PHMC Health’s Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) were recently recognized for their role as partner sites over the last three years in the Collaboration for Equitable Health, a joint initiative of the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, the American Diabetes Association, the University of Michigan and Bank of America. The program is aimed at addressing heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes while improving patients’ overall health outcomes.
As part of the program, PHMC Health’s nurses and medical assistants completed blood pressure management education and worked with patients to create treatment plans, make healthy nutrition and exercise changes, and measure their own blood pressure daily at home. The FQHCs partnered with The Food Trust’s Food Bucks Rx program to provide vouchers to patients with diabetes and hypertension to purchase fresh produce from local retailers. Sanctuary Farms Phila, a nonprofit organization founded by PHMC nurse practitioner Andrea Vettori, also provided fresh produce to patients. Additionally, transportation passes were offered to ensure patients would be able to reach their medical appointments.
“This program has helped us further meet our goal to address patients’ needs holistically,” said Pheobe Askie, MD, MPH, PHMC’s Medical Director. “By going beyond direct care and addressing non-medical risk factors that influence health outcomes, we’re empowering patients to manage and improve their health when they leave our health centers and go about their daily lives.”
PHMC Health provides comprehensive, accessible and patient-centered health care to communities across Philadelphia. Patients can call 855.887.9229 to schedule an appointment.
Read more about the Collaboration for Equitable Health on its website.
