National Health Center Week (NHCW), August 4 – 10, is an annual event that “celebrate[s] and increase[s] awareness of America’s 1,400 Community Health Centers (CHCs). National Health Center Week is an opportunity to highlight the commitment and passion of Community Health Center staff, board members, and supporters who make it possible to provide quality, comprehensive health care services to more than 31.5 million patients across nearly 15,000 communities annually.” (NACHC)
FOCUS DAY | Health Care for People Experiencing Homelessness Day
Each day of NHCW focuses on a specific patient populations CHCs serve or a service that CHCs provide. Today centers around one patient population that CHCs like Peak Vista serve: those experiencing homelessness. Collectively, CHCs serve 1.4 million individuals experiencing homelessness each year. In 2023, Peak Vista assisted more than 1,000 individuals experiencing homelessness, providing medical, dental, and behavioral health care, and connecting them to community resources like housing, food, and other support services. [Learn more about this focus day]
HOW WE PARTICIPATE | Gifting Solar Chargers to Community Partners
Today, members of our Peak Vista team will deliver 400 solar chargers to those in our community helping our unhoused neighbors. They will visit Westside Cares, Homeward Pikes Peak, The Place, and Inside Out Youth Services, as well as Peak Vista’s Health Center Downtown, and Care Coordination teams.
For those experiencing homelessness, a cellphone can be a lifeline that connects them to needed services. Without a consistent place to charge their phone, they may not be able to schedule health care appointments, view maps and bus schedules, speak with various support services around the city, and stay connected with friends and family. A phone is not a luxury; it is a necessity, and these solar chargers will be invaluable. Photos from the delivery will be available on our NHCW webpage later today.
STAFF SPOTLIGHT | KaShawnda Johnson
It takes a village to provide care to more than 74,000 patients per year. This NHCW, we’re shining the spotlight on members of our team who help keep Peak Vista running and providing exceptional care to our community.
The Pediatric Health Center at International Circle provides whole-person care to our tiniest patients – kids! This health center is also home to several child-focused wrap around services including the First Visitor Program, a Well-Child Waiting Area, and a passionate Care Coordination department.
KaShawnda joined the Peak Vista team in 2021 and provides exceptional care for our community. As the Lead Care Coordinator at the Pediatric Health Center at International Circle, she works to reduce access barriers to care for families by connecting them to community resources. As a community health center, we know that health can is affected by things beyond the four walls of our health center. Food insecurity, lack of reliable transportation, housing concerns, and more can all play into a person’s physical and mental health. Through connecting families to resources and providing them with a helpful hand to work through any red tape, applications, or paperwork, we’re able address these concerns head on.
KaShawnda’s day-to-day schedule varies due to tasks from providers, therapists, the Colorado Community Health Alliance (CCHA), Children’s Hospital, and more. While her position includes working with schools, case workers, scheduling, and community organizations, KaShawnda is not afraid to wear many hats at Peak Vista. She strives to ensure patients and their families are supported by providing the necessary tools to reduce barriers to health, education, and wellness.
For KaShawnda, working at a nonprofit health center has brought awareness to the variety and levels of needs of individuals in our community. She is motivated to provide exceptional service because she sees the importance of care coordination in pediatrics. KaShawnda believes that is important to have someone who will understand, support, and relieve the stress of navigating services.
The Pediatric Health Center at International Circle provides medical, dental, and behavioral health services to southeast Colorado Springs. KaShawnda was selected by her supervisor to be featured due to her outstanding work ethic and demonstration of Peak Vista values.
