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Family First Health

A community health care center

Family First Health’s Nicole Durham, CRNP, Achieves HIV Specialist Credential from The American Academy of HIV Medicine

Nicole Durham, CRNP at Family First Health, has achieved the HIV Specialist credential through the American Academy of HIV Medicine.

Open to physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants working in direct clinical care, the AAHIVM HIV Specialist credential is the only one of its kind nationwide, creating a standard by which all HIV care providers should deliver quality HIV care. Attaining this credential is a way to remain current, demonstrate frontline experience, and evolve with changes in HIV technology, with discoveries of new treatments and shifts in the nation’s health care system. This credential confirms a provider’s commitment to maintaining continuing competence through ongoing learning, experience, and self-assessment.

Nicole joined Family First Health in 2013. She completed HIV training in September 2014 and started seeing patients in 2015. A nurse practitioner in the program, Durham currently cares for 100-110 individual patients, providing both HIV specific care and general primary care. She received her Bachelor’s in Nursing (BSN) in 2000 and her Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) in 2013, both from York College. In 2013 she received certification as a Board Certified Primary Care Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. Completing clinical rotations with the REACCH program in Harrisburg prior to her tenure at Family First Health sparked her passion for HIV care.

Durham’s philosophy regarding her care of HIV patients is as follows: “As I listen to your life story, I pass no judgements about your lifestyle. Your life and your choices are yours to make. My job is to keep you as healthy and as educated as I can while you live your best life.”

Durham is the second provider at Family First Health to receive the HIV Specialist credential; Asceline Go, MD, Vice President of Medical Services, received this credential in 2018.

Through Family First Health’s Caring Together program, we offer a seamless system of coordinated, high-quality care for people who are HIV positive, so they can access the services they need. Interested individuals can call 717-846-6776 for more information.

Family First Health also offers free, confidential HIV testing and counseling for individuals ages 13 and older at our George Street Center, Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Family First Health to celebrate HIV Testing Day on June 27

On June 27th Family First Health will celebrate HIV Testing Day by offering free, confidential HIV testing from 8:30 am-3:30 pm at our George Street Center in Downtown York. This is a collaborative effort between Family First Health, WellSpan Community Health Center and the York City Bureau of Health.

National HIV Testing Day is an annual campaign coordinated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to encourage people of all ages to get tested for HIV, know their status and get linked to care and treatment.

Family First Health collaborates with WellSpan Health to provide coordinated, high-quality care for people who are HIV positive. The Caring Together program helps patients easily access the services they need.

In honor of the upcoming HIV Testing Day, one of our patients generously agreed to share their story.

How long have you been HIV-positive?

Since 2009

Why did you decide to get care?

I was in denial for about one month, thought I had the flu or just a really bad cold. I started getting really back fevers, had a terrible rash on my tongue (what I learned later was thrush), and started passing out at work. One day I felt really sick so I decided to go to the emergency room to get checked out. The Dr in the ER told me I had the virus and that if I went home that night I would die. So my choices were to go home and die or stay at the hospital to be treated- I stayed at the hospital. I was inpatient for about one month. When I was discharged I came to FFH for my outpatient medical care. Staff at FFH helped me get insurance, pay for the expensive medications, and with other resources.

What’s your advice to others who have been recently diagnosed with HIV?

Look towards the future because of new medications, we can have a future. Take your medications daily, make sure you are involved with FFH Caring Together to get support and resources.

What do you think is the biggest misconception about living with HIV/AIDS?

A lot of people still think HIV/AIDS is a death sentence, it is not anymore. People need to be educated to know it is not taboo; it is not a death sentence. People with HIV/AIDS should not loose friends over family over the disease.

What do you think needs to happen to reduce the stigma around HIV/AIDS?

Clear idea of what treatment looks like, which is taking your medication every day. Also, showing the faces the HIV/AIDS- anyone can get it.

Why should people know their status?

So they can continue to live a healthy life. If sexually active, to not pass it to others and to be safe.

How can others show their support of people living with HIV/AIDS?

Just be supportive. Be there for us and give us hope to live.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

After I was diagnosed, I felt hopeless and guilty. I blamed myself because of my behaviors and my lifestyle that most likely was the reason why I got infected. The staff at FFH helped me see I had purpose in life and gave me hope to continue to live.

Family First Health Announced as a Finalist in the 2019 Nonprofit Innovation Awards Program

York, PA: Family First Health is pleased to announce that we will be recognized as a finalist in Central Penn Business Journal’s 2019 Nonprofit Innovation Awards Program.

Family First Health will receive this recognition for our Connections for a Healthy Pregnancy program. Connections for a Healthy Pregnancy is a free community outreach program that supports expectant mothers living in York City and surrounding communities by connecting them to community resources that can mitigate or remove barriers to good health – increasing the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy outcome.

Community Health Workers meet with expectant mothers at their prenatal visit with the obstetric care provider and then check in on a regular basis through home visits and phone calls to access needs, provide peer support and offer connections to community resources.

The Connections for a Healthy Pregnancy program began in December 2017. Currently nearly 80 expectant mothers are participating in the program.

An awards breakfast will be held on Wednesday, March 20, from 7:30 a.m. to 10 am at the Valencia Ballroom in York. Tickets are available online at www.CPBJ.com/events.

Pressley Ridge and Family First Health Partner to Hold Support Group for Children and Youth Impacted by Substance Use

York, PA: Pressley Ridge and Family First Health are welcoming referrals for Healing Ahead, a supportive group for children and youth, ages 12-17, directly impacted by substance use in their families or with their friends.

The program includes 6 weekly sessions, held from January 16 until February 20. Sessions will be held at the Pressley Ridge York Office from 5:00-6:00 p.m. The Pressley Ridge York Office is located at 141 E. Market Street in York. Snacks and drinks will be provided.

The group is FREE to all participants, made possible by support from the Rotary Club of York. Participants will receive a $25 gift card upon completion of the 6-week program.

Please contact Pressley Ridge for referral forms at 717-845-6624.

Family First Health to observe World AIDS Day with free HIV testing and other activities

York, PA: Family First Health will observe the 30th anniversary of World AIDS Day with several activities on Friday, November 30th. This year?s theme is ?Know your status.? Significant progress has been made in the AIDS response since 1988, and today three in four people living with HIV know their status. But there is still progress to be made in reaching people living with HIV who do not know their status and ensuring that they are linked to quality care. Through Family First Health?s Caring Together program, a collaborative partnership with WellSpan Health, we offer a seamless system of coordinated, high-quality care for people who are HIV positive, so they can access the services they need.

World AIDS Day observance activities planned for Friday, November 30th include:

  • Free, confidential HIV testing at Family First Health?s George Street Center from 9:00 am-1:00 pm for anyone age 13 and older. The George Street Center is located at 116 South George Street in York. Testing will be done on the 3rd An Informational booth will be set up on the 1st floor during the same hours.
  • Time of reflection and remembrance at the Serenity Garden of Hope from 2:00-3:00 pm. The Serenity Garden of Hope is located at Albemarle Park, 117 South Albemarle Street in York.
  • Informational booth at Minnich?s Pharmacy from 9:00 am-1:00 pm. Minnich?s Pharmacy will also donate a portion of sales of over the counter items to support the Caring Together program. Minnich?s Pharmacy is located in the Colonial Shopping Center, 976 South George Street in York.
  • Family First Health?s building will be illuminated with red lights on both Friday, November 30th and Saturday, December 1st.
  • Patient quotes and informational facts will be posted on Family First Health?s Facebook page (facebook.com/fFamilyFirstHealth) on both Friday, November 30th and Saturday, December 1st.

Family First Health is also seeking donations of toiletries and women?s hygiene products to support Caring Together clients. Donations can be dropped at the George Street Center on the 3rd floor at any time during normal business hours.

Individuals or medical providers interested in more information about the Caring Together Program can contact Program Manager, Rebecca Wilson, at 717-846-6776 ext. 4855.

Family First Health Physician Achieves HIV Specialist Credential

York, PA: Family First Health Physician and Medical Director, Dr. Asceline Go has achieved the HIV Specialist credential through the American Academy of HIV Medicine.

Open to physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and pharmacists, the AAHIVM HIV Specialist credential remains the only one of its kind nationwide, establishing a standard by which all HIV care providers should deliver quality HIV care. Becoming an Academy-credential HIV Specialist is a way to remain current, demonstrate frontline experience and evolve with changes in HIV technology, with discoveries of new treatments and shifts in the nation?s health care system.

Dr. Go has been with Family First Health since 1999. She earned her Bachelors of Science in Zoology from the University of the Philippines and received her M.D. from St. Louis University. Dr. Go specializes in Family Medicine?and is credentialed with the American Board of Family Medicine. HIV Medicine is her sub-specialty and?she is credentialed with the American Academy?of HIV Medicine. She has spent nearly 20 years working to improve patient outcomes by providing health care that is patient-centered, prevention-oriented and educational.

Through Family First Health?s Caring Together program, we offer a seamless system of coordinated, high-quality care for people who are HIV positive, so they can access the services they need. Interested individuals can call 717-846-6776 for more information.

Family First Health also offers free, confidential HIV testing and counseling for individuals ages 13 and older at our George Street Center, Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Family First Health Now Seeing Patients with Substance Abuse Disorders at Gettysburg Center

Gettysburg, PA: Family First Health is now seeing patients with substance use disorders at its Gettysburg Center. Family First Health takes a team-based approach to working with substance abuse disorders by providing patients with the comprehensive support they need to reach and maintain recovery, all within a primary care environment.

The Substance use services program provides social, biological and psychological support services together. Family First Health?s team:

  • Offers medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to support ongoing treatment
  • Navigates medical and dental care as needed
  • Links to necessary outside supports related to treatment
  • Addresses social issues such as transportation and housing
  • Navigates community resources for ongoing recovery support

Family First Health?s Gettysburg Center is located in the Pebbles Plaza ?1275 York Road, Suite 17, Gettysburg. Substance use services are also available at its Hanover, George Street and Columbia Centers.

Interested individuals should call (717) 801-4864 to schedule an appointment.