11/29/22

Okemos, Mich. —The Delta Dental Foundation (DDF) recently awarded more than $160,000 in community mini-grants to 40 community-based oral health programs and organizations in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. This second round of grants follows $170,000 of funding earlier this year.

“We’re investing in oral health equity at the community level,” said Holli Seabury, EdD, executive director of the DDF. “These grants have a small but mighty impact filling gaps within our public health system.”

The goal of the Community Mini-Grants program is to increase dental access to increase dental access to historically and systemically disadvantaged communities, provide educational programming on the importance of oral health and how it relates to overall health, and reduce oral health disparities related to oral and overall health. Each grant was limited to a maximum of $5,000.

Recipients were selected based on the number of people served (and the impact of the program on said population), the program’s originality, the program’s level of community involvement and the applicant’s ability to measure success. This year’s grantees include:

Michigan

• B.A.S.S., Inc.
• Children’s Museum of Branch County
• Clinton County RESA
• Detroit Public Schools Foundation
• Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative
• Gary Burnstein Community Health Clinic
• Great Lakes Bay Health Centers
• Holland Free Health Clinic
• Hope Against Trafficking
• Hope Medical Clinic, Inc.
• Macomb Community College Dental Hygiene Clinic
• Malta Dental and Medical Clinic
• Metropolitan Children and Youth Inc., United Children and Family Head Start
• Michigan Health Council
• Pope Francis Center
• Second Chance at Life, Inc.
• The Color of Autism Foundation
• Van Buren/Cass District Health Department

Ohio

• Care Alliance Health Center
• Compassionate Care of Shelby County, Inc.
• HOLA Ohio
• Kno-Ho-Co-Ashland Community Action Commission
• Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio
• Muskingum Valley Health Centers
• PrimaryOne Health
• Ross County Community Action Commission Inc.
• Stowe Mission
• The Ohio State University College of Dentistry
• University of Toledo Foundation

Indiana

• Bashor Children’s Home
• ECHO Community Health Care, Inc
• Gennesaret Free Clinics
• Healthy Smiles of Indiana, Inc.
• HOPE Family Care Center
• Indiana Immunization Coalition
• Ivy Tech Community College
• McMillen Health
• Trinity Free Clinic, Inc.
• Trustees of Indiana University
• WellSpring

The next round of Community Mini-grants will open on March 13, 2023.

For immediate release
November 09, 2022

PrimaryOne Health announces 2022 Healthcare Justice Awardees
Community Member Dr. Cora Muñoz and PrimaryOne Health Staff Member Lauren Russo

Columbus, Ohio – PrimaryOne Health today announced the 2022 Healthcare Justice Awardees, Community Member, Dr. Cora Muñoz, and PrimaryOne Health Staff Member, Lauren Russo, DNP.

The 25th Anniversary Celebration and 8^th Annual Healthcare Justice Awards will take place on November 10, 2022, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), located at 52 Belle St, Columbus. The Healthcare Justice Awards honor individuals and partners in our community who are eliminating health disparities, expanding access to healthcare and wellness services, and breaking down cultural and social barriers to quality healthcare.

This year’s event will support the new Healthcare Justice Scholarship Fund created in 2021to support scholarships for under-represented racial, ethnic, and cultural populations entering or advancing in healthcare professions. “I am extremely proud that we have established this critically important scholarship fund to support our development of a diverse and representative clinical pipeline for our under-represented populations who are entering or advancing in healthcare professions,” said PrimaryOne Health CEO, Charleta B. Tavares. “Practicing cultural humility while developing a clinical workforce that reflects our patient populations will improve the health outcomes of racial, ethnic, and cultural patient populations.”

Dr. Cora Muñoz was selected as the 2022 Healthcare Justice Award recipient for her service as a watchful eye and keeping abreast of academic research pertaining to health disparities. Dr. Muñoz has focused her career on ending health disparities and working towards promoting social justice. Amongst her other responsibilities, Dr. Muñoz always finds time to coordinate healthcare documents in other languages to help minimize language barriers.

Dr. Lauren Russo has been selected as the 2022 Healthcare Justice Award recipient for her commitment to bridging the educational and financial divide for patients, connecting them with vital resources to better their patient experience and overall health. Dr. Russo prioritizes patient-first care and takes the time to deal with each patient as an individual, building a rapport by considering their needs first.

Dr. Cora Muñoz and Dr. Lauren Russo will both receive their award during the 25th Anniversary Celebration and 8^th Annual Healthcare Justice Awards on November 10, 2022. “These two individuals embody and exemplify the spirit of PrimaryOne Health; compassionate, committed, and results-oriented women working towards justice, equity, and patient-centered care for vulnerable and underserved residents and patients in Central Ohio,’ concluded Tavares.

In operation since 1997, PrimaryOne Health offers comprehensive primary care, OB-GYN, pediatric, vision, dental, behavioral health, nutrition, pharmacy, physical therapy, and specialty care services to over 48,000 patients. The organization provides services to UN/underinsured and insured residents throughout Franklin and Pickaway Counties at twelve (12) health center locations and four Mobile Health Centers.  It is the oldest and largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Central Ohio. For more information about PrimaryOne Health and its programs, go to www.primaryonehealth.org. PrimaryOne Health is a proud member of the Ohio Association of Community Health Centers (OACHC) and the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC).

April 4, 2022
Jangus Whitner Receives Distinguished Young Pharmacist Award and UNDER 40 Recognition

COLUMBUS, OHIO – The Ohio Pharmacists Association (OPA) announced that Jangus Whitner, PharmD, MHA of Columbus, Ohio, is the 2022 recipient of the Distinguished Young Pharmacist, which recognizes a pharmacist who has graduated in the last 10 years and made significant contributions to the profession of pharmacy. The award is sponsored by Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company. In addition, Whitner was recognized with an UNDER 40 Recognition Award for leadership, excellence, and vision in the practice of pharmacy. These awards were presented at the OPA 144^th Annual Conference held April 1-3.

Whitner earned a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from The University of Toledo College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Franklin University. He serves as the Director of Pharmacy Services and a Board-Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacist at PrimaryOne Health, as well as an Apexus Certified 340B Expert. He is viewed as one of the foremost 340B experts in the country, speaking on the topic at both state and federal meetings. He fights for his patients and has a passion for the underserved patient populations in Ohio.

“While many young pharmacists have made significant contributions to their communities and to public health as a whole, Jangus Whitner’s commitment to the profession goes well beyond his work responsibilities. He is innovative, knowledgeable, dedicated, passionate and a caring health professional for his patients,” said Ernest Boyd, OPA Executive Director.

OPA, established in 1879, represents more than 4,000 pharmacists, pharmacy educators, and pharmacy students throughout the state. It is OPA’s mission to unite the profession of pharmacy and encourage interprofessional relations, while promoting public health through education, discussion, and legislation.

CONTACT: Ernest Boyd, Pharmacist, CAE
OPA Executive Director

(614) 389-3236

March 21, 2022

PrimaryOne Health receives grant for Columbus City Schools – North International Global Academy School-Based Health Center

Columbus, Ohio – As part of Gov. Mike DeWine’s $25.9 million funding for 136 new or expanded School-Based Health Centers (SBHC) throughout Ohio, PrimaryOne Health in partnership with Columbus City Schools were awarded a SBHC grant totaling $1,306, 331.

The grant, School-Based Health Centers (SBHC) – Removing Barriers to Care is designed to develop new SBHC service sites in schools, expand services in existing sites, extend hours/days of operation, add services and increase populations served.

“PrimaryOne Health has a history of providing access to quality medical care to individuals and families including immigrant and refugee residents in need,” said PrimaryOne Health Chief Executive Officer Charleta B. Tavares. “This School Based Health Center will eliminate barriers to quality health care like transportation and provide primary care including dental and vision services for the school children and communities’ families,” added Tavares.

North International Global Academy located at 4007 Karl Road in Columbus, Ohio (Formerly Brookhaven High School) it will include a renovation project providing comprehensive SBHC services including primary care, oral health, behavioral health, substance use disorder, comprehensive vision, vision/hearing/health screenings, community health workers, social workers, health education, language interpretation, mobile health care. Services will be provided to students, families, staff, and community members, at the SBHC through face-to-face and/or telehealth visits.

School-Based Health Centers (SBHC) have emerged as effective models in improving student access to health care and closing the gap experienced by racial, ethnic and cultural communities experiencing health inequities. Delivering essential preventive and primary care services in the school setting eliminates many barriers to obtaining care such as transportation, missed time at work, lack of a practitioner or medical home and time out of the classroom.

The project is estimated to begin in March 2022 and be completed by March of 2023.

Working to provide access to services to improve the health status of families, PrimaryOne Health offers comprehensive primary care, OB-GYN, pediatric, vision, dental, behavioral health, nutrition, pharmacy, physical therapy and specialty care services to over 48,000 patients at twelve sites in Franklin and Pickaway Counties and two Mobile Health Centers. PrimaryOne Health is a proud member of the Ohio Association of Community Health Centers (OACHC) and the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). For more information about PrimaryOne Health and its programs, go to www.primaryonehealth.org.

March 21, 2022

PrimaryOne Health receives grant for new Groveport Madison School-Based Health Center

Columbus, Ohio – As part of Gov. Mike DeWine’s $25.9 million funding for 136 new or expanded School-Based Health Centers (SBHC) throughout Ohio, PrimaryOne Health in partnership with Groveport Madison Schools were awarded a SBHC grant totaling $3,047,486.

The grant, School-Based Health Centers (SBHC) – Removing Barriers to Care is designed to develop new SBHC service sites in schools, expand services in existing sites, extend hours/days of operation, add services and increase populations served.

“PrimaryOne Health has a history of providing access to quality medical care to individuals and families in need,” said PrimaryOne Health Chief Executive Officer Charleta B. Tavares. “This School Based Health Center is another proven way to remove barriers to quality health care,” added Tavares.

The Groveport Madison Local Schools Board of Education approved their new Community Wellness Center project as a “one stop shop” family oriented facility. It will include a 4,000 square-foot community health center. The new Community Wellness Center will be a renovation project providing comprehensive SBHC services including primary care, oral health, behavioral health, substance use disorder, comprehensive vision, vision/hearing/health screenings, community health workers, social workers, health education, language interpretation, and mobile health care. Services will be provided to students, families, staff and community members, at the SBHC through face-to-face and/or telehealth visits.

School-Based Health Centers (SBHC) have emerged as effective models in improving student access to health care and closing the gap experienced by racial, ethnic and cultural communities experiencing health inequities. Students who receive essential preventative and primary care services are more likely to be attentive, successful learners. Healthy students are better on all levels of academic achievement: academic performance, behavior, and cognitive skills and attitudes. Investing in the health of students contributes to healthy communities in the future.

The health center portion of the project is estimated to begin in March 2022 and be completed by March of 2023.

Working to provide access to services to improve the health status of families, PrimaryOne Health offers comprehensive primary care, OB-GYN, pediatric, vision, dental, behavioral health, nutrition, pharmacy, physical therapy and specialty care services to over 48,000 patients at twelve sites in Franklin and Pickaway Counties and two Mobile Health Centers. PrimaryOne Health is a proud member of the Ohio Association of Community Health Centers (OACHC) and the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). For more information about PrimaryOne Health and its programs, go to www.primaryonehealth.org.

December 20, 2021                                   

Public Service Announcement

PrimaryOne Health continues to offer COVID-19 Testing, Vaccines and Test Kits at three Health Centers reopened health center

Who: PrimaryOne Health, central Ohio’s largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)

What: As Ohio experiences COVID-19 case numbers not seen since January of this year, PrimaryOne Health continues to provide COVID-19 testing, vaccines and test kits to the community.

When:  Mondays and Wednesdays – 9 am.-12 pm.

Where: PrimaryOne Health 1500 East 17^th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43219

To register, individuals can text: VACCINE to 614-502-5329 or log on to https://www.primaryonehealth.org

Contact: James Sims II, PrimaryOne Health:

614/226-5756 or james.sims@primaryonehealth.org

 Background: Since January 2021, PrimaryOne Health has administered more than 2,600 COVID-19 vaccines to individuals in central Ohio.

In operation since 1997, PrimaryOne Health provides comprehensive integrated primary care and behavioral health services to insured, UN/underinsured residents throughout Franklin and Pickaway Counties. The organization operates twelve (12) health center locations and is the oldest and largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Central Ohio.

Working to provide access to services to improve the health status of families, PrimaryOne Health offers comprehensive primary care, OB-GYN, pediatric, vision, dental, behavioral health, nutrition, pharmacy, physical therapy and specialty care services to over 48,000 patients.  PrimaryOne Health is a proud member of the Ohio Association of Community Health Centers (OACHC) and the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). For more information about PrimaryOne Health and its programs, go to www.primaryonehealth.org.

August 12, 2021                               

Media Advisory 

PrimaryOne Health’s new Mobile Health Center to serve residents at the Reynoldsburg Tomato Festival

Who: PrimaryOne Health

What: PrimaryOne Health’s new Mobile Health Center will provide COVID-19 vaccines  and testing.

When:  Thursday, August 12, 2021 from 4 pm to 9 pm.

Where: Huber Park, 1640 Davidson Drive, Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068

Who: PrimaryOne Health Chief Executive Officer, Charleta B. Tavares, City of Reynoldsburg public officials and community residents.

Contact: James A. Sims II, M.S., PrimaryOne Health:  614/226-5756 or james.sims@primaryonehealth.org

In operation since 1997, PrimaryOne Health provides comprehensive integrated primary care and behavioral health services to insured, UN/underinsured residents throughout Franklin and Pickaway Counties. The organization operates twelve (12) health center locations and is the oldest and largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Central Ohio.

Working to provide access to services to improve the health status of children,  adults and families, PrimaryOne Health offers comprehensive primary care, OB-GYN, pediatric, vision, dental, behavioral health, nutrition, pharmacy, physical therapy and specialty care services to over 48,000 patients.  PrimaryOne Health is a proud member of the Ohio Association of Community Health Centers (OACHC) and the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). For more information about PrimaryOne Health and its programs, go to www.primaryonehealth.org.  

July 6, 2021                                       

Media Advisory 

PrimaryOne Health launches new Mobile Health Center

Who: PrimaryOne Health

What: A community event to launch the new Mobile Health Center. The event will include food trucks and COVID-19 vaccines will be available.

When:  Wednesday, July 7, 2021 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

Where: PrimaryOne Health, 3433 Agler Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219

Contact: Susan Brewer, PrimaryOne Health:

614/266-0544 or susan.brewer@primaryonehealth.org

Background: The Mobile Health Center is a new service line which will allow PrimaryOne Health to deliver COVID-19 testing, vaccines and primary care directly to underserved and underrepresented communities in need.

In operation since 1997, PrimaryOne Health provides comprehensive integrated primary care and behavioral health services to insured, UN/underinsured residents throughout Franklin and Pickaway Counties. The organization operates twelve (12) health center locations and is the oldest and largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Central Ohio.

Working to provide access to services to improve the health status of families, PrimaryOne Health offers comprehensive primary care, OB-GYN, pediatric, vision, dental, behavioral health, nutrition, pharmacy, physical therapy and specialty care services to over 48,000 patients.  PrimaryOne Health is a proud member of the Ohio Association of Community Health Centers (OACHC) and the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). For more information about PrimaryOne Health and its programs, go to www.primaryonehealth.org.  

April 21, 2021                                             

Governor Mike DeWine attends PrimaryOne Health Vaccine Event

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine visited PrimaryOne Health during the COVID-19 vaccine event held at 1500 E. 17^th Avenue. Governor DeWine has been touring the state of Ohio visiting vaccine clinics, sharing his gratitude to healthcare workers and community members for receiving the vaccine.

Since January 2021, PrimaryOne Health has administered more than 8,000 COVID-19 vaccines to individuals in central Ohio and tested more than 32,000 patients and residents since June 2020.

“We are thankful for PrimaryOne Health’s clinic focused on vaccinating minority community members in central Ohio,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “Everyone that we spoke with today was eager to be vaccinated and hopeful for the coming months.”

In operation since 1997, PrimaryOne Health provides comprehensive physical, mental health and substance use disorder services to insured, and underinsured residents throughout Franklin and Pickaway Counties. The organization operates twelve (12) health center locations and is the oldest and largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Central Ohio.

Working to provide access to services to improve the health status of families, PrimaryOne Health offers comprehensive primary care, OB-GYN, pediatric, vision, dental, behavioral health, nutrition, pharmacy, physical therapy and specialty care services to over 48,000 patients.  PrimaryOne Health is a proud member of the Ohio Association of Community Health Centers (OACHC) and the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). For more information about PrimaryOne Health and its programs, go to www.primaryonehealth.org.

April 20, 2020                                    

Media Advisory 

Governor Mike DeWine to attend PrimaryOne Health COVID-19 Vaccine event

Who: Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and PrimaryOne Health

What: Governor Mike DeWine will visit PrimaryOne Health during the COVID-19 vaccine event. Governor DeWine has been touring the state of Ohio visiting vaccine clinics, sharing his gratitude to healthcare workers and community members for receiving the vaccine.

The newly reopened PrimaryOne Health center in Linden provides quality health care in an underserved community.

When:  Wednesday, April 21, 2021 from 9 am to 1:00 pm. Governor Mike DeWine plans to arrive at approximately 10a.m. and be on site for 30-40 minutes.

Where: PrimaryOne Health 1500 East 17^th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43219

To register, individuals can text: VACCINE to 614-502-5329 or log on to https://www.primaryonehealth.org

Contact: Susan Brewer, PrimaryOne Health:

614/555-5555 or susan.brewer@primaryonehealth.org

Background: Since January 2021, PrimaryOne Health has administered more than 8,000 COVID-19 vaccines to individuals in central Ohio and tested more than 32,600 patients and residents since June 2020.

In operation since 1997, PrimaryOne Health provides comprehensive integrated primary care and behavioral health services to insured, UN/underinsured residents throughout Franklin and Pickaway Counties. The organization operates twelve (12) health center locations and is the oldest and largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Central Ohio.

Working to provide access to services to improve the health status of families, PrimaryOne Health offers comprehensive primary care, OB-GYN, pediatric, vision, dental, behavioral health, nutrition, pharmacy, physical therapy and specialty care services to over 48,000 patients.  PrimaryOne Health is a proud member of the Ohio Association of Community Health Centers (OACHC) and the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). For more information about PrimaryOne Health and its programs, go to www.primaryonehealth.org.