OneWorld Community Health Centers | EXCHANGE Issue 3 , 2023
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE Page 6
FROM OUR CEO
In the fast- paced world of health care, it can be easy to
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check the boxes and
move on. However, it is crucial to take a step back and see the full picture to provide patients with the best care possible. At OneWorld, the heart of our care is our patients. To provide quality care, we must consider not only their medical needs but also their emotional, social and economic circumstances. Understanding the full picture of a patient helps us tailor our care to fit their unique needs. By expanding our perspective, we can drive positive change in health care, promote health and well-being and make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve. It is a responsibility and an opportunity that we are uniquely positioned to fulfill. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our mission and for embracing the importance of perspective in our work. Together we can continue to advance health care and improve the lives of countless individuals and communities.
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Get Up! Get Moving!®
Putting the pieces together
Investing in the future
Committing to excellence
12 Excellence at work 14 Community Matters
Register today for this year’s Milagro Awards Dinner & Silent Auction on Thursday, November 9! We will celebrate how we are all connected and honor the OneWorld partners who make Milagros (“miracles” in Spanish) happen every day in our community. Our featured speaker, Mustafa Babak, Executive Director of the Afghan-American Foundation, is passionate about fostering unity and will reflect on his own experiences as an immigrant and community-building leader. To become a Milagro Dinner sponsor, donate to the silent auction or for more information, please contact Courtney Spurgeon, Development Manager – Events & Volunteers, at (402) 502-8917.
Andrea M. Skolkin Chief Executive Officer
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Volunteers perform at Get Up! Get Moving! event at the OneWorld Livestock Exchange Health Campus.
OneWorld’s ¡Vive tu Vida! Get Up! Get Moving!® event creates big impact on South Omaha community
In July 2023, OneWorld, in partnership with the National Alliance for Hispanic Health and the Healthy Americas Foundation, hosted our seventh annual ¡Vive tu Vida! Get Up! Get Moving!® event. Around 2,500 community members attended the free event that promotes fitness, good nutrition and wellness for people of all ages. “This event gives our community the opportunity to be introduced to quality health care services at OneWorld and other community organizations,” said Volunteer Specialist, Leslie Ibarra. “It’s a great way to combine education with family fun.” The 2023 event was sponsored nationally by the Siemens Foundation. At the event, community
members had access to free health screenings, dental hygiene checks, haircuts and more all while enjoying live music and performances from local groups. Over 600 backpacks filled with school supplies were given to children who attended the event to help them get ready for the start of the school year. “It is amazing to see our community get excited to celebrate health and wellness every year,” said Ibarra. “From seeing children smiling while taking their photo with Rosita from Sesame Street to cheering on the amazing dances and routines performed on the stage, this event is a great way to bring our community together.”
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PUTTING THE PIECES TOGETHER
Family Medicine Physician Assistant, Tanya Martin, PA-C, and Health Assistant, Nancy Castillo, work on the Medical Mobile.
Medical Mobile team helps young patient reclaim his physical and mental health
When Noah* stepped onto the OneWorld Medical Mobile Clinic for the first time, he was struggling to stay awake and isolating himself in his classroom. Noah’s teachers and school staff initiated the referral out of concern for his well-being. Once they received permission from his mother, his teacher and school principal walked Noah over to the Medical Mobile. A medical evaluation and lab draw confirmed Noah’s Vitamin D levels were extremely deficient, and as a result, his body was battling fatigue, weakness and depression.
“Through interviewing his mother, we learned Noah spent most of his time indoors playing video games and was rarely outside,” said Family Medicine Physician Assistant, Tanya Martin, PA-C. “His mother said Noah has a skin growth and was told by a dermatologist to avoid being in the sun.” Noah began taking Vitamin D supplements and had regular checkups at the Medical Mobile to monitor his progress. School staff walked Noah to his appointments and reported on his progress. Health Assistant, Nancy Castillo,
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said his teacher had a notebook to track changes in Noah’s behavior. “His teacher was very persistent in finding care for Noah,” said Castillo. “Their notes were a puzzle piece that helped us see the full picture and help him the best way possible.” Throughout his appointments, Martin called his mother so she could participate in the appointments and play an active role in his treatment plan. “We learned Noah’s mother was unable to attend his appointments because she had a transportation barrier,” said Martin. “His mom was initially hesitant to the medical visits, but after some time, she became comfortable with our team and was receptive to medical advice.” Overtime Noah grew more comfortable with the Medical Mobile team and started entering the mobile clinic with a smile on his face and conversing with the team throughout his appointments. “It made me happy that our team was able to help Noah,” said Castillo. “Caring for our patients is about more than providing medical services; it’s taking the extra step to understand their situation so we can best help them be successful.” Six months later, Noah was no longer falling asleep and had a bright attitude. The team said Noah’s teachers were happy with his progress and reported that he was making friends at school. “There were obstacles in place before Noah came to see us including transportation barriers, communication complications between home and
Family Medicine Physician Assistant, Tanya Martin, PA-C.
school and lack of knowledge of the importance of spending time outside,” said Martin. “It is important to remember that a lot of times there are other factors contributing to a situation, and that people are usually doing the best they can in the circumstances they are given. Education, follow through and kindness can make a big difference.” *Name has been changed to protect the patient’s privacy.
Health care on wheels OneWorld Community Health Center’s Medical Mobile Clinic brings quality medical and behavioral health care to area schools. Open year-round, our mobile clinic is staffed by clinicians with experience in pediatric and adolescent care. Any student of Ralston, Bellevue or Westside Community Schools and their siblings, ages two months to 19 years old, can receive care on our Medical Mobile with parent/guardian consent. Our clinic provides a variety of treatments and services including behavioral health counseling, immunizations, sick visits, rapid testing for strep throat, influenza and Covid-19, well child checks and school and sports physicals.
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Luis Vazquez, Adolescent Health Outreach Manager, teaches Omaha Teen Generation (OTG) group members about sexual health.
Adolescent health outreach team connects with Omaha youth to build community INVESTING IN THE FUTURE
When Dayanara told her mom about the Omaha Teen Generation (OTG) youth group, her mom wanted her to join to meet new people. Nearly three years later, the OTG group has provided Dayanara with new friendships, mentorships and lessons she plans on carrying with her into the future. “This group is educational, got me out of my comfort zone and gave me many fun
memories,” said Dayanara. “I’m so happy I’ve been a part of OTG and have had a safe space to ask questions and learn.” OneWorld’s Adolescent Health Outreach team believes that every teen should have access to sexual health education. Many adolescents do not have the resources they need or an adult they feel they can trust to learn about sexual health.
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We want to connect and interact with every teen we meet so we can build that trust. That way, when we give our presentation or bring up the topic of sexual health, teens are receptive to it and can carry the knowledge with them.”
Luis Vazquez, Adolescent Health Outreach Manager, and Adolescent Health Educator Ericka Alvarez,
positive experience for teens. “We want to connect and interact with every teen we meet so we can build that trust,” said Vazquez. “That way, when we give our presentation or bring up the topic of sexual health, teens are receptive to it and can carry that knowledge with them.” The Covid-19 pandemic put a hold on going to schools and hosting events, but this year the adolescent health team is back in full force getting involved in the community. In the spring of 2023, the team hosted an event open to Omaha teens to dance, meet other teens, learn about OneWorld and get tested for sexually transmitted infections. Vazquez said his team is looking forward to continuing to find new ways to provide safe spaces for teens in the community to have fun experiences. In addition to being present in the community, the adolescent health team leads the Omaha Teen Generation youth group. Members of OTG are graduates
spend their days connecting with
students at schools, events and through the OTG group to help break down those barriers and normalize conversations about
sexual health. “Teens may think they know everything, but realistically we don’t,” said Dayanara. “There’s so much misinformation being pushed out by other uneducated teens and even adults, so having a safe space to ask questions about more intimate subjects is very important.” Trust and relationship building are vital elements to sexual health education. Whether through a short classroom presentation, outreach event or in the bi-weekly OTG meetings, Vazquez said his team is dedicated to providing a
Luis Vazquez, Adolescent Health Outreach Manager
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Members of OTG attend weekly meetings to learn about sexual health.
of OneWorld’s sexual health program and are chosen based on their commitment to helping others learn about sexual health and their desire to make a difference in their community. “The 11 adolescents in this group are a big part of our team,” said Vazquez. “They provide feedback and help us connect with other teens outside of the group. We could not do what we do without them.” Earlier in 2023, OneWorld opened the Park Avenue outreach center. Vazquez said this
physical space has played a crucial role in giving OTG members a sense of belonging and safety. Members of OTG attend bi-weekly meetings at the new outreach center and participate in community activities such as local parades, community events and outreach functions. Adriana, OTG member, joined the group after seeing the adolescent health outreach team’s presentation. Her sister had previously been a part of OTG, so Adriana thought she should try it out for herself.
OTG goes to KC In the summer of 2023, the Omaha Teen Generation (OTG) youth group traveled to Kansas City for a mini-retreat. The group went to the Worlds of Fun amusement park and stayed in a house together where they cooked a family-style dinner and watched movies. Luis Vazquez, Adolescent Health Outreach Manager, said these trips are a way to thank the group members for their dedication and hard work and to encourage self-reflection. “Our members wanted a sort of introduction to college, and staying in that house gave them that and more,” said Vazquez. “They got a sense that being a part of OTG is more than a responsibility, it’s a family.” Next year, the group is planning to go camping in Wyoming.
OTG gives adolescents the opportunity to socialize with each other.
“Around the country, sexual illiteracy is rampant, but OTG strives to change that,” said Adriana. “We learn how to start the conversation about sexual and mental health and that really helps other youth like me. OTG has made me realize my passions and that I can achieve great things when I put in hard work and love.” OTG members are typically recruited while in eighth or ninth grade. Members are allowed to stay in the group as long as they desire, to cultivate decision-making and self-awareness. “This group gives youth something to do, and purpose in what they do,” said Vazquez. “We are there as their mentors to help them however they
need because we want to help the next generation be successful.” Vazquez said he wants every OTG member to leave the group ready for their next step in life and to know they have an adult they can turn to whenever they need it, whether to talk through a problem, get a recommendation letter or simply to reconnect. “At OneWorld, we value community,” said Vazquez. “By working with the teens in our community, we are helping the community be involved it its own development. Our youth are the future, and investing in their success is a privilege.”
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At OneWorld, we value community. By working with the teens in our community, we are helping the community be involved in its own development. Our youth are the future, and investing in their success is a privilege.”
Luis Vazquez, Adolescent Health Outreach Manager
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Excellence Committing to
OneWorld launches new Patient Portal to enhance patient experience
In July 2023, OneWorld launched a new Patient Portal to diversify ways that patients can connect with OneWorld. The portal, hosted through Intelichart, combines a modern interface with accessibility and convenience to enhance the OneWorld patient experience.
of information to meet our care delivery needs and prioritize patient privacy,” said Healthcare Project Manager, Robin Nelson. The OneWorld Operations team also plans to offer online scheduling for medical appointments through the Patient Portal. “When we begin to offer online scheduling we are going to do it in phases and start small so we can make adjustments as needed,” said Nelson. “We want to take the extra time to make sure everything operates as it should so our patients have a great experience.” The new Patient Portal demonstrates OneWorld’s commitment to provide exceptional services by adapting to patient needs, inside and outside the clinic. Many OneWorld patients and staff prefer to use online servicing over phone servicing, and Intelichart makes that possible. Mayhew said the operations team set high expectations for their team to provide fast response times to further differentiate OneWorld’s quality services and to make sure the portal is a resource patients want to use and can rely on. “Health equity is about more than just providing access to underserved populations,” said Mayhew. “It starts with a clinical visit and that care team, but it should extend to all areas where a patient is interacting with us. We are striving for the best because we want to be the best.”
“When deciding on a new portal, we looked for a vendor that could provide a modern display, flexibility and tight integration with our electronic health records,” said Operations Director, Jennifer Mayhew. “This new portal is very
Jennifer Mayhew Operations Director
dynamic in that patients can now access medical information such as their lab results, radiology results or their immunization history wherever and whenever they want.” The Intelichart app is available online and through a free app for iPhone and Android users. The new, HIPAA compliant Patient Portal also allows patients to request medication refills, receive appointment reminders, send secure messages to their clinician and complete forms before their scheduled appointment to reduce in-office wait time. “Not only is information more accessible with this new portal, but it is also allows our care teams to customize the access
The OneWorld Operations team worked to launch a new Patient Portal, hosted through Intelichart.
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EXCELLENCE AT WORK Awards & Recognitions Our employees are united by a desire to help the community. Every day our teams go above and beyond to ensure our patients are cared for in all aspects of their life because we believe in Care for All People. When we work together, we can create healthier communities.
Korayma Delgadillo de Santiago, Health Assistant: Health Center Association of Nebraska, Exceptional Patient Care
Monica Ibarra, RN, Nurse: Omaha World Herald, 2023 Outstanding Nurse
Wesley Meyer, DO, Pediatrician: Health Center Association of Nebraska, Exceptional Patient Care
A community of caring In April 2023, the Nebraska Dental Hygienist Association (NDHA) recognized OneWorld as the 2023 Employer of the Year. This award recognizes an individual or organization who employs at least one dental hygienist and focuses on creating a supportive workplace and displaying respect for the dental hygiene profession through mentorship, advocacy and education.
EXCELLENCE IN CARE
Jason Brisbin, RDH, Dental Hygienist and former NDHA president, nominated OneWorld. Brisbin said his experience at OneWorld has been fantastic, citing instances such as OneWorld giving out inclement weather bonuses after a snowstorm to employees who went into work as an example of how OneWorld values their employees. “This award is a recognition to the entire dental hygiene community in Nebraska that OneWorld is an excellent place to be a hygienist,” said Brisbin.
Jason Brisbin, RDH, Dental Hygienist, holds the NDHA 2023 Employer of the Year award.
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Be respected. Be heard. Be healthy.
Teen and Young Adult Health Centers
oneworldomaha.org
COMMUNITY MATTERS
During the summer months of July, August and September, the OneWorld Women, Infants and Children (WIC) team hosted three farmers markets at the Livestock Exchange Health campus in partnership with Whispering Roots and the Big Garden. Attendees who are WIC participants are given $50 from Whispering Roots to spend on fresh produce. The event is also open to the community.
Through the WIC program’s benefits, WIC participants are
Community members sell fresh produce to WIC participants.
given a specific amount of funding each month to use for fruits and vegetables and other food items. “When WIC participants go to these farmers markets they get a better variety of these items that they oftentimes can’t get at the grocery
store, and they increase the amount of produce their families eat,” said WIC Manager, Ingrid Landin. Landin said the farmers market events help around 150 families each summer get access to a variety
of nutritional food items from local farms and vendors. “This is an event by the community and for the community,” said Landin. “It’s one extra way we can help care for all people.”
Because Community Matters.
VOLUNTEER AT ONEWORLD
ABOUT ONEWORLD WIC
Nutrition is a vital piece of health care, especially for pregnant and postpartum women, infants and children. Designed to set participants up for long-term success, the OneWorld Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program offers supplemental foods benefits, nutritional education and breastfeeding support for pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum mothers. Infants and children can be a part of the program until they are five years old.
OneWorld volunteers help bring our mission to life. Join people from diverse cultures and make a positive impact in the health and well-being of OneWorld patients.
For more information, visit oneworldomaha.org.
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Your support is life changing Your donation directly funds the programs and services that break down access barriers and empower the people we serve with information, resources and support. Thank you for your dedication to creating healthier communities.
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4920 S. 30 th St., Ste. 103 Omaha, NE 68107 (402) 734-4110 oneworldomaha.org Bonnie Kruse Development Director (402) 952-4029 bkruse@oneworldomaha.org
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