SJFMC Celebrates National Rural Health Day With Farmworker Video

Southern Jersey Family Medical Centers, Inc. (SJFMC) celebrated National Rural Health Day on November 15 by distributing a new video that highlighted the contributions of New Jersey farmworkers in the rural communities they serve. The video documentary of SJFMC’s “From Our Hands To Yours” Photography Exhibit chronicles the lives of farmworkers and their commitment to providing nutritious food to our communities. The video also showcases the dedication of Federally Qualified Health Centers like SJFMC that serve farmworkers with quality health care. Watch video below:

Atlantic City Community Baby Shower Offers Support, Education To Moms

By: Nicole Leonard Atlantic City Press, Staff Writer ATLANTIC CITY — Mothers with their babies, children, parents, partners and friends sat at round tables adorned with pink and blue balloons as they waited to hear their raffle tickets called to win onesies, feeding supplies, car seats, strollers and other necessities for newborn babies. The free community baby shower, put on by Southern Jersey Family Medical Centers and held Thursday at the All Wars Memorial Building, gave families living in and near the city a chance to access maternal and infant health services, support and education they may have otherwise lacked. Organizers from Southern Jersey Family, a health network with locations in Atlantic, Burlington and Salem counties, said they were focused on families of color and increasing awareness of racial disparities in infant and maternal deaths. “There are many factors, but one cannot ignore the role racism plays in these disparities,” said Linda Flake, president and CEO of Southern Jersey Family. “Societal stressors that are a part of life for an African-American woman have a detrimental impact on their lives and the lives of their infants.” Infant mortality in New Jersey for black babies, at 9.7 per 1,000 live births, is more than three times the rate among white babies, state data show. In some areas of the state, like Atlantic City, that rate is even higher at about 20 black infant deaths per 1,000 live births during the most recent five-year period. About 40 families and representatives from 15 state and local organizations ate lunch, played baby shower games and participated in educational workshops as the day went on. Destiny Wood, director of women’s health services and patient engagement, said although medical advancements have tremendously improved birth outcomes across the board, the disparity in infant and maternal deaths among white and black families has grown. “I was a labor and delivery nurse for 10 years, and I myself am a mother, so I’ve been on both sides,” she said. “It may be hard to admit, but racism has a lot to do with it. It’s the kind of institutionalized racism, the biases, that affect families, and we need to advocate as black women.” Flake said early and consistent prenatal care is crucial to decreasing infant mortality rates in Atlantic County, as well as having postpartum care. In addition to events like the free baby showers, Wood said the provider network will soon launch its own pilot doula, or birth coach, program to focus on mothers and families of color. State Department of Health officials announced earlier this year they also were launching a pilot doula program with $4.7 million and six state community-based organizations. Link to Article: https://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/wellness/womens_health/atlantic-city-community-baby-shower-offers-support-education-to-moms/article_a0ba4c13-76cc-559d-8657-a739935c653c.html

SJFMC Recognized as “Best Physician Group” in Salem County

Southern Jersey Family Health Centers (SJFMC) Salem site was awarded the “Best Physician Group” in Salem County. The award was provided by the Salem County Chamber of Commerce. Congratulations to our Salem Center for the amazing work you do for the residents of Salem County. You are valued and appreciated!

SJFMC Enrolls Residents in Insurance Plans During the Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment Period

In support of the “Get Covered New Jersey” campaign in partnership with NJ Citizen Action and other state organizations, SJFMC will sign up residents for Marketplace plans during the Affordable Care Act’s 2019 open enrollment period,  November 1 – December 15, 2018. The program promotes health coverage options available to residents through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace and off the Marketplace in the individual insurance market during open enrollment, as well as through the state’s NJ FamilyCare program year-round. The goal is to work together to ensure that all eligible NJ resident enroll in quality, affordable health care coverage. The great thing about this campaign is that SJFMC Financial Counselors are available to help residents access financial assistance and coverage.

SJFMC Staff Raises Awareness on Domestic Violence for #PurpleThursday

In support of victims of domestic violence, SJFMC staff joined together to wear purple and raise funds on Thursday, October 18. Proceeds benefited the AVANZAR (formerly The Women’s Center of Atlantic County), The Providence House in Burlington County and Salem County Women’s Services. The campaign raised awareness about domestic, spousal and teen dating violence. Women are the primary victims of domestic violence, but remember both men and women can fall victim. In fact, one in three women and one in four men will experience intimate partner violence (IPV) in their lifetimes.

SJFMC Re-certified as a Patient-Centered Medical Home for all six of its Eligible Sites

Southern Jersey Family Medical Centers was recertified by the National Committee of Quality Assurance as a Patient-Centered Medical Home, Level 3, the highest level attainable at all six of its eligible sites. SJFMC has a total of eight health centers across three South Jersey counties.

SJFMC Participates in Train Up Day to Highlight Reasons to Work for an FQHC

Southern Jersey Family Medical Centers (SJFMC) shared inspirational stories from employees in an informative flyer to show that there are no glass ceilings at federally qualified health centers. Southern Jersey Family Medical Centers employs 220 employees at eight sites in southern Jersey. SJFMC careers include nurses, physician assistants, doctors, medical assistants, lab technicians/phlebotomists, dentists, social workers, behavioral health counselors, security guards, information technology experts, human resource directors, chief operating officers, billers and community health workers. Statewide, FQHCs employ 3,170 individuals, including 1,858 medical professionals, according to the New Jersey Primary Care Association. New Jersey’s FQHCs provide comprehensive, culturally sensitive, high-quality primary medical, dental and behavioral health services for all ages. There are currently 24 FQHCs in New Jersey. These centers and their 134 satellite sites provide health care services to over 500,000 people in New Jersey. A variety of career opportunities exists at FQHCs. FQHCs are in every state across the nation. FQHCs are authorized under Section 330(A) of the Public Health Services Act to provide healthcare to the medically underserved. Many health centers and their sites are specially designated to serve the needs of special populations including homeless populations, public housing residents, migrant and seasonal farm workers, veterans and school-aged children. For more information about the HRSA Health Center Program, please click here.

SJFMC Hosts Free Community Baby Showers in Atlantic and Burlington Counties

Southern Jersey Family Medical Centers is hosting a free community baby shower open to all pregnant women/families and parents of young infants. Enjoy free gifts and food, plus valuable health information from SJFMC and community partners! There will be two events: Atlantic County Thursday, November 8, 2018 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. All Wars Memorial Building 1510 Adriatic Ave. Atlantic City, NJ 08401 RSVP at 609-348-0066 ext. 2125 or email: Stephanie.Weaver@sjfmc.org Burlington County Friday, November 2, 2018 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Tabernacle Baptist Church 150 E 2nd Street Burlington, NJ 08016 RSVP at 609-481-3041 or email: Michael.Bortnowski@sjfmc.org

SJFMC Recognizes Farmworkers at Burlington City Art Exhibit Unveiling During NJ Rural Health Weeks

Southern Jersey Family Medical Centers (SJFMC) unveiled a photography exhibit called “From Our Hands to Yours” to recognize the contributions of local farmworkers. The event was held to celebrate the two weeks at the end of September that are dedicated to addressing health challenges in rural communities and increasing awareness of rural health-related issues in New Jersey. At the event, SJFMC displayed over 20 photos that chronicle the lives of local farmworkers in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Salem Counties. The farmworkers in the photos are also SJFMC patients. Some of the farmworkers featured in the exhibit assist the Health Center as “Health Promoters,” also known as Promotores. The health promoters spread health education to agricultural workers about diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and other health topics. They also assist farmworkers in scheduling the appointments they need at SJFMC. “Due to the many extreme conditions and challenges agricultural workers encounter, many farmworkers suffer poorer than average health. Without the help of the SJFMC Migrant Outreach team, our providers, clinical support staff and health center, our local farmworkers would lack access to healthcare, health education and other services. At SJFMC, we are committed to helping farmworkers in any way we can. Our mission is to enhance their lives by providing them with compassionate health care and empowering them through health education and promotion,” said Linda Y. Flake, President/CEO of SJFMC. At the event, SJFMC presented farmworkers with gifts, including portraits of themselves in appreciation of their efforts. The New Jersey Primary Care Association attended the event along with New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) dignitaries, Assistant Commissioner for Community Health Services, Nashon Hornsby, and Rural Health Project Officer, Roslyn Council.

SJFMC Gives Out Free Fresh Produce Through Farmacy Program in Burlington County

In celebration of NJ Rural Health Weeks and in collaboration with the SJFMC Farmacy Program, Burlington County residents received free local produce at our Burlington City Health Center. The program, all about improving health outcomes through healthy eating, will expand to provide more produce to residents in neighborhoods that lack access to fresh fruits and vegetables across South Jersey in 2019.