The Pulse: Fall 2009 - La Familia Medical Center

.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
T H E B I A N N U A L N E W S L E T T E R O F L F M C • S A N TA F E , N M
A Beehive of Activity
Immunization Award
L
a Familia Medical Center was honored for
achieving a rate greater than 90% for the
immunization of children in Santa Fe County
by the New Mexico Immunization Coalition at
its Sixth Annual Provider Awards Dinner. The
New Mexico Immunization Coalition (NMIC) is a
statewide public/private partnership committed to
improving New Mexico’s immunization rates. The
vision of the NMIC is to achieve and sustain full
and timely immunization protection for all people
in New Mexico. The goal of the NMIC is to achieve
on-time age-appropriate immunization of 90% of all
people living in New Mexico by the year 2010.
The NMIC is supported by New Mexico’s First
Lady, Barbara Richardson, Secretary for Health,
Alfredo Vigil and the Executive Vice President for
UNM’s Health Sciences Center, Dr. Paul Roth.
The Keynote Speaker for the Awards Dinner was
Joe Lastinger, a parent advocate and member of the
executive committee for “Families Fighting Flu”,
which helps educate people about the severity
of influenza and the importance of vaccinating
children against influenza. Mr. Lastinger shared
his family’s tragic story concerning the loss of their
three year old daughter to influenza in 2004.
NOTICE
It’s time for the annual
Flu Shot campaign to
begin. FREE seasonal flu shots
are available to the public on Saturday
October 24th and November 14th from
8:00am until 11:30am at the Alto Street Clinic.
If the H1IN1 shot has arrived by either of these
dates, it will also be available free to the
public. Please call 982-4425
for more information.
FREE FLU SHOTS
AUTUMN
Looking back over the past six months La Familia Medical
Center has been a busy place. It is even busier since the Billing
Department moved to the Alto Street Clinic site last month.
Here are some of the highlights of the many activities at
LFMC during the last several months.
Kellogg Foundation
Films at Alto
Congressman Ben
Ray Lujan Visits
LFMC
Freshman Congressman Ben Ray
Lujan from the 3rd District New
Mexico, visited La Familia Medical
Center and congratulated the staff
on receiving stimulus funding
for three new medical and dental
provider positions.
The Congressman talked with staff
regarding the needs of community
medical centers and the role the
federal government will play.
Approximately 25% of LFMC’s
budget currently comes from
federal funding. Channel 7 KOATTV also spent time interviewing
the congressman at the Alto Street
Clinic.
In addition, LFMC received new
federal expansion grants for the
Behavorial Health Progam, Health
Care for the Homeless, and the
Dental Program. These funds will
be used to hire additional new
staff for these programs.
HYPERLINK
h t t p : / / w w w. l a f a m i l i a s f . o r g /
HTML/benlujan.html”
w w w. l a f a m i l i a s f. o r g
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s film
crew came to New Mexico. LFMC
was chosen as a participant in the
documentary. John Cassidy, CEO
and two families who utilize LFMC’s
dental services were interviewed,
photographed and filmed as part of
the documentary. The Foundation is
interested in current and future dental
care in the state of New Mexico.
The Democratic Party of
Santa Fe Volunteers
Members of the Democratic Party of Santa
Fe County came to work outside in the
early morning rain on Saturday, June 20th.
LFMC staff welcomed volunteers with hot
coffee and fresh donuts. Volunteers pulled
weeds, raked, and picked-up trash around
the parking lot, in flower beds, and at
adjacent areas to the building. Despite the
showers they worked until every last weed
was a memory. Newly elected County
Chair, Richard Ellenberg, arranged the
effort with the help of Cameron Duncan.
L A FA M I L I A M E D I C A L C E N T E R
OUR MISSION
La Familia Medical Center
is a community health
center providing high-quality
comprehensive medical, dental,
and health-education services
to everyone, with special
emphasis on the underserved.
These services are affordable
and culturally sensitive and are
delivered in a manner respectful
of the patient’s privacy, rights,
and dignity, regardless of their
financial resources.
Officers
Chief Executive Officer,
John Cassidy
Medical Director,
Gary Harris, MD
Dental Director,
Jessica Brewster, DDS
Board of Directors
Ramona Flores Lopez,
President
Andrew Montgomery, Esq.
Vice President
Charles Smith, MD, Treasurer
Karen Hubbard, Secretary
Criceida Mendez,
Member-at-Large
Jim Fisher
Lourdes Lopez
Margaux Quintana
Ernesto Ramos
Sergio Rodriguez
Curtis Schwartz
Mark Simpson
Jody Soper
Ron Van Amberg, Esq.
Ben Whitehill, MD
Newsletter
Sharon Askwith, Editor
Director of Development/
Communications
Alto Street Clinic
1035 Alto Street
Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 982-4425
Southside Clinic
2145 Caja del Oro Grant Road
Santa Fe, NM 87507
(505) 438-3195
Health Care for the Homeless
818 Camino Sierra Vista
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 988-1742
Established in 1972, La Familia
Medical Center is a non-forprofit, 501 C (3) organization
devoted to providing high
quality, culturally sensitive
medical and dental services to
the whole community.
2
THE PULSE • AUTUMN 2009
CEO’s MESSAGE
F
all festivals and
flu-shot clinics
announce a
new season, patrolled
crossings and lighted
parks signal a new school
year, and La Familia
Medical Center marks a
new fiscal year with doors
wide open.
The business strategy
implemented in order to
begin this year with a balanced budget required sacrifice
and heavy loads on the part of staff, dentists, and
doctors. Our nonprofit organization’s cooperative and
voluntary efforts to put patient services foremost was
wholehearted and unanimous.
Whereas we anticipate reforms to improve the medical
care system nationwide, La Familia Medical Center is
outstanding and unwavering in providing
comprehensive medical and dental care to the
underserved, locally.
All seasons are occasions for celebrating the cultural
uniqueness and diversity of Santa Fe. However, the
community we celebrate is grounded in a population
most vulnerable when it comes to affording healthcare
– hotel, restaurant and retail workers, day laborers and
nightshift custodians can rely on Santa Fe’s Community
Health Center for healthy pregnancies and well babies,
child development and behavioral health services,
emergency dental care and family medicine.
Thanks to all of you who support our mission. It is
indeed gratifying that over 40 of you responded to the
CEO Challenge Grant. Our Director of Development,
the Board, and I greatly appreciate your conscientious
interest in LFMC. We believe these visits have proven
mutually rewarding as spreading la buena palabra results
in greater in-kind contributions and more generous
donations.
Far above and beyond in-kind and monetary support,
we received the greatest of gifts this year – on
February 1, 2008, Staff Sergeant Julian Gonzales flew
the American flag over the Headquarters of the MultiNational Corps in Iraq during Operation Freedom 06-08.
On behalf of her husband, Peggy Gonzales, Pharmacy
Technician at the Alto Street Clinic, presented La Familia
with the flag in proud trust of LFMC’s place in service to
our community. We respectfully accept this touching gift.
MARK
YOUR CALENDARS
.............................................
Vanessie’s Health & Human Services
Activities Continue!
We are inviting staff and friends to go out
to dinner at Vanessie’s on Saturday night
December 5th. Tell them you are there for
La Familia Medical Center and a portion of the
proceeds will be donated to LFMC.
Bon appétit!
PEOPLE TO KNOW
Originally from a small
rural town in western
Montana, Carmen
Barnes, M.D. moved
to the “big city” of
Albuquerque for her
undergraduate training
where she doublemajored in Spanish
and Biology. At UNM
she pursued research;
traveled to South
America and Africa;
and began a love affair
with international medicine. She then went on
to pursue her medical career at the Dartmouth
Brown Medical Exchange program, where she
graduated in 2006. After graduation she ventured
to Peru on a Howard Hughes grant, where she
spent 2 years studying the genetic diversity of
Plasmodium falciparum, the most deadly form
of malaria. Nostalgic for the green chile and
endless blue skies typical of the Southwest, she
then followed her heart back to New Mexico
for residency. In her vast spare time she enjoys
salsa dancing (at least 3 times a week), reading,
traveling, and outdoor activities.
Bill Edwards graduated from the University of
Nevada School of Medicine after obtaining his
BA in English Literature from the University of
Alaska , Anchorage. He was born in Monroe ,
MI and lived most of his life in Chicago, IL. His
medical interests lie in rural primary care, and
he is considering moving back to Alaska when
finished with his
residency. He and
his wife, Julie, are
the happy and busy
parents of Maxwell
Robert, their oneyear old son. They
came to New
Mexico to explore
its rich cultural
traditions and
geographic diversity.
As a family, they
enjoy hiking,
camping, skiing
and good food. Bill is a musician and spent his
formative years as a, hopelessly broke, recording
and touring performer. He now spends bits and
pieces of free time in his home studio.
Jennifer Hartley,
Ph.D., M.D. graduated
from the University
of Vermont College
of Medicine. She
received a doctorate
in anthropology
from Brown
University, where her
research focused on
American women’s
understandings of the
relationship between
food and health. She
has particular interests in international medicine,
ethnobotany, and the use of art in healing.
Prior to coming to New Mexico she worked in
Afghanistan and Pakistan. She hopes to return to
that region to combine medicine and anthropology
in addressing the healthcare needs of women.
When not taking care of patients, she can usually
be found in a kitchen somewhere, cooking and
baking up a storm.
L A FA M I L I A M E D I C A L C E N T E R
3
THE PULSE • AUTUMN 2009
LA FAMILIA MEDICAL CENTER DONORS
JANUARY 2009 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2009
FOUNDER ($10,000 AND UP)
Andy Montgomery & Liz Lawrence
Thornburg Charitable Foundation
Doris G. Walbridge Foundation
The Dr. Neal Devitt
Award
The Northern New Mexico Family
Medicine Residency Program
and Christus St. Vincent Regional
Medical Center have established an
annual award in honor of Dr. Neal
Devitt, in recognition of his years
of commitment and continued
support and instruction to the
Northern New Mexico Family
Medicine Residency Program.
The Dr. Neal Devitt Award will
be given to one Family Medicine
Physician annually in recognition
of his/her personal commitment
to the education of residents in
this program.
On August 15, 2009 Dr. Neal
Devitt celebrated 25 years of service
at La Familia Medical Center. He
is a well respected member of the
medical staff, who came to Santa
Fe shortly after graduating from
Harvard University and Rush
Medical College. Dr. Devitt has
been a prominent member of the
Santa Fe medical community
and has received praise from his
peers and patients throughout his
medical tenure.
• GALLERIA •
The Alto Street Clinic is home to
numerous great pieces of art from
contemporary abstracts to realistic
renditions. Some works have come
through the Art In Public Places
Program of New Mexico Arts’
Department of Cultural Affairs. The
latest work is an oil painting under
glass entitled ‘Refuge’ by Jean
Newcomb. This rich landscape,
painted in 2005, was selected by
La Familia Medical Center staff for
the patient lobby.
BENEFACTOR ($5,000-$9,999)
The William H. & Mattie Harris
Foundation
Liberty Ranch
Celia D. Rumsey
Dr. Charles & Mrs. Smith
ADOCATE ($2,500-$4,999)
Buckaroo Ball
Christ’s Church of Santa Fe
La Campanas Community
Fund
PATRON ($1,000-$2,000)
Blue Cross/Blue Shield of NM
Church of the Holy Faith
Dr. Cornelius & Susanne
Dooley
Hoffman-Bravy Charitable
Fund
Kiwanis
Santa Maria de la Paz
Santa Fe Wal-Mart
Victoria Lee Seale
The Write Choice
SPONSOR ($500-$999)
Dottie & Dick Barrett
Laura & Larry Chancellor
Margo Cutler
Frances Diemoz
Fidelity Charitable Trust
Robert Howes
Bill & Marcy Litzenberg
Sarah Margulies
New Mexico State Employees
Northern NM Emergency
Medical
Mark Pearson
Judie Rosner
Roger Schoegler
Forest & Jean Smith
Tektronix Foundation
Carol & Robert Warren
SUPPORTER ($250-$499)
Mary & Curtis Brennan
Charter Bank for Saving
Mark Gelber
Robert Glick
Karen Hubbard
Patrick A. Hanson
Dr. Norman Kaplan
Mary Karshis
Barbara Meem
Suzy & David Pines
Taos Wal-Mart
George & Nancy Yankura
CONTRIBUTOR ($100-$249)
Albertson’s Community
Partners
Margaret & David Ater
Frederick & Mary Bender
Dick & Joan Chodosh
Jim Fisher
Elainne Giovando
Veronica & Joseph O’Halloran
Jose & Isabelle Ortiz
William & Denise Johnson
Judith Kiphart
Donald & Jean Lamm
Roberta Leeds
Cynthia Marietta
Barb & Michael Mason DDS
Thomas Merlan
Daniel & Vera Metzger
Sharon & Tony Mitchell
Isabella & Richard Morgado
Joanne Portillo
Sherry Sandlin
Jody Soper
Zaplin-Lampert Gallery Inc.
Dr. Walter & Suzanne
Zierman
FRIENDS (UP TO $99)
Charles Anderson
Joseph & Anna Annon
Mary Bird
Carl & Freya Diamond
David & Rebecca Donohue
Mr. & Mrs.James Hallquist
Roger & Louise Hill
Melanie Hornstein
Robert Griffith
Maragret Jantschi
Elmer & Judith Leslie
Lourdes Lopez
Kate McGraw
Margaux & Alexio Quintana
Sergio Rodriguez
Curtis & Gert Schwartz
Ptterson Simons
Dr. Mahlon Soloway
Jacqueline West
IN–KIND DONATIONS
John & Sharon Askwith
John Cassidy & Diane Brooks
Coca Cola Bottling
Mary Dennison
Dunkin Donuts
Girl Scouts
Home Depot
Kips Donuts
Kwal Paints
Ladies Revolution &
Needlework Society
Lowe’s Supermarket
Merry Go Round
Northern New Mexico Quilters
Ohori’s Coffee
Panaderia Zaragoza
Pepsi Bottling
Beverly Russell & Lois Rose
Sam’s Club
Santa Fe Baking Company
Sherwin Williams Paint
Ginny York
Mr. & Mrs. Zeigler
IN HONOR OF JODY SOPER
Teresa Parsons
IN HONOR THE MARRIAGE
OF
LYNN ROSEN & BILL LAZAR
Karen & Michael Davis
Lyn & Ellen Fox
Norman & Cynthia Goldring
John & Diane Hancock
Elizabeth Hancock
Phillip & Karen Milstein
Marjorie Ribe
Mary E. Smith
IN MEMORY OF GILBERT
VALLEJOS
LFMC Staff
STAFF
Jeanell Abeyta
LFMC Staff
Janice Lynn Bellet
Lisa Bierig
Peggy Gonzales
Dr. Gary Harris
Dr. Sue Katz
Veronica Montoya
Bernadette Pacheco
Rina Pelaccio
Aaron Perez
John Roybal
Corrina Vallejos
Joyce Vaughan
Carmela Winneberger
to our Wicked Affair
ComeCome
to our
Affair
If youWicked
dare . . .
If you dare . . .
Kindred Spirits will gather — one and all
To celebrate this year’s Mayor’s Ball
Kindred Spirits will gather — one and all
To
celebrate
this year’
s Mayor’
Ball
Santa
Fe’s La Familia
Medical
Centershosts
This gala for good witches, goblins and ghosts
Santa Fe’s La Familia Medical Center hosts
Santa Fe Community Convention Center is the venue
This
gala for good witches, goblins and ghosts
There will be no tricks just lots of treats on the menu
Santa Fe Community
Convention
is the venue
October 31st, Halloween
NightCenter
is the date
come
& bring
your mate
There willYou
beare
noinvited
trickstojust
lots
of treats
on the menu
g
October
31stbenefiting
, Halloween
Night
is the
date
Mayor’s Ball
La Familia
Medical
Center
Santa
Fe Community
Convention
You are
invited
to come
& bringCenter
your mate
200 Marcy Street, Santa Fe, NM
g October 31, 2009
Halloween Night: Saturday,
Dinner, Dancing, Silent Auction & Fortune Telling!
6pmLa
-11pm
Mayor’s Ball$120.00
benefiting
Familia
Medical Center
per ticket
(ADMITS TWO)
Santa Fe Community Convention Center
Attire:200
Black
tie or Street,
costumeSanta
befitting
occasion
Marcy
Fe,theNM
Information & RSVP: 955-0302
Tickets may be purchased with
credit
card by phone
Halloween Night:
Saturday,
October 31, 2009
Dinner, Dancing, Silent Auction & Fortune Telling!
6pm -11pm
$120.00 per ticket (ADMITS TWO)
Attire: Black tie or costume befitting the occasion
Information & RSVP: 955-0302
Tickets may be purchased with
credit card by phone