Learn how to row in a beginner’s barge led by People’s CEO and avid rower, Regina Rogoff, with expert coaching by the Austin Rowing Club. Enjoy a perfect evening on Lady Bird Lake and afterwards join us for light bites & beverages.

DETAILS

Location: Austin Rowing Club, 74 Trinity Street (78701)

Date: Monday, October 2, 2023

Times:  Boats will launch at staggered times

1st boat: gather in grove area at 5:00pm

2nd boat: gather in grove area at 5:45pm

Tickets:   Free for People’s Collective members. RSVP: Ashly.Mata@austinpcc.org 

Tickets: $40.00  Click here to purchase

Space is limited; RSVP (members) or purchase your ticket today.

Membership: Become a People’s Collective member today and all People’s Collective events are free! Just $20/monthly. Click here to join.

Important: Parking & Event Details

 

 

What sets People’s apart?

Since, 1993, the Center for Adolescent Health (CAH) at People’s Community Clinic has been making a positive difference in the lives of young people. Led by Dr. Celia Neavel, who is board-certified in Family Medicine with a Certificate of Added Qualification in Adolescent Medicine, CAH is committed to providing high quality, holistic care for adolescents and young adults who often face complex chal­lenges. CAH welcomes all, including LGBTQ+ and neuro­ diverse patients.

“We aim to provide leader­ship in the highest standards of health and wellness care, inspiring, mentoring, and advocating for holistic, inter­ disciplinary, cost-effective, community-based medicine,” Dr. Neavel explains. CAH is the only local compre­hensive adolescent medical program for at-risk teens in the area and received Gold Level Certification as an Ado­lescent-Centered Environment from the Adolescent Health Initiative.

In addition, CAH hosts the annual Adolescent Health Symposium, which brings together healthcare professionals, educators, and community leaders to learn about the latest research and best practices in adolescent health. The symposium is an essential tool for keeping the community current on important issues.

Overall, People’s Center for Adolescent Health is a vital community resource for addressing the complex needs of young people and ensuring they receive the care and support to thrive.

 

Provider Spotlight

People’s is fortunate to have Family Nurse Practitioner LouAnne Verrier on our adolescent team. Her dedication is evident in the sensitive way she interacts with patients and the high level of care she provides.

LouAnne works with schools and community organiza­tions to provide young people with safe spaces to talk candidly about sexual and reproductive health with their friends, parents, and educators. Through the Texas Healthy Futures program, LouAnne and the team are able to address the increasing barriers that young people in Texas face in obtaining quality sex education, access to contraception, and sexual healthcare.

Nursing is a family tradition; LouAnne is a second-gen­eration nurse practitioner and a fourth-generation nurse. Her mother, Kittye Rice Roberts, worked at People’s in the 1970s. A photo of LouAnne and Kittye with other clinic staff from decades ago hangs in the clinic, a wonderful reminder of the generations provid­ing high-quality healthcare at People’s.

Esteban’s Story

“The care you get at People’s is a little deeper than the average doctor/patient relationship”

My name is Esteban* and I drive a school bus-a job I love. I am a single parent raising four kids, all of whom come to People’s for care. When we moved to a new neighborhood, we switched clinics for a while. I learned that when you go to other clinics you see a doctor. When you go to People’s, you see a team that cares about you. My teenage son had develop­ mental problems that held him back from success at school and socially. People’s not only helped him, but worked with his school to make sure he was getting the attention he needed. My son is on a good path now. The care you get at People’s is a little deeper than the average doctor/pa­tient relationship.

*Name changed to protect patient privacy.

People’s Community Clinic’s Adolescent Health Department is making a real difference in the lives of young people in the Austin community. Led by Dr. Celia Neavel, a board-certified pediatrician specializing in adolescent medicine, the department is committed to providing high quality, holistic care for adolescents and young adults (AYA) who often face complex challenges. As Dr. Neavel explains, “We aim to provide leadership in the highest standards of health and wellness care, inspiring, mentoring, and advocating for holistic, interdisciplinary, cost-effective, community-based medicine.”

Founded in 1993, People’s Center for Adolescent Health (CAH) provides specialized care for low-income, underserved teens in Central Texas. The CAH is the only local comprehensive adolescent medical program for at-risk teens in the area.

In 2020, People’s CAH was honored to receive a Gold Level Certification as an Adolescent Centered Environment from the Adolescent Health Initiative. Fellowship-trained adolescent medicine and other AYA-friendly physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, lawyers, medical assistants, social workers, health educators, medical scribes, and other health professionals focus on best practices as an interdisciplinary team. Services include physicals, immunizations, reproductive health, behavioral health, help with school problems, chronic disease management, and minor acute and sick care. Notably, the CAH welcomes all AYA, including LGBTQ+ and neurodiverse patients.

One of the department’s great successes is its Youth Advisory Council (YAC), which gives voice to 14-24-year-olds who work with clinic staff to identify ways to better engage and serve youth. This collaboration has been essential in making the clinic a safe and youth-friendly healthcare space. The YAC teaches staff about biases, how to engage youth, and provide better care for this population. It is a valuable resource for the clinic and its young patients.

In addition to offering high-quality care to youth, the Adolescent Health Department is committed to educating healthcare professionals and the community about adolescent health. Each year, the department hosts the Adolescent Health Symposium, which brings together healthcare professionals, educators, and community leaders to learn about the latest research and best practices in adolescent health. The symposium is an essential tool for keeping the community up to date on important issues.

Overall, People’s Adolescent Health Department is a vital community resource for addressing the complex health needs of young people and ensuring that they receive the care and support needed to thrive during this critical stage of development.

With Gratitude,

Regina Rogoff, JD

Chief Executive Officer

People’s Community Clinic

 

 

 

Flu season is here! There’s also an updated COVID vaccine booster and concerns about the spread of Monkeypox. Read on to learn who should get these vaccines and when.

COVID booster

A new COVID vaccine booster, sometimes called the Omicron booster or bivalent booster, is now available. Protection from the COVID vaccine fades over time, so a booster rebuilds your protection for another three to four months. The new booster also helps protect specifically against the types (or subvariants) of COVID that are currently spreading most

Who should get it? Everyone aged 5 and older is recommended to get the Omicron booster shot, but it is especially important if you are over 60, have other medical conditions, or have a weakened immune system. Kids under 5 can’t currently get the new booster. Kids and teens will get a smaller dose of the updated booster based on age; anyone 6 and up can get either Pfizer or Moderna, while Pfizer is approved for ages 5 and up.

When should you get it? You must be fully vaccinated and your last COVID shot or booster must have been at least two months ago. If you tested positive for COVID recently, you may want to wait three months to get the booster. Otherwise, experts recommend getting your COVID booster as soon as you are able.

Flu shot

This year’s flu season has come to Texas early and is expected to be worse than usual. At the clinic we have already seen hundreds of cases of flu. To be protected against flu, you must get the flu shot every year.

Who should get it? Everyone over 6 months old is recommended to get the flu shot.

When should you get it? Now! Ideally, get your flu shot by the end of October.

Can you get a flu shot and COVID booster at the same time? Yes.

Monkeypox vaccine

Monkeypox is a serious and painful illness that was rare in the U.S. until this year, though it seems that cases are decreasing now. It is spread through prolonged skin-to-skin contact, and most people are at very low risk.

Who should get it? The CDC recommends vaccination for people who have been exposed to monkeypox and people who may be more likely to get monkeypox, including:

• People who have been identified by public health officials as a contact of someone with monkeypox
• People who know one of their sexual partners in the past 2 weeks has been diagnosed with monkeypox
• People who had multiple sexual partners in the past 2 weeks in an area with known monkeypox

When should you get it? If you are at high risk of monkeypox or have been exposed in the past four days, it’s recommended that you get vaccinated as soon as possible. You will need two doses of vaccine spaced 28 days apart.

Can you get a monkeypox vaccine at the same time as a flu shot or COVID booster? Yes, though people at increased risk of inflammation of the heart should wait four weeks after their monkeypox vaccine to get a COVID vaccine.

Historically, a child’s annual check-up often took 10 minutes. The doctor asked a few questions, took a couple of measurements, and that was pretty much it, as long as nothing was obviously wrong. People’s takes a different approach — an approach meant to link a baby’s early brain development to its future physical development and well-being.

Physical and mental health are closely related. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) — such as abuse, neglect, household dysfunction, and other stressors — can impede brain development and cause negative health consequences later on in life. Such consequences include substance abuse, poor health, depression and even premature death.

Fortunately, People’s has a number of programs meant to help caregivers support their children to promote healthy brain development. We do this by strengthening core skills, supporting responsive relationships, and reducing sources of stress. Among People’s programs that help achieve this are Reach Out and Read, a national program to promote childhood literacy and early brain development in a health care setting; Play-to-Learn, which provides parents and children ages 1-5 a space to enjoy educational activities, games, songs and crafts; and Filming Interactions to Nurture Development (FIND), a video coaching program that strengthens positive interactions between caregivers and children.

When you visit People’s with your child, expect your physician to ask you about conditions that might affect your child’s brain development, and possibly recommend one or more of the many programs we have available to help. Healthy brain development is crucial for a healthy life, so sign yourself and your child up today to participate in the clinic’s early childhood initiatives. For more information, you may contact Celina Nance at People’s Community Clinic (Celina.Nance@austinpcc.org).

People’s Announces Expansion of Dental Care Program

People’s is excited to announce the expansion of its dental services. Beginning in early 2023, all current patients from 6 months old through adulthood will be eligible for dental care. Our dental care program offers cleanings and deep cleanings, fillings, extractions, dentures, crowns, and bridges — even root canals. Some services may also be available to individuals who are not currently patients, on a case-by-case basis. Scientists tell us that the health of our teeth and gums is a vital part of our body’s overall well-being, so please plan to make an appointment soon! Just ask your health care provider to make a referral or call our main number for scheduling.

We are deeply grateful for your continued support in these uncertain times. THANK YOU. Already there has been a lot to think about in 2022: inflation, rising gas prices, Monkeypox, Roe v. Wade, the war in Ukraine, and an ongoing pandemic among many other things. In spite of the seemingly constant negative news and major lifestyle changes, our focus remains on our patients who continue to need access to high quality, affordable health care.

 

Throughout it all, People’s staff are here, continuing to serve our community, doing our best to level the social inequities that affect health. We are grateful to be able to grow our programs and services and see the immense benefits for our patients. As we navigate a new time in health care, we are excited about new partnerships, new programs, and new ways we can better serve our community.

 

In addition to difficulty finding high quality health care, People’s patients face hurdles like food insecurity, housing insecurity, transportation challenges, and lack of quality childcare. These challenges not only have direct effects on adults but on children too. These stressors can trigger chronic stress in children, resulting in long-term negative consequences for children’s brain development. One way People’s addresses these issues is by expanding programs for early childhood development, to help parents and children survive and thrive.

 

Here is a look at how your support has helped alleviate the most urgent needs:

 

People’s has transformed regular well-child checkups and has developed a robust resource library for early brain development and support for parents. The clinic’s pediatrics department not only provides primary care and preventive services but also cutting-edge programs that foster healthy interactions between caregivers and children, aimed at reducing depression in parents and decreasing behavioral issues in children.

 

Play-to-Learn provides parents and children ages 1-5 a space to enjoy educational activities, games, songs, and crafts. Through virtual group sessions, children are encouraged to share and engage with each other in developmentally appropriate activities designed to enhance children’s cognitive and language skills.

 

Filming Interactions to Nurture Development (FIND) is a video coaching program that strengthens positive interactions between caregivers and children. Families are filmed for 10 minutes as they engage in everyday activities. Then parents watch short video clips of their positive interactions. Reviewing these clips helps boost parents’ sense of competence, decreases parent stress, and promotes resilience in children.

 

Finally, studies show reading aloud is the most important thing parents can do to prepare their children for a strong start in school. Because of this, People’s is proud to offer Reach Out & Read™, a national program to promote childhood literacy in a health care setting. Children receive new, age-appropriate books to read with their parents during visits. And, children can choose their favorite book to take home from the selection of donated books in the clinic lobby. In 2022, young patients have received more than 3,500 new books from People’s.

 

These are only a few of the many programs People’s offers for parents and their children. With your support, we are continuing to expand programming, grow our reach, and help more patients. If you haven’t done so already this year, please consider making a gift to People’s Community Clinic. We are counting on your renewed support. Together, we will continue to find innovative ways to improve our patients’ lives.

 

 With Gratitude,

Regina Rogoff, JD

Chief Executive Officer

People’s Community Clinic

 

 

 

 

MAKE A GIFT

I’d like to personally thank you for being a wonderful friend of People’s Community Clinic. In the last year, support from our donors helped maintain programs and services for over 20,000 patients.

 

No one knows what the future holds, but one thing is certain: our community has important work to do. The physical ravages of COVID were devastating, but the pandemic also took a toll on our mental health as we all struggled with loneliness, isolation, grief, and loss. Many mental health issues are triggered by life-changing events and experiences—who hasn’t had one of those in the past two years?

 

One way People’s is helping combat mental health challenges is through the clinic’s Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH) program. Patients initiate their own care by simply indicating a desire for help. And you, our donors, provide the support that makes it possible.

 

People’s IBH program has been called the “gold standard” and received national recognition in a study by Harvard University, among others. This is because our approach is different; we fit the treatment to the patients, instead of a preconceived idea of what a patient needs. Our goal is to provide the same level and quality of care available in a private practice.

 

Additionally, our Integrative Pain Management Program (IPMP) has garnered national recognition for managing pain without opioids. In IPMP, patients have access to medical and mental health care integrated with acupuncture, yoga, nutrition education, and other holistic therapies. This helps patients manage their pain and build community—a critical part of the healing process. Of the programs studied, People’s was the only one in a community health center, making it accessible to those who are uninsured.

 

Luz is a People’s patient whose back injury caused such debilitating pain and severe depression she rarely left her home. With the care she received at People’s, Luz recovered and credits the People’s staff with saving her life:

 

“I don’t have health insurance so the clinic has been of great help. The collaborations with Genevieve, who does yoga; with Kelley in therapy; with Aracely in pain management; and Diana the nutritionist….everybody supports me so much. It is unconditional help. I would even call them my angels. These angels are the largest army I have. These angels, including the doctor, were put here to help me, and I managed to recover.”

 

Will you help our patients like Luz by making a gift today? No matter the amount, it will have a meaningful impact on families in need of essential medical care. Thank you for believing in our mission. Together we are making an impact!

 

To hear more from Luz and our mental health program, please click here.

 

 

 

With Gratitude,

Louis Appel, MD, MPH

Chief Medical Officer and Director of Pediatrics

People’s Community Clinic