Dr. Marilyn H. Gaston’s professional career has been dedicated to improving the health of poor and minority families in our Nation and abroad. Her approach to accomplishing this goal has been through her direct delivery of quality primary health care; through the provision of medical education to young clinicians in training; involvement in clinical research; and through administration of local and Federal programs directed to services for the un- and underserved people of our country. Read more…
Category: Uncategorized
Black History Month
NHFHS is celebrating Black History Month by recognizing African Americans who have had a significant impact on Public Health in the United States. These inspiring individuals overcame racism, sexism, and other challenges to become innovators in their respective fields and champion the cause of equal access to health care for all citizens.
Kizzmekia S. Corbett, Ph.D., is a scientist who is destined for history books. Corbett has been at the forefront of the development of a highly effective vaccine to protect against COVID-19. Less than a year after the virus began spreading globally, the vaccine began to be delivered to millions of healthcare workers and others at high-risk. Prior to the pandemic, Corbett was part of a team at the National Institutes of Health whose research on other coronaviruses laid the foundation for the design of the COVID-19 vaccine. Read more…
David Satcher was appointed surgeon general by U.S. president Bill Clinton on February 13, 1998, and served simultaneously as assistant secretary for health from 1998 to 2001. As surgeon general he continued the battle against smoking and became the nation’s spokesperson on such issues as youth violence, obesity, oral health, sexual health, and suicide prevention. Read more…
Ruth Ella Moore, the first Black woman in the United States to get a doctorate in the natural sciences and to join the American Society for Microbiology (then the Society of American Bacteriologists), would also become the first woman to head up a department at Howard University. The mold-breaking scientist had diverse research interests and was a dedicated teacher and mentor. Read more…
Charles Richard Drew was an American surgeon, educator, and pioneering medical researcher on blood transfusions. He discovered that plasma had a longer shelf life than blood and could be separated to be used in transfusions. His work not only saved thousands during World War II, it also laid the groundwork for long-term blood preservation and storage techniques that have saved countless lives since. Read more…
Dr. Marilyn H. Gaston‘s professional career has been dedicated to improving the health of poor and minority families in our Nation and abroad. Her approach to accomplishing this goal has been through her direct delivery of quality primary health care; through the provision of medical education to young clinicians in training; involvement in clinical research; and through administration of local and Federal programs directed to services for the un- and underserved people of our country. Read more…
National Health Center Week 2023
New Horizon Family Health Service (NHFHS) is excited for the return of National Health Center Week, August 6 through 12, 2023. This annual, week-long celebration is part of a national campaign to acknowledge the vital role health centers play in providing access to quality health care in our communities. As the nation’s largest primary care provider, health centers are the safety net for nearly 30 million people offering comprehensive primary care to individuals regardless of their insurance status.
National Health Center Week is an opportunity to highlight the commitment and passion of our staff, board members, and supporters. It is their dedication that makes it possible for NHFHS to provide quality, patient-centered care to nearly 20,000 patients.
NHFHS will observe National Health Center Week with the following Focus Days:
- Monday, August 7th – Health Care for People Experiencing Homelessness Day
- Tuesday, August 8th – Oral Health Day
- Wednesday, August 9th – Patient Appreciation Day
- Thursday, August 10th – Stakeholder Appreciation Day
- Friday, August 11th – Health Center Staff Appreciation Day
- Saturday, August 12th – Children’s Health Day
Be sure to follow us on our social platforms for details and updates on our National Health Center Week activities.
National Nurses Week
Tomorrow, May 6th, kicks off National Nurses Week – which is part of National Nurses Month! Every year from May 6th through 12th, nurses are recognized for their service in caring for others and improving the health of patients. Nurses Week celebrates the effort, dedication, and sacrifices nurses make year-round. Learn about the history of Nurses Week here.
We thank the entire nursing staff of New Horizon Family Health Services for providing quality, compassionate care to our patients every day.
Many businesses are showing their support for nurses by offering special deals and discounts. Check out this list curated by Nurse.org.
Annual Reviews for Medicaid Have Restarted
Annual reviews for Healthy Connections Medicaid members restarted on April 1, 2023. If you received an annual review form in the mail, it is important to complete the form and return it by the date listed on the form. If you do not, you will be at risk of losing your coverage!
If you need help getting through the review process, our Certified Application Counselors are here to help. Call 864-233-1534, ext. 2219.
Members may also complete their annual review online by visiting apply.scdhhs.gov and clicking “Submit Annual Review“.
NHFHS Welcomes New Providers
New Horizon Family Health Services (NHFHS) is pleased to welcome the following medical providers to our team!
Joy McFarland, MD, FACP has joined NHFHS as an Internal Medicine Physician. Dr. McFarland earned her medical degree from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine and completed her residency at the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine in Knoxville. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of South Carolina.
Adnan Qadeer, MD joins our organization as a Pediatric Physician. Dr. Qadeer is a fellow of the American Board of Pediatrics. He finished his medical degree in Lahore, Pakistan and completed his pediatric residency training from UMKC Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. Dr. Qadeer has been practicing general pediatrics in South Carolina since 2007.
Jessica Himmelstein, MD has joined our team as an Internal Medicine Physician. Dr. Himmelstein earned her medical degree from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine and completed her residency at Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center in Oakland, CA. She also holds a Master of Science in Epidemiology from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, a Master of Public Health from the University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health and Bachelor degrees in Biology and Spanish from Wofford College.
Let’s Talk Health & Wellness!
Join New Horizon Family Health Services as we present a special health & wellness program for middle school students at the Phillis Wheatley Community Center! Each session is from 5:00 – 6:00 pm.
Thursday, December 8 – Medication Safety & Poisons
Thursday, January 5 – Mental Health & Emotions
Thursday, January 19 – Physical Activity
Thursday, February 2 – Careers
To participate, sign up at the Phillis Wheatley Community Center at 335 Greenacre Road in Greenville or call/email Brittany Hogue at 864-240-4242 or bhogue@philliswheatleysc.org.
NHFHS Recognized for Quality Improvement Achievements
NHFHS has been recognized by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for our organization’s quality improvement achievements in the areas of access, quality, health equity and health information technology.
NHFHS was awarded community health center quality recognition awards in the following four areas:
- Health Center Quality Leader: Recognizes health centers achieving the best overall clinical quality measure (CQM) performance among all health centers.
- Patient Centered Medical Home Recognition (PCMH): Recognizes health centers with PCMH recognition in one or more delivery sites.
- Advancing Health Information Technology (HIT) for Quality: Recognizes health centers that meet all criteria to optimize HIT services that advance telehealth, patient engagement, interoperability, and collection of social determinants of health to increase access to care and advance quality of care.
- Addressing Social Risk Factors: Recognizes health centers that are screening for social risk factors impacting patient health and are increasing access to enabling services.
These awards underscore our organization’s commitment to providing quality, affordable, compassionate patient-centered health care to improve the health of the communities we serve.
Hispanic Heritage Month!
This Hispanic Heritage Month, we’ll be recognizing the contributions of Hispanic members of our team to the health of the communities we serve and listening as they share how they celebrate their culture.
Today, we highlight Rhina Nunez, LPN! Rhina is the Charge Nurse at NHFHS’ Greer office.
What are your favorite Hispanic cultural traditions?
My favorite tradition is listening to music and dancing. Christmas is also one of my favorite Dominican traditions. Misa de Gallo is my favorite Christmas tradition to celebrate with my family and friends. It is the name of the mass that takes place at church at midnight on Christmas Eve.
What does your Hispanic heritage mean to you?
As a Dominican, my heritage means structure, religion and family. As a heritage we are welcoming people with a spirit of happiness and a great sense of humor. My heritage also means sharing and helping those who are in need.
What do you enjoy most about your role at NHFHS?
I enjoy that I am able to provide hands on care to a diverse population here at NHFHS. Being able to build positive relationships with patients has been rewarding. I am the type of person who thrives with new and exciting challenges. NHFHS is where I feel most comfortable facing the challenges that I may encounter throughout the day. It has been an amazing opportunity to honor my heritage by helping those who are in need.
In today’s Hispanic Heritage Month Highlight, we recognize Yury Giraldo, RN! Yury is a Nurse Patient Care Coordinator/Educator at NHFHS’ Travelers Rest office.
What are your favorite Hispanic cultural traditions?
My favorite tradition is being able to celebrate Christmas with family and friends. We enjoy getting together to make Natilla and buñuelos on the weekends.
What does your Hispanic heritage mean to you?
Spanish heritage means to me family and my roots, delicious food, and my beautiful people.
What do you enjoy most about your role at NHFHS?
I enjoy being able to advocate for my patients. I enjoy that I have the opportunity to make a difference in people’s wellness. I love being able to advocate for my patients and having them tell me what my kindness and help meant to them.
How Will You Celebrate National Health Center Week?
National Health Center Week is August 7-13! Here are five ways you can celebrate by making your own health a priority!
1. Get Vaccinated or Boosted for COVID-19
Need your COVID-19 vaccine or booster? NHFHS’ medical offices offer the Moderna vaccine and booster to all eligible individuals in our community Monday-Friday from 8 am – 3:30 pm — no appointment needed!
2. Schedule Your Next Primary Care or Dental Appointment
Are you up-to-date on your primary care and dental preventive appointments? Routine check-ups are important and can help detect health problems early when they may be easier to treat.
3. Sign Up as a Health Center Advocate
Community Health Centers, like New Horizon Family Health Services, are the nation’s largest primary care provider and the safety net for nearly 30 million Americans. Support the work we do by signing up as a Health Center Advocate at www.hcadvocacy.org/join!
4. Get Screened for HIV
Do you know your status? NHFHS’ Ryan White Program team offers free HIV screening with no appointment at our 975 W. Faris Road office in Greenville Monday-Friday from 9 am – 4 pm.
5. Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Sign up for our monthly newsletter at www.newhorizonfhs.org/subscribe-to-our-newsletter/ and start getting the latest NHFHS news in your inbox!
Join Us for These National Health Center Week Events!
NHFHS will also be recognizing National Health Center Week with the following events:
Monday, August 8
Tune in to our Facebook page for a behind-the-scenes look with NHFHS’ Health Care for the Homeless (HCH) Program staff on the Mobile Medical Unit!
Tuesday, August 9
To recognize the important work of health centers, City of Greenville Mayor Knox White is proclaiming this week as National Health Center Week! Vice Mayor Pro Tem, Dorothy Dowe, will be delivering the proclamation at our 975 W. Faris Road office in Greenville at 10:00 am.
Tune in to our Facebook page this morning for a virtual story time with NHFHS’ Morgan Simmons, PA!
NHFHS’ HIV Prevention and Outreach Team will be offering free HIV screening and prevention information from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm today at NHFHS’ Greenville office at 975 W. Faris Road.
Wednesday, August 10 – Patient Appreciation Day
Have an appointment at our Faris Road office? Stop by our Advocacy Table and sign up as a Health Center Advocate to support the work we do! Visit www.hcadvocacy.org/join to learn more about health center advocacy and why making your voice heard in support of health centers is important.
NHFHS’ HIV Prevention and Outreach Team will be offering free HIV screening and prevention information from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm today at NHFHS’ Travelers Rest office at 1588 Geer Highway.
Thursday, August 11
City of Travelers Rest Mayor Brandy Amidon will be presenting a National Health Center Week proclamation at NHFHS’ Travelers Rest office, located at 1588 Geer Highway, at 9:00 am!
City of Greer Mayor Rick Danner will be presenting a National Health Center Week proclamation at NHFHS’ Greer office, located at 111-A Berry Avenue, at 1:00 pm!
NHFHS’ HIV Prevention and Outreach Team will also be offering free HIV screening and prevention information from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm today at NHFHS’ Greer office.
Friday, August 12 – Staff Appreciation Day – Career Table
As part of our staff appreciation day, we invite you to consider joining our team! Are you seeking a new opportunity while making a difference in the health of your community? Drop by our Career Table today at 975 W. Faris Road in Greenville from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm to learn more about our job openings. For a full list of open positions, visit www.newhorizonfhs.org/careers/current-openings/.