SPRING 2011 NEWSLETTER

INSIDE

Thank you! I have never been treated so good - Ive never been pampered before! ...a shelter resident reflecting on this years Spa Day, an annual, volunteer-driven event for clients of Country Doctor Community Health Centers homeless shelter nursing team.
I learned how to love myself. Dr. Carrie Rubenstein once again encouraged questions related to female health; those questions you were afraid to ask under other circumstances. Questions ranging from mammograms to safe sex and pap smears were raised. I learned how to deal about menopause how to deal with stress. For many, the most moving moment was the singing by a client whose emotional rendition of her original lyrics A Spa Day client receives a pampering hand massage with her makeover. kept the audience spellbound. For many of these women, Baked in Seattle, whose owner As is the tradition, each guest left with a basket overflowing this was the first time theyd Shaw Dixon, is a former with luxurious soaps, lotions, received nurturing attention. patient. We thank Shaw for make-up, candles, hand-knitted Life is a daily struggle for her continued generosity. scarves, and the like. Applause most; fleeing an abusive Motivational speaker Val to Carla Kepler, whose weekly relationship, escaping civil Thomas-Matson turned the knitting group produces the war, struggling with mental space into a room of nodding scarves year round to insure health issues or battling years heads, (from guests and each participant receives a of addiction. Thanks to a team volunteers alike) with her warm, new, original creation. of volunteers, clients were emotional talk on the A new addition was cloth treated to manicures, massage, necessity for women to take purses or cosmetic bags make-overs, pedicures, foot care of themselves and to handmade by students at Lake rubs, and a bountiful edible remember self . One Washington Girls Middle feast. Trays of luscious participant put it this way, Story continues on page 3. cheesecakes were a gift from

1 Spa Day 2 Message from the Executive Director 3 Spa Day Continues 4 Program Profile: Maternal Depression 5 News Fan Mail 6 Eat Out on Capitol Hill 7 Welcome New Staff Members Program Profile: Maternal Depression Continues 8 Save the Date! Third Annual Dinner

SPRING 2011

COUNTRY DOCTOR COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS

our mission To improve the health of our community by providing high

quality, caring, culturally appropriate primary health care that addresses the needs of people regardless of their ability to pay.
> >

A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, LINDA McVEIGH

Dear Friends, BOARD OF DIRECTORS Pamela Dunn Chairperson Joan Kleinberg Vice-Chairperson Secretary Jerry Sale Treasurer Cheryl Anderson Colt de Wolf Patrick Ferguson Carla Kroeze Robert Lesko Ly Sieng Ngo August Piper, M.D. Winnie Sperry Sara Thompson, M.D. ex-officio Kathy Smith-DiJulio Greg Swint Raleigh Watts Emeritus Willie Gammon Lisa Taylor During these times of headline-grabbing challenges, Id like to step back and say thank you to all of you individuals, foundations, and corporations who generously step up and help CDCHC provide accessible healthcare to our communities When times are tough its always gratifying to reflect on the resiliency of Country Doctor over the past 40 years. These are the times when the community needs CDCHC the most. Weve certainly seen that in the past couple of years with ever-increasing numbers of patients in particular uninsured patients seeking care from us. In 2010, 72% of new patients were uninsured; since 2008 the number of patients weve seen has grown 23%. With significant cuts in the states Basic Health Plan, Maternity Support Services program, and Disability Lifeline, the number of uninsured will only increase. Its reassuring to know that often forgotten populations have a healthcare home at Country Doctor. Over the years Ive been privileged to receive many compliments from patients. Two stand out: Country Doctor is a health care provider where you can be seen and not leave your dignity at the door. The other memorable comment was Everywhere else, the first thing they ask is, What insurance do you have? At Country Doctor, the first thing they ask is Whats wrong with you? To me, that epitomizes what Country Doctor is all about, ensuring that all of us have access to primary and preventive healthcare without regard to ability to pay. Given these strains increased patients, decreased public funding we will be asking for your help more often than we have in the past. Please understand that we wouldnt be asking if we didnt really need your help. We know many of you have also been affected by the recession and the states budget cuts. We ask you to give what you can; by working together we will turn todays challenges into tomorrows success stories. I invite you to tour our clinics, be a part of upcoming events, and let your friends and family know about Country Doctor Community Health Centers open door policy as a healthcare home to all. Thank you for all your support. Linda McVeigh
2

SPRING 2011

COUNTRY DOCTOR COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS

I will never go through this again, (homeless). I will put my foot down and stay strong with my decisions. -one of our Spa Day clients.

Story continued from page 1.

School (LWGMS). Original individual greetings cards also created by LWGMS girls adorned each table. Thank you to LWGMC for adopting Spa Day as their community project. It was unanimously agreed that this was the best Spa Day ever. This outcome was only possible because of the determination and ingenuity of the homeless shelter nursing team, Bernie Creaven, RN, and Laurie Dempsey, RN, who spent evenings and weekends making the event a reality. Thank you also to the numerous donors and volunteers for their many contributions. One lady summed up the day this way, Today was perfect. Donors Joyce Altman Barbara Bader Emily Bader Angela Chapman

Tricia Spach Lane Youngblood Volunteers Heather Barr Terry Bush Tina Brysz Karen Campbell Jeanne Chamberlain Tricia Creaven Ruth Duncan Lia Fua Lisa Hartline Pamela Jones Bobbe Kovar Heather Kovar Marsha McCoy Kathleen McIver Yu Okamura Mara Palmer Carrie Rubenstein, MD Val Thomas-Matson Amenra Trotter Lane Youngblood

Cheryl Ellsworth Cheryl Harrison Kate Homewood Pamela Jones Lela Joseph Lane Youngblood In-Kind Donors Karen Allan Baked In Seattle Bernie Creaven Cheryl Ellsworth Elizabeth Grande Kate Homewood Pamela Jones Carla Kepler Janet Kormondy Wendi Kovar Lake Washington Girls Middle School students and families Ying Law Renee Ragazza-Miller Trish Ratcliff, Mary Kay Cosmetics

SPRING 2011

COUNTRY DOCTOR COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS

PROFILE: Maternal Mental Health

It is not uncommon for CDCHCs pregnant women and moms to be diagnosed with a form of mood disorder, such as depression or anxiety, given their financial and social stresses. Sometimes their young children suffer from mood challenges, developmental issues, or behavioral problems as well. working with mothers, children, and babies, I can have the most impact in steering behaviors in the right direction long term; I can affect change. Formerly with a South Seattle youth mentoring program, Anna says, I like developing relationships with clients and encouraging them as they work determines levels of depression and other possible mood concerns. A question Monica and Anna always ask is have you been feeling sad or down lately and have you had less interest or pleasure in doing things? The response plus answers to questions in the questionnaire determine next steps. Anna and Monicas assistance can be as simple as referrals to food and clothing banks to coordinating mental health therapy and medication. Their assistance can be more critical helping a depressed mom buy food for her children. Monica and Anna facilitate eight-week support groups for Spanish-speaking moms where they address topics such as parenting, self-care for depression, and couples counseling. Participants are encouraged to speak freely. Monica states, an example of self-care would be changes in diet and daily exercise even if its only walking around a few blocks. Isolation can perpetuate depression. Anna adds, we are able to develop the group curriculum to meet the specific needs of the women. This may include taking a trip to the nearby library to help the moms apply for library cards, or spending the morning doing arts and crafts for relaxation. Theresa, a patient of Annas, was an overwhelmed young single mom with a three year old and a new baby. She continues to come to CDCHC though she has moved out of King County. Theresa suffers from
Story continues on page 7.

Having fun with a little exercise during one recent support session.

Anna Gruen, MSW and Monica Lake, BA, both Spanish-speaking, coordinate CDCHCs maternal and child behavioral health program. Many of these patients speak English as a second language. After 11 years as a pretrial screener at the Regional Justice Center, Monica was ready to work in a preventive culture. When

towards their immediate and long-term goals. Both thrive on the diversity of peoples cultures and languages. Monica adds, even their colorful clothes. Every pregnant woman and mother of a child between the ages 0-18 is given a Patient Heath Questionnaire that

SPRING 2011

COUNTRY DOCTOR COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS

NEWS
Recent Grants We thank the following foundations for their support:
Boeschoten Family Foundation Lagu Foundation Overton-Dennis Fund Petunia Foundation Safeco Insurance Foundation

KUDOS COMMUNITY You Save, We Gain! Yes, of course Kudos to all of you for your ongoing support but Kudos Community is actually a new coupon site with a strong philanthropic arm and a more customer-friendly way to obtain discount cards. Unlike Groupon, you dont need to purchase a coupon in advance for goods and services. You pay only when you use the services and redeem the offers at the place of business that offered the deal. The more offers you use the more you help Country Doctor. Kudos Community will donate 25% of their advertising revenue, off the top, to CDCHC when you designate CDCHC upon signing in to take advantage of all the savings. The more Kudos Community makes from retailers the more they have to donate to CDCHC. Kudos Community is nationwide so the competition is fierce. There are thousands of non-profits competing for these donations. Who doesnt like a discount and we know you support Country Doctor; its a perfect match! www.kudoscommunity.com

Car Seats and Baby Clothes For many of our families, purchasing a childs car seat (required by state law) is not an option; there simply isnt the money to do so. CDCHC helps fill that need by providing new or barely used car seats with securely locked buckles. We need your help in filling this increased need. CDCHC is also in need of new or slightly worn baby and toddler clothes. As we move from winter to summer, please consider donating your childs winter clothes that they will outgrow or last summers clothes that you never got around to giving away. We always need slightly worn shoes for ages up to four years. Please contact Anna Gruen, MSW, ajgruen@cdchc.org

FAN MAIL
Hi, Im Meadow. Im 38 and Ive been a patient for 38 years. My mother came to Country Doctor when she was pregnant with me and weve both been coming here ever since. Sometimes Ive had insurance; sometimes not, but I love the atmosphere, the level of attention and the sliding scale meds. Whatever the problem, its addressed immediately. When I was a kid Id walk up from Meany Middle School. Now I have a kid myself and when hes living with me, I bring him to Country Doctor. Meadow, 2011 Ive been working on behavioral modification for two years to break the cycle of drug and alcohol abuse. I also have sleep disorders probably from the addictions. I am treated so well and appointments are easy, so traveling up from Federal Way is a no-brainer. My provider treats me with respect and honesty in working with my addictions. I dont feel like a failure. Were exploring acupuncture as well as physical therapy to deal with the disease, as well as my migraine and chronic neck pain. All of this for a sliding scale fee. Emily, 2011

Congratulations, Dr. Hufbauer! Sarah Hufbauer, MD has been awarded the 2011 King County Academy of Family Physicians Community Service Award. In addition to being an exemplary physician, Dr. Hufbauer is being honored for her community leadership, especially within Seattle public schools, including PTSA and Orca K-8.
5

Get connected. Check out CDCHCs Facebook page.

SPRING 2011

COUNTRY DOCTOR COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS

SPRING 2011

COUNTRY DOCTOR COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS

WELCOME NEW STAFF MEMBERS

In the Residency Program We are delighted to welcome first-year residents Amy Potter, MD and Jamie Phifer, MD to CDCHCs Residency Program. In 2010, CDCHC became a site for Swedishs Cherry Hill Family Medicine Residency Program and welcomed our first residents. The addition of Drs. Potter and Phifer brings to four, the number of residents in our program. Amy comes to CDCHC from the University of Rochester where her focus was on reproductive health, geriatrics, and patient advocacy. A University of Florida alum, Jamie brings to CDCHC a passion for reproductive healthcare as well as a strong background in humanitarian work. In Behavioral Health Services We also welcome Francine Buckner, MHNP, ARNP whos providing much-needed behavioral health services to our uninsured patients. Francine is working on her Ph.D. at the UW School of Nursing.

PROFILE: Maternal Mental Health

Story continued from page 4.

postpartum depression and anxiety. To address this, Anna coordinated care with her provider, CDCHC psychiatrist Trish Spach, and expanded Theresas circle-of-support within the community. Anna reports, what used to be weekly, hour-long phone check-ins has progressed to shorter conversations held less often. When Monica met Lottie, she was so depressed that daily tasks had become an impossibility. Lottie had difficulty remembering her address and other important information. Though she successfully applied for food stamps and was receiving child support, it was even difficult

for Lottie to go to the bank and have a conversation with a teller. Monica confirms, Lottie is now doing much better. She continues to receive counseling, appropriate medications, and is able to perform everyday tasks. Lottie is able to function again. Being outdoors and exercising are stress releasers for both Anna and Monica. Water aerobics and long walks are Monicas choice of a workout and relaxation. Running and enjoying winter days snowshoeing in the Cascades are Annas passions. Both benefit from time spent with family and friends. CDCHC , and some of our most vulnerable patients, benefit from Anna and Monica.

PAPERLESS OR US MAIL? You now have the option to receive future CDCHC newsletters, annual reports, event invitations and other correspondence electronically. If you would like to go paperless, please send your name and e-mail address to: ebader@cdchc.org. OUR ASSURANCE Country Doctor Community Health Centers will not trade, lend, or sell your name or any other information about you to any organization or person.

Country Doctor Community Health Centers 500 19th Avenue East Seattle, WA 98112 Working together for the health of our communities.

NON-PROFIT ORG. U. S. POSTAGE PAID SEATTLE, WA PERMIT NO. 2609