a community health center in York and Adams counties, is encouraging patients to make fruits and veggies part of the discussion with their doctors and dentists. Through a series of events called “Eat Your Greens,” Family First Health is prescribing a healthier lifestyle to both patients and non-patients.

The campaign kicks off with a family friendly event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 15 at York’s Central Market, where kids can snack on a healthy dip, show off their art skills with a coloring page, and strike a pose in the photo booth with Family First Health’s signature plush fruits and vegetables. 

What you eat matters: Studies have shown that proactive health habits such as a well-balanced diet high in fruits and vegetables can provide cost efficiencies in health care coverage. A major study by National Institutes of Health showed a 58 percent reduction in new cases of diabetes over five years with a modest lifestyle and diet intervention with a 5 percent weight loss. 

It can also contribute to a healthy mouth, a benefit that many overlook. 

“Sugary foods, soda and energy drinks create a perfect environment for cavity formation,” said Joseph Mountain, dental director at Family First Health. “A healthy diet that includes fruits and vegetables, along with brushing and flossing daily, will help to decrease the risk of cavities.”

The public can visit familyfirsthealth.org/greens for more information on the benefits of eating a healthy diet and tips on how to eat healthfully while on a budget. Follow Family First Health on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FamilyFirstHealth. 

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About Family First Health

Founded in 1970, York Health Corporation, now Family First Health, is a non-profit, Federally Qualified Health Center dedicated to providing a broad range of primary health, dental care and social services at its sites on South George Street in York, Hannah Penn Middle School, Lewisberry, Hanover and Gettysburg. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, Family First Health offers a reduced fee program for the uninsured and accepts most other health insurances. For more information regarding the programs and services offered through Family First Health, please visit the website at www.familyfirsthealth.org. Se habla español.

Media Contacts
 Sarah Chain
schain@gavinadv.com
o: 717-848-8155
c: 203-731-7228

Family First Health Invites Public to Free ‘Affordable Care Act’ Information Session

WHAT:
The deadline for individuals and families to sign up for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act is March 31. Those without coverage after this month face a financial penalty: $95 or 1 percent of their income, whichever is higher. Family First Health’s Certified Application Counselors will host an information session to help those interested beat the impending deadline and navigate the Health Insurance Marketplace.

WHEN:
Friday, March 21, 2014
1 p.m.

WHERE:
Family First Health George Street Center
116 S. George Street
Third Floor
York, PA

BACKGROUND:
Family First Health is also hosting a Group Enrollment Session in York on Tuesday, March 25 from 9-11 a.m. at the Family First Health George Street Center. Registration is required for this event. Please call 717-845-8617, option #6, by Monday, March 24.

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About Family First Health

Founded in 1970, York Health Corporation, now Family First Health, is a non-profit, Federally Qualified Health Center dedicated to providing a broad range of primary health, dental care and social services at its sites on South George Street in York, Hannah Penn Middle School, Lewisberry, Hanover and Gettysburg. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, Family First Health offers a reduced fee program for the uninsured and accepts most other health insurances. For more information regarding the programs and services offered through Family First Health, please visit the Web site at www.familyfirsthealth.org. Se habla español.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

America’s ToothFairy Smile Drive to Benefit Family First Health

 Gettysburg, Pa., January 2014 – Designed to raise awareness and collect oral care products for at-risk children and teens, the America’s ToothFairy Smile Drive is being held this month, National Children’s Dental Health Month.  Donated toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss and rinse will benefit Family First Health, an America’s ToothFairy Affiliate non-profit children’s oral health program. Donations can be dropped off anytime between Feb. 7th and Feb. 28th at the Gettysburg Wal-Mart.

The America’s ToothFairy Smile Drive promotes oral health for families across the nation. Local community members can visit their local Wal-Mart^® to drop off donated oral care products for local at-risk youth in the America’s ToothFairy Smile Drive Box and pick up a free Kid’s Activity Packs. Patrons who donate can share their experience using the hashtag #SmileDrive2014 on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

“We are so grateful that Wal-Mart, an America’s ToothFairy Proud Underwriter, is helping to ensure children across the nation benefit from our National Children’s Dental Health Month campaign,” said Fern Ingber, NCOHF President & CEO.  “Their participation in the America’s ToothFairy Smile Drive, combined with support from Kid’s Crest^® and Oral-B^® Stages^® products at Wal-Mart and engagement from Family First Health will help promote healthy smiles for all children while helping to give at-risk youth the tools they need to prevent the pain and embarrassment associated with tooth decay.”

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About National Children’s Oral Health Foundation: America’s ToothFairy^®

National Children’s Oral Health Foundation: America’s ToothFairy (NCOHF) is dedicated to raising awareness of the #1 chronic childhood illness: pediatric dental disease, facilitating the delivery of comprehensive oral health services and eliminating this preventable disease from future generations. With a growing Affiliate network, America’s ToothFairy is building a powerful, united effort to eliminate tooth decay and protect the smiles of our most vulnerable children.  Also extending services in Canada as Canada’s ToothFairy, NCOHF is reaching childrenthroughout North America.  For more information, please visit www.AmericasToothFairy.org.

MEDIA ADVISORY 

 

Media Contacts
Meagan Feeser
mfeeser@gavinadv.com
o: 717-848-8155
c: 717-880-3882 

Family First Health to Host Group Enrollment Sessions for Health Insurance Marketplace

WHEN:
Monday, January 20th
9 to 11 a.m. AND 1 to 3 p.m.
Please RSVP by noon January 17 by calling 717-845-8617, option #6

WHAT:
Family First Health’s Certified Application Counselors will help those interested navigate the Health Insurance Marketplace. Consumers will need an email address to create a Marketplace Account and will need to bring with them Social Security numbers, income information such as pay stubs, W-2 forms, tax statements and policy numbers for any current health insurance plans.

WHERE:
Family First Health George Street Center, 116 S. George Street, York, PA

BACKGROUND:
The last date of open enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace is March 31, 2014.  Family First Health is also hosting a Group Enrollment Session in Hanover on Wednesday, January 22 from 10am – 12pm at the Guthrie Memorial Library. To register, call the library at 717-632-5183 by Friday, January 17. 

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About Family First Health

Founded in 1970, York Health Corporation, now Family First Health, is a non-profit, Federally Qualified Health Center dedicated to providing a broad range of primary health, dental care and social services at its sites on South George Street in York, Hannah Penn Middle School, Lewisberry, Hanover and Gettysburg. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, Family First Health offers a reduced fee program for the uninsured and accepts most other health insurances. For more information regarding the programs and services offered through Family First Health, please visit the Web site at www.familyfirsthealth.org. Se habla español.