• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
  • Events
  • Join Our Team
  • In the News
  • Blog
Donate Patient Portal
Family First Health

Family First Health

A community health care center

  • Schedule Appointment
  • Services
    • Medical Services
      • Integrated Substance Use Services
      • Integrated Behavioral Health Services
      • Optometry
    • Dental Services
      • Mobile School Dentist Program
    • Podiatry
    • Community Health Programs
      • Caring Together
      • Nurse-Family Partnership
      • Connections For a Healthy Pregnancy
  • Providers
  • Patient Info
    • Patient Info & Forms
    • Insurance & Sliding Fee
    • Patient Portal
    • Instructions for Medical Records Requests
  • Locations
    • Columbia Dental
    • Columbia Medical
    • George Street
    • Gettysburg
    • Hannah Penn
    • Hanover
    • Lebanon
    • Lewisberry
    • Springwood Road Dental
    • William Penn
  • Watch
    • Vaccine Stories
    • Community Health Briefings
    • Let’s Talk Health
  • About
    • Careers
      • FFH Community Scholars Program
    • Contact
    • Financials

News

December 2, 2022

WITF: World AIDS Day — what challenges do we face in testing and treating HIV/AIDS?

Today is World AIDS Day. Since 1988, December 1st has been designated as a day to unite to end AIDS and remember those who have been lost to AIDS and HIV illnesses.

Since the first AIDS cases were diagnosed in the early 1980s, we’ve come a long way – in education and knowledge of the HIV virus but especially of the treatment options for those infected with the virus. AIDS no longer results in certain death.

But there still are challenges. Getting more people tested for one and the stigma that still exist.

On The Spark Friday, Nikki Buchanan, Case Manager Supervisor at Family First Health said there was a drop-off of testing during the COVID pandemic but more people should get tested for HIV,”The best that we can do is educate the community to let them know that it’s okay to get tested. There are ways that you can get tested where you don’t have to go into a medical facility. You can actually get a free HIV test. I get my HIV test gets delivered to your door because some individuals don’t they just don’t feel comfortable being out in a medical facility and getting tested again. It goes back to the stigma of HIV and that automatic thought that that’s a death sentence. But we do try to really educate, that it’s not a death sentence. We’ve come such a far way since the 1980s what people thought of HIV and AIDS. So in 2022, we have made so many advances that we just want to want to educate the community that it’s okay to get tested, it’s okay to talk about your your situation and your personal life. And we don’t think of you any differently.”

Dr. Jarrett Sell, a family physician who specializes in HIV treatment and prevention at Penn State Hershey Medical Center was also on The Spark. He indicated treating AIDS has progressed significantly,”I think the complex regimens of medications that folks had to take 20, 30 years ago, you know, that often caused a lot of side effects and were, you know, multiple 20 or 30 pills a day was very difficult. I think anybody would have a hard time sort of adhering to a regimen like that. Today, treatment is much simpler. So not only do we have very effective treatments, but most of the folks that I treat, you know, are taking a single pill once a day, which is often very well tolerated. So, you know, it ends up being HIV treatment can end up being similar to high blood pressure treatment or diabetes treatment or in some cases even simpler than some of those other chronic diseases that we see very, very commonly. And I think where the difficulty lies is really, you know, many of us have other things going on in our lives.”

Listen to the podcast here

Category iconIn the News

December 2, 2022

CBS21: World AIDS Day: Testing in Central PA down since pandemic

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Thursday is World AIDS Day. Though HIV/AIDS is no longer a death sentence like it was decades ago, health experts say there’s still a stigma surrounding the virus.

“While there is still stigma when we’re doing our outreach,” said Caring Together program manager Becky Wilson, “We’re able to connect with people and have open conversations.”

In York and Adams counties, Family First Health has offered the grant-funded Caring Together program for about 30 years. The clinic offers free testing, resources and treatment options.

Wilson says testing is key to reigning in HIV spread in our community.

“It’s a small prick of a finger and you know your results in 15 minutes,” she said.

It’s not the 80s anymore when it comes to HIV treatment and prevention. HIV is now known as a chronic condition like high blood pressure or diabetes.

Wilson says many people are living long, healthy lives with HIV.

Several new medical advancements have made HIV/AIDS treatment attainable. A new monthly injectable treatment called Cabenuva can suppress symptoms and prevent transmission.

A medication called PrEP can prevent contracting HIV and PEP can prevent contracting the virus after someone has been exposed.

“We are continuing to see new people diagnosed every week,” Wilson said. “We have a lot of resources we can provide so people don’t have to pay for those things.”

Caring Together has about 600 HIV/AIDS patients. The issue the center is seeing now, is testing is way down compared to before the pandemic.

The pandemic did reduce the number of tests Caring Together is administering each year.

In 2019, Caring Together tested over 900 people.

That number dropped dramatically in 2020 to just over 150 people.

This year so from January to September, Caring Together tested 362 people.

“If people aren’t even getting tested,” Wilson said. “They aren’t taking the measures to protect themselves and protect others.”

If you would like a test or resources, click your county or city below:

  • York/Adams County
  • Dauphin (Harrisburg)
  • Dauphin (Harrisburg)
  • Dauphin (Harrisburg)
  • Dauphin (Hershey)
  • Cumberland
  • Lancaster
  • Blair

Watch the video here

Category iconIn the News

November 17, 2022

ABC27: Pennsylvania health expert urges vaccines ahead of holidays

York, Pa. (WHTM) — ‘Tis the season for a rise in flu and COVID cases and, this year, RSV. It sounds like deja vu, but for another year going into the holidays, people are encouraged to protect themselves from multiple circulating viruses.

In addition to the rise of RSV and the lingering COVID-19 virus, Erin Schmidt from Family First Health says flu cases are on the rise.

According to the state health department, the most recent data from the week ending Nov. 5 shows York County reporting 479 flu cases — the most in the Midstate.

Schmidt says any number of flu cases right now may be a problem as RSV cases rise since officials are worried about overcrowding hospitals.

“I think the last couple of years, we kind of forgot there are other viruses and illnesses that we can experience because we did do so well at social distancing and washing our hands and wearing face coverings, so now we’re back to seeing those illnesses and viruses that we didn’t see so much in the last couple of years,” Schmidt said.

Schmidt encourages people to get their COVID booster and flu shot before heading to holiday gatherings. Family First Health is hosting a flu shot clinic on Wednesday and a COVID booster clinic on Friday at the George Street Center in York.

Watch the video here

Category iconIn the News

November 15, 2022

Q Hubo News: Walk with a Doc, Lebanon, PA – Saturday, November 12th, 2022

LEBANON, Pa.,

Have you heard of “Walk with a Doc”?

Anna Deraco is a Physician Assistant with Family First Health, who has spearheaded the development of a Lebanon chapter of a National/International initiative known as “Walk with a Doc.”

Deraco said that Walk with a Doc was initially founded in 2005 by a cardiologist based in Ohio who wanted to find a way to better connect with his patients while also encouraging them to partake in healthy activities.

Deraco said that much to his surprise at the time, about a hundred people attended his first ever “Walk with a Doc” event. Since then, the initiative has spread like wildfire all over the United States and worldwide.

Deraco said, “He kind of knew that he was on to something in terms of people wanting this. People want to be active, but not necessarily alone.”

According to the “Walk with a Doc” website, there are approximately 500 chapters established across the world to date.

Deraco founded the Lebanon Chapter of “Walk with a Doc” this year. They held their first event in October, with approximately 25 people attending their inaugural event.

Deraco said the monthly event is held at the Union Canal Tunnel Park. She said they initially considered hosting the event at different locations each month but decided against it because of the potential confusion and safety hazards of walking in more centralized urban areas.

Deraco also said that besides offering a safe location for walkers, the trail at Union Canal Tunnel Park is not particularly strenuous, with it being approximately two miles total from start to finish. She said even if participants feel they need more time to complete the two miles, they are still encouraged to come even if they only end up walking part of the trail.

Additionally, Deraco said the first five minutes of the hour-long event are typically designated for a short health-related talk. While the topics of these health talks vary from month to month, their purpose is to help better educate community members and give them an opportunity to ask questions they may have.

Deraco added that because Lebanon has a sizable Hispanic population and approximately 80% of her patients are Spanish-speaking residents; the talks will be in Spanish and English to promote inclusivity.

Deraco said that for the November walk, she plans to discuss the adverse effects of loneliness on people’s health. According to the former Surgeon General, the dangers of loneliness are on par with smoking or obesity.

Deraco said that although the walks cannot take the place of medical checkups and formal diagnoses, participants are welcome to come with health-related questions that they might have.

When asked how poor weather may affect the event, Deraco said they plan to host the events rain or shine, so long as there are no violent storms. She said they would plan to keep the events outside in light rain; however, they may consider postponing or finding an indoor location if there is heavy rain.

Deraco also said that the walks occur year-round, regardless of the cold or snow. She said there are many misconceptions about the hazards of being out in the cold; however, her philosophy is that “there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.”

Deraco said there are many health benefits of spending some time in cold weather and that she plans to make that the focus of one of the health topics in the future.

For those interested, the walks take place on the third Saturday of every month (except for November, which will be the second Saturday) at 10:00 AM.

Finally, Deraco added that she would give free “Walk with a Doc” pedometers to the first 25 walkers that show up.

For more information, you can visit their Facebook page, Walk With A Doc Lebanon, PA, or check out their website https://walkwithadoc.org/join-a-walk/locations/lebanon-pennsylvania/.

Category iconIn the News

November 8, 2022

LifePath Christian Ministries: LifePath welcomes Family First Health, which offers medical connections at shelters

The partnership between LifePath Christian Ministries and the health care provider relieves shelter guests from having to find treatment on their own.

In September, LifePath Christian Ministries partnered with Family First Health to provide the first of many opportunities for guests at the men’s and women’s shelters to receive primary medical health screenings in-house, while then receiving referrals to additional services.

The objectives of Family First Health, which values collaboration and seeks to remove barriers to care, aligned with LifePath’s mission to connect its guests to support services.

Addressing a gap

Micah Heckert, LifePath’s Manager of Partnership Development, saw a gap in services, especially in medical treatment. Many guests who come to LifePath lack health insurance and a primary care physician. When a health concern arose, they found themselves heading to the hospital emergency room.

Heckert also saw the need to address the medical side of addiction recovery. It all aligned with LifePath’s core values to pursue Continuous Improvement and to provide Radical Hospitality.

The key was to find a community partner whose services could complement what LifePath can provide. Family First Health fit that bill.

At the same time, Erin Schmidt, who serves as COVID-19 Community Program Manager for Family First Health, was noticing a shift in the needs of the community as the pandemic waned. She saw a need for more mobile health services to reach people who otherwise might not receive care.

“We want to eliminate the barriers to come to a brick-and-mortar medical facility,” she says.

The collaboration began with listening sessions, where guests described services that would be most beneficial to them. The same needs kept coming up: vision and foot care, diabetes treatment, behavioral health services, and gynecological care and breast cancer screenings for guests at the women’s shelter.

‘An insurmountable task’

While mobile health care is growing in cities around the country, that option is limited in York. It can be overwhelming for someone experiencing homelessness to try to secure health insurance, arrange a doctor’s appointment, and get follow-up care.

“What it takes for a homeless person to put it all together,” says Heckert, “it’s an insurmountable task. People get discouraged.”

Heckert and Schmidt are on a mission to change that.

Michael Bucher, a guest at the Men’s Shelter, experienced the difficulty in finding treatment. While he was walking down the street, his leg gave out and he was unable to take another step. Being homeless and without transportation, his only option was to call for an ambulance ride to the hospital. Weeks later, he still can walk only short distances.

Having a connection to medical care in-house makes it much easier to get the care he needs.

“It’s been a new experience,” he says.

Many other shelter guests also are reaping the benefits.

“Considering that transportation is an issue,” says a guest at the women’s shelter, “having them come here is a great asset. I’m very grateful for that.”

It’s through relationships with providers in the community that LifePath sees opportunities to further impact the lives of guests — giving them hope for the future and assurance that their needs will be taken care of.

Category iconNews

November 8, 2022

Family First Health recognized nationwide for health center quality

Health Resources & Services Administration awards Family First Health five badges

YORK, PA – November 8, 2022 – Family First Health (FFH), a federally qualified health center (FQHC), recently received five 2022 Community Health Quality Recognition badges for notable quality improvement achievements from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA).

Community health centers are required to submit quality data to HRSA every year. As a result, the centers may be awarded badges for their achievements. The badges represent significant improvements in access, quality and health equity. FFH received the following badges:

  • Access Enhancer for the increase in the total number of patients served and the number of patients who receive at least one comprehensive service.
  • Health Center Quality Leader, Bronze, for ranking in the top 21-30% in overall clinical quality measure (CQM) performance among all health centers.
  • Advancing Health Information Technology (HIT) for Quality for meeting all criteria to optimize HIT services that advance telehealth, patient engagement, interoperability, and collection of social determinants of health data.
  • Health Disparities Reducer for improvements for at least one racial/ethnic group or meeting established benchmarks for all racial/ethnic groups served.
  • Patient-Centered Medical Home Recognition (PCMH) for seeking accreditation for ambulatory health care and FFH’s continued team-based health care delivery model.

“Receiving five badges this year is an honor for Family First Health, as it’s a reflection of our commitment to provide high-quality care and improve the health of our community,” says Jenny Englerth, CEO and President of Family First Health. “This achievement would not have been possible without our dedicated staff and patients’ trust.”

For more information about Family First Health’s services and programs, please visit .

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, Columbia, Gettysburg, Hanover, Hannah Penn K-8 School, Lebanon, and Lewisberry. 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.

MEDIA CONTACT: 

Dominique Helms | 717-916-9965 | dhelms@gavinadv.com

Category iconPress Releases

October 14, 2022

Lebanon Daily News: Lebanon clinic partners with ‘Walk with a Doc’ to promote healthy living

Family First Health has partnered with “Walk with a Doc” to promote active lifestyles throughout Lebanon, hosting walks each month.

On Saturday, Oct. 15, The health clinic will host a walk inviting both healthcare professionals, patients and members of the community to a quick discussion about health and a 45-minute walk around Union Canal Tunnel Park.

These walks will continue to be hosted on the third Saturday of every month except for next month, which will be held on Nov. 12. All walks will be held at the same location.

For more information on dates and times, visit the Walk with a Doc Lebanon, PA Facebook page.

The walks are free, and participants will receive a free pedometer on their first walk.

The event begins at 10 a.m. and will last about an hour in total.

Anna Deraco, a physician assistant who will head the walks each month, said that the discussion for this month’s walk will focus on the act of walking itself, and its benefits as a “miracle” drug that treats and prevents all kinds of illnesses.

The Walk with a Doc program initially began with a cardiologist’s frustration with their patients living too sedentary, and began meeting his patients to walk.

It is now a nonprofit organization based in Ohio that partners with local communities to inspire physical activity and reduce the impact of a sedentary lifestyle.

“I read about this program years ago and I thought, that’s a great idea,” Deraco said, “I wanna do that with my patients too.

“So when I moved back to Lebanon a couple of years ago and started working with Family First, I just kept in my head that at some point I want to start one of the chapters.”

When she approached Family First Health with the idea a few months ago, they were supportive of the idea.

Each walk will begin with a different discussion regarding healthy living and end with a recap on what was taught.

Citing the large number of Spanish-speaking patients that she sees, Deraco said that the discussions will be offered bilingually.

Anyone, regardless of age, weight or ability is encouraged to come and walk at their own pace. There’s no distance requirements to the event. Some people might be able to walk a mile within that time, others might be able to walk three.

“No matter what your walking pace is, no matter what your fitness level is, It really is for everybody, just as long you’re getting out there and doing whatever you can wherever you are at the moment physically,” Deraco said.

The most effective pace to hold while walking is one where it’s still possible to hold a conversation, but with slight discomfort, she said.

The magic number for walking is about 150 minutes per week, or 30 minutes a day during the work week, and can have great health benefits including decreased levels of depression, back pain, diabetes and even constipation.

There’s no guess as to how many people might be showing up for this first walk, but most Walk with a Doc chapters have an average of about 20 people, Deraco said.

While it might take a bit of time for the Lebanon chapter to get there, she said that even if one person shows up this Saturday, it will be considered a success.

Category iconIn the News

October 11, 2022

FOX43: Experts discuss best safe sleep techniques during SIDS awareness month

YORK, Pa. — In 2020, there were 1,389 deaths due to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

“SIDS death is really unexplained and it’s really hard to find a cause—a direct cause,” said Lauren Umstead, a registered nurse with Family First Health’s nurse-family partnership program. “A lot of times it’s not suffocation, that would be like, that would be classified differently, so ultimately, they stop breathing, but the cause of what makes them stop breathing is unknown.”

SIDS mainly impacts babies under a year old.

“Most deaths occur between less than 6 months—the peak age of SIDS is between two and four months of age,” said Umstead.

The syndrome isn’t completely preventable; however, there are things that parents can do to reduce the risk.

“Sleeping alone, we say a crib, but it can be a bassinet, pack and play, crib, any firm sleeping surface alone,” said Umstead. “So not bed sharing, bed sharing increases the risk of SIDS happening. A nice firm mattress that’s not elevated, no like bumpers, or loose blankets or stuffed animals. Anything soft that could be around the baby. Breastfeeding has shown to decrease the risk of SIDS, and also living in a smoke-free home has shown to decrease SIDS.”

According to the CDC, SIDS rates have declined considerably from 130.3 deaths per 100,000 live births in 1990 to 38.4 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020.

Watch the video here

Category iconIn the News

October 6, 2022

ABC27: Hometown Hero: Family First Health

YORK, Pa. (WHTM) — Sept. 29’s hometown heroes donated their time, tools, and skills.

Staffers with Family First Health performed free dental services for children in York. They hit the road in a mobile unit, providing cleaning, x-rays, and more outside the Community Progress Council, which hosted the dental day.

“It’s important for small children to go to the dentist for the first time by their first birthday if they possibly can, and it’s very difficult to find a dentist who can do that, our partnership with family first makes that possible for our families, President and CEO Robin Rohrbaugh said.

All the children served are enrolled in the Head Start-Early Head Start program at the Community Progress Council.

Watch the video here

Category iconIn the News

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Go to page 1
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 5
  • Go to page 6
  • Go to page 7
  • Go to page 8
  • Go to page 9
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 29
  • Go to Next Page »

Join Our Family

Sign up for occasional emails tailored towards family and community well-being.

Sign Up

From Our Patients

  • This is the most friendly, caring, and compassionate doctors office I've ever been to. You are a person with concerns and issues and ailments to them and they do everything they can to help. Everything is explained so you completely understand what the next step is.
    Lewisberry Site Patient
    Heather | Lewisberry, PA
  • I love this place. My kids are addressed by their names, fast to get us in to be seen, its clean, very friendly. Always have a warm atmosphere. I LOVE IT HERE, first time I trust a practice with my babies!
    Columbia Site Patient
    Milagros | Columbia, PA
  • I've had some of the best experiences when using their dental services as well as the plethora of other services they provide. I really like the staff and they have all been super nice and friendly, I recommend that people take advantage of the services they provide!
    George Street Site Patient
    Dirk | York, PA
  • The receptionists are very pleasant. I would recommend this office to any of my friends who might need a doctor or dentist. The fact that they have someone who can help translate for my family has been such a convenience. I can't thank them enough.
    Gettysburg Site Patient
    Mrs. H | Gettysburg, PA

Footer

Contact

Contact Us

717-845-8617

Patient Portal

  • YouTube
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram

About

  • About Us
  • Locations
  • Our Providers
  • News

Patients

  • Medical Services
  • Dental Services
  • Services
  • Patient Portal
  • Insurance & Sliding Fee

Careers

  • Careers
  • Job Listings
  • Staff Login

All Content © 2025 Family First Health
Legal Disclaimer • Privacy Policy