Mashpee – Community Health Center is excited to announce a new initiative set to have a wide-reaching positive impact on patient care. The Collaborative Drug Therapy Management (CDTM) Program allows licensed Pharmacists to enter a written, collaborative practice agreement (CPA) with a supervising physician within the scope of the supervising physician’s practice. Under the leadership of John Correira RPh, Director of Pharmacy Services at CHC, the program seeks to optimize patients’ medication plans by facilitating seamless coordination between pharmacists and physicians. Jumpstarting this program are two exceptional pharmacists, Jennifer Steele, Pharm D, and Elizabeth Pollard, Pharm D, both of whom are excited to bring their wealth of experience and expertise to CHC patient care.

Jennifer has been serving as a staff pharmacist at the Mashpee office for ten years. She has an impressive pharmaceutical care background that includes working as a post marketing safety evaluator for the Food and Drug Administration as well as in a clinical pharmacist role with Home Solutions Infusion Therapy. Jennifer received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy and completed her pharmacy practice residency at Washington Hospital Center in Washington, DC. Jennifer’s diverse clinical experience has equipped her with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the complex landscape of patient medication management. Elizabeth Pollard, PharmD, is another talented CHC pharmacist who brings a unique blend of skills and experience to the program. She began her career as a pharmacy technician at Heywood Hospital in Gardner, MA, before receiving her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy in Worchester. Since then, she has gained extensive experience in retail settings, growing her background in operations management, patient education, immunizations, and error prevention. Elizabeth joined the Community Health Center team in 2021 when CHC’s retail pharmacy in Falmouth opened.

Through the CDTM program, Jennifer and Elizabeth will be able to initiate, monitor, adjust or discontinue a patient’s drug therapy, ensuring that each individual receives tailored care that aligns with their unique needs. Through access to comprehensive patient histories, vital signs assessments and relevant laboratory test results, these pharmacists will work hand in hand with physicians to manage conditions including hypertension and diabetes with greater precision and efficacy. “The CDTM program will allow our Clinical Pharmacists to apply their specific medication knowledge, skills, and abilities to ensure optimal results from drug therapy,” explains John Correira. “This team-based, patient-centered approach will focus on the quality of patient outcomes.” By combining medication management with nutrition, education and follow-up interventions, Jennifer, Elizabeth, and their colleagues will strive to deliver comprehensive, high-quality care that places the patient at the forefront of every decision.

Whether through the provision of affordable prescriptions for patients, or the accessibility of retail pharmacy services to the public community, CHC remains dedicated to promoting health and wellness for all. CHC pharmacists make sure that each patient leaves with the information and support they need to be confident that their care plan is uniquely best to meet their individual health goals. CHC has three convenient onsite pharmacies in Mashpee, Falmouth and Bourne. The Falmouth and Bourne Retail Pharmacies are open to both the public and CHC patients, with the ability to accept prescriptions from any provider’s office. CHC’s Mashpee Pharmacy provides affordable prescriptions for Community Health Center patients. To learn more about Community Health Center’s Pharmacy Services, please visit CHCofCapeCod.org/services/pharmacy.

Mashpee – The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has awarded multiple commendations to Community Health Center for outstanding quality improvement. Most notably, Community Health Center has received Silver Certification as a Health Center Quality Leader based on quality measures they implement for the patients they serve.

In addition to this award, Community Health Center has been recognized with a number of other honors, including the following: Access Enhancer, recognizing CHCs that increased the total number of patients and the number of patients who receive at least one comprehensive service by at least 5% during consecutive years. Advancing HIT for Quality, recognizing CHCs that meet all criteria to optimize Health Information Technology (HIT) services. Addressing Social Risk Factors, recognizing CHCs that are screening for social risk factors impacting patient health, and are increasing access to enabling services. Health Disparities Reducer, recognizing CHCs that qualify for the Access Enhancer award, and meet clinical measures related to low birth weight, hypertension control and uncontrolled diabetes.

“Our focus on continual quality improvement has always been a driving factor of what we do,” said Karen Gardner, Community Health Center’s Chief Executive Officer. “Beyond patient visits, our programs and services such as remote patient monitoring, telehealth, and lifestyle medicine are designed to increase access and better patient outcomes. We are very proud of our commitment to quality and grateful to have an impact on our community.”

These awards recognize the highest-performing health centers nationwide as well as the health centers that have made significant quality improvement gains from the previous year.

Mashpee – Community Health Center is proud to welcome Pedro Fortes MSN, FNP-BC and Emma Mattson, DMD to their staff.

Pedro Fortes MSN, FNP-BC received a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing followed by a Master of Science – family nurse practitioner degree from Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions in Boston. He also holds a Bachelor Degree in Business Management from Curry College in Milton. Pedro has been a part of Community Health Center for more than 5 years, as a patient engagement specialist, and then as a registered nurse prior to becoming a family nurse practitioner. Pedro is currently part of the walk in care team at CHC’s Bourne Office located at 123 Waterhouse Road.

Emma Mattson, DMD received her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology on a pre-med track from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester. She then went on to receive her Master of Science in biomedical sciences from Barry University in Hollywood, FL, before moving on to complete her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of New England in Portland, ME. Dr. Mattson is currently caring for patients in CHC’s Mashpee dental office located at 107 Commercial Street.

Mashpee – Community Health Center has achieved Diabetes Recognition from NCQA (National Committee for Quality Assurance). The Diabetes Recognition Program recognizes clinicians who use evidence-based measures to provide quality care to their patients with diabetes. Recognition makes CHC part of an elite group that is publicly recognized for providing the highest level of diabetes care.
NCQA uses measurement, transparency and accountability to drive improvement in health care. This recognition is based on measures that include: HbA1c Control, Blood Pressure Control, Eye Examinations, Nephropathy Assessment, Foot Examination, Smoking and Tobacco Use Cessation Assistance.
“Community Health Center has been steadily working toward this goal, and refined workflows and made organizational improvements in order to provide high quality care to our patients with diabetes,” said CHC’s Quality Improvement Coordinator Lee Wotherspoon. “Our clinicians are dedicated to patient-centered care and improving patient outcomes. Meeting the benchmarks for the recognition program is really about working together as a team with and for our patients to help them achieve better health.”

To earn NCQA Recognition, CHC submitted data demonstrating that they meet specific quality benchmarks for the six clinical performance measures comprising the Diabetes Recognition Program. Earning and maintaining NCQA Diabetes Recognition sets CHC apart from their peers, and is a great testament to their goal of continual quality improvement.

Mashpee – The federal government has ended the public health emergency that was implemented in March 2020, and in response to this decision, MassHealth has returned to its standard annual eligibility renewal processes. Beginning on April 1, 2023, all current MassHealth members now need to renew their health coverage to ensure they still qualify for their current benefits. These renewals are being rolled out to all members over the course of 12 months.

Community Health Center is hosting an insurance enrollment event to assist individuals with this enrollment process. The event will be held on Thursday, October 5 from 12pm to 6pm at CHC’s Mashpee office located at 107 Commercial Street. Two Certified Assistance Counselors from MassHealth will be onsite to help anyone in the community looking for help with their redetermination packet. You do not have to be a CHC patient to participate, and no appointment is necessary. Assistance will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

This event is part of MassHealth’s drive to increase the number of front-line staff in enrollment centers to make the redetermination process more efficient, and easier for individuals. If you cannot attend the event or have any additional questions about redetermination, please contact MassHealth at (800) 841- 2900.

Community Health Center has come a long way in the last quarter century and is proud to celebrate our 25th Anniversary of improving the health of the community through the provision of equitable, patient-centered, high-quality, compassionate health care to all, regardless of ability to pay in 2023.

CHC was founded in 1998 as the Falmouth Free Clinic, by a small group of dedicated volunteer physicians, nurses, counselors and lay people to people to provide free health services to uninsured residents of Cape Cod and the Islands. Today, we are a Federally Qualified Health Center, providing integrated care services to more than 25,000 individuals at seven offices on the Cape.

“Through all of our growth and change since our founding, our original mission has remained constant, to provide access to care for all, regardless of ability to pay,” says Karen Gardner, Chief Executive Officer at Community Health Center. “It has been so incredible to watch this organization continue to have a positive influence on the health of our community. We are so grateful for the last 25 years, and look forward to the impact we will continue to make in the future.”

Community Health Center provides care within a complete medical home model, offering individuals primary care, behavioral health care, dental care, walk-in care, gynecology, optometry, substance use disorder services, on-site affordable prescriptions, lifestyle medicine, x-ray and ultrasound services, case management services, barrier assessments and assistance, Veterans care and many other specialized programs.

There are a number of ways for the community to get involved with Community Health Center’s 25th Anniversary, culminating with a Treasures of Good Health Celebration on Friday, October 13 at Willowbend.  To learn more about this event or other ways to get involved, please visit CHCofCapeCod.org/25years. If you have any questions about Community Health Center, feel free to reach out to the Advancement Department at (508) 477-5990 or [email protected].

Community Health Center will be hosting their 23rd Annual Golf Tournament at Pocasset Golf Club (24 Club House Drive, Pocasset) on Monday, September 11. Last year’s event featured a sold-out field that raised a record-breaking amount to support CHC’s programs and services. This Tournament is just one event that CHC is planning this year to commemorate their 25th Anniversary.

The funds raised from this event go directly to impact Community Health Center’s mission, specifically to increase access to health and wellness programming for the community. This includes providing chronic disease programs to improve overall wellness; supporting busy, working families; nurturing youth to build character through positive life choices; and creating social and wellness programs for seniors to remain active and independent.

The CHC Golf Tournament will begin with a 12:30 shotgun start, and includes lunch, a cocktail reception, on-course contests, dinner, awards and auction. To register, learn more or find other ways to support Community Health Center’s Golf Tournament, visit CHCofCapeCod.org/golf.  If you have questions, please contact Christopher Ellis at [email protected] or (508) 477-5990.

Effective May 11, 2023, Community Health Center updated its mask policy for all patients, visitors, and staff. Masks will continue to be provided at all CHC locations. Patients, visitors or team members who would like to continue wearing a mask are free to do so at any time.

Please note, there are some instances when wearing a mask is still recommended or required:

• Recommended: All CHC employees are recommended to wear masks when they are in a clinical setting, providing routine patient care.
• Required: All patients will be screened at the front desk and if positive for symptoms of an airborne pathogen illness, including fever, cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, shortness of breath, they will be asked to wear a mask. Health care provider caring for the patient should wear a mask.
• Required: Health care provider should wear a mask if they have symptoms of an airborne pathogen illness, including fever, cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, shortness of breath.
• Required: When isolation precautions (aka transmission-based precautions) are in place (ex. confirmed or suspected COVID-19, flu, etc.)
• Required: After exposure to someone diagnosed with COVID-19 without wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Required: Health care provider should wear a mask upon request by the patient or the patient’s representative.

*This guidance may change based upon county COVID-19 prevalence.

CHC’s masking guidance may change based on COVID-19 prevalence within its counties. If COVID-19 activity increases in a county, masking requirements may be reinstated for all CHC facilities.  for more information about COVID-19 vaccinations and testing at Community Health Center, please click here.

Bourne – Community Health Center now offers walk-in care services for CHC patients and the community at their Bourne office at 123 Waterhouse Road. Walk-in care can be utilized for sick visits such as flu, cold, cough, sore throat and other minor illnesses or injuries. These services are available Monday – Friday from 8:30am – 4:30pm. This expansion of services aims to increase access to day-of care for individuals in need on the Upper Cape and surrounding areas. 

Community Health Center’s walk-in care location can be found in the current CHC office in Bourne which provides primary care, dental care, behavioral health care, and diagnostic lab services as well as a full-service retail pharmacy. Community Health Center also provides walk-in care at its Mashpee (107 Commercial Street) and Centerville (1185B Falmouth Road) offices. No appointment is necessary to receive walk-in care at Community Health Center’s locations. In addition to walk-in services, CHC offers integrated primary care, behavioral health care, dental care, gynecology, optometry, substance use disorder services, on-site affordable prescriptions and other services.

As part of our continued commitment to improve access to care for all in our community, Community Health Center offers a convenient telehealth tool called Bright.md SmartExam. Adult CHC patients can access the Bright.md SmartExam any time of day or night. A Community Health Center provider will review the exam during walk-in hours (Monday-Thursday 8:00am-5:30pm and Friday 8:00am-5:00pm). Once the provider has reviewed and signed the exam, the patient will receive an email with their treatment plan, including prescriptions ordered, if appropriate. Providers may notify patients directly if they determine an in-person or video visit is necessary to diagnose their ailment.

Community Health Center is proud to offer this tool as a way to improve access to care. Though Bright.md SmartExam won’t be a perfect fit for everyone and every situation, we hope the convenience will be welcomed by those who opt to use it.

SmartExam is available for a wide variety of ailments including:

Acne
Birth Control
Bladder Infection (UTI)
Burn/Sunburn
Constipation
Depression/Anxiety
Erectile Dysfunction
Ear Pain
GERD
Headache
Low Back Pain
Mastitis
Mouth sore
Rash
Smoking Cessation
Sexually Transmitted Illness
Sty/Pink Eye
Upper respiratory illness
Yeast Infection

If you have any questions about this service please contact Community Health Center at (508) 477-7090.