My name is Katie Kauffman and I am the Social Worker for PACC.

When asked to write this blog post, I was coming out of a tough week (as many of us face in our work) and hopefully can shed some light on the impact not only we as medical providers have, but also the impact our patients have on us.

I have been working as a social worker for over 12 years and have spent at least half of that time here at HealthNet in one capacity or another. I have the privilege now to provide care and support to our most vulnerable population, pediatrics and adolescents at PACC.

In my work we face varying degrees of needs and situations with our patients.  One of the many wonderful things about HealthNet is we often see people from birth, at the start of a new and exciting time in a family’s life, to the toughest of days. Among the increased needs of our patients, the increased caseloads we carry as social workers, the most important part of what I do every day, is stopping and listening.  Coming to this organization every day and checking in with patients, assisting them with referrals to community resources for the most basic of needs, to sharing a laugh or a struggle with a co-worker is a most humbling experience and one I never take for granted.

Often times the term “social worker” leaves many wondering what that title or role involves. Unfortunately, with that role comes the tough part of my job, the part that no one enjoys. My number one priority is to always be an advocate for my patient. My patients are helpless, innocent children and ensuring their safety and that their basic needs are met is always a focus of mine. Providing resources and connecting patients with outside agencies is a big part of what I do. A number of community agencies we have close working relationships with include, Catholic Charities, The YMCA, and Indiana Legal Services, to name just a few. I also work closely with Department of Children Services and have often been called to court to speak on behalf and advocate for our patient’s needs.

At the core of what we do is care. We also strive to understand where our patients are coming from and providing empathy for the road they are traveling, at whatever stage of life they are in.

Our patients face change and unpredictability on a daily basis. We as medical caregivers and providers at HealthNet can be the one stability for them. That is something I strive to be for the people I serve.

Post by Katie Kauffman

Why did you become a social worker?
I chose to become a social worker because I wanted to have a career where I could make a difference in the lives of individuals and families who are socially and/or economically challenged.  As a social worker, I connect clients to the resources and referrals that will best serve their needs, and help them to become self-sufficient. Social work also enables me to give clients the support that they are in need of, which often gives clients a greater sense of empowerment and the motivation they need to make a positive change in their lives. When I look back, I realize that I was destined to be a social worker. It was a part of me all along, and my calling from God. Once I choose to walk into my calling, everything fell in line.

What can you assist families or individuals with?
The social work team assists families, individuals, children and elderly adults with a variety of resources and referral sources that will best serve their needs. Some of these include, but are not limited to the following:

• food pantries
• homeless and domestic violence shelters
• utility assistance, clothing and furniture
• childcare
• elderly resources
• medication assistance
• Marketplace insurance
• High School Equivalency classes

We also refer pregnant women or new moms to HealthNet’s Healthy Families Program who can assist them with car seats, cribs, baby clothes, supplies and support. The social work team also assists clients with transportation for doctor appointments through our cab and bus ticket program. We also utilize and promote other HealthNet programs, such as our Medical-Legal Partnership and Best Father Program.

What is the most satisfying part of your job?
The most satisfying part of my job is when clients follow through and utilize the resources and referrals sources that I provide them with. Another very satisfying part of my job is when I have clients who for no special reason at all ask to see me just so they can talk for a few minutes and thank me for the help and support I have showed them.

To learn more about HealthNet Social Work department, visit www.indyhealthnet.org.

HealthNet, in partnership with the Fathers and Families Center have created a workshop “Best Father” to connect young men with the tools needed to be the “Best Father” in their children lives. Our “Best Father” workshop is filled with information, fun and fellowship among men! Some topics that are discussed include:

Post by Lauresa Garnett

Did you know February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month? According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, almost 1 in 10 teens reports being physically abused by a boyfriend or girlfriend in the last year.

Teens who suffer dating abuse are subject to long-term consequences like alcoholism, eating disorders, promiscuity, thoughts of suicide, and violent behavior.  A striking 33 percent of adolescents in America are victim to sexual, physical, verbal, or emotional dating abuse and every 9 seconds in the US a woman is assaulted or beaten.  Domestic violence and teen violence are just one of the many issues we address as Social Worker’s with HealthNet.  We assist patients with getting into domestic violence shelters, as well and creating a safety plan for those who are unable to leave immediately.  We provide them with resources for their families by connecting them to community agencies.

Every year our social work team makes aware of this issue by having a question and answer contest with all of HealthNet employees.  Lauresa Garnett and Donna Richardson are two of Healthnet’s social workers who are also a part of the IU Health Domestic Violence Coalition.  An organization developed and participated by IU Health employees who are concerns about this topic of abuse; this group exists to bring better awareness of abuse to our staff and patients.

For more information about HealthNet’s Social Services Department, please visit www.indyhealthnet.org.

As 2011 draws to a close, we wanted to share a letter from HealthNet President/CEO Booker Thomas that appeared in yesterday’s e-newsletter:

Dear Friends of HealthNet,

Every year, hundreds of individuals make donations that help HealthNet fulfill its mission of caring for the community. We hope you will join them and make a gift to HealthNet this holiday season.

Consider that:

• $50 helps School-based Services provide students with a personal care hygiene kit filled with items they may not have at home.
• $100 provides 2 weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy for a patient without insurance through Health Promotions.
• $200 helps a family struggling with a rent or mortgage payment through Social Services.
• $200 provides breast health education and outreach to inner-city neighborhoods in Indianapolis through Mammogram Assistance.
• $500 helps provide services through the Healthy Families Programthat teach and encourage the skills that make a family work. In an area where poverty heightens the normal stresses of parenting and making ends meet, families need a variety of support just to keep it together.
• $1000 provides tuition for Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training and certification for someone in the Homeless Initiative Program.

Any gift, large or small, will make a difference in our ability to put our patients’ needs first as we provide the very highest standard of care in a community-based environment. 
Please click here to make a donation online.

 I also invite you to enjoy the online edition of HealthNet’s 2010-2011 Annual Report. In this easy-to-read format, you can learn more about the expansion, innovation and growth HealthNet has experienced in the past year, as well as read some amazing stories from our patients and clients.

 On behalf of the entire HealthNet family, I thank you in advance and wish you the very best for a happy, healthy 2012!

Booker Thomas, MHA

President/CEO

HealthNet, Inc.

_______________________________________________

Sign up to stay up-to-date on HealthNet happenings in 2012!

It is not a secret that the economy in the United States has been struggling over the last couple years. As Americans, we have been facing one the worst recessions in history. Thousands of people have lost their jobs, homes, and health insurance. In fact, the Census Bureau’s annual report on poverty shows just how tough 2009 was. The increase in the number of Americans living below the poverty level and those without health insurance painted a bleak picture. According to a post on ABC News Online, the uninsured population topped 50 million for the first time – rising to 16.7 percent.  And, the percentage of Americans living in poverty increased to 14.3 percent.

HealthNet has seen a rise in uninsured patients and our providers have struggled to keep up with the demand for quality and accessible health care for those living in poverty. But health care does not just encompass medical care. The need for mental health and counseling services has also increased and HealthNet’s social workers have been working hard to help families simply meet their basic needs. We have witnessed more and more families struggling to keep up in a weak economy and most are seeking guidance and help to provide the basic necessities, such as a roof over their heads, heat in their homes and food on their tables.

Often times, when our families come to our health centers needing medical care, our providers are able to identify other areas of need that, in some cases, is leading to health concerns. For example, a family who has recently lost a job is concerned about making their mortgage payments. They are unable to afford their heating bills, their children are in need of new shoes and uniforms for school, and they are struggling to put food on the table. This added stress can lead to elevated blood pressures, gastrointestinal problems and even increase the risk for abuse and neglect for young children. HealthNet’s social workers engage these families in case management support and are able to direct them to area services such as housing and utility assistance programs, legal aid, and other area organizations who can help them with basic necessities.

We believe that health care goes beyond the medical services we provide. HealthNet’s social workers provide a key element in the wrap around care that we believe treats the whole person, not just their medical conditions.

Join us in the fight to build a healthier Indianapolis community. By contributing $25 to our social services program, you are enabling our social workers to continue providing outreach and case management support to those that need it most. A gift of $25 towards our patient emergency fund helps our social workers provide immediate needs such as food, diapers, school uniforms and utility support while they seek other long-term assistance.  You can help those that have to make the unfortunate decision between heat in there home and medicine for their child.

HealthNet provides great company and great family (and sometimes great food) to all of our patients that we serve.  Specifically during the holidays, many of our Health Centers provide an atmosphere to celebrate.

• The holiday spirit is spread throughout the Barrington Health Center when families participate in the Toys for Tots program.  Families in need come by two weeks before Christmas and receive toys from our social workers to provide their children a loving and fun Christmas.

• Our Martindale-Brightwood Health & Dental Center partnered with our People’s Health Center to provide a holiday party for their patients.  The sense of community brings the great company and the great family aspect of the holiday celebration.

• Southeast Health & Dental Center also brings SANTA to the kids at their holiday party.

These are just quick examples about how health care is much more than just check-ups and prescriptions.  Federally Qualified Health Centers are a sense of pride in each of their neighborhoods.  It is a place to gather.  It is a place to receive care.  And, it is a place to provide care to others.

To learn more about what our health centers do for their neighborhoods visit our website.  Do you have ideas on involving the neighborhood centers in more ways than just the holiday season?  Comment below.

Those serving in the United States Navy are not only defending our country, but they are also fighting for each one of us individually. They endure long separations from family in sometimes hostile circumstances and often come home with emotional and mental health needs. Their families also struggle with the hardships of their loved ones being gone. Social workers play a vital role in helping everyone staying strong.

The social workers at HealthNet do just the same – help families stay strong. Assisting people in managing their daily lives, coping with issues, navigating relationships, and solving personal and family problems are a few of the things they do on a daily basis. There are many different kinds of social work careers, but in the end, they are here to serve one ultimate purpose – to help provide support services to improve people’s lives.

HealthNet’s social workers provide much needed services to those living at or below the federal poverty level. Whether it is with emergency diapers, basic necessities or referrals to low cost legal services, they are here to help regardless of the person’s financial status.

To learn more about HealthNet and how you can help our social workers provide basic needs, please visit www.indyhealthnet.org.