Community Health Connect

Ring in the new year by carrying on the holiday cheer!

2011-12-21T09:56:00.000-08:00

Everyone loves the spirit of the holidays when good feelings abound and service is on the mind! Why not ring in the new year with the cheer that helping others brings and volunteer with Community Health Connect?

We are currently accepting applications for the following positions for 2012:
-Community Resource & Front-Desk Representative
-Volunteer Interpreter
-Oral Hygiene Campaign Internship

The links will take you to our postings on idealist.org - to apply, send a cover letter and resume to starr@communityhealthconnect.org.

Happy holidays and we'll see you in the new year!

UVU MBA Students Adopt Community Health Connect

2011-10-17T08:58:00.001-07:00

We are REALLY excited about this new partnership with UVU.
From the Daily Herald:

MBA students adopt Provo nonprofit

Graduate students enrolled in the first cohort of UVU's Master's of Business Administration program will be working hand-in-hand over the next year with local nonprofit Community Health Connect as part of the curriculum's community engagement capstone course.

Scott C. Hammond, a UVU professor of business management and a member of the MBA faculty, said when the Woodbury School of Business designed the MBA program, they wanted to incorporate a capstone seminar that would benefit the community with real-world student experience and civic engagement, key elements of UVU's core themes. After a lengthy selection process, the MBA students selected Community Health Connect, a small organization that helps low-income and uninsured individuals in need of specialized charity health care or dental care get the services they need.

Specifically, MBA students will help Community Health Connect devhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifelop and implement a new strategic plan, create and put into action a marketing plan designed to expand the number of doctors willing to provide service, and help the organization expand their use of technology to create greater efficiencies. Students will also research funding and grant opportunities for Community Health Connect and seek to improve its financial management processes.

For more information about Community Health Connect, go to www.communityhealthconnect.org.

Read more: here

Orem Owlz Provider Appreciation Night

2011-08-02T11:40:00.000-07:00

Nothing says summer like eating a hot dog and snow cone and singing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game”. Community Health Connect celebrated summer and our generous medical providers and their staff this past month at our annual Orem Owlz Provider Appreciation Night. We had over 400 in attendance, and it was wonderful to be able to thank our providers and their staff in person and to spend a fun evening together. We had a bean bag toss, balloons, and face painting for the younger crowd and delicious food for everyone, with snow cones to top it off. We are very grateful to our sponsors and volunteers for helping us put on such a great event.

As a care coordinator, I am on the phone several times a day with the office staff of our donating providers, so it was refreshing to be able to meet them in person and in such a relaxed atmosphere. It was also great to be able to meet the generous providers and their families and to be able to give something back to them for all of the work they do for Community Health Connect patients. The event was a huge success and we look forward to another great year of partnerships and service!

Provider Spotlight: Angus Dental Lab

2011-06-13T11:09:00.000-07:00

Angus Lab is new volunteer provider to Community Health Connect and has been donating with us since January of this year. Always willing to go above and beyond the call of duty, Angus Lab has already helped over a dozen of our patients receive the crowns that they needed to finish their treatment in our program.

Angus Dental Lab originally started in 1983 in California but moved to Utah and has been located in the same building in the area for twenty years. A true family-owned operation, Rod and Aaron Angus – father and son – work together in their Orem-based office. The Anguses, along with a partner in the same building, own and helped build the office they work in. Angus Lab works with many clients in the local area as well as dentists located across the country including California and New Jersey.

The Anguses are equal parts experienced craftsmen and cutting edge, and they offer quality work with a name and a face. They are proud to stand behind their work and truly care about each client’s needs. Angus Lab offers quality crown, implant, and bridgework with a ceramics emphasis. They produce both porcelain fused to metal (PFM) and all-ceramic E-MAX crowns; zirconia-base or full zirconia posterior crowns are also available. In addition, Angus Lab offers all ceramic, precious or semi-precious metal-based inlays, onlays, and veneers.

Community Health Connect has been impressed by Angus Lab’s desire to donate from the day they contacted us about working with our dental program. When we asked Rod Angus why he decided to start donating with us, he replied, “this business has been so good to me; it’s my turn to give back.” True to his word, he, along with the help of our many generous volunteer dentists, has already enabled many individuals in need in the community. We look forward to continuing to work with such a wonderful lab and welcome addition to Community Health Connect’s network of donating providers!

Help Wanted

2011-03-10T12:39:00.001-08:00

Got skills? Got connections? We need your help! We are getting ready for a fundraiser in May, our first annual Mother's Day auction. We are looking for donations to add to our list of auction items, and could really use your help. We could use products or services to auction off. So if you have something to offer/donate, please let us know. Below is a list of ideas in no particular order, but really, be creative. We think everybody has something to offer.

Organize Pantry
How to plan an Eagle Scout Project
Restaurant gift certificate
2 full year passes to Gold’s Gym
6 wk dance classes for ages 4-10 yrs
2 dozen cinnamon rolls
Oil painting from local artist
House Concert from world class opera tenor
Musical Entertainment local bluegrass band
Home budgeting lesson (from a CPA)
Stained glass star ornaments
Baby quilt
Pre-law student counseling
Portrait package
Family portrait package
Greeting Cards from local artist
Baltimore/DC guided tour
Student paper editing
Estate Planning session
Logo design

Help us raise money to help somebody's mother.

please contact Starr for more information on how your donation can make a difference starr@communityhealthconnect.org 801.818.3012

Valentines Day Fundraiser

2011-02-16T10:39:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who participated with the Valentines Day Fundraiser. We are hoping for this to be the first of an annual event. We appreciate all of the volunteers who helped out, those who ordered flowers and supported our cause, and hope the recipients enjoyed the flowers. For those of you who didn't order, get ready to support us and show your love next year.

A big thanks to Tina Monson at Sweet Pea Floral and Gift for her expertise and for supporting our event. Check our her website and stores in American Fork and Spanish Fork for great flower arrangements and gift ideas.

Roses for Valentines Day

2011-01-03T12:09:00.000-08:00

THANKS for ordering!
If you have any questions about your order please contact starr@communityhealthconnect.org

Deadline Extended! Flowers can be ordered through January 21st and can be picked up on Valentines Day from 9-12:30 at your place of employment. Be sure to select the desired pickup location when ordering.

Please Note: Flowers will be garnished with baby's breath and wrapped in plastic and will require water within a few hours of pickup.

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Single Red Rose ($6)
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Three Red Rose Bouquet ($16)
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Half Dozen Roses ($30)

Flowers must be ordered by Friday January 21st and will be available for pickup Valentine's Day, Monday February 14th at the location selected during ordering. We will send you an email reminder a few days before Valentine's Day. Flowers must be picked up at location between 9-12:30 on Monday February 14th. If they are not picked up by 1:00pm they will be sold and your payment will be considered a donation to Community Health Connect. Flowers will be garnished with baby's breath and wrapped in plastic but will require water within a few hours of pickup. Proceeds will help uninsured Utah County residents get medical and dental care. Please call (801) 818-3016 or visit us online if you have questions or for more information.

You Can Make a Difference

2010-11-15T16:14:00.001-08:00

Community Health Connect Opens New Office in Provo

2010-08-12T07:28:00.000-07:00

PROVO, Utah – August 12, 2010 – After 12 years of providing specialized healthcare to Utah Valley residents, Community Health Connect has opened new doors to serve community members in need. The new location, 591 S. State St., is part of the Mountainlands Community Health Center Building and brings together three agencies aimed at providing healthcare to low-income individuals and families.

Community Health Connect has created a network of doctors, dentists, hygienists, labs, hospitals and surgical centers who volunteer time and resources to contribute services for those who can’t afford specialized health care or are uninsured. Care coordinators screen patients for needed care and set up needed appointments.

“When medical limitations keep people from going to work or school, it creates a cycle of poverty that can’t be broken until they can recover,” said Starr Stratford, Executive Director.

“These doctors and dentists, who provide expensive procedures for free, put people back on their feet and break the cycle,” she said.

More than a million dollars in services were donated in 2009 when patients were connected to necessary healthcare. Donations from members of the community made it possible to expand the network of providers and offer more care than ever before. To donate or volunteer, visit the organization’s website at communityhealthconnect.org.

Community Health Connect was organized in 1998 as part of an effort to reduce unnecessary use of hospital emergency departments and to help the community focus on preventative health. The program is designed to help low-income, uninsured Utah County residents receive specialty medical and dental care. An estimated 90 percent of Mountainlands Community Health Center patients are eligible for Community Health Connect services. A recent office move to join Mountainlands and the Volunteer Care Clinic in one facility will provide more convenient services to members of the community.

Family Night with Community Health Connect and the Orem Owlz

2010-07-12T20:00:00.000-07:00

Hot dogs, face painting, baseball, and all of our favorite providers. The Orem Owlz family night at Brent Brown Ballpark in Orem was a huge success, bringing together the volunteers and providers that help our program serve the community.

To see your photo booth pictures from the event, click here.

June - Dia de Salud

2009-06-03T09:22:00.000-07:00

Junio 2 - Clase de Aerobics

Junio 9 - Como prepararnos para los desastres naturales

Junio 16 - Como responder en caso de emergencias medicas

Junio 23 - Clase de Yoga

Junio 30 - Clase de Cocina Rica y Nutritiva

Todos los martes a las 7 pm

Centro Hispano 817 S. Freedom Blvd., Provo

Chequeos de la presión y la diabetes todos los martes!

Preguntas: Llame al 818-3015

May- Dia de Salud

2009-05-21T10:35:00.000-07:00

5- Lo que debe saber acerca de la nutricion

12- Clase de Yoga

19- Clase de Ejercicios Aerobicos

26- Clase de Cocina Rica y Saludable!

Cover The Uninsured Health Fair 5-13-2009

2009-05-21T08:20:00.001-07:00

May 13, 2009 Community Health Connect put together a health fair held at the Utah County Health Department. At the fair there were several different agencies that were able to provide information and do health screenings. People were able to sign up for CHIP and Medicaid as well as get information on other services within Utah County. The Health Fair was a success. Over 130 people were able to attend and learn more about what resources are out there. CHC would like to thank the 60+ volunteers that came together to make it all happen.

Photos from the event

Dia de Salud

2009-05-06T09:28:00.000-07:00

Dia de Salud is a weekly Spanish health forum that provides screenings, education, resources, and social support for chronic disease prevention and control. It is a gathering place for friends and families to relax and enjoy healthy food, learn, share ideas, offer encouragement and take steps to improve their health, both individually and collectively. One-on-one counseling and personal goal setting with a trained health professional is offered to persons having diabetes and hypertension. Presentations delivered by a variety of community health experts range from mental and emotional wellness to environmental health and nutrition. Presentations are supported by activities such as healthy food preparation classes and physical fitness instruction. Weekly meetings take place every Tuesday evening at Centro Hispano, 819 South Freedom Blvd (200 West) Provo, UT from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. For more information contact Starr Stratford at 818-3012 or starr@communityhealthconnect.org

Spring 2009 Newsletter

2009-04-30T09:56:00.000-07:00

Each quarter we put out a newsletter. In it, we feature providers, share patient stories and highlight important events that Community Health Connect is a part of.

Click on each image to view in a large/viewable size

Cover The Uninsured Health Fair

2009-04-30T09:04:00.000-07:00

Each year Community Health Connect participates in multiple health fairs throughout Utah County. These public outreach events are coordinated by various partnering agencies and are hosted in a variety of settings including schools, libraries, and hospitals. At health fairs CHC disseminates information on diabetes, oral health, and community health resources. Cooperating with student volunteers from local universities and trade schools, CHC staff gather up-to-date health information and develop presentations on topics such as nutrition and physical activity, in addition to linking individuals to existing community resources. For information on upcoming health fairs or to find out how you can volunteer check out the events page of our website.

Give Kids A Smile 2009

2009-04-21T08:03:00.000-07:00

On February 14th Community Health Connect, along with volunteer dentists, hygienists, and others participated in the second annual Give Kids A Smile Day in Utah County. The event was a huge success thanks to the many individuals that donated their time and services. This year 107 children received dental work and cleanings, almost double the number of kids that were served last year. Give Kids A Smile (GKAS) is part of the National Children’s Dental Health Month sponsored by the American Dental Association, Colgate and Henry Shein. The GKAS event helps raise awareness about children’s oral hygiene and the important role good oral health plays in a child’s development.

Many parents and children are not aware of the adverse effects of tooth decay, cavities and gum disease. Poor dental health can lead to absenteeism, impaired speech development, chronic pain, infections, low self-esteem and malnutrition. Dental disease is a problem that plagues 50% of children in Utah ages 6-8. In order to combat this high rate of disease, Give Kids a Smile helps to educate parents and children about the value of proper dental hygiene and its importance to their overall health.

At this years GKAS event children and parents learned about the importance of fluoride, flossing and brushing, and other topics. Several hygiene students from the Utah College of Dental Hygiene spent time preparing educational displays that helped children and parents better understand the importance of oral hygiene. Dr. Sorenson from American Fork also attended the event and spent time educating families one on one. Thank you to all our educators.

A special thanks goes to Dr. Ken Molen for donating the Utah College of Dental Hygiene facility for the event. Brent Molen also spent many hours coordinating the event and organizing the hygiene students. The hygiene students were wonderful. They were well prepared and did a great job with the cleanings. Thanks again to everyone at the Utah College of Dental Hygiene for all your help.

This year Dr. Albert Clark, the lead dentist for the event and the Provo District Dental Society chairman for the GKAS event, along with Dr. Ross Cheesman, from Community Health Connect, took on the responsibility of recruiting dentists. As a result of their efforts we had 11 dentists and many dental assistants at the event working all morning. We are very grateful for the support and enthusiasm these dentists brought with them to the event. We’d like to thank all participating dentists: Doctors Albert Clark, Quinn Schiffman, Darren Gardner, Gary Weist, Jared Condie, Reed Robinson, Noelle Wilhelmsen, Eric Tobler, Jason Allen, Douglas Ball and Wes Cardall.

Children that did not see a dentist the day of the event or who needed additional work done later were given vouchers for free dental care. Theses vouchers are an important part of the events success. A special thanks to all those dentists who donated vouchers. Thank you Doctors Donald Dodge, Albert Clark, Darren Gardner, Larry Francis, Kyle Marshall, Chris Crawford, Richard Leishman, Jared Hill, John Capua, Craig Christiansen, Rosger Harding, Scott Healy, Branton Richter, Pane Nielsen and Daryn Moody.

Because of the time and services donated by dentists, hygienists, volunteers and the donation of the facility from the Utah College of Dental Hygiene the event was an even bigger success than last year! Because of all the wonderful resources available here in Utah County, 107 needy children were able to receive dental care. We are excited about the increase in overall participants this year and anticipate growth and momentum in the coming years.

For more information about next year’s event please contact Ross Cheesman at (801) 818-3016.

http://www.utahgivekidsasmile.com/

Dr. Ross Chessman helping kids register for services

Give Kids A Smile Volunteers

Dr. Schiffman and his assistant providing care to a patient

Thank you cards the kids made after receiving services

Genesis Dental Day

2008-11-22T18:19:00.000-08:00

Dentists give dental care to those who can't afford it

November 22nd, 2008 @ 6:19pm

By Sam Penrod

Most people cringe at the sound of a dentist's drill, but for 40 people in Utah County who've wanted to see a dentist for a long time and couldn't afford it, the drill may actually be soothing.

Starr Stratford, with Community Health Connection, said, "If you have dental pain, it is not fun, and a lot of these people have been suffering for awhile, and a lot of people out in the community are too because of the need for dental care in our community."

Community Health Connect is a nonprofit organization based in Utah County which helps coordinate doctors and dentists who are willing to help low-income patients with health care.

Vlanca is a patient who has had tooth pain for several months but could not afford to have her two cavities filled. She says, "I think a lot of us have specific situations in our lives, and this program has helped us a lot and that means a lot to me personally."

Today, dentists and dental assistants from Genesis Dental filled cavities and even performed root canals.

The need for this type of charity work keeps growing as more people lose health insurance or can't afford the care they need. Stratford says, "With insurance the way it is, with the economy the way it is, it is just going to grow. There are a lot of people who don't have dental care or access to it, so this is a great way to serve the community."

The generosity of these dental professionals today means, for once, you will actually see people smiling as they leave the dentist.

Not only did the dentists from Genesis Dental provide the care for free, but they are donating what they would have earned to charity.