Health Centers Unite for National
Health Center Week 2020

Featured image showcasing the theme of this year’s National Health Center Week: “Lighting the Way for Healthier Communities Today and in the Future.”

This month we were excited to celebrate and honor all of our staff, patients, and stakeholders during National Health Center Week 2020. Despite having to revisit the drawing board due to COVID-19 restrictions, Esperanza still managed to brighten the day of many lives. But this was not achieved alone.

During our participation, we witnessed the love and support of community members and organizations. Starting off the week, all staff at our Hunting Park location were greeted early morning by local neighbors who decided to show up with signs and goodies as employees arrived at work.

Locals took to a mic and a personal sound system to express their gratitude towards us, and our very own Susan Post conveyed the importance of our mission and Esperanza’s support of seniors.

Following the surprise visit, Wednesday the health center hosted Patient Appreciation Day at every site. Thanks to Health Partners Plans for their generosity and support, every patient on site received a quality tote bag along with a carry-on spray hand sanitizer, and additional resources.

We were also honored to have with us Cheyenne Flores, a Climate Resilience Fellow, from Philadelphia’s Office of Sustainability. Patients were grateful for her time devoted to sharing information on heat relief resources, and for providing gifts to anyone who filled out a survey.

Cheyenne Flores stands at a pop-up station assisting community members on
Patient Appreciation Day.

On the very next day, Esperanza managers and board members took some time during their workday to send out letters to our local and state legislators on Stakeholder Appreciation Day, to express how grateful we are for all those who advocate on behalf of our clinic, and all the work they do.

In recognition of everyone on our staff this year and to keep in mind the importance of staying hydrated, on Staff Appreciation Day everyone in our EHC family received a water bottle featuring a flip straw lid, Esperanza’s logo, and our mission statement Bible verse — below are some photos submitted from staff at each location.

Esperanza Fresh Returns

Sonja Bingam (left), Veralyn Bingam (middle), and Celine Perez (right). All three women are
Community Connectors from Impact Services, and helped to serve the Kensington neighborhood

On August 6th, the Community Health and Wellness team announced the return of Esperanza’s annual farmer’s market, Esperanza Fresh that will be held every Thursday through the end of October.

The news comes at such a pivotal time in our city, as many face unemployment and the risk of eviction due to backed up rent payments.

One of our volunteers, John Son, shared his experience of how he’s witnessed the impact our efforts have had. “For me, I’d have to say Esperanza Fresh is not only an opportunity to share fresh produce, but also to share God’s light into our communities and letting them know that we are here and that we care,” said John.

This program is one of many services we offer to our patients and local communities struggling to provide for themselves and their families. All of the fresh produce comes packaged through our partnership with America’s Grow-A-Row in Union Township, New Jersey.

Anyone is welcome to either of our Esperanza Fresh stations on Thursdays now through October, either at our Hunting Park site, Thursday mornings from 10:30-11:30am, or at The Simple Way garden on the corner of H and Potter Streets in Kensington, Thursday afternoons from 2:30-3:30pm. This is our first year serving both communities!

“I suppose my favorite part of the initiative is how diversely impactful the partnership is. From farm, to health facility, to neighborhood of grandparents, parents and children. Not only are we being exposed to foods outside of our norm, we’re also learning about different cultures because people share their desired intent in recipes for the delicious fruits and vegetables. We’re creating a new community of fresh foodies!” expressed Sonja Bingam, a community
connector from Impact Services

Esperanza Fresh poster is on display on the fence of The Simple Way garden.

“Once a participant comes the first time and is registered, they can come every week to receive produce,” said Maryann Salib, DO, MPH, Associate Medical Director of Community Health and Wellness. “We have modified our workflow to follow CDC guidelines of mask use and social distancing, and the entire market will be held outside.”

The final day to receive produce is October 29th.

Thanks for your gifts that help us to provide excellent, compassionate care and health resources for our patients and community members. We are  grateful for your partnership with us!

Join the Esperanza Team!

We are open for business and actively hiring qualified professionals who seek to share in our mission to provide Christ-centered, quality health care services. Please visit our Career Center where you can view every open position up to date, and apply online!

Highlighted below are some of our top priority hiring opportunities:

 

Director of IT

Maintains information technology strategies by managing staff; researching and implementing technological strategic solutions. Responsible for the overall planning, organizing, and execution of all IT functions of Esperanza Health Center. This includes directing all IT operations to meet employee and patient requirements as well as the support and maintenance of existing applications and development of new technical solutions.

Financial Director/CFO

The Finance Director/Chief Financial Officer is responsible for leading and overseeing all financial aspects of Esperanza Health Center, including accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, reimbursement, and other financial matters. Supervises Associate Finance Director, Billing Manager, and Staff Accountant.

Associate Director of Clinical IT

The Associate Director of Clinical IT will serve as a member of the Information Technology department supporting the day-to-day operations of Esperanza Health Center’s Clinical IT services. This includes supervising staff, supporting clinical users, and collaborating with multiple departments to improve th performance and usability of our clinical applications (Centricity EMR, EZAccess patient portal, and supporting interfaces). The Associate Director of
Clinical IT will marshal IT resources to meet immediate needs of clinical operations, and innovate to support future needs.

Behavioral Health Consultant

The Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC) works during normal clinic hours under direct supervision of a licensed practitioner. The BHC is a member of the primary care provider team providing brief, immediate behavioral health support and interventions as part of integrated primary care services. Makes referrals to outside agencies when appropriate for optimum patient care. LCSW or PsyD required or close to receiving.