Leslie Wolcott, Author at North Carolina Community Health Center Association

The following joint statement is endorsed by these organizations: AARP North Carolina, Association for Home & Hospice Care of North Carolina, Foundation for Health Leadership & Innovation, Mutual Drug/CPESN, North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians, North Carolina Alliance of Public Health Agencies, North Carolina Alliance of YMCAs, North Carolina Association of Educators, North Carolina Association of Free & Charitable Clinics, North Carolina Association of Local Health Directors, NC Chamber, North Carolina Coalition on Aging, North Carolina College of Emergency Physicians, North Carolina Community Health Center Association, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, North Carolina Healthcare Association, North Carolina Health Care Facilities Association, North Carolina Medical Society, North Carolina Nurses Association, NC PACE Association, North Carolina Pediatric Society, North Carolina Public Health Association, Transitions LifeCare, YMCA of the Triangle

As North Carolina prepares for the coming flu season, organizations representing healthcare providers, hospitals, business owners, educators, and senior citizens — as well as community stakeholders — have joined together to issue this statement to promote the importance of getting a flu shot during the COVID-19 global pandemic.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends vaccination against the flu for everyone 6 months and older with any licensed, age-appropriate flu vaccine. Vaccination is the best way to prevent infection with the flu.

This year, it is more important than ever to get a flu vaccination, considering the continued presence of the COVID-19 viral global pandemic that has already claimed more than 205,000 American lives. Widespread flu and COVID-19 at the same time could overwhelm our health care system, making it hard for people to get medical care they may need.

Millions of Americans get the flu each year. It is estimated that at least 39 million people became sick due to flu-related illness during the 2019-20 flu season, leading to more than 18 million medical visits, 410,000 hospitalizations, and at least 24,000 deaths. Vaccination has been shown to reduce the risk of flu-related illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths.

In addition to the human cost, the economic impact of the flu amounts to billions of dollars annually in lost work time and productivity, and increased health care costs. Getting a flu shot is important to reduce strain on the economy and the health care delivery system during the continued fight against COVID-19.

For those who get the flu, vaccination can also make illness milder, making is especially important for those at higher risk of more serious outcomes. This includes people over 65 years of age, children younger than 5, pregnant women and those with certain medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease and obesity. In addition, we are learning that people can have the flu and COVID-19 at the same time, making it even more important to lower the risk of serious illness with the flu.

While data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that the percent of Americans getting flu vaccines has risen in recent years, many people still do not get vaccinated. During the 2018-19 flu season, CDC data shows just 45.3 percent of U.S. adults (ages 18 and older) and 62.6 percent of children (ages 6 months to 17 years) received the vaccine.

Getting a flu shot is especially important for people in communities with health disparities that have also been hit hard by COVID-19. It will be critical to promote and support flu vaccine initiatives serving these communities. The flu shot is low- or no-cost for many North Carolinians with commercial insurance. As always, all vaccines including influenza are fully covered by Medicaid and Medicare. Local health departments, community health centers and free clinics also offer no-cost flu shots to uninsured patients based on availability. So please, get a flu shot and encourage your family, friends and neighbors to do the same.

As the school year resumes and flu season approaches, now is the time to get a flu vaccine. Doing so is an important precaution that provides a measure of relief to those who are vaccinated – it is one less thing to worry about during the time of COVID-19.

In addition to getting a flu vaccine, parents should check with their healthcare provider about getting their children caught up on any vaccinations they might have missed during the temporary stay-at-home order earlier this year.

We urge all North Carolinians to practice the following essential precautions to protect against the spread of flu, COVID-19, and other viruses:

Practice the 3 Ws.
- Wear a cloth mask over your nose and mouth when in public spaces.
- Wait 6 feet apart and avoid close contact with people outside your household.
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water and use an approved hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent ethyl alcohol content.
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then discard the tissue promptly.
Contact your doctor if you are sick or have a fever, for advice on treatment and stay home until you have been cleared by your doctor.

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Raleigh, NC — Recently, HHS and HRSA announced over $3 Million in Quality Improvement awards to North Carolina’s Community Health Centers. Thirty-seven health centers in our state received this important recognition. Of particular note, HHS recognized Kintegra Health, formerly known as Gaston Family Health Services, as a National Quality Leader, an honor granted to only the top 1-2% of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in the country. “I am proud and excited for Kintegra that they achieved this in the midst of rebranding and going through other changes—all while maintaining quality that puts them in the top 2% of CHCs nationwide,” said Chris Shank, CEO and President of NCCHCA. “Kintegra Health has pioneered programming that truly focuses on whole-person care, fully embracing behavioral health alongside medical. It is a deep honor and privilege to be recognized for our efforts, and we look forward to continuing to serve our communities with a commitment to providing quality services,” said Erin Myer, Director of Behavioral Health at Kintegra.

Thirty-one FQHCs in the state were recognized for their Patient Centered Medical Home status, and 15 were recognized for their important work reducing health disparities. North Carolina’s Community Health Centers have successfully maintained and improved care quality despite the challenges of COVID-19. As key community partners in testing and education about the pandemic, Community Health Center leaders know that they serve the state’s most vulnerable patients, many of whom are more likely to suffer from debilitating effects of COVID19. Therefore, North Carolina’s FQHCs will continue providing high-quality primary care services, reducing the effects of chronic conditions, and keeping our communities safe and healthy from the pandemic.

The full list of awards can be viewed at https://bphc.hrsa.gov/programopportunities/fundingopportunities/qualityimprovement/states/NC.html.

About the North Carolina Community Health Association
The North Carolina Community Health Center Association serves as the collective voice for North Carolina’s 42 Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Look-alikes (LAs)—aka Community Health Centers (CHCs). Our members offer a patient-governed, patient-centered health care home that integrates high quality medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, and enabling services without regard to a person’s ability to pay.

It’s almost time again to celebrate National Health Center Week, which this year is August 9-15, 2020: Lighting the Way for Healthier Communities Today and in the Future

- https://healthcenterweek.org/

Themed days

- - Sunday, 8/9 – Public Health in Housing Day
  - Monday, 8/10 – Health Care for the Homeless Day
  - Tuesday, 8/11 – Agricultural Worker Health Center Day
  - Wednesday, 8/12 – Patient Appreciation Day
  - Thursday, 8/13 – Stakeholder Appreciation Day
  - Friday, 8/14 – Health Center Staff Appreciation Day
  - Saturday, 8/15 – Children’s Health Day

North Carolina’s community health centers play a vital role in our state’s healthcare safety net. They are innovators in healthcare delivery and feature a patient-governed medical home model that utilizes care teams and enabling services to help patients address their medical and social needs.

Today, they play the following role in NC:
• Serve nearly over half a million patients (41% uninsured, 25% Medicaid, 14% Medicare and 20% private insurance).
• Offer sites in 85 of North Carolina’s 100 counties and care to patients from all counties.
• Provide medical, dental, pharmacy, behavioral health and substance abuse services.
• Participate in new delivery systems, such as Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ Accountability Care Organizations and a Health Center Controlled Network that analyzes patient data to improve care
• Generate & support about 4,000 jobs across the state
• Have the staff expertise & outreach ability to help patients as the state moves through its Medicaid transformation

There are NHCW events scheduled across North Carolina, though they will look a little different this year due to COVID19.

To learn more about NHCW and the listing of events please visit: https://healthcenterweek.org/

You can also follow the conversation using #NHCW20 or #ValueCHCs on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

FOR RELEASE: May 4, 2020
Contact: Elaine Loyack, Vice President of Community Engagement and Government Relations, Delta Dental of North Carolina 919-397-6944

Raleigh, North Carolina- The Delta Dental Foundation is pleased to announce the North Carolina Community Health Center Association (NCCHCA) will receive an $80,000 award for COVID-19 emergency assistance. The Delta Dental Foundation (DDF), the philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and North Carolina, has set aside a total of $100,000 for its COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund in North Carolina.

Dentists nationwide have been asked to close their practices for routine care and open only to treat dental emergencies; however, with so many Americans without a dental home, many turn to hospital emergency departments. The DDF grant will help support members of the NCCHCA in their ability to serve dental emergency patients without having to resort to emergency department visits.

“Our safety-net dental systems need support so they can continue providing emergency dental care and help alleviate the burden on hospital emergency departments during this pandemic,” said Curt Ladig, CEO of Delta Dental of North Carolina. “With the high level of layoffs and job losses, many people are now uninsured and are facing financial instability. We want to make sure these clinics can still serve those most at risk in our community.”

NCCHCA is distributing funds to member health centers quickly so that they can use the funds to keep their doors open during this critical time for primary health and dental services.

“We are thankful to the Delta Dental Foundation for thinking of our member Community Health Centers who are on the front lines of primary care in our state’s medically underserved areas. Not only do they work every day to improve the health of all their patients, but they are also providing important COVID-19 testing and educational services to those most susceptible to the disease,” said Chris Shank, CEO and president of NCCHCA.

About the North Carolina Community Health Center Association
The mission of NCCHCA is to promote and support patient-governed community health care organizations and the populations they serve. Over 40 percent of NCCHCA’s patient population is uninsured and over 90 percent of patients are categorized as low-income. The Association believes that every North Carolina community and resident should have access to a patient-centered, patient-governed, culturally competent health care home that provides high-quality services, regardless of a person’s ability to pay. Access to essential healthcare is more important than ever now that communities are working to treat and contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

About the Delta Dental Foundation
The Delta Dental Foundation is a nonprofit, charitable organization established in 1980, which serves as the philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and North Carolina. The foundation’s goals are to support education and research for the advancement of dental science, and to promote the oral health of the public through education and service activities, particularly for those with special needs. For more information, visit nc.deltadental.com/ddf.

About Delta Dental of North Carolina
Delta Dental of North Carolina is a not-for-profit dental service corporation created in 1970 to provide dental benefits throughout the state. Its mission is to improve the oral health of the communities it serves. It does so by providing affordable access to oral health care with the largest network of providers, including two out of every three dentists, in North Carolina. For more information, visit nc.deltadental.com.

For Immediate Release
Contact: LaShun Huntley, Board Chair, North Carolina Community Health Center Association
336-529-5691 (cell)

Winston-Salem, NC: On behalf of the NCCHCA Board of Directors, LaShun Huntley announces the appointment of Crystal Shank to the position of Chief Executive Officer. She took on the role of permanent CEO April 17, 2020.

“Chris is a familiar face to many through her current role as Vice President of Operations and Business Development and Interim CEO of NCCHCA.,” says Mr. Huntley.

“We are fortunate to have someone of Crystal Shank’s caliber and experience step up and lead NCCHCA. We are at a critical moment, and we need renewed leadership to successfully implement our strategy and take advantage of market opportunities ahead. Crystal’s ability to galvanize members to work together to build a strong organization will be a tremendous asset to NCCHCA.”

In her role as Vice President of Operations and Business Development, Crystal developed and enhanced revenue streams to increase overall revenue by 56% while maintaining high standards of integrity and corporate governance through strategic operations, plan development and execution.

In July 2019, Crystal stepped into the Interim CEO role after Ben Money, former President & CEO, announced he would be joining the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services as Deputy Secretary for Health Services. In the Interim CEO role, Chris continued to lead the Business Development and Operations of NCCHCA to improve process implementation consistently and ultimately increase general revenues as well as grant revenues received by 45%. She has fostered a motivated workforce through the recruitment of critical leaders — including a Human Resource Strategist, Finance Director, and a Policy Director – as well as executing a staff reorganization that would fill vacancies.

Chris has also provided guidance and support to the Director of the Independent Practice Association and the Accountable Care Organization to assist member health centers facing value-based care with contracting support, organizational representation, and financial resources.

Chris was selected following a thorough national search process, which resulted in a field of exceptional candidates. Our board believes her history with Duke University Health Systems and NCCHCA and her commitment to learning, innovation, and unique mix of skills and leadership qualities position her for success in leading our organization forward.

The NCCHCA Board of Directors would like to congratulate Chris on her new role as President & CEO of the North Carolina Community Health Center Association.

Raleigh, NC. For Immediate Release
Contact Leslie Wolcott, NCCHCA

The North Carolina Community Health Center Association (NCCHCA) has received a grant from the Biogen Foundation to support North Carolina’s Community Health Centers as they respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant from the Biogen Foundation will be pooled with two other generous grants, and distributed to the state’s 42 Community Health Centers, which operate over 250 sites across North Carolina and serve patients in 84 counties.

This financial support will enable centers to continue to provide excellent and affordable primary care to everyone who walks into their doors, without regard to a person’s ability to pay. It will also help keep the doors open for the state’s most stressed community health centers, especially those which are categorized as “look-alikes,” and function like other Federally Qualified Health Centers but who do not receive federal funding.

“We are grateful to the Biogen Foundation for both thinking of our Community Health Centers during this challenging time and in giving the centers the freedom to spend the funds in the best way they see fit” said Chris Shank, CEO of the North Carolina Community Health Center Association. “Our centers provide care to hundreds of thousands of patients across the state each year, and this support will allow them to continue to do so throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.”

The mission of NCCHCA is to promote and support patient-governed community health care organizations and the populations they serve. Over 40 percent of NCCHCA’s patient population is uninsured and over 90 percent of patients are categorized as low-income. The Association believes that every North Carolina community and resident should have access to a patient-centered, patient-governed, culturally competent health care home that provides high-quality services, regardless of a person’s ability to pay. Access to essential healthcare is more important than ever now that communities are working to treat and contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust, Forsyth County’s largest private foundation and one of the largest in the state, today announced $1.5 million in immediate, flexible funding to respond to COVID-19 in Forsyth County and throughout North Carolina.

“It’s urgent that we help our most vulnerable residents and those living in marginalized communities, who are less likely to have access to quality health care and more likely to suffer long-term consequences such as loss of health or income from this widespread health crisis,” said Dr. Laura Gerald, president of the Trust. “We recognize the unique position the Trust is in to be flexible and innovative as we work to support communities and residents in Forsyth County and across North Carolina during the COVID-19 crisis.”

Working closely with its trustee, Wells Fargo, the Trust released $1.5 million in grant funding immediately to help North Carolina residents and communities.

“As health funders it was important to respond quickly and get flexible funding out, as many of our grantees and partners are on the frontlines of this pandemic,” said Dr. Gerald. “We know this is not enough—far more state and federal resources are needed—but we also know our healthcare systems and local nonprofits need flexible funding now and can’t afford to wait. That’s why we acted quickly and released immediate grant dollars to organizations battling COVID-19.”

Forsyth County

The Trust granted $500,000 to the COVID-19 Response Fund for Forsyth County established by The Winston-Salem Foundation, the city of Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, United Way of Forsyth County, and Community Organizations Active in Disaster.

The fund will provide flexible resources for immediate, emerging, and long-term needs to organizations working with communities who are disproportionately impacted by coronavirus and the economic consequences of the outbreak. The fund is designed to complement the work of government and public health officials to address all aspects of the outbreak in Forsyth County.

Initial funding will benefit disproportionately impacted individuals and families including:

Residents without health insurance and/or access to paid sick leave
Individuals experiencing homelessness
Healthcare workers
Hospitality and service industry workers
Unauthorized immigrant populations
Communities of color, and in particular, residents with limited English language proficiency

With the Trust’s investment, the COVID-19 Response Fund for Forsyth County has now raised more than $2 million and will continue accepting donations of all sizes. An application process for organizations to request funds will be available by March 27. Visit covid19forsyth.org to learn more.

North Carolina

The Trust granted $1 million to the North Carolina Healthcare Association Foundation (NCHA) in response to the COVID-19 crisis. NCHA is a membership organization of hospitals, health systems, and clinics and is taking a lead role in responding to COVID-19 while helping other safety net providers stay abreast of developments at the state and national levels.

Hospitals and associated clinics, free clinics, and health centers regularly see Medicaid, Medicare, and uninsured patients. Shoring up these organizations during this crisis is a vital component in the overall strategy to mitigate and limit the effects of the virus. This grant is for flexible support to help fill gaps where state and federal funds fall short.

Of the $1 million in funding, NCHA will receive $500,000 for hospitals, $250,000 for the North Carolina Free and Charitable Clinics, and $250,000 for the North Carolina Community Health Center Association. These funds may be used for a variety of needs, including, but not limited to medical supplies, personal protective equipment, testing kits, and telehealth solutions.

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