The idea of hope is always one that has captivated me.  What does it really mean to hope?  What does hope look like?  How can we obtain this illusive hope? 

You hear “hope makes anything possible” or “hope is what keeps us alive.”  When it comes down to it, how do you know if someone has it or doesn’t?

 I can say that it’s easy to recognize when one does not have hope.  As a behavioral health therapist, I have witnessed the harshness and cruelty of the absence of hope.  I have also seen those experiencing dark, crushing hopelessness regain their light.  This process is incredibly inspiring.  Though it appears hope is not something I can exactly put my finger on, it’s clear that it is a necessary part of our lives.  And an essential component to therapy.

 I think that’s a big reason people come through HealthNet’s doors and find themselves in the behavioral health department.  They want their hope back. 

It seems that this usually comes about in two ways.  The healing brought about by human connection and sharing one’s story is a powerful thing.  It also takes hard work!  Make no mistake that our patients that get their hope back and experience healing have committed to put in the time, effort, and energy to make changes in their lives.

 That’s the source of my hope.  Seeing others face all life can throw at them and come out on the other side.  I have witnessed change and the reclaiming of hope in all shapes and sizes.  From HealthNet’s youngest patients to HealthNet’s most seasoned.  From conversations I’ve had with other clinic staff, I know I’m not the only one inspired by the courage, strength, and hope of our patients.  My colleague, Bhumi, referenced HealthNet as a “safe place” in a previous blog post.  I think our clinics represent that safe place in providing hope to our patients.  Hope that what you’re dealing with can be addressed.  Hope that caring staff will meet you where you are.  Hope that we’ll figure this out together.  Though hope seems to be an illusive concept at times, there is no doubt it is powerful and something that I “hope” we provide to our patients in everyday interactions full of kindness, patience, and compassion.         

Learn more about HealthNet’s Behavioral Health Services!

World – Meet School-Based Services!

It’s a fact. Kids are more likely to learn and do better in school when they are healthy and attend class regularly. Yet when families don’t have health insurance, their children’s health can suffer. For these kids, health should be a bridge – not a barrier – to learning. That’s why HealthNet’s School-Based Services provided health care and health education to more than 3,100 students last year, through 22,000 visits at eight public and charter schools throughout Indianapolis.

Here are four things you should know about School-Based Services:

1. For many school children in Indy, visits to the nurse’s office are the only health care they will receive.
   School-based clinics like the ones HealthNet operates bring the doctor’s office to the school, so students avoid health-related absences and get support to succeed in the classroom.

   

   photo by Elizabeth Albert

2. School-based clinics are designed to meet the health care needs of students.
   School-based clinics are considered one of the most effective strategies for delivering high quality, comprehensive, and culturally-competent primary and preventive care to children and teens — a population that can be difficult to reach. By offering health and nutrition education, school clinics often are also on the front line in battling childhood obesity.
3. Being located where students spend most of their day enables School-Based Services to see and address factors that impact children’s well-being and academic achievement.
   Health providers outside a school setting may miss these factors. Jennifer and Monique’s stories are two amazing examples.
4. With your help, School-Based Services can do even more to improve the health and safety of students at school and at home.
   There are plenty of ways to get involved.
   
   • Make your child’s school healthier. Try some of these ideas!
   • Ask about the school nurse-to-student ratio at your child’s school. Start the conversation, and help Indy’s great schools become even better!
   • Consider a small gift to School-Based Services. A little bit can go a long way!
   • Raise awareness and tell your friends that you donated to this great program!  Together, we can help all school children in Indianapolis get a GREAT start to LIFE.

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Interested in School-Based Services and want to learn more?
Have ideas on how to make Indy schools healthier?
Comment below!
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Getting your annual exam is critical, and we want Indianapolis to know that we give a care about women’s health!

In a light-hearted approach to a serious issue, HealthNet’s Whatever you call ‘em, check ‘em breast cancer awareness campaign  encourages women to get their annual breast exam. Seriously, there’s nothing more important taking care of your girls!

What do YOU call ‘em?

If you’re one of our Facebook fans, check out our fun list of names on our Facebook page. Feel free to submit your own entry.

The steps are easy, and in joining this fun conversation, you are showing your community that you give a care!

1. Go to our Facebook page
2. Submit or vote for your favorite name.
3. Encourage your friends to vote for your entry or include their own!
4. Tweet it, blog it, email it, and share it!

Women who are uninsured are less likely to be screened for breast cancer, increasing their risks of dying from this preventable disease.  As a community, we give a care about women’s health and the importance of annual screening mammograms. Helps us spread the word! Together we can build a healthier Indianapolis community!

HAVE FUN WITH US!!

WHATEVER YOU CALL ‘EM, LET US KNOW!

MAKE SURE YOU CHECK ‘EM!

AND HELP US BREAK DOWN THE BARRIERS FOR WOMEN WHO MAY NOT HAVE THE MEANS TO GET REGULARLY SCREENED!

THREE pretty big obstacles:

1. Deciding to prepare yourself for cancer. – just in case.
2. Trying to afford insurance – just in case.
3. Finding the income to pursuit services to prepare yourself – just in case.

Uninsured women often face these three obstacles, and many times do not know where to turn.

Uninsured women [are] more likely than their insured counterparts to require a longer, more extensive chemotherapy regimen (find out more statistics from The Commonwealth Fund).

There are several organizations in the Indianapolis area that provide mammogram screenings to those without health insurance and living below the federal poverty. HealthNet is one of those organizations.

Last year, HealthNet provided mammogram screenings to uninsured women, as well as breast health education and outreach services with the hopes of overcoming the cultural, educational, social and financial barriers that prevent women from getting screened.

This education and outreach is vital because research shows that women without health insurance are less likely to get a mammogram screening. A report done in New York showed that uninsured women lag behind the insured when it comes to getting screened for breast cancer. City Council Speaker, Christine Quinn, believes it is, “because uninsured women do not know enough about the resources that are out there for them.”

The American Cancer Society has put together an Indiana Mammography Facility Guide on their website that is a resource listing of facilities throughout the state offering screening services. In addition, a contact number is provided for those on Medicare and the uninsured that assists them with finding a designated site that will provide mammogram screenings if they can not afford this service.

Partnerships through St. Vincent’s Mobile Mammography Unit, Little Red Door Cancer Agency and HealthNet’s Health Centers exist to provide free mammograms to qualifying low-income or uninsured women in Indianapolis.  Together we are taking the steps needed to offer preventative and screening services to women in Indianapolis – just in case.

Uninsured women are less likely to be screened for breast cancer, causing their risk of dying form the disease to increase by 20 percent! Together we can give them a chance to fight breast cancer. Together we can close that gap.

Maggie hard at work!

Before Maggie was born, her maternal grandmother passed away from breast cancer. It was during the late 1960s when technology was not as sophisticated as it is today and, unfortunately, her condition was misdiagnosed. So, Maggie grew up well aware of the risks women face and decided to pursue a career helping those women who may not know the risks or have the knowledge to pursue prevention.

“Most women are nervous and scared to get a mammogram. I take great pride in knowing that I am here to help put them at ease,” – Maggie stated when asked about helping women get screened.

Maggie joined HealthNet because she was most interested in being able to perform both radiological and mammography exams. “Most places make you choose one or the other, so I am excited that I have the opportunity to care for two special areas of need.” She believes that providing compassionate care and making the patient feel comfortable builds a trust that will increase the success rate of them returning for future exams.

“I am also passionate about providing this valuable service to the underinsured and uninsured – everyone deserves quality care.”

Many women who are uninsured may not seek out a mammogram for fear that if there is something wrong…what would happen next? How would they pay for a diagnostic exam if their screening came back showing a concern? At HealthNet, providing life-saving mammogram screenings is vital to ensuring our patients are getting the best care possible – regardless of their ability to pay. Maggie’s sense of compassion and trusting nature put patients at ease. “I know how important it is to have a mammogram. Helping people get the screenings they need, to potentially save their lives, is what my job is all about.”

Learn more about HealthNet’s locations, refer a friend or a family member to pursuit a mammogram, and feel free to call any of our locations to hear about the options offered at HealthNet.

If you would like to donate a simple $25 to help someone afford mammography assistance, here is how.

A nonprofit organization called Share our Strength helps with the fight against childhood hunger.  According to their studies, about 50.1 million Americans struggle to put food on the table on a regular basis.  This fact also affects Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) because when children are hungry, it increases their chances of becoming sick.  And,  without regular meals, recovery from illness is much slower.

Children who don’t have regular meals are more likely to have headaches, stomachaches, ear infections, colds, and fatigue.

Hunger and health work hand in hand.  So, what would you do if you had to choose between the two?  You can help make the decision easier by supporting your local FQHC.  HealthNet‘s network of FQHCs provides wrap-around care for the medically uninsured and underinsured.  Providing affordable health care and support services for those who have to make a decision between feeding their children or taking them to the doctor is key, not only to improving the health of our community, but also the economy.

You can help HealthNet continue to provide affordable services and give an Indianapolis family the peace of mind about affording food AND health care.  Raising awareness or a small gift can go a long way for a family living in poverty.  Learn more about HealthNet or give directly by clicking here.