NEWS & EVENTS
AGENCY NEWSLETTERS
PATIENT NEWSLETTERS
ANNUAL REPORTS
NEWS
CHANGE, INC. PARTNERS WITH FIRST STEPS PEDIATRICS TO IMPLEMENT THE REACH OUT AND READ PROGRAM

A local partnership between CHANGE, Inc. and First Steps Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, PLLC, has been selected as a Partner in Early Learning by the West Virginia KIDS COUNT Fund. With support from the Benedum Foundation, KIDS COUNT is providing $7500 grants to eight communities across West Virginia to establish Reach Out and Read, a proven effort that makes early literacy a standard part of pediatric care.

The Partners in Early Learning project focuses on early literacy. KIDS COUNT recently completed an extensive review of research about literacy in West Virginia, and found that 56% of adults in the state have low literacy skills. The research showed that most literacy problems can be traced back to early childhood.

Along with community partners Hancock County Savings Bank and Steel Works Credit Union, CHANGE, Inc. and First Steps will be implementing the Reach Out & Read program in Weirton. This program will help to promote early literacy by providing new books to children during each of their well-child visits, tips on how to implement early literacy and the benefits of starting this program.  

West Virginia KIDS COUNT Fund is committed to improving the language and literacy skills of West Virginia’s youngest children from birth to age three. Through the Partners in Early Learning project, KIDS COUNT is supporting families, child-care providers, businesses and communities throughout West Virginia in their efforts to lay the important building blocks of literacy. More information about the project is available at www.wvkidscountfund.org.

Photo Caption:  On May 14, CHANGE, Inc. was named one of eight “Partners in Early Learning” by the West Virginia KIDS COUNT Fund during a statewide Forum on Early Literacy in Charleston.   Pictured at the event (from left to right) are former West Virginia Governor Gaston Caperton, President of the College Board; Roberta Golinkoff, University of Delaware professor; Barbara Ducharme, Reach Out and Read representative; April Carmen and Lisa June, representatives of CHANGE, Inc.; Beverly Walter, Vice President of the Benedum Foundation; L. Clark Hansbarger, MD, Dean of the Charleston Campus of the WVU School of Medicine; Ellen Galinsky, President of the Families & Work Institute; and Bill Raney, President of the West Virginia Coal Association and the KIDS COUNT Board of Directors.
CHANGE, INC. AND J.J. BERNABEI RECOGNIZED FOR SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIP
COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP BESTOWS HONORS DURING 40th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

CHANGE, Inc. and J.J. Bernabei, Follansbee Pharmacy, were recently honored during the group’s 2004 Annual Convention in Washington, DC, which marked the 40th anniversary of the War on Poverty for collaborating together to help serve their low-income communities.  The Community Action Partnership, the nation’s largest anti-poverty network, honored six Community Action Agencies (CAAs) and corporations in West Virginia; New York; and Ohio during the Convention.

CHANGE, Inc, located in Weirton, West Virginia, operates a free clinic for which Mr. JJ Bernabei is the Volunteer Pharmaceutical Director. With Mr. Bernabei’s assistance, the clinic has generated over $732,000 in free medication this past year through various indigent drug programs. He has also bought and installed a state of the art pharmacy within the CHANGE clinic where patients can have their medications filled and picked up on site. In addition, Mr. Bernabei donates over $15,000 per year to the clinic for various upkeep, maintenance and supplies. Moreover, his commitment goes beyond the clinic as he sponsors a medical fair each year that is free to the public and offers wellness checks of blood pressure, spinal care, and eye care. CHANGE and Mr. Bernabei of Follansbee Pharmacy have forged an extraordinary relationship and a partnership that has made a difference in the northern panhandle of WV.

CAAs and corporations have a long history of joining forces in order to help people and change lives.  “Community Action is all about partnerships,” said Derrick Len Span, national president of the Community Action Partnership.  “And over the years, they have formed successful partnerships with businesses that have had a significant impact on their communities.  We are delighted to pay tribute to these collaborations as they have gone a long way toward making a better place to live.”

Other winners included Pro Action of Steuben and Yates, Inc. and Wegmans Food Market, Inc. of New York, and Community Action Program Corporation of Washington-Morgan Counties And Peoples Bank of Ohio.
SEPTEMBER 2004
OCTOBER 2004
JUNE 2004
REVEREND JESSE JACKSON TO STOP AT CHANGE, INC. HEALTH
CARE CENTER DURING "REINVEST IN AMERICA: PUT AMERICA BACK  TO WORK!" TOUR

Rev. Jesse Jackson’s bus tour through Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania
to kick-off the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition's new "Reinvest In America: Put
America Back To Work!" campaign will be making a stop in Weirton on June
7, 2004 at the CHANGE, Inc. Health Care Center to tour the free clinic.

The Health Care Center was formed in 1998 through a partnership between
CHANGE, Inc., Weirton Medical Center, and the WV School of Osteopathic Medicine, to address the growing number of uninsured residents within Brooke and Hancock Counties of WV. The clinic now provides quality healthcare, dental services, breast and cervical cancer screenings, diabetic education, and an in-house pharmacy that dispenses medications received through the indigent drug programs offered by various Pharmaceutical Companies. 

Joining Jackson on the trip are tour Co-chairpersons Cecil Roberts, President of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), Gerald McEntee, President of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Leo Gerard, President of the United Steelworkers of America (USWA), and Leon Lynch, Vice President of the USWA, and David Bradley, Executive Director of the National Community Action Foundation (NCAF).

The "Reinvest in America: Put America Back to Work!" campaign represents a broad coalition of organizations that are joining together to focus attention on what matters most to American families and communities: well-paying jobs, affordable healthcare and quality education. The campaign is sponsored by the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition; United Mine Workers of America (UMWA); American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME); United Steelworkers of America (USW); AFL-CIO; National Community Action Foundation (NCAF); International Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers (IUBAC); American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE); Communications Workers of America/International Union of Electronic, Electrical, Salaried, Machine & Furniture Workers (CWA/IUE); and Paper, Allied-Industrial, Chemical & Energy Workers International Union (PACE). 
CHANGE, INC. RECEIVES GRANT FROM TARGET STORES

CHANGE, Inc. was recently notified that it was the recipient of a $1,000 grant from Target Stores. The grant will be used to help purchase new furniture and needed materials for CHANGE, Inc.’s Domestic Violence Shelter, The Lighthouse.

Supplies include dressers, twin size beds, new mini-blinds to ensure privacy and safety, an easel and notepads for support group meetings, and instant cameras and film for documentation purposes.

CHANGE, Inc., a private, non-profit Community Action Agency serving Hancock, Brooke, Ohio and Marshall Counties in West Virginia offers numerous programs and services that enable individuals to become more self-sufficient, improve the conditions in which they live and strengthen their family and other support systems. CHANGE, Inc. opened The Lighthouse, a domestic violence shelter, in January of 2002, to “assist victims of domestic violence by providing temporary refuge and the necessary comprehensive services and referrals for all family members so that the cycle of violence may be prevented from continuing.”

Target Stores, along with parent company Target Corporation, has a strong tradition of giving back to the communities where it does business, and this year that will amount to over $2 million a week. That commitment is reflected in Target Stores’ grantmaking program, which supports projects that promote education, the arts and family violence prevention. “At Target we feel it is not only our responsibility to give back to the community, we feel it is our privilege,” says Laysha Ward, Vice President of Community Relations. “CHANGE, Inc. is doing incredible things to help strengthen our communities.”
CHANGE, INC. CELEBRATES WEATHERIZATION MONTH WITH DEMONSTRATION

Governor Bob Wise has proclaimed October 30, 2004 as “Weatherization Day” in West Virginia. Governor Wise stated that “Weatherization not only saves energy through advanced technologies to improve the energy affordability for low-income West Virginians, but also saves lives and improves the health and safety of low-income families by identifying carbon monoxide hazards.”

CHANGE, Inc. runs the local Weatherization Assistance Program, and is celebrating Weatherization Month by getting the word out about the program and its benefits. When a low-income home is weatherized, both its energy bill and fuel consumption are reduced each year for many years to come. In the event of significant energy price increases as many West Virginians are facing this winter, weatherization recipients are better able to cope with rising prices. Weatherization, therefore, not only insulates low-income homes but helps to insulate low-income budgets as well. The Program is also making an important contribution to national security by reducing the impact of energy supply disruptions on the nation’s most vulnerable consumers – the poor, the elderly, and the disabled.

The program’s professionally trained crews use computerized energy audits and advanced diagnostic equipment to identify energy-saving strategies in single-family, multi-family, and mobile homes. Cost-effective weatherization measures and those that are essential for health and safety are then performed, including, but no limited to, installation of insulation, furnace retrofits, and air sealing. Not only does the Weatherization Program serve every county in the nation through its partnerships with 970 local Weatherization agencies, it also supports over 8,000 jobs nationwide, many in low-income areas.
ST. PADDY'S DAY FEST HELD AT MOUNTAINEER

CHANGE, Inc. held its First Annual St. Paddy's Day Fest on March 17, 2005 at Mountaineer Race Track & Gaming Resort. Entertainment sponsored by Mountaineer and Waldorf Distributing, Inc. included Joe Lyons, Colerain Connection, Macdonald Pipe Band, and Legend. We would like to thank our 41 sponsors and the approximately 375 people that attended the event. We look forward to seeing you all again next year, March 17, 2006 for the Second Annual St. Paddy's Day Fest.  See Pictures of Event
MARCH 2005
MAY 2005
CHANGE, INC. CELEBRATES NATIONAL COMMUNITY ACTION MONTH

May is National Community Action Month and CHANGE, Inc. is celebrating by promoting its programs and services which help the residents of the Northern Panhandle.

CHANGE, Inc.'s mission is to "encourage the integration of services, the building of partnerships, and the pulling of resources to empower families towards self-sufficient." With our mission in mind, CHANGE, Inc. seeks partnerships among supporters and providers of services to low-income people in order to increase the capacity of the agency, increase the services and resources available to customers of the agency, and improve the condition in which those in our community live.

CHANGE, Inc.'S programs include Neighborhood Youth Centers, Weatherization and Housing Programs, Health and Emergency Services, Transportation and Youth Service Programs, and a Domestic Violence Shelter.

Nationally Community Action changes people's lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community , and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other. Community Action Agencies embody the spirit of hope for 10 million Americans everyday, and in 2004, over 4,200 (15,000 duplicated) residents of the Northern Panhandle used one or more of the services offered at CHANGE, Inc. to better their circumstances and begin a path towards self-sufficient.

To learn more about CHANGE, Inc. Community Action Agency and the programs and services it offers, call (304) 797-7733.
APRIL 2005
CHANGE, INC. TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM OFFERS JOB ACCESS

CHANGE, Inc. Job Access/Rural Transportation Program provides transportation to and from employment throughout Brooke and Hancock County and Marshall County. as well as routes to Robinson Township. The Transportation Program began in 1999 to help area residents without transportation obtain and maintain employment, and has since grown to include Brooke County and Robinson Township.

Jeff DeStefano, Transportation Supervisor at CHANGE, Inc. says the service has become more popular as the price of gas increases. "For $2.00 each way, and $2.50 for Robinson, employees can be transported to there place of work, and back. That's a great deal considering the gas prices recently."

Those wishing to use the service are asked to call CHANGE, Inc. at (304) 748-5438 at least 12 hours prior to their shift to receive a pick-up time and place. The fare is $2.00 each way for local trips, and $2.50 for Robinson Township trips, and 10 and 20 ride passes can be purchased at a discount. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT CHANGE, INC. TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM AT (304) 7485438.
LITTLE FRIENDS PRESCHOOL HOLDS GRADUATION

On May 27, 2005, the Three and Four Year Old Preschool classes at Little Friends Preschool celebrated their graduation. The evening was filled with songs and plays, as seventeen preschoolers received their diplomas.
   The graduation capped an exciting year for the preschoolers, which
included trips to the Post Office, Oglebay Park and Papa John’s, with an End of the Year Bash that brought a clown and a variety of activities to the Preschool. The Bash rewarded the children for their hard work throughout the year.

JULY 2005
SEPTEMBER 2005
OCTOBER 2005
WEATHERIZATION DAY CELEBRATED

Most families across the country are turning up their thermostats to combat dropping temperatures. For low-income families, however, cranking up the heat is not always an option. These families pay 14% or more of their annual incomes for energy compared with only 3.5% for other non low-income families. Unable to pay gaping balances or hefty reconnection fees, some families are considering how they will survive this winter without heat.

Governor Joe Manchin III has proclaimed October 30, 2005 as “Weatherization Day” in West Virginia. Governor Manchin stated that “As low-income West Virginians face huge increases in residential energy costs this winter, the Weatherization Assistance Program in West Virginia provided valuable assistance. Weatherization not only saves energy through advanced technologies to improve the energy affordability for low-income West Virginians, but also saves lives and improves the health and safety of low-income families by identifying carbon monoxide hazards.”

CHANGE, Inc. Community Action Agency operates the Weatherization Assistance Program in the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia. When a low-income home is weatherized, both its energy bill and fuel consumption are reduced each year for many years to come. In the event of significant energy price increases, as many West Virginians are facing this winter, weatherization recipients are better able to cope with rising prices. Weatherization, therefore, not only insulates low-income homes, but helps to insulate low-income budgets as well.

For More information about the Weatherization Assistance Program, please call CHANGE, Inc. at (304) 797-7733.
MARIO T. PIPINOS/TONY SELLITTI GOLF TOURNAMENT SUPPORTS LOCAL AGENCY

Proceeds from the annual Mario T. Pipinos/Tony Sellitti Golf Tournament were presented to CHANGE, Inc. Community Action Agency by Robert Capito during a recent Board of Directors meeting. The tournament was held on September 9th at Williams Country Club to benefit CHANGE, Inc. and the Make A Wish Foundation. This year the golf tournament raised $5,600 for each of the agencies.
HANCOCK COUNTY SAVINGS BANK CHARITABLE FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES 2005 AWARDS

At a reception held on December 9 at the Chester Office of Hancock County Savings Bank, the Hancock County Savings Bank Charitable Foundation Awards were presented to the 2005 recipients. Harry Comm, Chairman of the Foundation Board of Directors stated, "Each year our Foundation Board is presented with grant requests that underscore the important services that the various social, civic, and educational organizations provide the residents of our communities." "Each request," Comm continued, "represents an important piece of the fabric that makes up the quality of life for each of us here in the Ohio Valley." Regarding the Bank's and the Foundation's role, Comm stated, "We consider it a high privilege to be able to assist the efforts of these organizations to enhance the service that each of them works so hard to accomplish."

The 2005 awardees are as follows:  Camp Fire USA, Lauretta B. Millsop Council, $5,000; CHANGE, Inc., $5,000; Dollars for Scholars, $5,000; East Liverpool Area YMCA, $5,000; Family Connections, $5,000; Hancock County Sheltered Workshop, $6,000; New Life Academy, $3,141; Pottery Area Red Cross, $5,000; Social Service Union, $1,100; Victim Assistance Program, $750; and Weir Middle School, $5,000.

Funding for the Foundation is derived primarily from contributions by Hancock County Savings Bank as part of their mission, which includes a commitment to supporting the dedicated work of community organizations. The 2005 awards total $45,991 in contributions. In the five years that the Foundation has been in existence, a total of $219,801 has been donated to 39 different local service and support organizations.

The Foundation promotes charitable and educational activities and generally provides funding in areas such as seed money for startup  costs of new and innovative programs, human services or educational programs, capital and equipment needs, matching grants, and one-time grants for programs not requiring refunding.  The next round of Grant applications must be submitted by September 30, 2006. Awards will be announced in December 2006.

NOVEMBER 2005
Photograph: Front Row (Left to Right): Anthony Bernardi, HCSB Foundation Board; Catherine Ferrari, Executive Vice President, HCSB;
Liz Prodonovich, New Life Academy; Tami Cashioli, Camp Fire USA; Harry Comm, President, HCSB; Barbara Jones, Family Connections; Pollie Linger, Pottery Area American Red Cross; Bob Swearingen, United Church Social Service Union Back Row (Left to Right): Jim Boniey, CHANGE, Inc.; Craig Neubold, New Life Academy; Rob O'Hara, East Liverpool YMCA; Jackman Vodrey, Tri-State Citizens Scholarship Foundation; Catherine Vodrey, Tri-State Citizens Scholarship Foundation; Dale Meller, Pottery Area American Red Cross; Dave Golden, East Liverpool YMCA; Burl Anderson, Hancock County Sheltered Workshop
JANUARY 2006
FAMILY MEDICAL CARE ADDRESSES NEEDS OF COMMUNITY

“Family Medical Care is making major strides in addressing the health care needs of the underinsured and uninsured families in the Ohio Valley, and is fully supportive of Governor Manchin’s efforts to bring awareness to the health care crisis faced by thousands of West Virginians and Americans every day,” says CHANGE, Inc. Executive Director Judy Raveaux.

In 1998, CHANGE, Inc. opened the Free Health Clinic to help those in Brooke and Hancock County in need of health care. However, through its seven years of operation, the clinic saw a dramatic increase in the patient load due in part to massive layoffs in the area, and the CHANGE, Inc. saw a large population of families that weren’t being reached with the free clinic; those who were underinsured, and those outside the county lines. 

Through a joint effort between the CHANGE, Inc. Board of Directors, the WV Primary Care Division, and Governor Wise’s Office, the clinic was transitioned into Family Medical Care on April 1, 2005, when the need for a full-time physician became a necessity, and the need of those in the Ohio Valley grew to an all-time high.

Family Medical Care encompasses the original mission of the free clinic, but adds a unique dimension the free clinic wasn’t capable of achieving. With a Medical Director, Nurse Practitioner, and full-time medical staff, Family Medical Care can offer quality health care to all residents of the Ohio Valley, regardless of income, insurance, age or residence.

“Our area, as much as any in West Virginia, is in need of affordable healthcare for the people who lost their benefits, and/or have no health benefits. I am fully supportive of Family Medical Care’s efforts and Governor Manchin’s efforts to pursue affordable health care for all citizens of West Virginia” stated Senator Edwin Bowman.

Family Medical Care affords families in the Ohio Valley the chance to obtain quality medical health care at a reduced cost, dependent upon the families income, and affords the health care center to treat patients it was forced to refuse as a free clinic; those with third-party insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid, those low-income families who are underinsured, and those families outside the Hancock and Brooke County lines. Family Medical Care’s Medical Director, Dr. Kelli Fournier, says that “at Family Medical Care, our number one priority is providing top-notch medical care to the patients in our community, insured and uninsured alike.”

Family Medical Care provides numerous services to residents of the Ohio Valley, such as allergy shots, adult medicine, cancer screenings, diabetic counseling and management, health checks and well child visits, immunizations, minor outpatient surgery, physical exams, pediatrics, prescription assistance, and vision and hearing screenings. Family Medical Care also operates the Breast & Cervical Cancer Screening Program, which provides screening and diagnostic services free of charge to those who meet the income guidelines and are between the ages of 25 and 64, and the Patient Assistance Program, which provides assistance in applying for and acquiring medications through various pharmaceutical companies indigent drug programs.

“Too many people aren’t receiving the appropriate healthcare due to affordability. Through Governor Manchin’s pilot programs, awareness to community health centers will enable individuals to receive quality health care at affordable prices. Accessibility to everyone is of utmost importance especially when preventive care decreases the potential onset of major medical problems,” states Senator Andy McKenzie. Through Governor Manchin’s efforts, awareness of the need and necessity of community health centers, such as Family Medical Care, and finding a solution to the health care crisis is being raised. CHANGE, Inc. took the initiative to transition Family Medical Care to alleviate that need in the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia and the surrounding counties in Ohio and Pennsylvania, and will continue to provide quality healthcare to families regardless of their insurance status or residence.
MARCH 2006
CHANGE, INC. FUNDRAISER A HUGE SUCCESS

CHANGE, Inc. Community Action Agency celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with its Second Annual St. Paddy’s Day Fest, an annual fundraiser aimed at raising funds for the agency’s various programs and services.

The night kicked off with EJ the DJ and leprechauns, both large and small, entertaining the crowd of over 250, who came to Mountaineer Race Track and Gaming Resort to celebrate the holiday, and support CHANGE, Inc. While dining on a buffet of Irish and American appetizers, foods, and desserts, the crowd was treated to shows by the Macdonald Pipeband of Pittsburgh and Legend, both sponsored by Mountaineer and Waldorf Distributing Company, Inc., and was able to purchase Irish gifts from The Gingerbread Corner.

The event was a success with over 43 local organizations helping to sponsor the event, and a profit of over $5,900 made that night.

“We are extremely thankful to each and every business and organization that helped to sponsor our fundraiser, and to each person who purchased a ticket to our event. We hope everyone had a great time, and welcome them all back next year.” Judy Raveaux, Executive Director of CHANGE, Inc.

Next year’s event is already in the planning process. The Third Annual St. Paddy’s Day Fest will be held on Saturday, March 17, 2007 from 6:00-11:00pm at the Mountaineer Race Track and Gaming Resort Grand Ballroom. See Pictures of the Event
CHANGE, INC. CELEBRATES NATIONAL COMMUNITY ACTION MONTH

May is National Community Action Month and CHANGE, Inc. is celebrating by promoting its programs and services which help the residents of the Northern Panhandle.

CHANGE, Inc.’s mission is to “encourage the integration of services, the building of partnerships, and the pulling of resources to empower families towards self-sufficiency.” With our mission in mind, CHANGE, Inc. seeks partnerships among supporters and providers of services to low-income people in order to increase the capacity of the agency, increase the services and resources available to customers of the agency, and improve the condition in which those in our community live.

CHANGE, Inc.’s programs include Neighborhood Youth Centers, Weatherization and Housing Programs, Health and Emergency Services, Transportation and Youth Service Programs, and a Domestic Violence Shelter.

Nationally Community Action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community, and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.” Community Action Agencies embody the spirit of hope for 10 million Americans everyday, and in 2005, over 18,000 (duplicated) residents of the Ohio Valley used one or more of the services offered at CHANGE, Inc. to better their circumstances and begin a path towards self-sufficiency.
MAY 2006
CHANGE, INC. OFFERS THREE NEW HOUSING LOAN PROGRAMS

CHANGE, Inc. is now offering three new housing programs through the West Virginia Housing Development Fund; Mountaineer Mortgage Plus Renovation Program, the Single Family Bond Program, and the Secondary Market Program.

The Single Family Bond Program allows families who meet income guidelines to obtain below-market, fixed interest rates, up to 100% mortgage financing, and a closing cost assistance loan of up to $3,500. Those who do not qualify for the Single Family Bond may qualify for the Secondary Market Program, which provides competitive 15 and 30 year, fixed-rate mortgages, up to 97% and 100% financing and a maximum loan amount of $357,650.

The third program, the Mountaineer Mortgage Plus Renovation Program (MMPR), provides West Virginians with a unique way to finance or refinance their home and pay up to $25,000 in renovations all under the same loan, same fixed rate, and same loan closing.  Through MMPR, which does not have income guidelines, buyers can purchase a home they want and then tailor the home to accommodate personal needs and specifications. Homeowners can also refinance and improve their home’s livability under the program. Some of the renovations eligible include heating and cooling upgrades, roof repairs and replacements, septic tanks and systems, minor foundation repairs, accessibility installations for disabled persons, electrical upgrade, and well replacement and installation.

CHANGE, Inc. also offers the HELP Loan Program for life- or structure threatening housing repairs, and the First Time Homebuyers Program to assist persons in purchasing their first home by providing down-payment and closing cost assistance up to $10,000.
AUGUST 2006
MARCH 2007
CHANGE, INC. ST. PATRICK’S DAY FUNDRAISER HUGE SUCCESS

CHANGE, Inc. Community Action Agency celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with its Third Annual St. Paddy’s Fest, an annual fundraiser aimed at raising funds for the agency’s various programs and services.

The night kicked off with Movin’ & Groovin Productions, entertaining the crowd of over 325, who came to Mountaineer Race Track and Gaming Resort to celebrate the holiday, and support CHANGE, Inc. While dining on a buffet of Irish and American appetizers, foods, and desserts, the crowd was treated to shows by the Macdonald Pipeband of Pittsburgh and Legend, both sponsored by Mountaineer and Waldorf Distributing Company, Inc.

The event was a success with 51 local organizations and citizens helping to sponsor the event, and a profit of over $9,410 made that night.

“We are extremely thankful to each and every business and organization that helped to sponsor our fundraiser, and to each person who purchased a ticket to our event. We hope everyone had a great time, and welcome them all back next year.” Judy Raveaux, Executive Director of CHANGE, Inc.

Next year’s event is already in the planning. The Fourth Annual St. Paddy’s Fest will be held on Friday, March 14, 2008 from 6:00-11:00pm at the Mountaineer Race Track and Gaming Resort Grand Ballroom. See Pictures from the Event
CHANGE, INC. GEARS UP TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL COMMUNITY ACTION MONTH

After a harsh winter of snow storms and bone-chilling temperatures, CHANGE, Inc. and Community Action Agencies across the country are ready to welcome spring by celebrating National Community Action Month in May.

This annual commemoration recognizes the significant impact Community Action Agencies make everyday fighting poverty on the local level. Despite the constant threat of budget cuts and an increased demand for services, CHANGE, Inc. continues to be a beacon of hope for the Ohio Valley’s low-income families. In honor of National Community Action Month, the agency will host a number of events, including a realtor’s workshop, volunteer recognition, EITC Appreciation Luncheon, and a women’s health week celebration.

“Many people may not realize the economic uncertainty their neighbors are facing, so this is a great time to learn how we can all work together to fight poverty,” said Judy Raveaux, CHANGE, Inc. Executive Director. Inspiring Americans to work together to fight poverty is the impetus behind the National Symposium on Poverty and Economic Security being convened by the Community Action Partnership national office. The Symposium, to be held May 29-31 in Bethesda, Maryland, will bring together a cross section of practitioners, policymakers, foundations, and researchers for a discussion on the causes and conditions of poverty, and solutions and new strategies for ending it.

“We are convening the National Symposium on Poverty and Economic Security to showcase how CHANGE, Inc. and other Community Action Agencies are empowering their communities by listening to their concerns and tailoring programs to meet those specific needs,” said Tim Donnellan, board chair of the Community Action Partnership. “We will combine our expertise along with the knowledge of other national organizations to create an economy that works for all Americans.”

National Community Action Month, celebrated in May, was established by the Community Action Partnership to showcase how Community Action Agencies across the country are helping low-income people change their lives.

CHANGE, Inc. Community Action Agency serves the entire Ohio Valley, and offers a number of programs and services, including job access transportation, weatherization, housing loans, domestic violence shelter and advocacy, emergency assistance, health care, and prescriptions. Visit www.changeinc.org for more on CHANGE, Inc.’s programs.
APRIL 2007
MAY 2007
JUNE 2007
CHANGE, INC. OFFERS SUMMER FOOD PROGRAM

CHANGE, Inc., in coordination with the Appalachian Nutrition Network, and the WV Department of Education Office of Child Nutrition, is sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program at six sites throughout Brooke and Hancock Counties.

The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides free, nutritious meals to help children get the nutrition they need to learn, play, and grow, throughout the summer months when they are out of school. This program not only benefits the children of our community by providing them with complete, wholesome meals, it assists parents by easing the burden on their monthly budget.

Four locations in Hancock County and two locations in Brooke County have been designated at service sites, and will be open Monday through Friday, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm starting June 11, 2006 and ending August 17, 2006.

The sites will provide free, nutritious meals and milk to children up to age 18, and include:
•Betty Carr Recreation Site, Wellsburg
•Follansbee Park, Follansbee
•Mario T. Pipinos Center, Weirton
•Dunbar Recreation Center, Weirton
•First Presbyterian Church of Newell
•First United Methodist Church, Chester
AUGUST 2007
OCTOBER 2007
NOVEMBER 2007
CHANGE, INC’S COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER HAS GROWN IN MANY WAYS

WEIRTON- When CHANGE, Inc. opened its new headquarters at 3136 West Street earlier this month, perhaps none of the community agency’s programs benefited more than its Family Medical Care Community Health Center. The number of examination rooms has grown from three to seven, a medical lab has been added to allow staff to perform basic lab work, and the center has a more spacious waiting area.

Among the services provided by the center- to anyone, regardless of residence, age, income or insurance coverage- are: allergy shots, cancer screenings, including Breast & Cervical, diabetic counseling and management, check-ups for children, child and adult immunizations, minor outpatient surgery, physical exams, dental services, prescription assistance and vision and hearing screenings.

When CHANGE, Inc. began their health care program in 1998, patients were limited to Brooke and Hancock County residents who lacked health insurance. This limitation turned away many who needed services, including residents with limited insurance coverage, retired steelworkers who had lost their benefits, and people living outside the two county area. Since the transition to a Community Health Center in April 2005, and designation as a Federally Qualified Healthcare Center Look Alike in September of last year, CHANGE, Inc. was able to expand its patient base and services, and eliminate the barriers to quality medical care.

“Now there are no boundaries for medical services at Family Medical Care,” said Judy Raveaux, Executive Director of CHANGE, Inc. “We can help anyone throughout the Ohio Valley.”

The new status came through the efforts of CHANGE, Inc.’s Board of Directors, the West Virginia Primary Care Division, Governor Joe Manchin, state Sens. Ed Bowman, D-Weirton, and Andy McKenzie, R-Wheeling, US Sens. Byrd and Rockefeller and Congressman Mollohan.

Through Family Medical Care, families in the Ohio Valley can obtain quality medical health care at a reduced cost, depending on each family’s income. As a community health center, the facility is able to treat patients it previously was forced to refuse, including those with third-party insurance, Medicare and Medicaid.

The new designation also allows Family Medical Care to provide prescription medications at a discounted rate through the 340B pharmacy program. The center’s new status also enable the agency to expand its staff from a small number of part-time nurses and office staff to a full-time staff of eleven that includes a doctor, nurse practitioner, nurses and clinical support staff.

Raveaux added that with the clinic now under the same roof as the agency’s other program, patients may learn more and benefit from the various other services provided by the community action agency.

Formed in 1982, the non-profit organization provides such services as transporting individuals to work or school, aiding homeowners with limited incomes in cutting their utility costs through the weatherization of their homes, and administering the Northern Panhandle Home Consortium’s First-Time Homebuyers Program, which provides loans to individuals within specific income brackets to purchase homes that are forgiven after the individuals have lived in the home for five years.

The community health center is open from 8 AM.to 4 PM.Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and 8 AM to 6 PM Tuesday. Walk-ins are welcome, and transportation is available to any residents of the Ohio Valley needing medical care at FMC.
CHANGE, INC. RECEIVES HHS GRANT TO STRENGTHEN HEALTH CARE SAFETY NET

HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt announced on May 25, 2007 that CHANGE, Inc. would receive $558,000 to help its community health center, Family Medical Care, increase access to health care for low-income and uninsured residents of the Ohio Valley. A total of 86 competitive grants were granted to establish Federally Qualified Healthcare Centers (FQHC) throughout the United States in order to provide comprehensive quality primary health care services to the entire population.

The funds announced today “will help almost 9000,000 more low-income and uninsured patients access the key preventive and primary health care services that health centers offer,” Secretary Leavitt said. “The grants also bring us very close to completing President Bush’s multi-year initiative to provide health care to millions more Americans by expanding the health center system.”

The New Access Point grants were awarded based on a highly competitive application process through HHS’ Health Resources and Services Administration. The application was comprised of health disparity statistics for the Ohio Valley, demonstration of need, financial capability, and the ability to serve the medically underserved.

CHANGE, Inc’s Family Medical Care serves the entire Ohio Valley regardless of their age, insurance status, income level, or residence, including both a Medically Underserved Area in Steubenville, Ohio, and a Medically Underserved Population and Health Professional Shortage Area in Hancock County, WV.

“We are very excited about the opportunities this funding brings to CHANGE, Inc. and Family Medical Care. We have been working towards this goal of becoming a FQHC since June 2004, and we are positive it will make a huge impact in the Ohio Valley. On behalf of CHANGE, Inc.’s Board of Directors and myself, I want to thank all the individuals who have helped us and been by our side through this long and hard process, especially Senator Rockefeller, Senator Byrd, Governor Manchin, and Senator Bowman and McKenzie,” stated Judy Raveaux, Executive Director of CHANGE, Inc.
“NATIONAL HEALTH CENTER WEEK 2007”

Federal, state and local officials will honor the nation’s Community, Migrant and Homeless Health Centers as part of National Health Center Week 2007 (NHCW), which runs from August 5 - 11, 2007. Health centers provide care for 16 million Americans, and they never turn anyone away – regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.

“America’s Health Centers: Your Health Care Home” is the theme of this year’s national campaign, underscoring the critical importance of access to affordable health care. A startling 56 million Americans - nearly one in five residents - do not have access to a health care home to address their basic needs, according to a report by the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC).

“Everyone should have a health care home where they can go to address their basic health care needs, such as a common cold or a migraine,” said Judy Raveaux, Executive Director of CHANGE, Inc. “Access to affordable health care through a health center is the best and most effective way to fight disease, reduce unmet medical needs, and lower health care costs. That is why Family Medical Care Community Health Center is celebrating National Health Center Week 2007: to spread the word to our elected leaders that our good health depends on the support and expansion of health centers.”

Congress has taken the bold step of investing $750 million in new funding for health centers over the past six years. This year lawmakers appropriated an historic $207 million increase in funding aimed at providing 1.5 million more Americans with a health care home. Family Medical Care used this funding to transition into a Federally Qualified Health Center and increase its services to include an in-house pharmacy, laboratory, and radiology services.

“The importance of having a health care home cannot be overlooked in the current debate about health care reform,” explained Raveaux. “With over $18 billion dollars a year wasted on avoidable visits to hospital emergency rooms, we must widen access to affordable health care through America’s Health Centers.” 

For more information about the benefits of having Family Medical Care as your medical home, visit www.familymc.org, or call Cheryl at 304-748-2828.

This program is financed with Federal dollars, (28%or 558,333 from HRSA and 1% or 20,250 from CSBG) and State dollars, (6% or 128,197).  An additional 65% of the total program costs (or 1,405,471.00 is financed by nongovernmental sources.

SENATORS HONORED FOR THEIR SUPPORT DURING NATIONAL HEALTH CENTER WEEK

CHANGE, Inc.’s Board of Directors presented Senator Edwin Bowman and
Senator Andy McKenzie with plaques on Wednesday, August 8, 2007 in honor
and recognition of their support to CHANGE, Inc. and their years of dedication to
the citizens of the Northern Panhandle.

The plaques were presented as part of CHANGE, Inc.’s celebration of National
Health Center Week. Both Senators were instrumental in helping CHANGE, Inc.’s
community health center, Family Medical Care, become what it is today.

Family Medical Care was designated by the Human Resources and Services
Administration (HRSA) as a Federally Qualified Health Center in May of 2007,
enabling the center to offer all residents of the Ohio Valley quality medical care regardless of their age, residence, income level or insurance status.

Family Medical Care employees a Board Certified Family Physician, Nurse Practitioner and a number of medical support staff, and offers a large variety of services to its patients, such as medical care for the entire family, on site lab and ultrasound testing, and discount medications through its in-house pharmacy. Family Medical Care accepts all major insurance plans, Medicare, Medicaid and uninsured, and offers tremendous discounts to low-income patients.

Family Care Pharmacy employs a full-time pharmacist, and participates in numerous Indigent Drug Programs and the 340B Drug Pricing program, allowing the pharmacy to offer patients of Family Medical Care the lowest cost prescriptions available.

“CHANGE, Inc. is extremely proud of Family Medical Care and its ability to offer the residents of the Ohio Valley quality medical care at an affordable price. We thank Senator Bowman and Senator McKenzie for their support of the Northern Panhandle and of CHANGE, Inc. With their help, we were able to increase the services available at Family Medical Care, and further eliminate the barriers to health care.” Judy Raveaux, Executive Director of CHANGE, Inc.  

HEINZ FAMILY PHILANTHROPIES, PhRMA AND THE WEST VIRGINIA PRIMARY CARE ASSOCIATION LAUNCH
“EVERY CHILD MATTERS” PILOT PROGRAM TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE

CHARLESTON, WV (November 5, 2007) – The Heinz Family Philanthropies, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) and the West Virginia Primary Care Association (WVPCA) today launched the “Every Child Matters” pilot program to provide access to affordable health care for uninsured children in the state. The project is designed to offer parents and children an affordable solution for basic prevention and primary care services, which are essential to keeping West Virginia’s children strong and healthy.  

The coverage is available to all West Virginians who:
•are 18 years of age or younger
•are uninsured
•don’t qualify for Medicaid or West Virginia CHIP coverage
•have no established medical home
•have family incomes above 220 percent of the federal poverty level (5,200 children are estimated to fall between the 220- and 300-percent federal poverty level).

The program will involve 16 community health center organizations around the state that will offer regular children’s health services for a fee of $30 per visit. Whatever portion of the $30 the family cannot afford, the remaining dollars are covered by a West Virginia fund established by Heinz and PhRMA.  The sixteen community health center organizations participating in the project are Belington Community Medical Services Association, Bluestone Health Center, Cabin Creek Health Systems, Camden-On-Gauley Medical Center, FamilyCare, Family Medical Care (Change, Inc.), Minnie Hamilton Health Systems, Monongahela Valley Association of Health Centers, Monroe County Health Center, New River Health Association, Northern Greenbrier Health Clinic, Preston Taylor Community Health Centers, Ritchie County Primary Care Association, Shenandoah Valley Medical System, Inc., Tug River Health Association, and Wirt County Health Services Association (Coplin Memorial Community Health Center, River Valley Health and Wellness Center and Ripley Family Medicine).  Together, these 16 health center organizations operate nearly 60 clinical sites throughout the state.

An “affordability fund” is being created to ensure that the 16 Centers participating in the “Every Child Matters” project have sufficient funds to offer needed care, and that families who are cash strapped know that their children will have access to a medical home.  In the end, the goal is to offer children (and their parents), an affordable medical home focused on the care and well being of uninsured children. The fund is launched with a $100,000 grant from Heinz and PhRMA with the goal of increasing the fund through additional contributions. 

“We are delighted that the Mountain State Blue Cross has joined as a financial contributor," said Jeffrey R. Lewis, President of the Heinz Family Philanthropies. “The goal is to offer children and their parents an affordable medical home focused on the care and well-being of uninsured children.  We hope to gain a greater understanding of why children are uninsured and what options would work to encourage families to obtain insurance coverage.  We look forward to other contributions from corporations and organizations that care about improving financial access to healthcare for West Virginia children.” 

“This program will take West Virginia one step closer to the goal of full access to health care for all of its children,” said Teresa Heinz, Chairman of the Heinz Family Philanthropies. “It will give parents who currently want to bring their children to a health care provider, but are afraid of the cost, a chance to do the right thing and create a medical home for their kids, and very likely the mother, too. And the state will learn more about the demand for, and the potential cost of, health care for children among those who fall through the cracks of the children’s health system.”

In explaining its support for this effort, Billy Tauzin, president & CEO of PhRMA (the trade association representing America’s pharmaceutical research companies), said, “Nothing is more important to parents than ensuring the health of their children. Recognizing that good health starts with access to quality healthcare coverage, America’s pharmaceutical research companies support ‘Every Child Matters’ as a creative solution to addressing the medical needs of West Virginia’s children.”

Dave Sotak, Board President of the West Virginia Primary Care Association, explained, “Launching ‘Every Child Matters’ will begin to help those children whose parents are working, but who may not be able to afford high premium costs for their children if the employer does not help to cover them. What Heinz and PhRMA are doing in making this program possible will help begin to reduce the number of people using hospital emergency rooms for primary care coverage.”

The families will first be screened at the centers to identify those who qualify for Medicaid, West Virginia CHIP or other programs. Those children who are verified as not being eligible for any other program will receive care and the parents will be asked to pay the $30 fee upfront. If a child qualifies for public or private insurance coverage for the preventive or basic primary care service, that specific program will be charged for the medical care provided, not the family.

Services covered include preventive well-child care and pediatric outpatient medical office visits (routine and walk-in scheduled appointments). Lab, x-ray, medications and medical supplies are not covered, but the participating federally qualified health center organizations will assist families in getting all needed services for their children.

The health center organizations can offer reduced costs on medications needed by children, such as antibiotics and asthma inhalers under the “340B” and other special arrangements with pharmaceutical companies.

An ongoing evaluation of the program will be conducted by consultants for the Heinz Family Philanthropies. Participating centers will provide data to Heinz and WVPCA every month for evaluation.

For more information on Every Child Matters, contact the WVPCA at 304-346-0032. For more information on the Heinz Family Philanthropies, contact Jeffrey R. Lewis at 703-403-9695 or jlewis@heinzoffice.org.
FOURTH ANNUAL ST. PADDY’S FEST MOST SUCCESSFUL

CHANGE, Inc.’s Fourth Annual St. Paddy’s Fest was the most successful over the past four years, with over 450 tickets sold and over $12,400 raised.

The event began at 6:00pm, and with entertainment and a delicious buffet or Irish and American foods. At 8:00pm, the Macdonald Pipe Band of Pittsburgh wove through the audience playing Irish favorites, such as Danny Boy. Legend then took the stage at 9:00pm and closed the night in front of a sold-out crowd.

The CHANGE, Inc. Board of Directors and staff thank everyone who helped to make this event so successful, especially its Entertainment Sponsors, Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort and Waldorf Distributing Company, Inc. and its Advertising Sponsors Top of West Virginia Convention & Visitors’ Bureau, WTOV9, WEIR and Comcast. A huge thank you also goes out to all the sponsors who supported the St. Paddy’s Fest and CHANGE, Inc.; it is with the support of the community that CHANGE, Inc. is able to help so many residents of the Ohio Valley. SEE PICTURES FROM THE EVENT

HEALTH FAIR HELD IN CHESTER

CHANGE, Inc. partnered with Hancock County Savings Bank to sponsor a
Community Health Fair in Chester, WV. The Health Fair took place on Thursday, April
24, 2008 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Chester VFW Post 6450.

The Health Fair was free and open to the public, and provided a number of health
screenings and valuable information, including blood pressure checks, Tdap vaccines,
diabetic foot checks, blood glucose testing, pulse oximetry, spinal screenings, and
health, service and elder education. Blood Screenings were also available for just
$25.00 and included tests such as hematocrit and hemoglobin, PSA (prostate), TSH
(thyroid), cholesterol, and triglycerides.

Giveaways and door prizes were given out, as well as important information from over a dozen health and service organizations that serve Hancock County and the surrounding areas.


CHANGE, INC. CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF OUTREACH, ADVOCACY IN OHIO VALLEY

CHANGE, Inc. will mark 25 years of service to the Ohio Valley community with the celebration of Community Action Month, a nationwide occurrence held annually in May.

This year CHANGE, Inc. will celebrate the month with a presentation from the Mayor of Weirton for the rehabilitation of the Thomasville Gallery, a Volunteer Recognition Luncheon to honor the volunteers that made this years EITC/VITA program so successful, and month long outreach about the programs and services of CHANGE, Inc.

“Our National Community Action Month events have several purposes – we are highlighting our success stories, but we also want to call attention to the ever growing problems of poverty,” said Judy Raveaux, CEO of CHANGE, Inc. “We take pride in what we’ve accomplished offering much needed services to the Ohio Valley’s low-income families, but many of our neighbors do not realize poverty is a problem here. We want to show local residents that poverty is, unfortunately, a very real part of life for some families, but with programs like ours, these families can achieve financial stability.”

The Community Action Partnership designates May as National Community Action Month to recognize success stories. National Community Action Month also calls attention to poverty-related problems and the initiatives Community Action Agencies implement to address them. These initiatives are highlighted in Rooting Out Poverty: A Campaign by America’s Community Action Network, a new campaign that seeks to reach, educate and inform every American about the fact that the current extent of poverty is intolerable and correctable.

“With foreclosures, rising housing prices, and other economic concerns, more and more people are worried about their financial futures, and the amount of families experiencing insecurity is increasing,” said Don Mathis, President/CEO of the Community Action Partnership. “In launching the Rooting Out Poverty campaign, we have drawn on the experiences and proven techniques of Community Action Agencies like CHANGE, Inc. that are in the trenches fighting poverty on the local level. These agencies have seen what works, what doesn’t, and have used this knowledge to develop solutions and strategies to help low-income families achieve economic security. We want to see these strategies serve as models for implementation on the national level.”

PICTURES FROM EITC/VITA VOLUNTEER LUNCHEON
CHANGE, INC. NAMES MAZAR AS CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

The CHANGE, Inc. Board of Directors and Senior Management are pleased to announce that Christopher Mazar has been named as the agency’s Chief Financial Officer.

The position will be responsible for the oversight of all fiscal management and reporting, including payroll, program and agency wide budgets, cost reports, fiscal projections, funding submissions and the annual independent audit. 

“We are pleased to have Christopher join our agency. CHANGE, Inc has grown considerably over the years while always taking into consideration the needs of our customers and surrounding communities.  Christopher’s background in financial management will be a welcome addition to our management team,” commented Judy Raveaux, CEO of CHANGE, Inc.

A Hancock County resident, Mr. Mazar received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree in Accounting at Robert Morris University in 1996. Before taking the position with CHANGE, Inc., Mr. Mazar worked as a Financial Analysis Manager for a corporation in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, and brings over 12 years of financial management experience to CHANGE, Inc.

“I am blessed to be a part of the CHANGE, Inc. team and look forward to helping this organization better serve the community,” stated Mazar. 


CHANGE, INC. OFFERS SUMMER FOOD PROGRAM

CHANGE, Inc., in coordination with the Appalachian Nutrition Network, and the West Virginia Department of Education Office of Child Nutrition, is sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program at three sites throughout Brooke and Hancock Counties.

The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides free, nutritious meals to help children get the nutrition they need to learn, play, and grow, throughout the summer months when they are out of school. This program not only benefits the children of our community by providing them with complete, wholesome meals, it assists parents by easing the burden on their monthly budget.

One location in Hancock County and two locations in Brooke County have been designated as service sites, and will be open Monday through Friday, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm starting June 9, 2008 and ending August 15, 2008.

The sites will provide free, nutritious meals and milk to children up to age 18, and include:
•Betty Carr Recreation Site, Wellsburg
•Follansbee Park, Follansbee
•Weirton Christian Center, Weirton

For more information about the Summer Food Service Program, or you would like to volunteer for the program, please call Joyce at CHANGE, Inc. at 304-797-7733.



CHANGE, INC. PRESENTS CHECK TO CITY OF WEIRTON POLICE DEPARTMENT


On October 27, 2008, CHANGE, Inc. CEO Judy Raveaux and Board of Directors Chair Gary Lilly presented Police Chief Bruce Marshall with a check for $14,000 to help purchase two surveillance cameras. The cameras will be used as part of the City of Weirton Police Department’s city-wide effort to reduce crime in Weirton.

The funding was obtained through a federal grant from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Office of Justice Programs aimed at decreasing juvenile delinquency through youth centered programs. The federal grant also provided funding to equip and staff an Entrepreneurial Program targeting youth aged 14-18 and addressing a number of risk behaviors prevalent in Hancock and Brooke County, most importantly limited employment. The Entrepreneurial Program will give at-risk youth in Hancock and Brooke County to ability to learn design media, marketing and basic business skills that could help them further their education or join the emerging design media field.

Pictured from Left to Right: Gary Lilly, CHANGE, Inc. Board of Directors Chair; Dan Guida; Chief Bruce Marshall; Councilman George Ash; Judy Raveaux, CHANGE, Inc. CEO; Gus Monezis
FAMILY MEDICAL CARE COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER MARKS NATIONAL HEALTH CENTER WEEK 2008

Family Medical Care is celebrating National Health Center Week 2008 (August 10 – 16), a national campaign dedicated to recognizing the service and contributions of America’s Community Health Centers. The special focus for this year’s National Health Center Week (NHCW) is a new health center plan to create more medical homes in the future for the medically unserved and to honor the health care “heroes” at existing health centers today. The health care heroes are health center doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other health professionals who have chosen to serve in communities in need, helping to expand the reach of primary care and preventive health services.

“Our health care heroes at Family Medical Care work hard every day at providing people in the community a heath care home so they can stay healthy and out of hospitals,” said Judy Raveaux, CEO of CHANGE, Inc. “National Health Center Week is a time that we  set aside not only to recognize  the work of health centers, but also to spread the message that America needs to invest in an accessible and affordable community health system  that  can reduce disparities, improve health, and achieve cost savings in health and prevention.” 

In 2007, Family Medical Care saw 2,663 unduplicated patients for over 8,500 appointments, with 40% of those patients having a commercial insurance, 28% having Medicaid/Medicare, and 32% having no insurance at all.  The majority of patients came from Hancock, Brooke and Jefferson Counties, and many also came from surrounding communities.

“Family Medical Care is a proud supporter of National Health Center Week 2008,” said Raveaux. “Imagine the difference we can make by giving more people access to a medical home so they can stay healthy and out of hospitals. The payoff is lower health care costs, and healthier, more productive communities. We are committed to doing our part in seeing this plan become a reality in our community and state.” Family Medical Care leveraged more than $410,000 worth of free medications for patients of the health center, and provided $358,858 in discounts for medical care and $101,113 for prescriptions.

There are 6,300 health center delivery sites in urban and rural communities in all 50 states and territories. Health centers save the health care system up to $17.6 billion a year and have drawn top ratings as one of the most highly effective federal programs by the White House Office of Management and Budget. By doubling the number of patients served as projected in the ACCESS plan, health centers can generate savings as high as $40.7 billion in the next 8 years.

For more information about National Health Center Week, visit www.healthcenterweek.org.
FAMILY MEDICAL CARE ADDS TO FAMILY; NEW NURSE PRACTITIONER ON BOARD

Family Medical Care is pleased to announce that Barb Fahey has joined the community health center’s family as their newest Nurse Practitioner. 

Fahey comes to Family Medical Care from Riverside Medical of Ohio, where she had worked since 2002. Licensed in West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania, Fahey has also been certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

“We are pleased to have Barb join our family. Family Medical Care has grown considerably over the past few years, and Barb’s expertise will help the community health center to meet the ever growing need for quality health care in the Ohio Valley. With the addition of a third provider, we will be able to see more patients each day, and decrease the wait time for an appointment,” commented Judy Raveaux, CEO of CHANGE, Inc.

Fahey graduated from Franciscan University of Steubenville in 1988, and continued her education at Duquesne University where she obtained a Masters in Nursing and Post Masters Certificate as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

“I am excited to join the staff here at Family Medical Care, and I look forward to being able to help provide quality medical care to the residents of the Ohio Valley,” stated Fahey.