(Miami, FL) – Community Health of South Florida Inc. (CHI) is celebrating National Health Center Week with several free events Aug. 11-18, 2018. The events highlight the resources provided by community health centers like CHI and help to get children physically and emotionally ready for the start of school.

This year, the theme is “Celebrating Health Centers:  Home of America’s Health Care Heroes.” As such, doctors, nurses and other staff will be donning colorfully decorated capes over their uniforms to raise awareness for the theme and encourage participation in the events.

In addition to the numerous health fairs that offer free medical, dental and behavioral health screenings, CHI will also host two events to honor law enforcement officials and religious leaders.

“We are all in it together. The success of community health centers like CHI is because of key partnerships,” said Brodes H. Hartley Jr., President/CEO of CHI. Our police have the delicate and difficult job of bringing Baker Act cases to our facility and religious leaders are also charged with a challenge to encourage their congregations to care for the entire person: including spiritual, emotional and physical aspects of health.”

CHI’s National Health Center Week free events include:

• Monroe County School Physical Day—August 4^th. Even before National Health Center week begins, CHI will hold a pre-event at its Marathon and Tavernier Health Centers to include School Physicals for just $25, free immunizations, hot dogs, giveaways and more. Tavernier Health Center, 91200 Overseas Highway, #17 Tavernier, FL 33070; 8:30am-12:30pm. Marathon Health Center, 2855 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050; 10am-2pm. Bring your child’s immunization records.

   

• Back to School Health Fair —August 11^th from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at CHI’s Doris Ison Health Center, 10300 SW 216th St., Miami FL 33190. Free health screenings, entertainment, live music, lunch, backpacks, school supplies and educational resources for the entire family.

• Religious Leaders Dinner-- August 13^th CHI will honor its religious leaders with a special invitation only dinner.

• Migrant Health Fair-- August 15 at Everglades Housing Community Center, 19308 SW 380th St., Florida City, FL 33034. Free health and dental screenings, educational resources, food and fun for the whole family: geared to our seasonal farm workers and migrants.

• Law Enforcement Officers Luncheon—August 16^thCHI will honor law enforcement officers with a special invitation only luncheon.

• Chapman Partnership for the Homeless Health Fair—August 17^th CHI will host a fair at Chapman complete with lunch, free health screenings, back packs, school supplies entertainment and more. (The event is closed to the public.)

• School Physical Day for Miami-Dade County— From 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, at  8 Miami Dade County CHI health centers. School physicals for just $25 and free immunizations. Bring your child’s immunization records.

   For more information, call (786)272-2100 or go to www.chisouthfl.org for a list of locations and events.

Community Health of South Florida Inc. is a non-profit health center with 11 health centers and 35 school-based health centers. It provides primary care, pediatrics, dental, behavioral health, OB/GYN, radiology, vision, pharmacy, laboratory services, urgent care and much more. CHI is a recipient of the Governor’s Sterling Award, it is accredited by the Joint Commission and is also accredited as a Level 3 patient centered medical home by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (the highest level attainable). CHI is also only the second federally qualified health center in the nation to be designated as a behavioral health medical home. In addition, CHI is home to the Brodes H. Hartley Jr. Teaching Health Center, training the next generation of doctors in family medicine, psychiatry and OB/GYN.

What you should know:

• There is no vaccine to prevent Zika, and there is no specific treatment for infected individuals.
• Zika is generally spread by the bites of infected mosquitoes.
• Exposure to an infected person's blood or other body fluids may result in transmission.
• Eliminate sources of standing water to reduce or eliminate mosquito breeding areas.

Recommended actions:

• Use insect repellents according to the guidance below.
• Wear clothing that covers hands, arms, legs, and other exposed skin. Wear socks that cover the ankles and lower legs.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing. This type of clothing provides a barrier to mosquitoes.
• Eliminate sources of standing water (e.g., tires, buckets, cans, bottles, barrels)
• If symptoms develop, seek medical attention promptly. Discuss any possible exposure to mosquitoes or infections spread by mosquitoes with a healthcare provider.

Guidance on use of insect repellents:

• Always follow label precautions when using insect repellent.
• Use insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient. Research suggests that repellents containing DEET typically provide longer-lasting protection, and oil of lemon eucalyptus provides longer-lasting protection than other plant-based repellents. In general, the more active ingredient (higher concentration) a repellent contains, the longer it will protect against mosquito bites.
• Products that combine sunscreen and repellent are not recommended. Use separate products, applying sunscreen first and then applying the repellent.

[Source: Florida Department of Health]

Wilson

MIAMI – In observance of National HIV Testing Day (NHTD), Monday, June 27, 2016, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) and other elected officials will take confidential HIV tests and encourage the public to join them in taking the test.  Free HIV testing will be available on Monday, June 27, 2016, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at six locations in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. 

“Miami-Dade and Broward counties have the highest number of new HIV cases in the country.  We have to end the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS so that we can end the spread, and it all starts with taking the test,” said Congresswoman Wilson, “We cannot continue to ignore the problem and think that it will go away.  HIV/AIDS robs our communities of talent and productivity.  The best way to fight the spread of the disease is to get tested, know your status, and get the treatment you need if you are HIV positive.”

Congresswoman Wilson sponsored several bills to boost HIV/AIDS education and awareness throughout her career in public service.  This year marks the 14th anniversary of a bill she sponsored in the Florida legislature to mandate HIV testing for prisoners upon their release from Florida prisons.  The purpose of the bill was to confirm prisoners’ HIV status as they re-enter society and connect them to care if they were positive for HIV.

Congresswoman Wilson will take the test and deliver remarks at a press conference at 10 a.m., at Frederica Wilson and Juanita Mann Health Center, located at 2520 NW 75th Street, Miami 33147.  Also joining Congresswoman Wilson to take the test are State Representatives Cynthia Stafford (D-109) and Daphne Campbell (D-108), and Miami-Dade County Commissioner Audrey M. Edmonson.  Congresswoman Wilson and other elected officials will visit the six testing sites throughout the day. 

Free, confidential HIV testing will be available at the following locations:

1.      Frederica Wilson and Juanita Mann Health Center, 2520 NW 75th Street, Miami, FL 33147

2.      Borinquen Health Care Center, 3601 NE 4th Court, Miami, FL 33137

3.      Center For Haitian Studies, 8260 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33138

4.      Jessie Trice Community Health Center, 4692 NW 183rd Street, Miami Gardens, FL 33055

5.      Koinonia Worship Center, 4900 Hallandale Beach Boulevard, West Park, FL 33023

6.      New Horizons Community Mental Health Center, 1469 NW 36th Street, Miami, FL 33142

The purpose of NHTD is to raise HIV/AIDS awareness and promote HIV testing.  According to the CDC, 1 in 8 people living with HIV in the United States is unaware that they have the disease.  Miami-Dade and Broward were Nos. 1 and 2 in the U.S. in new HIV infections in 2014 per 100,000 residents, according to state and federal data. This understates the importance of getting tested and knowing your status.

Miami- Community Health of South Florida Inc. (CHI) is the first Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in the nation to be awarded the coveted Governor’s Sterling Award. The South Florida not for profit comprehensive health care company has been serving the community for 45 years.  The award marks a milestone for the agency as the Sterling Award is a difficult accomplishment that only a few companies can obtain.

Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Sterling Council announced today, CHI is among just three winners including the Big Bend Community Based Care, and Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County. Also, the Pinellas County Tax Collector will receive the Governor’s Sterling Sustained Excellence Award.

“The Governor’s Sterling Award winners reflect our focus on making Florida the best state in the nation to live, work and raise a family,” said Governor Scott. “I am pleased that Florida is leading the nation and I congratulate this year’s top-performing Sterling Award recipients. This award is the highest recognition an organization in Florida can receive for performance excellence. The Governor’s Sterling Award process is an efficient tool for all organizations that saves Florida businesses millions of dollars annually.”

Community Health of South Florida Inc. has utilized data based driven tools and methodology to grow its organization. With 11 health centers and 31 school-based centers, CHI offers a wide variety of services including primary care, pediatrics, urgent care, dental, OB/GYN, radiology, behavioral health, laboratory services, pharmacy, free medication delivery and patient transportation to the residents of Monroe and Dade Counties. 

“Community Health of South Florida Inc. has been a trailblazing organization since its inception in 1971, paving the way for innovation, ensuring access for all to comprehensive healthcare and also as a teaching health center, training the next generation of medical professionals,” said Brodes H. Hartley Jr. CHI President/CEO.  “The Florida Governor’s Sterling Award confirms decades of hard work and dedication as CHI becomes the first Federally Qualified Health Center to receive this prestigious award. We are so proud of the CHI team for their hard work and commitment to earning the Sterling award.”

In 2014, CHI made headlines when it became the first Health Resources Services Administration designated teaching health center at a Community Health Center in the state of Florida. This is a critical area where doctors are needed to better serve this vulnerable population. CHI is also a Level 3 Patient Centered Medical Home, the highest level attainable, and its electronic health record is certified to meet meaningful use requirements.

Community Health of South Florida Inc. was created as a resource for the community serving both the insured and uninsured populations. By providing comprehensive services at each of its health centers, patients receive a holistic approach to healthcare in which they can have medical teams from different specialties working toward improving their total health. The organization also has outreach and enrollment specialists that help enroll people in the Affordable Care Act and other insurance plans. Also, there are a number of programs that help the disadvantaged afford life-saving treatments and connect them to points of care.

With more than 800 employees CHI is one of the largest FQHCs in the state. Its mission is to deliver safe, accessible, compassionate and culturally competent quality health care services to the residents of South Florida while training the next generation of health care professionals.

Enjoy a free, fun-filled day of Health at HEART HEALTH EXPO-2 presented by Gamma Zeta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, 10am - 2pm, Saturday, 02/27/2016, Walmart, 3791 NW 167th Street, Miami Gardens, FL 33055. Bring your family and friends! To RSVP and for additional information, email [email protected]

The 2nd Annual Zo’s Winter Groove will be held January 15 – 18, 2016 in the City of Miramar and Miami-Dade County.  This year is slated to be a event-filled weekend with activities for the entire family to enjoy.   

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

On Friday, January 15, 2016 Alonzo Mourning will kick off the Winter Groove Weekend with a Youth Summit hosted by Florida Memorial University that will include special presentations from Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President of Florida Memorial University, Kevin Powell, Author and Political Activist and Natasha Eubanks, Founder- Young Black & Fabulous.

On Saturday, January 16, 2016, Alonzo Mourning and friends will start the day with a 5K Run/Walk followed by a Family Fun Day and Health & Wellness Fair at Miramar Regional Park.  There will be lots to do for everyone including free Zumba and Yoga lessons, a CrossFit obstacle course for fitness enthusiast along with free sports clinics for youth ages 7-16.  All Family Fun Day activities are free and will also feature a kid’s zone, free health screenings and more. Delicious foods from various food trucks from Miami- Dade and Broward counties will be onsite.

On Sunday, January 17, 2016, Alonzo Mourning and friend Cedric The Entertainer will host the 2nd Annual Zo’s Winter Groove Comedy show featuring the Laff Mobb - Malik S., J.J. Williamson, Barry Ribs, Meme Simpson, and Marshall Brandon. The comedy show will be held at the beautiful J.W. Marriott Marquis in Downtown Miami and will kick –off with Red Carpet Arrivals and a VIP reception at 6:00 pm.

On Monday, January 18, 2016, Zo’s Winter Groove Weekend comes to a close with the Zo’s Hall of Fame Golf Groove at the beautiful Turnberry Isle Miami Resort & Country Club.  Golfers will include former and current players from the NBA, NFL and MLB. 

Zo’s Winter Groove benefits the Mourning Family Foundation and its mission to support education, mentoring and advocacy for youth and families in South Florida.

April 10, 2015 (Hollywood, FL) – According to the World Health Organization (WHO), despite the severe need and higher health risk, people with intellectual disabilities are denied health services, community interventions, and there is a lack of targeted interventions and programs for the population. Special Olympics is the world’s largest public health organization for people with intellectual disabilities, providing access to free health services for a population with significant, unmet health needs.

On Saturday, May 9, 2015 Special Olympics Florida Healthy Community- South Florida and Florida’s Agency for Persons with Disabilities will host a free health fair, for individuals of all ages with intellectual disabilities. The health fair, taking place at A.D. “Doug” Barnes Park in Miami, FL, will serve as a way to commemorate the 25^th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by helping to provide equal access to health screening services. Free health screenings will be on-going in the following areas: Healthy Hearing (audiology), Special Smiles (dental), Health Promotion and Fit Feet (podiatry). In addition to the screening events, participants and their families/caregivers will be able to obtain information about the Agency for Persons with Disabilities and Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces.

To be eligible to partake in the free health screenings, participants must have an intellectual or developmental disability. Registration is available at the event.

WHAT: SOFLHC and APD Community Health Fair “Spring Into Wellness”

WHEN: Saturday, May 9th, 2015, 9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

WHERE: Leisure Access Center at A.D. “Doug” Barnes Park, 3401 SW 72nd Ave, Miami, FL 33155

We are in the midst of another busy weekend in Miami. The Boat Show on Miami Beach and Coconut Grove Arts Festival has brought thousands of people and sufficiently clogged I-95 and US-1. Pack your patience.

Florida Memorial University celebrated its Homecoming with a week of exciting activities. The Trayvon Martin Foundation held their Peace Walk yesterday in Miami Gardens and their Remembrance Dinner is being held tonight.

The Gamma Zeta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is celebrating their Founders Day and Diamond Jubilee Anniversary via several activities. Yesterday, there were simultaneous wreath-laying ceremonies at burial sites throughout Miami-Dade County and various locations throughout the nation for deceased Gamma Zeta Omega Chapter charter members and deceased former chapter presidents. The Chapter also partnered with Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson, a former Alpha Kappa Alpha regional director, in a beautification project at the Belafonte TACOLCY Center. There was also community food distribution project through Feeding South Florida and other activities. It was a very busy day. Alpha Kappa Alpha international president, Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson, also participated in the activities. The organization’s members in South Florida, are delighted she is celebrating this momentous occasion with them. Wilson is the keynote speaker at an historic luncheon today at the Hotel Intercontinental in downtown Miami. Gamma Zeta Omega is the oldest graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, the first Greek-letter sorority for college-educated black women.