It’s Time to Say ‘Thank You’

It’s Time to Say ‘Thank You’

As I am finally retiring, I want to express my appreciation to the Belington Clinic’s patients for their support and our staff for their dedication over the years. When I made the decision to retire at the end of the year, I had completely forgotten that 2023 marked our 50th anniversary. It is certainly worth noting that the clinic is home grown.

When the last doctor retired, Belington found itself without in-town medical care. Seven Belington residents made it their business to find a solution. Because of their efforts, if our organization has any owners, they are the citizens of Barbour County.

The seven included a CPA, a jeweler, a building, supply clerk, a columnist for the Barbour Democrat, a lumber mill owner, a WV state Human Resources employee, and the manager of a hardware supply business. They worked out an agreement with Memorial General Hospital in Elkins to open a clinic in
Belington. The group created a corporation; obtained our 1903 schoolhouse building at auction with the local police chief doing the bidding. Memorial General provided some renovation funding and those seven became the first volunteer board of directors. When Memorial General closed in 1986, this same board made the decision to become an independent clinic and assume full financial responsibility. Their work certainly represented caring about community.

Yet another example of community initiative was in 1992, after the WV Board of Education endorsed the concept of school-based health centers, a committee was formed to develop a plan for submission to the county school board. This group consisted of PBHS educators, a counselor, parents, a pastor, the Barbour County Health Department director, and the clinic. After a lot of work over a year, the proposal was submitted to the school board which approved it after a public hearing. I remember driving into the PBHS parking lot for the hearing and seeing a huge number of cars. I was sure the proposal was dead, but the cars were for a basketball game. With grants from the state, the Benedum Foundation, a $10,000 gift from Davis Memorial Hospital, the project was on its way. Arthur Brandon, a lifetime educator who began his teaching career at the Lillian rural school, donated his home to be sold. The project then had the necessary funding. PBHS soon had West Virginia’s first free standing school-based health center which Ken Auvil had built at cost. Jimmy Harris made all the furniture at less than cost. More people coming together, more community.

It has now been many years since I doubled as the clinic administrator. As it should, Barbour Community Health has moved into the future. We are now joined with the Myers Clinic which has a rich history of its own and strengthened our organization. We are proud of the recent addition of mental health services. However, Barbour Community Health would not exist if it were not for those seven individuals and the work of the Belington Clinic over the years. I do want to leave our patients with this: We are local, not a major health care giant. It is our job to offer quality and service from the time someone calls, walks into reception, is evaluated by a nurse, is examined by a physician or other provider; and then receives appropriate follow-up. If your expectations are met or not met, let the administrator and the Board of Directors know. It is the only way we can objectively improve our services. This organization is yours; the Board consists of your neighbors, and they are your representatives.

Finally, to the patients who have followed with me over the last 45 years, it was a joy. I have had the pleasure of walking into those two exam rooms well over 100,000 times. I was never bored; often felt challenged; and almost always felt like I was with a friend. I will miss our conversations. I will miss the interaction with our staff, particularly those providers who cared so much about their patients. I will most certainly miss working with Judy who kept me on task and did so much for our patients. The best thing is, I will be able to spend more time with the most important person in my life, Kate, as well as these 25 beautiful grandchildren.

– Tom

Why Choose a Nurse Practitioner as a Primary Care Provider

Why Choose a Nurse Practitioner as a Primary Care Provider

In the world of healthcare, Nurse Practitioners play a vital role in delivering quality patient care, especially in community settings in rural West Virginia. During National Nurse Practitioner Week, we had the privilege of speaking with Heather Ritchie, FNP, a dedicated Nurse Practitioner at Barbour Community Health Association (BCHA), to better understand the impact and responsibilities NPs have in the community. Heather also shares her inspiration for becoming a Nurse Practitioner and more in this Q&A.

Can you briefly describe your role and responsibilities as a Nurse Practitioner at BCHA?

Yes, my role and responsibilities at BCHA are primarily focused on patient care. I work at the Belington and Myers Quick Care clinics, where I see and treat sick or injured patients. We encounter a wide range of conditions, from colds, flu, strep, and COVID to sprains and lacerations. My responsibilities include assessing patients, interpreting lab results and X-rays, and providing appropriate treatment within my scope of practice.

What inspired you to become a Nurse Practitioner, and what led you to work at BCHA?

I’ve been a nurse since 2009 and loved working at the bedside in the ED, ICU and tele floors. However, I wanted to be more involved in the community while taking a more active role in the health promotion and prevention of my patients, more than bedside nursing could offer. This drove me to pursue a Master’s in Science and become a Nurse Practitioner. I was led to BCHA because they were opening a new walk-in clinic, and my previous clinic was closing around the same time. It just felt like it was meant to be.

How do Nurse Practitioners contribute to the well-being of the community, and what unique aspects do they bring to patient care?

Nurse Practitioners are a great asset to any community because of our unique skill set. Many of us have worked at the bedside in hospitals, and we understand what it means to treat the whole person, not just the disease or diagnosis. I believe that experience is one of the most unique aspects of being an NP. We know how important it is to treat the body, mind and spirit. This sometimes means carving the extra time needed to incorporate their religious and cultural perspectives within their care and this also helps to improve patient compliance.

Can you share a memorable patient success story that highlights the impact of Nurse Practitioners in our community?

When it comes to success in healthcare, it does not always mean reversal or complete healing of a disease or condition. Sometimes it simply means understanding and caring. This involves listening and involving the patient in the care they receive. I have multiple stories, but one in  particular was with a patient who was terminal. We stumbled upon his diagnosis of stage 4 lung cancer with mets – that is a death sentence, and he knew it! But, this was someone who never went to the doctor and was just a tough country boy, until now. He was scared and didn’t know what to do. So, I listened, and I counseled him and I prayed with him, and he decided to take an active part in his treatment. He went to specialists, chemo, and radiation to the point that he did not think he could go anymore, and he would just come into the office to talk and tell me about his day. He made it 11 months after his diagnosis, but a couple of his visits before he passed, he looked so happy and ready. He spent time with his family, turned to God, and felt better than he had in years…despite his diagnosis. He thanked me for listening and caring enough to counsel, pray, and just talk with him. This resonated with his family and friends, many of which decided to establish care within the clinic. What we do matters whether we know it or not, and as Nurse Practitioners, we bring a listening ear, a compassionate heart, and a desire to treat the whole patient to the practice of medicine for our communities.

Nurse Practitioners often work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals. How do you coordinate care with doctors, nurses, and other team members to provide comprehensive patient care?

Working in a quick care environment, we often need to send patients to the emergency room for further evaluation. I always make sure to call the receiving hospital and give a report to the ED provider or to a nurse. Another example is when we need psych evaluations when a patient is in an acute crisis. Thankfully BCHA has a wonderful behavioral health department that is willing to talk to patients the same day if needed. I have had to utilize the therapist in our office to help patients through their tough times and to help get them scheduled quickly for follow up appointments with behavioral health. What helps us here at BCHA is that everyone has a desire to provide efficient care for our patients and that makes collaboration even more effective.

Nurse Practitioners are known for their patient-centered approach. How do you build strong relationships with your patients, and what sets Nurse Practitioners apart in this regard?

When a nurse is taking care of a patient in the hospital, they spend a lot of time with each patient. They are with them for 12 hours a day or night, sometimes for multiple days in a row. Nurses take time to talk and get to know each patient and it helps them learn more about how to care for them. When nurses become NPs, we carry that care over into our practice. We take the time needed to figure out what the patient needs and how we can help them. Sometimes it’s just about sitting and listening without judging or interrupting.

In what ways have you seen Nurse Practitioners evolve and expand their scope of practice in recent years, and how has this benefited our community?

The biggest change I have seen in the evolution of NP practice is the ability for NPs to work independently. In the state of West Virginia, we need a collaborating physician for 3 years, and then we can apply for independent practice, meaning we don’t have to have a collaborating physician anymore. This has benefited communities by bringing healthcare to even the most rural and remote areas. There are not enough physicians to treat the whole county and allowing nurses to further their education to become independent Nurse Practitioners has really helped make healthcare more accessible for everyone.

What message would you like to convey to the community, patients, and colleagues during Nurse Practitioner Week about the essential role of Nurse Practitioners in healthcare?

That we are here to help and to make healthcare more accessible to more people. We care about our patients as a whole and focus on their needs as a part of our care, and we want their input and ideas to overcome barriers to healing and compliance.

Can you offer advice or encouragement to aspiring Nurse Practitioners who may be considering a career in healthcare, especially in a community setting like ours?

Just go for it, it’s worth it. School is hard, but the reward of caring for your community is worth it. As Nurse Practitioners, we bring our nursing experience to the field of practicing medicine and that makes all the difference in the care we provide.

What are some ongoing initiatives or goals for the future that you and your team have to further improve patient care and community health?

I am not quite sure what the team has in mind, but I believe that through community outreach programs and accessible care, we will continue to provide and improve care throughout our communities. Having access to family practice, behavioral health, lab, radiology, and quick care services provided by BCHA, our communities are able to obtain all of their healthcare needs within one organization. This provides continuity of care that was not possible many years ago.

This week, we are feeling extra grateful for our four Nurse Practitioners within BCHA – Heather Ritchie, FNP; Joyce Wilson, MSN, APRN, FNP-C; Amy Rollins, APRN-FNP, and Rhonda Parker, DNP. Thank you for all you do to provide the compassionate and quality care that our communities deserve.

Call BCHA today to make an appointment with one of our caring Nurse Practitioners!

FAQs About Our New Radiology Department

FAQs About Our New Radiology Department

We are so excited to offer our communities a new service here at Barbour Community Health Association (BCHA) – Radiology, AKA X-rays! This state-of-the-art department is equipped with a team of professionally trained and certified Radiology Technicians who put top-tier care and accurate diagnoses at the forefront of what they do.

During Radiology Technician Week, we want to shine a light on this department – what it is, who it serves, and what patients can expect from an experience here. Join us in this Q&A session by Sonja L. Mitchell, R.T.(R)(ARRT), the Radiology Director at Belington, to learn more about this advancement and how it can benefit you.

What is Radiology, and what role does it play in healthcare?

Radiology is the science of using physics and technology to create diagnostic medical images. The field of Radiology is vast – you will find R.T.s everywhere, from the operating room to the oncology center. Did you know that the person doing a heart catheterization (cath lab) along with the Cardiologist is also an R.T.?

What does a Radiologic Technologist (R.T.) do?

First and foremost, R.T.s prioritize patient care. We guide and conduct various types of X-ray exams. These exams are essential for obtaining critical medical information. R.T.s collaborate with Radiologists to provide reports to healthcare providers, ensuring that the information they need for diagnosis and treatment is readily available.

When should someone consider seeing a Radiologic Technologist (R.T.)?

To see an R.T., you need to work closely with your healthcare provider. A provider’s order is required for medical imaging. Some common reasons for X-rays at BCHA include:

  • chest X-rays for conditions like pneumonia, cough, asthma or pre-operative clearance
  • abdominal X-rays for long standing belly pain, kidney stones, or constipation
  • Back and pelvis X-rays for lower back strain, sciatica, and falling injuries
  • Extremity X-rays for arthritis, sports injuries, rolled ankles, joint pain, smashed fingers and toes, and carpal tunnel

What can patients expect during a Radiology appointment at BCHA?

At BCHA, we offer general X-ray exams. After discussing your condition or injury with your provider, they may determine that you need an X-ray. The Radiologic Technologist will escort you to the X-ray room, where the procedure will take place. Most X-rays are quick, typically lasting less than 10 minutes. Some may require you to change into a gown, and they can be performed while standing, sitting, or lying down.

How soon can patients expect to receive their X-ray results?

One distinct advantage at BCHA is that our providers can review your X-ray images almost immediately after they are taken, expediting the diagnostic process. However, official results may take a bit longer as the images are sent to a Radiologist for analysis. You may return to your exam room to await the results, or we may also choose to call you at a later time with your results. They will then review the results and determine your individual care plan based on the findings.

For all your Radiology needs, remember that this valuable service is now accessible at our Barbour Quick Care and Myers Clinics.

The Ins and Outs of Healthy Inside and Out

The Ins and Outs of Healthy Inside and Out

Are you wanting to get healthier, but you aren’t quite sure how to do it? Or maybe you’ve been working at it, but you’ve hit a wall? No worries, that’s where Barbour Community Health Association’s Healthy Inside & Out educational series comes in to help! The support of a group can make all the difference when it comes to reaching your health goals, which is why Donna Seaman, Philippi Wellness Center Director, had the idea to bring this educational series back. 

Our team of professionals is excited to be able to give you useful tools to help achieve your goals in these interactive sessions! Learn more about our upcoming Healthy Inside and Out Event Series:


The How-To’s of Gym Equipment

Joining the gym can be intimidating and so can walking into a weight room. But it doesn’t have to be! Our ACE Certified personal trainer, Misty Bradley, will lead the session at our Philippi Wellness Center to answer some common questions such as:

How many repetitions should I do?

How heavy should I be lifting?

How do I even get my legs in that machine?

Even if you have any specific questions, Misty will have time to answer those too! It will be like having your very own personal training session. If you are unable to attend this session, she will be hosting it again Saturday January 14th at 10 am. 

This session will be held Tuesday, October 24th at 6:30 pm. The deadline to register for this session is October 20th, 2023.

The How To’s of Eating Healthier

We’ve all heard that we should “eat better”, but what does that actually mean and how can you put it into practice? Most of what we hear about “eating better” is not realistic for many people and many circumstances. WVU Medicine registered dietitians will be joining us to help you make a plan for what healthy eating looks like for you. We will also be covering hot topics such as Ozempic use, low carbohydrate diets, and the question of “do I really need to eat breakfast?” WVU Medicine dietitians look forward to speaking with you and answering any questions you may have. There will be snacks provided as well as printed recipes you can take home and try.

This session will be held Tuesday, November 7th at 6:30 pm. The deadline to register for this session is November 3, 2023. 

The Best Kept Secret for Stress Management

We all face stress and anxiety every day, some days more than others. Do you realize you already have the tools you need to help you cope with life and prevent stress from damaging your health? Emily Plauche, MS in Yoga Therapy will teach this interactive workshop. You will learn about the almost magical ability that is Breath work, learning breathing techniques as well as how to tap into your vagus nerve to make a noticeable difference in your life. Breath work cannot only reduce your body’s stress response but can help you be more effective at exercise and everyday tasks. 

This session will be held Tuesday, December 5th at 6:30 pm. The deadline to register for this session is December 1, 2023. 

To make things even sweeter, we will have door prizes and giveaways too! You don’t want to miss out on all the fun! You can register for all three or for whichever session works best for you. Register online today or contact Donna Seaman at dseaman@barbourhealth.org. You may also call the Philippi Wellness Center at 304-457-0070 to register!

Barbour Community Health Association to Celebrate 50 Years Of the Belington Medical Clinic

Barbour Community Health Association to Celebrate 50 Years Of the Belington Medical Clinic

BELINGTON, WV (Sept. 28, 2023) Barbour Community Health Association (BCHA) invites the public to join the organization in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of BCHA’s Belington Medical Clinic, located at 70 N Sturmer Street in Belington, West Virginia.

This year marks a significant and exciting milestone for the organization, as they celebrate 50 years of providing exceptional and affordable health care and wellness services to the local community.

The Belington Medical Clinic first opened its doors to patients in October 1973, and has remained steadfast in their commitment to community health and wellness for all.

“We are so excited to celebrate the Golden Anniversary of providing the highest quality health and wellness services to our community,” said Eric Ruf, CEO of Barbour Community Health Association. “A few things have changed in these past fifty years, but our commitment to the community remains steadfast! We hope our friends and family will join us for the celebration!”

The event will begin at 11:00 a.m. on October 14th, 2023, and will conclude at 2:00 p.m.

Attendees will have opportunities to tour the facility and participate in giveaways. Giveaway prizes include Corn Hole Boards, a Collapsible Utility Wagon, and Barbour Wellness Center Memberships.

Additionally, there will be live entertainment including music, pumpkin painting, and apple cider, as well as food trucks for refreshments.

Flu vaccination shots will be available for BCHA patients only.

“Having the opportunity to extend invitations to our community and to host this celebration is so valuable to our BCHA family,” said Debbie Schoonover, COO. “We are proud of this organization and are blessed to share this moment with the residents of Barbour County.”

 

 

About the Barbour Community Health Association

Belington Medical and Myers Clinics are federally qualified health centers that provide medical and behavioral health care to patients with insurance, Medicare and/or Medicaid and for those without health insurance through the clinic’s Health Access program.

The organization also operates Barbour Behavioral Health, Barbour Quick Care, Belington Wellness Center, Brandon School-Based Health Services, and Philippi Wellness Center. The Barbour Behavioral Health team is made up of well-trained psychologists and psychotherapists who offer a variety of behavioral health services. Barbour Quick Care has walk-in care available in Philippi. Belington and Philippi Wellness Centers offer a wide variety of exercise equipment, and exercise programs. Brandon School-Based Health Services offers a variety of nursing, preventive and acute care medical and behavioral health services to all students and staff in the Barbour County School system. Learn More About the Barbour Community Health Association.

HPV Vaccine Myths Busted!

HPV Vaccine Myths Busted!

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the US. HPV is a virus that can lead to certain types of cancers affecting both men and women. Sometimes, HPV does not cause any immediate symptoms, so many who have HPV may not know it until a cancer has developed. But what if we told you there was a vaccine that could help protect your children from those cancers caused by HPV? The HPV vaccine is cancer prevention and recommended for ages 9-26 years of age (the earlier, the better). Some adults age 27-45 may benefit from an HPV vaccination and should discuss it with their healthcare provider. 

There are many myths associated with the HPV vaccine that we wanted to take a minute and clear up for you. 

MYTH: Only Girls Need the HPV Vaccine

Fact: The vaccine is recommended for both boys and girls to receive. While the most talked about cancer associated with HPV is cervical cancer, there is a long list of cancers that have also been linked to HPV infections. Nearly four out of every ten cases of cancer caused by an HPV infection occur among men. It is important to get both your sons and daughters immunized to protect them against these forms of HPV-related cancer. 

MYTH: You Shouldn’t Get Your Child Immunized Before They’re Sexually Active

Fact: You SHOULD get your child immunized before they’re sexually active to ensure they have full protection against HPV years before they ever have contact with the virus. 

MYTH: Your Child Will Get HPV/Cancer from the Vaccine

Fact: Not True! Because the HPV vaccine is made using only a single protein from each type of the virus, it can’t cause HPV infection, therefore, it can’t cause any other cancers. 

Talk to your child’s provider about the HPV vaccine during their next check-up. Depending on their age, the vaccine can come in either two or three doses. Over 15 years of monitoring have shown that HPV vaccines are very safe and help protect your child from HPV and the cancers it causes. Like any vaccine or medications, HPV vaccines can have side effects, however most common effects are mild and may include pain, redness, or swelling of the arm where shot was given, dizziness, fainting (more common in adolescents), nausea, or headache. Adolescents should be seated or lying down during vaccination and remain in that position for 15 minutes after getting the shot. 

Statistics show that high-risk HPV infections and genital warts rates have decreased by 81 percent among young adult women who have been immunized. Specific cervical precancers caused by high-risk HPV infections have dropped by 40 percent among vaccinated women. 

Don’t wait to vaccinate! Talk to your child’s provider at any Barbour Community Health Association site about getting their HPV vaccination.

Q&A WITH OUR NEW CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER, JOHN HENDERSON, MD

Q&A with our new Chief Medical Officer, John Henderson, MD

Barbour Community Health Association is delighted to announce the promotion of Dr. John Henderson, MD, to Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Henderson will lead Barbour Community Health Association’s clinical team while continuing to provide care to his patients at Belington Medical Clinic. We chatted with Dr. Henderson to learn more about his experience in Family Medicine and about his new role. Read on to learn more.  

What is the title and role of your current position at Barbour Community Health Association (BCHA)? 

Chief Medical Officer and Medical Provider.

Can you briefly describe the responsibilities and duties associated with the CMO position? 

The primary thing is to ensure quality care to all patients that we serve and to oversee the clinical staff regarding our policies and procedures.

How does your previous experience and skill set align with the requirements of this role? 

I served as Medical Director in the past as well as worked as a Family Practice Physician for 28 years. I have worked here at BCHA in one capacity or another for all of those 28 years. I served as Chief of Staff at a local hospital. I am also the Medical Director of Mountain Hospice – a nursing home in Belington. 

How do you balance the role of an administrator and a provider? 

Balancing both roles is sometimes tough. You never know when things will come up. Thursdays are now dedicated to just administrative tasks and duties, however, issues do come up on other days as well. Balancing a busy schedule has been a responsibility of mine since Medical School. Prioritizing my work and working efficiently helps balance.

What excites you the most about your new position? 

I think it’s being involved with an organization that I truly believe has/puts the wellbeing of our patients and the community first. Having the dedicated time to do administrative tasks is a big change, where before, these responsibilities were always just squeezed in. We do great things here at BCHA, and I want to be a part of that, and continue being a part of it in the future.

How do you envision your new position contributing to the BCHA’s overall goals and objectives?

I think I try to be objective and not take any sides. I try to listen to the opinions of both the administrative side and the clinical side, and support whichever side seems to make most sense. Sometimes I have to work with one side – admin and providers – or vice versa to help them understand who may or may not be right given the circumstance.

Can you share any specific projects or initiatives you’ll be working on in your new position? 

We acquired the Myers Clinic seven years ago. It’s been a struggle for the two organizations to feel as one. I really would like us to feel like we’re all on the same team. To feel like we are all BCHA.

What are some of your immediate goals and priorities in your new role?

Learn what a CMO needs to do. In the past, we had a Clinical Director that did a lot of the grunt work, and I basically just signed off on things as a Medical Director. This role is more responsibility. I want to unify the BCHA organization. 

Why did you choose a career in the healthcare industry? 

Honestly, I just sort of fell into it. Some of my background – I wanted to be a farmer, and I did not go to college until six years after completing high school. I was married with kids when I then decided I needed more, so I went to college, then went on to med school. I like to help folks. I chose family medicine because I like the idea of being involved in care for the whole family.

What is your educational background? Please elaborate.

I graduated from East Fairmont High School in 1979. Following high school, I married my wife Annette – my high school sweetheart. I received my undergrad degree in Animal Science from West Virginia University. I then went on to medical school at West Virginia University, where I additionally completed a three year residency in family medicine. I have four children who are now all adults as well as seven grandchildren. I moved to Elkins in 1995, the same year I opened a private practice and worked at BCHA part time.

What are key challenges that you feel healthcare administrators face?

We’re a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), so we get federal funding, and with that comes a lot of rules and regulations to ensure we are doing what we need to do.

It is a challenge to know and follow those rules. Being an FQHC is much more involved than just doing the right thing in the exam room – we do the right thing in the room and must track and prove to the insurance companies that we are doing the right thing. Sometimes it’s hard to put it all on paper that we are providing the best care for our patients.

Providers are all different people with different personalities and practice approaches. This doesn’t mean one provider is right and one is wrong. We must understand how to come up with a protocol(s) to do things that also doesn’t interfere with a provider’s individuality and individual practice of medicine. The way I do it doesn’t mean it’s right for other providers.

Why do you choose (to work at) Barbour Community Health Association? 

Without sounding too corny, I really believe this organization cares about the patients first. A close second to that is the employees. I’ve seen many, many, many times over the years where the BCHA administration would go above and beyond to help our employees. I truly believe it’s a caring organization and that trickles down to our patients. From the board to our CEO to administration, the nurses, front desk and janitor – everyone really cares.

BCHA is an organization to be proud of. Considering Barbour County is very poor, we have really state-of- the-art medical facilities. We have the brand new Myers Clinic in Philippi, several Wellness Centers and School-Based clinics such as the AB Wellness Clinic. Our outreach is county-wide and I believe we do a very good job.

We are so excited for Dr. Henderson to take on the role of Chief Medical Officer. Patients can see Dr. Henderson at our Belington Medical Clinic

Get to Know our New PA-C, Stephen Harris

Get to Know our New PA-C, Stephen Harris

Barbour Community Health Association  is pleased to announce the addition of Stephen Harris, PA-C, to our dedicated staff. Stephen Harris will serve as one of eight Physician Assistants caring for our patients. Read on to learn more.

What is the title and role of your current position at Barbour Community Health Association (BCHA)? 

I am a Physician Assistant.

What was your previous role, prior to joining BCHA? 

Physician Assistant at Grafton City Hospital, as well as a Professor at Alderson Broaddus University.

Can you briefly describe the responsibilities and duties associated with being a Certified Physician Assistant? 

Providing Acute Care and the Management of Chronic Medical Conditions across the patient lifespan.

Does your previous experience and skill set align with the requirements of this role? 

Yes it does, I have been doing this for 22 years. 

What excites you the most about your new position? 

Getting the chance to move back to my home county to provide care to the community that I grew up in excites me the most about this new position. 

How do you envision your new position contributing to the BCHA’s overall goals and objectives?

 Providing acute and chronic care in a compassionate manner.

Can you share any specific healthcare interests that you hope to work on as a PA-C (i.e., diabetes, adolescent mental health, etc)? 

Working with Diabetic Patients is something that I definitely kind of like;  takin

g care of them. Preventative medicine, and geriatric care as well. At my last position, I took care of about 25 nursing home-like patients. 

What are some of your immediate goals and priorities in your new role? 

My first immediate goal is to build a family practice here. Changing from my already established family practice at my previous job and coming somewhere new. Additionally, it sounds like most providers prefer to provide acute care rather than chronic care. 

Why did you choose a career in the healthcare industry? 

To provide care and preventative care to keep people from (being diagnosed with) some of the things I see now such as congestive heart failure and heart disease. 

What is your educational background? Please elaborate. 

I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Alderson Broaddus University (ABU) in 1994, a Medical Science Bachelor’s Degree from ABU in 2001, a Masters in Medical SCience – Primary Care Track from ABU in 2005, and a Masters in Medical Science – Hospital Track from ABU in 2006. 

What are key challenges that you feel healthcare providers face? 

Being in a rural community, I believe some challenges are patient follow-ups – partly due to lack of transportation. Patient compliance with medications, and the impact that insurances have on what and/or how we practice. 

Why do you choose (to work at) Barbour Community Health Association? 

Part of it is moving back to the community, I wanted to be closer to my new home. My brother works for BCHA as well, plus, when I was growing up, the Belington Clinic was the clinic that I went to. 

Can you share any personal information with the community?

I am married, no children. My hobbies are golf, but mostly I work. 

We are so excited for Stephen to step into the role of Physician Assistant. Patients can see Stephen at our Myers Clinic site.

Barbour Community Health Association Names Josh Allen as New Community Engagement Specialist

Barbour Community Health Association Names Josh Allen as New Community Engagement Specialist

July 16, 2023 — Barbour Community Health Association (BCHA) announces new Community Engagement Specialist, Josh Allen. This entirely new position is funded through the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) grant.

Allen, a resident of Barbour County for more than 20 years, is eager to serve as Community Engagement Specialist. “Substance abuse is an issue that, unfortunately, has far-reaching impacts on families, communities, and individuals—even those in my own family,” says Allen, “I look forward to helping identify the needs within our community and work to find solutions for Barbour County residents.”

This position will connect several entities including BCHA, New Vision, the Barbour County Health Department, West Virginia Prevention Solutions, and more to identify community needs within prevention, treatment, and recovery of substance use and abuse. Allen will be tasked with identifying how BCHA—and the other organizations—can create change and further advance the community plan to make sure they are all working together to better improve substance and opioid abuse within the Barbour County community.

Allen will also provide organizational leadership by engaging both public and private organizations to inform and further the strategic mission and initiatives of BCHA and Bright Futures, Barbour County.

“The roles I have had through the years have given me insight into understanding the different needs of a diverse environment, which has helped me achieve positive results in developing strong relationships. No task is too small or mundane when working towards the organization’s overall goals,” Allen says.

Plans are currently in the works to offer supervised opportunities for community members—while focusing on the youth—such as pool parties and adult/youth combined volleyball tournaments. The events will give Bright Futures an opportunity to educate the community and break down the stigma on substance use and abuse.

Allen’s new role also allows him to make recommendations for needs within the BCHA organization and the community as a whole where he sees fit.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to be a part of the BCHA team, and to work with organizations within the county as we strive towards our goal of improving the health of Barbour County. I hope that I can contribute to the great work that is already taking place.”

For more information about the Community Engagement Specialist or the services offered at BCHA, head to barbourhealth.org.

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About Barbour Community Health Association

Belington Medical and Myers Clinics are federally qualified health centers that provide medical and behavioral health care to patients with insurance, Medicare and/or Medicaid and for those without health insurance through the clinic’s Health Access program.

The organization also operates Barbour Behavioral Health, Barbour Quick Care, Belington Wellness Center, Brandon School-Based Health Services, Philippi Wellness Center, and AB Wellness Center. The Barbour Behavioral Health team is made up of well-trained psychologists and psychotherapists who offer a variety of behavioral health services. Barbour Quick Care has walk-in care available in Philippi. Belington and Philippi Wellness Centers offer a wide variety of exercise equipment, and exercise programs. Brandon School-Based Health Services offers a variety of nursing, preventive and acute care medical and behavioral health services to all students and staff in the Barbour County School system. The purpose of AB Wellness Center is to bring affordable primary health care to all Alderson Broaddus University students, faculty, staff, and their families. Learn More About the Barbour Community Health Association.

Q&A: Women’s Health Services with Jennifer Duvall, PA-C

Q&A: Women’s Health Services with Jennifer Duvall, PA-C

At Barbour Community Health Association, we understand our mothers, sisters, daughters and wives are juggling many different priorities in their day to day lives. Sometimes it can be difficult to prioritize your own health, but that’s where Jennifer Duvall, PA-C, our Women’s Health Services provider at Belington Medical Clinic comes in! Jennifer offers convenient solutions for women’s health right here in Barbour County! We sat down with Jennifer for a little Q&A about the Women’s Health Services available and what patients can expect. Read on to learn all about it here:

 

Q: What types of Women’s Health services do you provide?

A: The women’s health services that we provide here at Barbour Community Health Association are clinical breast exams, PAP testing, sexually transmitted infection testing and appropriate treatment, contraceptive services, endometrial biopsy, and pessary fitting and care for urinary incontinence. We do offer long-acting, reversible contraceptives such as IUDs and Nexplanon.

 

Q: Who qualifies for women’s health services at BCHA? // What ages do you treat?

A: We provide women’s health services for adolescents to postmenopausal women.

Whether you have insurance, are uninsured, or are underinsured, we have programs available to cover routine screening exams, contraceptives, and evaluation/treatment of gynecological infections. Family planning services (including STI evaluation/treatment, condoms, and sterilization referral) are also available for men who are uninsured. Referrals can also be placed for uninsured individuals who desire sterilization free of charge.

 

Q: How can patients schedule appointments with you?

A: Patients can schedule an appointment with me through our registration office by calling 304-823-2800. Evening hours are available on Tuesdays.

 

If you seek routine health exams, birth control, or have a women’s health concern, we have services available and can help you achieve health and wellness.

At Barbour Community Health Association, we’re here for you and your entire family.