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Family First Health

A community health care center

Family First Health receives $36K from York County Council of Churches

Media Contact
Sarah Chain
schain@gavinadv.com
o: 717-848-8155

Family First Health receives more than $36,000 for AIDS testing and program support from the York County Council of Churches

York, Pa. – Family First Health is pleased to announce it has received a $36,932.74 donation from the York County Council of Churches, directed toward AIDS testing and program support.

As federally qualified community health center, Family First Health provides a wide range of HIV-related services in York County to people who are HIV positive, to patients of Family First Health, and to others in the community.

People who are HIV positive receive services through Caring Together, a collaboration between Family First Health and WellSpan Health system that provides a single point of contact for easy access to services, coordinated care to maximize effectiveness and minimize duplication of services, and a comprehensive quality improvement program to ensure high-quality care.

Knowing one’s HIV status is important; early diagnosis of HIV produces better long-term medical outcomes, and people who are actively being treated for HIV are less likely to transmit it to others. In fiscal year 2014, 592 tests were completed in outreach testing and walk-in testing at Family First Health. Between July and September 2014, staff performed 104 outreach HIV tests.

“As sustained funding for HIV services has become more challenging, this contribution from the York County Council of Churches will enable Family First Health to continue to offer universal testing to patients and community members, placing much-needed emphasis on the importance of knowing your HIV status and preventing the incidence of infection,” said Courtney Lewis, director of development at Family First Health.

Pictured in the photo, from left: Asceline Go, MD, Family First Health Medical Director; Courtney Lewis, Family First Health Director of Development; Jenny Englerth, Family First Health CEO; Lettie Jackson, York County Council of Churches O.P.E.N. Program Manager (Ordinary People Extraordinary Needs); and Chad Linder, York County Council of Churches Board Chair.

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 About Family First Health

Founded in 1970, York Health Corporation, now Family First Health, is a non-profit, federally qualified health center dedicated to providing a broad range of primary health, dental care and social services at its sites on South George Street in York, Hannah Penn Middle School, Lewisberry, Hanover and Gettysburg. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, Family First Health offers a reduced fee program for the uninsured and accepts most other health insurances. For more information regarding the programs and services offered through Family First Health, please visit the website at www.familyfirsthealth.org. Se habla español.

These services are supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under the Health Center Quality Improvement FY 2015 Grant Awards for $55,897. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

York Daily Record: In Pa., almost all students get their shots

Dr. Asceline Go spoke with York Daily Record/Sunday News on vaccinations.

An excerpt:

Family First Health has not seen an increase in people opting out of vaccines, but there are pockets of people who make that choice. A bigger issue is the number of vaccines a child receives in a short time frame, not a specific vaccine, said Dr. Asceline Go, medical director and physician at Family First Health.

Read the full story online.

Medical Economics: Dr. Wanda Filer speaks on high deductibles

Dr. Wanda Filer spoke with Medical Economics on how high deductibles are forcing physicians to evolve their billing and communication practices.

An excerpt:

Wanda D. Filer, MD, MBA, FAAFP, president-elect of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), says pricing information isn’t readily available in all healthcare markets, especially in competitive areas. She manages about 90% of patients’ health concerns in her primary care practice in York, Pennsylvania, without referrals to specialists. “My role is to offer them the best services that I can,” Filer says, while acknowledging that she tries “not to incur any more costs than I need to.”

Read the full story online.

Family First Health hosts World AIDS Day program

MEDIA ADVISORY 

Media Contact
Sarah Chain
schain@gavinadv.com
o: 717-848-8155
c: 203-731-7228

Family First Health’s Caring Together Program hosts remembrance for World AIDS Day

WHEN:
1 to 3 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 1

WHAT:
Family First Health’s Caring Together Program will present a program in support of World AIDS Day on Monday, Dec. 1. Guest speakers will share their stories, reflections and remembrances, and program staff will share current HIV/AIDS stats and facts.

More than 1.2 million people in the U.S. are living with HIV infection, and almost 1 in 7 are unaware of their infection. The Caring Together Program, a collaborative partnership between Family First Health and WellSpan Health, provides a seamless system of coordinated, high-quality care for people who are HIV positive so they can easily access the services they need.

The 2014 theme for World AIDS Day is Focus, Partner, Achieve: An AIDS-free Generation. Monday’s program is an open-door event and guests are free to come and go as needed. Light refreshments will be provided.

WHERE:
Family First Health, Third Floor Community Room
116 S. George St., York PA 17401

BACKGROUND:
As of March 2014, the Caring Together Program program included 589 HIV positive individuals. Rapid HIV screening has been integrated into routine medical visits at all Family First Health locations.

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About Family First Health

Founded in 1970, York Health Corporation, now Family First Health, is a non-profit, federally qualified health center dedicated to providing a broad range of primary health, dental care and social services at its sites on South George Street in York, Hannah Penn Middle School, Lewisberry, Hanover and Gettysburg. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, Family First Health offers a reduced fee program for the uninsured and accepts most other health insurances. For more information regarding the programs and services offered through Family First Health, please visit the website at www.familyfirsthealth.org. Se habla español.

Family First Health invites public to free Affordable Care Act enrollment sessions

MEDIA ADVISORY 

Media Contact
Sarah Chain
schain@gavinadv.com
o: 717-848-8155
c: 203-731-7228

Family First Health invites public to free Affordable Care Act enrollment sessions

WHAT:
Family First Health is offering free group enrollment sessions during the Affordable Care Act open enrollment period, which runs through Feb. 15, 2015.

Individuals who are currently employed, filing taxes in 2015, without health insurance, a resident of Pennsylvania and are not offered employer-based health insurance may be eligible for low-cost health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Those without coverage in 2015 face an increased financial penalty of $325 per adult and $162.50 per child OR 2 percent of household income, whichever is higher.

Family First Health’s Certified Application Counselors will be available at each enrollment session to assist with navigation of the marketplace.

WHEN/WHERE:
Thursday, Dec. 4 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., George Street Center, 116 S. George St., York PA
Thursday, Dec. 18 – Noon to 7 p.m., George Street Center, 116 S. George St., York PA
Thursday, Jan. 8 – 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Guthrie Memorial Library, 2 Library Place, Hanover, PA
Thursday, Jan. 15 – 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Adams County Library, 140 Baltimore St., Gettysburg, PA
Thursday, Jan. 22 – Noon to 7 p.m., George Street Center, 116 S. George St., York PA
Thursday, Jan. 29 – 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.,  Hanover Hospital Wellness & Education Center, 400 York St., Hanover, PA
Thursday, Feb. 12 – Noon to 7 p.m., George Street Center, 116 S. George St., York PA

BACKGROUND:
Registration is required for some sessions; find full dates and details at www.familyfirsthealth.org/fees-insurance/enrollment.

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About Family First Health

Founded in 1970, York Health Corporation, now Family First Health, is a non-profit, Federally Qualified Health Center dedicated to providing a broad range of primary health, dental care and social services at its sites on South George Street in York, Hannah Penn Middle School, Lewisberry, Hanover and Gettysburg. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, Family First Health offers a reduced fee program for the uninsured and accepts most other health insurances. For more information regarding the programs and services offered through Family First Health, please visit the Web site at www.familyfirsthealth.org. Se habla español.

Family First Health kicks off Give the Gift of Good Health with #GivingTuesdayYork

IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Media Contacts
Sarah Chain
schain@gavinadv.com
o: 717-848-8155
c: 203-731-7228

Family First Health kicks off “Give the Gift of Good Health” fundraising campaign by participating in York’s #GivingTuesday

WHEN:
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014

WHAT:
This year, Family First Health launches its Give the Gift of Good Health campaign as part of the community initiative #GivingTuesdayYork. Join us at Central Market House for this coordinated day of giving and pose in our #UNSelfie photo booth before you make your donation. Or, donate online through our secure form at familyfirsthealth.org. Each donation helps Family First Health provide affordable, high-quality medical and dental care and support services to members of our community. With your gift this season, our dental program could provide:

  • $200 – One well-child check-up
  • $100 – One panoramic x-ray of a child’s mouth
  • $75 – One comprehensive oral exam
  • $50 – One dental cleaning

WHERE:
Central Market House
34 W. Philadelphia St.
York, PA 17401

ON-SITE CONTACT:
Jess Ensminger, Executive Communications Coordinator
jensminger@familyfirsthealth.org

BACKGROUND:
#GivingTuesday was founded in 2012 by New York’s 92nd Street Y in partnership with the United Nations Foundation. Together, with a team of influencers and founding partners, a global movement that has engaged more 10,000 organizations worldwide was launched.  On Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014, charities, families, businesses, community centers, and students around the world will come together for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give.

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About Family First Health

Founded in 1970, York Health Corporation, now Family First Health, is a non-profit, Federally Qualified Health Center dedicated to providing a broad range of primary health, dental care and social services at its sites on South George Street in York, Hannah Penn Middle School, Lewisberry, Hanover and Gettysburg. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, Family First Health offers a reduced fee program for the uninsured and accepts most other health insurances. For more information regarding the programs and services offered through Family First Health, please visit the Web site at www.familyfirsthealth.org. Se habla español.

Family First Health to participate in Extraordinary Give Nov. 21

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact
Sarah Chain
schain@gavinadv.com
o: 717-848-8155
c: 203-731-7228

 Family First Health to participate in Extraordinary Give fundraising campaign Nov. 21

Central Pa. – Family First Health is pleased to announce its participation in the Extraordinary Give, a 24-hour, online giving marathon where every dollar donated will be stretched by a $250,000 contribution from the Lancaster County Community Foundation.

Beginning at midnight Friday, Nov. 21, donors are invited to visit www.ExtraGive.org from a computer, smartphone or other device and select Family First Health from the list of community benefit organizations. Your online donation (minimum of $25) is fully tax-deductible.

As part of the day’s celebrations, Family First Health and Leg Up Farm will be at the Elizabethtown Public Library, 10 S. Market St., Elizabethtown, from noon to 1:30 p.m. The public is welcome to come out and learn more about the organizations and meet Chester, one of Leg Up Farm’s many special animals.

The ExtraGive giving marathon provides a way for anyone to make an impact and strengthen the nonprofit sector of our community and go the extra mile for those who rely on Family First Health to provide affordable, high-quality medical and dental care and social services. This year’s goal is $6,000 in donations.

Every donation received by Family First Health through www.ExtraGive.org makes the community health center eligible for a percentage of the stretch pool. So, if Family First Health raises 5 percent of the donations throughout the day, they receive 5 percent of the $250,000 contribution. Also up for grabs is $50,000 in prizes and incentives that could further benefit Family First Health.

Find more information at www.ExtraGive.org.

# # # 

About Family First Health

Founded in 1970, York Health Corporation, now Family First Health, is a non-profit, federally qualified health center dedicated to providing a broad range of primary health, dental care and social services at its sites on South George Street in York, Hannah Penn Middle School, Lewisberry, Hanover and Gettysburg. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, Family First Health offers a reduced fee program for the uninsured and accepts most other health insurances. For more information regarding the programs and services offered through Family First Health, please visit the website at www.familyfirsthealth.org. Se habla español.