We’re excited to announce that HealthNet has been chosen to participate in this year’s Brackets for Good Tournament.

Once a year HIP participates in Homeward Bound, a Walk-a-thon Fundraiser for agencies serving the homeless in Indianapolis.  This year, the event will be on Saturday, March 8th, at 3:00 p.m. at the City Market downtown, 222 E. Market St., with Walk registration and family fun activities beginning at 1:30 p.m.  The funds raised for HIP will go directly to benefit the individuals and families we serve, providing eye exams and eyeglasses; dentures; uniforms and work boots; birth certificates to obtain an ID; bus tickets for employment; first month’s rent; assistance with child care, and other needs identified in each person’s care plan.

If you’d like to help, please consider a contribution to HIP by:

• Visiting www.homewardboundindiana.org/central
• Once there, type in JoAnn’s HIP Hoofers in “Search Teams” to Support our HIP fundraiser.
• The “donate” button will appear on the right-hand side of the team page.

If you want to contribute, but don’t want to use a charge card, contact jmorris2@iuhealth.org or sstark@iuhealth.org for more information. Thank you!

Varon Cantrell, MD

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

A:  Born and raised in Indianapolis on the East Side near the State Fair Grounds.  I have a wife of 12 years, 5 children, 8 brothers and sisters and an amazing immediate/extended family.  I love my faith, my family and my friends.  Then, I love being a servant to others.

Q: Why did you become a doctor?

A:  I believe that I was ordained to do this before I was even born.  This was not a “childhood” dream or something that I had planned.  I believe that it is a calling and I have had many mentors, family and peers who have been supportive along this journey which makes it awesome! 

Q: What do you love most about working at West Health Center?

A:  Without the patients, the clinic does not exists.  So, I love the patient, I love the community but most importantly, I love the West Health Team.  The Team is what makes the clinic go.  They are some of the most dedicated and hard working people I have ever met. 

Q: What is one thing you would like people to know about West Health Center?

A:  We are here to serve you and your families.  We are dedicated to the HealthNet Mission  and we are honored to be your new neighbors.

Background: West Health Center
This current 4,500 square foot center offers adult primary care, pediatrics, OB/GYN, behavioral health, lab and support services in an area that has seen a decrease in providers over the years.

Within the first few months of operation, the center is already vastly exceeding visit projects and plans are under way to add a Women’s Health area by renovating the remaining 1,800 square feet to include 5 additional exam rooms and a procedure room.

If you would like to make a donation to the HealthNet West Health Center Expansion Campaign you can pay by phone by calling (317) 957-2018, online using our safe, secure giving options or by check payable to:
HealthNet, Inc.
Attn: Kay Johnson, Vice President of Marketing, Development and Corporate Communications
3403 E. Raymond St.
Indianapolis, IN 46203

Healthy Families America is a program that is part of Prevent Child Abuse America (PCA), and before Healthy Families America opened a branch in Indiana, children in our community had to be reported as being abused or neglected FIRST before a family could receive support services. Now with HealthNet’s Better Indy Babies (BIBs) and Healthy Families Programs, families are being sought out by an outreach team and offered support BEFORE abuse and neglect can happen.

According to the National Center on Child Abuse Prevention Research, almost 50 out of every 1000 children were taken in by state and local Child Protection Services (CPS) in 2006.  That means almost 3.6 million children in the U.S. and Puerto Rico were alleged to be abused.  I am always wary when I hear research about “allegations;” however, when it comes to child abuse, even being alleged to having abused a child should cause some concern.

PCA invites everyone to have a HOUSE PARTY to help raise awareness and funding for this cause.  A perfect idea for a family gathering during the holidays, or a great way to add some meaning to you campus party!

Many families do some sort of gift exchange or present give-away for Christmas.  What if this year instead of saying, “oooh! you only need to spend $25 dollars on me,” you say, “what if we all donate the $25 dollars to a community program that helps prevent child abuse”?  Just like that, your family of five can raise $125 to help ONE of those 50 children gain support services BEFORE abuse or neglect happens.

What are your thoughts on this “house party” for prevention idea?  Are there other opportunities to host a party to raise funding or awareness for a cause near to your heart?

To learn more about Better Indy Babies/Healthy Families of HealthNet click here or donate directly by clicking here.  Comments welcome!