HCHC thanks the community for its participation and partnership in creating a healthier Lawrence.

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The award will:

• continue funding for behavioral health consultant Karin Denes-Collar, an employee of the Bert Nash Center, to provide mental/behavioral health support for patients at primary care clinic, Heartland Community Health Center,
• place a psychiatric nurse practitioner from the Bert Nash Center onsite at Heartland Community Health Center,
• and place a primary care provider from Heartland Community Health Center onsite at the Bert Nash Center.

HCHC Medical Director, Raul Morffi, MD, and Bert Nash Center’s Karin Denes-Collar, LSCSW, work together to provide integrated care to HCHC’s patients. Photo by Jeff Burkhead. byAli Edwards

National studies show that up to 70 percent of diagnoses in a primary care setting result from psycho-social issues, not biology. Conversely, those diagnosed with a mental health disorder die on average of 25 years sooner than the rest of the population. These statistics show a great need for physical and mental health to be treated in the same setting by a team of both primary care and mental health providers.

“Having experience in practicing in both the mental health and primary care settings has shown me the great need in both populations for integrated care. Helping people where they are already accessing health care, at their doctor’s office, makes it easier and less stigmatizing to address mental health concerns, which are so common. Being able to offer primary care at the mental health center should offer the same advantages — people getting healthier faster and more efficiently,” said Karin Denes-Collar, behavioral health consultant.

The award is actually the second two-year award from the Sunflower Foundation supporting the partnership between HCHC and the Bert Nash Center. The first placed Denes-Collar at HCHC to provide mental and behavioral health and provided funding for an additional primary care provider to practice at HCHC.

“This grant award will increase access to much-needed care. We also anticipate greater patient satisfaction, improved health outcomes and an overall reduction in health care costs. This type of care is an all-around win.” Raul Morffi, HCHC Medical Director

Original story found here.

Interested in health care and want to give a year (or more) of service to help improve the health and lives of underserved members in our community? Apply to become an AmeriCorps member at Heartland Community Health Center!

Being an AmeriCorps member is a full-time job. The Americorps members at HCHC are aspiring health professionals of tomorrow. HCHC provides training to AmeriCorps members who then use the skills and experiences acquired to richly impact the lives of individuals who are the most under-served in Lawrence and in Douglas County. The Corporation for National and Community Service has funded a renewable request from Heartland Community Health Center for placement of AmeriCorps members in health coaching and administrative positions in the clinic.

AmeriCorps members receive a modest living allowance (approximately $12,000/year), student-loan forbearance, health coverage, and child care for those who qualify. After successfully completing their term of service, they receive an AmeriCorps Education Award of up to $5,550. This award can be used to pay off qualified student loans or to finance college, graduate school, or vocational training at eligible institutions.

To apply, click here. 

Community members donated approximately $6,000 at the event, which will be leveraged to assist in providing approximately 100 individuals with medical care.

Check out some hilarious photobooth pictures by clicking here.

Thanks to everyone who attended Fill up. Pour out! We’ll see you soon!

Heartland Community Health Center, a growing non-profit Christian Community Health Center in Lawrence, KS seeks an experienced professional provider dedicated to serving the under served and addressing health disparities.  If you are an APRN or PA interested in a commitment to a mission-driven team that provides holistic, integrated, patient-centered care, send your resume and cover letter to jobs@heartlandhealth.org.  No phone calls please.

Heartland Community Health Center, a growing non-profit Christian Community Health Center in Lawrence, KS seeks an experienced nursing professional who thrives in leading a team that clinically supports professional primary care providers in a mission-driven family practice setting. If you are an RN with at least 5 years of supervisory, clinical support and management experience, send your resume and cover letter to jobs@heartlandhealth.org.  No phone calls please.