WV Health Right is pleased to announce its 2013 Volunteer of the Year, Dr.
David. Santrock. Dr. Santrock has volunteered at the clinic for over 6 years and
not ...
The Helping Hands of WV Health Right Spring 2013 Volunteers Caring for Others
Volunteer of the Year 2013: David Santrock, M.D. WV Health Right is pleased to announce its 2013 Volunteer of the Year, Dr. David Santrock. Dr. Santrock has volunteered at the clinic for over 6 years and not only provides outstanding orthopedic care for clinic patients but is also a compassionate and caring provider who consistently goes ‘above and beyond’ as a clinic volunteer. He always is available to consult with staff, often comes to the clinic on short notice, and even goes to the hospital to pull up x-rays! “Dr. Santrock truly personifies the meaning of volunteerism”, said Pat White, Executive Director. “He is genuinely concerned about our patients and provides wonderful specialty care to them”. Although retired, Dr. Santrock is one busy guy! In addition to his volunteer time at Health Right, he also regularly volunteers for Habitat for Humanity. Dr. Santrock and his wife, Linda, have been married for 51 years and have three sons and six grandchildren. Linda is also an active volunteer at St. Mark’s Clothing Closet. In his spare time, Dr. Santrock enjoys spending time with his family, biking, and boating. He’s also a huge fan of Schnauzers which even further endears him to clinic staff! “I volunteer because I like to give back to people”, says Dr. Santrock. And give back he certainly does: very well and very often! Congratulations to an outstanding and deserving volunteer, Dr. David Santrock, 2013 Volunteer of the Year!
Save This Date : September 21st
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ark your calendars for September 21, 2013 and plan to join us at Berry Hills Country Club for a fun filled evening as WV Health Right celebrates its 31st continuous year of providing health care to the impoverished uninsured of our community. We will again have an incredible array of silent auction items, fabulous food, and exciting live auction items. Check our website for updates as we get closer to event time…see you there on September 21st!
Mutual of America Foundation National Award
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V Health Right was selected as a Merit Finalist in the 2012 Mutual of America Foundation’s Community Partnership Awards competition. On April 17, 2013, WV Health Right’s WVRx program was recognized in an awards luncheon at the Marriott in Charleston. The program was chosen as one of 10 programs nationally for this prestigious award. Each year the Mutual of America Foundation sponsors a national competition in which hundreds of organizations demonstrate the value of their partnerships to the communities they serve, their ability to be replicated by others, and their capacity to stimulate new approaches to address significant social issues. Five individuals were recognized for their steadfast support of WVRx: Senator Joe Manchin, Jim Pitrollo, Beverly Railey-Robinson, Jeff Lewis and Shana Phares. Mutual of America Foundation CEO, Tom Gilliam and Vice-President, Ted Herman presented the Award and a $20,000 check to Patricia White, Executive Director. WV Health Right
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Message from Pat White, Executive Director a note of appreciation to the WV Health Care Authority for their J ust assistance in funding the WVRx program for the balance of this fiscal year. The program’s Return-On-Investment is $177 of medications for every $1 of state funding. The WVHCA is assisting WVRx to add another 5,000 West Virginians without health insurance in the program. The program has received national recognition (see Page 1). VRx was started at the bequest of Senator Joe Manchin when he was Governor and it is now in its 5th year! This free medication program provides help to 60,000 of West Virginia’s most vulnerable citizens. WVRx works with public and private doctors, hospitals and clinics and since its inception has provided over $111 million in medications. The mission of the program is to keep impoverished uninsured and under–insured patients on their medications, linked to a medical home, in order to reduce hospitalization costs and cost shifting (including to the Medicaid Medically Needy program). Finally, WVRx has provided assistance to over 2,000 seniors in the Medicare Part D coverage gap, known as the ‘Donut Hole’.
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When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us! Helen Keller
Saving Lives, One Patient at a Time
Inside this Issue
Volunteer of the Year, Santrock
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Mutual of America Award
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Saving Lives
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WVU Eye Institute
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Senior Survey by WVRx
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AEP Supports Health Right
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Volunteer Appreciation
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Dental Clinic
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DIY Cooking Classes
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Eat THIS, not THAT
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AZ HealthCare Foundation
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New Staff
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NIP Tax Credits Available
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Obama Day of Service
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WV Health Right
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ancy and Jim had been working in South Carolina, had insurance and a home but when the economy turned, the plant they worked at closed. After Jim lost his job, they couldn’t afford the COBRA health insurance and they returned to WV to live with family while they got on their feet again. But, the couple had some health issues: James was having trouble sleeping in bed so was sleeping in a chair. His breathing was labored when he came to Health Right. He was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and was able to be treated as an out-patient at the clinic. If he had waited for another week he would have been admitted to the hospital. He was also unaware that he was hypertensive so he and his wife enrolled in the clinic’s Healthy Heart classes and are learning what he can do to manage his hypertension. Nancy had not had a mammogram in years: when the clinic ordered one for her, it came back ’suspicious’. Her abnormal mammogram put her on the fast track for a needle biopsy. Fortunately, the lump was NOT cancerous. Nancy has become a ’believer’ in annual mammograms now and encourages other women to come to Health Right for annual check ups. She said,’ I really don’t know what we would have done without the clinic’s support and medical help, it has been a real life -saver”. Page 2
WVU Eye Institute Visits WV Health Right AGAIN!
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he West Virginia University Eye Institute once again visited WV Health Right on February 26, 2013, preforming eye exams on nearly 150 clinic
patients. More than 100 patients received glasses as a result of this full day of examinations. This service is made possible through a grant from the Benedum Foundation and Spectral Optical. Drs. Charles Moore and Serena Morrison headed the team who screened and wrote eye glass prescriptions for our patients. Pat White, WV Health Right Executive Director, said “We are so blessed to be the recipients of this wonderful program. For so many of our patients, the cost of eye exams and glasses is out of their financial reach. The Eye InstiDrs. Charles Moore & Serena Morrison and staff
tute team is greatly appreciated and we thank them for addressing this largely unmet need of the medically underserved”.
WVRx Seniors Survey
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he WVRx program began expanding to WV seniors last year by helping them to access medications through drug manufacturers’ patient assistance programs. The expansion has been a life-saver for many WV elders which opened up an opportunity for WV Health Right to establish another unique collaborative partnership. WV Health Right’s WVRx Program and the WV Partnership for Elder Living came together to conduct an “Independent Living Survey” for the purpose of gathering important information about WV Seniors. We asked them to tell us about their experiences, obstacles, and personal issues that they face daily as they do their best to live independently. We mailed surveys to over 2,000 people ages 65 and older that, prior to Medicare, received health care services primarily in free clinics, and were uninsured for the majority of their life span. Also included were patients whose health care had been provided by a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) or a Community Health Centers (CHC), that did not have an on-site pharmacy. Every person surveyed came to WV Health Right or its WVRx program as his or her primary entry point for seeking help to fill prescription medications. WV elders were asked to tell us about their health status and the barriers they face when accessing needed medications and health care. Included were questions about how our elders cope with the high cost of prescription medications and how they obtain information about health issues. The final report revealed important information about WV elders as they are “aging in place.” Basic living expenses, coupled with additional costs related to health insurance, health status, and especially access to prescription medications all play a critical decisive role in how our WV elders choose to manage their health especially when it comes to taking, or not taking their medicine. Very diverse coping strategies for dealing with the cost of prescription medication were revealed, the most common responses were “I reduce the dosage or do without,” “I limit other expenses,” I rely on family assistance,” and “I ask my doctor for samples.” The WVRx program has become an innovative benchmark for medication access in West Virginia. The state’s most vulnerable seniors now have a place to turn. As health care reform moves forward, it will be important to monitor how these changes affect our WV elders at risk for medication filling delays and issues that impact their access to health care. Medicare Part D will continue to evolve. Health reform changes have been designed to improve drug benefits; however, many elder West Virginians might argue that the changes will not be enough. Bigger challenges remain because as the population ages, the information associated with Medicare becomes more complex. There will still remain disparities among medically vulnerable populations, especially our elders. WVRx is here to help! To read the entire report go to the WV Health Right website: www.wvhealthright.org or www.WVRx.org. WV Health Right
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Appalachian Power Awards $50,000 Grant to WVRx
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ppalachian Power’s President and Chief Operating Officer, Charles Patton, presented WV Health Right with a $50,000 check on February 7, 2013 in support of the clinic’s WVRx program. “This is the first year that Appalachian Power has provided financial support to WVRx,” Mr. Patton said. “We believe many West Virginians need the benefit of this program, and it fits with our goal to help meet the basic needs of the communities we serve.” WVRx, the state’s only charitable mail order pharmacy, was launched in 2008 at the request Charles Patton, AEP, Pat White and Brenda Dane of then Governor Joe Manchin as a mechanism to ensure that uninsured and underinsured West Virginia residents could access life saving medications. Since the program’s inception, WVRx has provided prescription medications valued at over $111 million to more than 60,000 citizens across West Virginia. Further, the program has assisted 69,263 patients with referrals to a medical home, access to drug manufacturers’ Patient Assistance Programs, discount cards to reduce retail drug costs, Medicaid eligibility screening and referral, Medicare Part D selections, and assistance with medications to 2,263 seniors who entered the Part D coverage gap commonly known as the ‘donut hole’. “We are honored and pleased to get this grant”, Patricia White, executive director of WV Health Right, said. “WVRx is part of WV Health Right’s efforts to improve the health status of the estimated 200,000 uninsured residents of our state, so we are grateful for this funding.” To be eligible for WVRx, patients must be West Virginia residents ages 18-64, uninsured or underinsured, and have household incomes of 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level guidelines or less. For more information about the WVRx program, visit www.wvrx.org or call 877-388 -WVRx (9879), or in Charleston: 304-414-5921.
geon and was seen in chemotherapy and radi staff for saving his life.
Growing Our Clinic Through Volunteers and Partnerships
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Dr. James Gallagher
WV Health Right
ealth Right has hundreds of volunteers who provide the foundation of our clinic. We want to introduce our newest volunteer: Dr. James Gallagher, a Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiologist recruited by another volunteer, Dr. Bill Carter. April is National Volunteer Month and the clinic is celebrating it with each volunteer who comes in during this month. We truly appreciate EVERY volunteer‘s dedication to the mission of the clinic and the patients we serve daily. During the past year, this volunteer support enabled us to serve over 23,000 patients with quality medical and dental care, treatment and over 50 health education classes a month. AND, in May, we will start a PRE-diabetes education program in partnership with the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department. The Health Department has applied to CDC to begin a desperately needed program in WV, aimed at diagnosing diabetes EARLY and educating patients on what they can do to PREVENT the disease. Page 4
Dental Clinic Saves Lives
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ffordability of dental care can be challenging even for those who are fortunate enough to have insurance but for the uninsured, access to even the most rudimentary oral health care is often completely out of their financial reach. Although the Affordable Care Act, when fully implemented, will improve access to medical treatment, there are no provisions in the legislation to address dental care and treatment. In April 2012, Bernard presented at the clinic with dental pain. He was scheduled for a dental screening which revealed a huge tumor in his mouth. He was then referred to an oral surMay. He had surgery to remove the tumor which entailed removing about half of his jaw; he has undergone intensive iation. Although he still has additional treatments to complete, Bernard recently stopped in the clinic to thank the dental We are hopeful that he will be able to continue to improve and be declared cancer free in the near future.
Aspiring Medical Student Goes Above and Beyond
Do-It Yourself Cooking
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V Health Right recently implemented a ‘Do It Yourself’ cooking program for its patients who are participants in the clinic’s Pathways to a Healthy Heart initiative funded by the AstraZeneca HealthCare Foundation. Robert Burton, WVU Extension Agent, delivers this eight week program that allows patients to actually participate in the total food preparation process, including food safety. Each participant has a burner, pots, pans, cooking utensils, apron, and even a hairnet! They cut, chop, dice, and mince; they boil, blanch, sear, and sauté. Most importantly, they learn to prepare healthy, tasty foods that they can fix for themselves and their families. At the end of eight weeks, the patients receive a certificate of completion. The DIYers and their leader, Robert, are awesome! For information on the Pathways to a Healthy Heart program contact Keith Settle at 304-414-5947 or
[email protected] WV Health Right
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V Health Right is very fortunate to have Amir Eslami volunteer his time and talents while he is applying for admission to the WV School of Osteopathic Medicine. Amir volunteers for the clinic at least four full days a week (he also volunteers at CAMC one day/week) and is an avid and eager learner. He’s proven to be a ‘quick study’ at all tasks he’s assigned – everything from working the front desk to stuffing Easter eggs for the clinic’s White Hare! Most importantly, Amir has a genuine and compassionate interest in WV Health Right’s patients. Amir, originally from Iran, immigrated with his family to Canada in 1999. When his father accepted a faculty position at WVU-Institute of Technology in 2005, the family moved to Charleston. Amir graduated in May 2011 from Boise State with a B.S. in biology coupled with a minor in history. His overriding goal is to become a Doctor of Osteopathic medicine and provide primary care in a rural community-preferably Greenbrier County. When asked about his volunteer experience at WV Health Right, Amir says, “My favorite things about volunteering at Health Right are: helping patients, shadowing docs, and being able to be of service.” We believe Amir will be a tremendous asset to rural health in West Virginia! Page 5
Eat THIS, NOT That!
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ith a hint of spring finally in the air, it’s a good time to retire the ‘comfort’ foods and think about some great salads using seasonal produce. Following is a salad recipe that is hearty enough for an entire meal and low in calories to boot!
Super Spring Chicken Salad 4-6 cups mixed salad greens 1 large boneless chicken breast 1 cup cherry tomatoes 1 cup blueberries 1 cup raspberries 1 cup sliced strawberries ½ cup walnut pieces (or a few raw almonds) ¼ cup crumbled Feta cheese ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
. Bake chicken with just salt/pepper in 450 degree oven until done; slice into strips . Cut fruits and vegetables while chicken cooks. . Toss fruits, vegetables, cheeses and top each serving with about ¼ breast of chicken and 2 tbsp. of Newman’s Own Light Raspberry & Walnut Vinaigrette dressing. . Makes 4 big servings of salad with only 279 calories per serving!
You can make great desserts that are less than 150 calories with seasonal fresh fruits (from: Cooking Light Magazine)
Chocolate-Amaretti Peaches ½ cup crushed amaretti cookies (about 8 cookies) 2 tbsp. brown sugar 4 large ripe peaches, halved and pitted Cooking spray 8 tsps. butter or margarine . Preheat broiler, Combine cookie crumbs and sugar in a small bowl . Hollow center of peach halves using a melon baller. Fill each peach half with 1 rounded tablespoon cookie crumb mixture. . Arrange peaches in an 11x 7 inch glass or ceramic baking dish coated with cooking spray. . Place 1 teaspoon butter on top of each filled half. Broil 2 minutes or until butter melts. Sprinkle evenly with chocolate. . Cool 5 minutes before serving. Makes 8 servings at 148 calories each.
WV Health Right
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AstraZeneca HealthCare Foundation
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n February 21, 2013 AstraZeneca HealthCare Foundation announced grants to improve cardiovascular health to three nonprofit health organizations in Appalachia. WV Health Right received a $185,025 grant for the third year of funding for its Pathways to Cardiovascular program designed to improve at-risk patients’ health through sustainable lifestyle changes and continuity of health care. St. Mary’s Health Wagon in Clintwood, VA received funding for an initiative to prevent, detect, and treat health disease; the Ashland-Boyd County Health Department in Ashland, KY also received funding for its program to reduce childhood obesity. More than 800 patients with one or more cardiovascular risk factors have participated in WV Health Right’s Pathways to Cardiovascular Health program since its inception. The improvement in these patients’ health status has been extraordinary with significant drops in hemoglobin A1C levels, total cholesterol, and Body Mass Index (BMI). In fact, 21 patients have lost a combined total of more than 2,000 lbs. within the past two years! “WV Health Right is honored to have the AstraZeneca HealthCare Foundation’s support as we continue to improve the health status of our impoverished uninsured patients,” said Patricia White, Executive Director of WV Health Right. “The progress our patients have made in the Pathways to Cardiovascular Health program has been truly astounding. Through our partnership with the AstraZeneca HealthCare Foundation, our patients have made remarkable and sustainable lifestyle changes that have significantly decreased their cardiovascular risk factors”.
Health Right Welcomes New Nurse Practitioner
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V Health Right is pleased to announce that Emily Jensen has joined its staff as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Emily, a native of Kenya, obtained RN status from San Jaunto College, attended Wheeling Jesuit College where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree. She enrolled at Marshall University and completed her final clinical practicum at WV Health Right with Michele Selanik as her preceptor. “I was thrilled to be offered a position a Health Right”, Emily said. “I feel good about helping uninsured patients access quality healthcare”. Emily resides in Hurricane with her daughter. Welcome aboard, Emily!
Emily Jensen
Send your donation to:
WV Health Right 1520 Washington St., E. Charleston, WV 25311
WV Tax Credits
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f you are looking for ways to reduce your Tax Liability, you can contribute $500 or more in the form of cash, personal property, real estate, stock, or in-kind professional services to WV Health Right and receive a 50 percent state tax credit through the Neighborhood Investment Program (NIP). Donors can use these credits to reduce liability for West Virginia’s Corporate Net Income Tax, Business Franchise Tax, and Personal Income Tax. For every dollar received, WV Health Right provides $23 in healthcare services to the impoverished uninsured. Charitable giving is good business in West Virginia so plan today to make your contribution to WV Health Right by June 30th! For more information contact Ann Hyre at 304-414-5919 or at
[email protected]. WV Health Right
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WV Health Right, Inc. 1520 Washington St., E. Charleston, WV 25311
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE PAID Charleston, WV Permit Number 2784
Phone: 304-414-5911 Fax: 304-343-7009 Email:
[email protected]
Return Service Requested
WV Health Right Board of Directors Bob Whitler President
Dr. Julie Hamilton Vice President
Fran Moore
Funding from WV Health &Human Resources assists Health Right
Secretary
Sam Arco
Health Right Selected as a MLK Day of Service Site
Treasurer
Dr. Sam Henson Medical Director ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dr. Zarpash Baber Libby Boggess Dr. Greg Clarke Steve Dearien Barbara Gastineau Dr. Joe Farris James L. Johnson Ivin Lee Ned Rose David Shapiro
WV Health Right
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n January 19, 2013, WV Health Right hosted a dynamic and diverse group of volunteers who were participants in President Obama’s National Day of Service to honor Dr. Martin Luther King’s life and legacy. President Obama has been deeply committed to engaging more Americans in service since taking office four years ago. He expanded AmeriCorps through measures such as signing the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act in 2009 and creating the FEMA Corps program last year. He’s also launched the Serve.gov platform to make it easier for citizens to find and post volunteer opportunities. The President’s National Day of Service is a part of United We Serve, the President’s national call to service initiative. The Day of Service allows Americans of every age and background to celebrate Dr. King through service projects that strengthen communities, empower individuals, bridge barriers, and create solutions to make our country a better place to live. WV Health Right’s Day of Service volunteers, comprised of students and instructors from WV Business College, newcomers to the community, and retirees, embody Dr. King’s vision for creating the Beloved Community. In his words, “Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love.” Page 8
