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Employee Spotlight: Rhonda Parker, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC

Employee Spotlight: Rhonda Parker, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC

Barbour Community Health Association is pleased to welcome Dr. Rhonda Parker, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC to the BCHA team as a psychiatric nurse practitioner for all sites.

Originally of Charleston, West Virginia, Dr. Parker received her BSN at Medical University of South Carolina, MSN/CFNP and DNP at Frontier Nursing University and her post Master’s, PMHNP at University of South Carolina. She is certified in family, palliative/hospice, and psych/mental health services.

We chatted with Dr. Parker to find out more about her role as psychiatric nurse practitioner and what she’s looking forward to in that position.

Q: What types of conditions do you treat or work with?

A: I work with patients who struggle with issues affecting their mental health including stress, depression/sadness, nerves/anxiety, concentration/memory, fear/paranoia, addiction concerns or anything that makes you feel “not like yourself.”

Q: What is the ideal patient/who should seek your care?
A: Anyone interested in dealing with their mental health issues from a “whole-person” approach. Medication is often appropriate in conjunction with counseling.

Q: What type of patient/condition should be referred to you?
A: People willing to explore medication options as part of their treatment plan, or individuals that have primary care prescribing psychotropics (medication for depression, anxiety, etc.) but they are still experiencing unpleasant symptoms.

Q: Describe yourself/your professional style in 3 words?
A: In three words, I would describe myself as exceptionally laid back.

Q: Anything else that you would really like potential patients to know about you?
A: We are integrated with your Primary care providers at Belington and Myers clinic to provide you with expert mental health care in Barbour county. In the past, patients have had to travel out of the county to receive these services, creating another barrier to care. With our exceptional behavioral health psychologists and therapists, medication management rounds out BCHA’s mental health options.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Parker, call 304-823-4000.

The PA Will See You Now: Meet Scott Nesland

The PA Will See You Now: Meet Scott Nesland

Barbour Community Health Association is excited to have Barbour County native Scott Nesland, PA join the Myers Clinic team. Scott will work as a primary care provider to the patients of Philippi’s Myers Clinic.

We chatted with Scott to learn about his background and to see what he’s looking forward to as a BCHA team member.

Tell us a little about yourself — where are you from? What school did you graduate from?
I grew up in Junior and moved to Moatsville and just stayed in the area. I graduated from Philip Barbour High School and then went on to attend Alderson-Broaddus University (AB). There, I earned my bachelor’s degree in biology and my master’s degree in PA Studies.

Why did you choose to work with BCHA?
Barbour County has always been home to me, and I know everyone in the area. I see it as my way of giving back to the area that helped shape me. I’ve been given a lot of opportunities here in Barbour County.

What drove you to want to work in healthcare?
I was bouncing around the idea of going to med school or PA school. My teacher asked me if I had scheduled my MCAT and the deadline passed by a month. I only applied at AB, and I was accepted. I saw it as a sign to further myself into the medical field by attending AB.

What do you hope to achieve through your role at BCHA?
I’m excited to start taking care of people, especially folks who would benefit from closer care. I think having someone younger in the clinic might be beneficial for both patients and hopefully staff.

What’s the most enjoyable part of your job?
I really enjoy talking to people and getting to know patients on a personal level. I also enjoy performing certain procedures too, like sutures, draining abscesses, joint injections, etc.

What do you like to do outside of work?
I enjoy running, skiing and fishing on the Tygart River.

To set up an appointment with Scott, click here.

Get Up & Get Moving Together

Get up & get moving together

Did you know regularly walking provides the body and mind with many perks? It’s true. Walking has been shown to improve mood, boost your energy and even have an effect on life span. You might not know it, but walking also helps burn calories, strengthen the heart and lower blood sugar.

With the Philippi Wellness Center’s newest Walkercise program, you can groove to some tunes while reaping the benefits of walking.

Here’s everything you need to know about this new program!

When is it? Where is it?
The Walkercise program has recently just started, and this session will run until May 26 at the Philippi City gym. Doors will open at 9 a.m. Anyone can start at anytime as there is no routine to learn.

How often will the class be held?
Walkercise will be held Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Fridays will be added if there is sufficient interest in the program.

What does Walkercise consist of?
Participants will walk the city gym to music with ongoing coaching to encourage the use of arms, directional change and balance work.

What does Walkercise cost?
Classes are included with membership at the Philippi Wellness Center and Belington Wellness Center. A non-member may participate for $5.

If interested in participating in Walkercise, please contact Donna Seaman at the PWC at 304-457-0700.

Barbour County Welcomes New Addition – Philippi Wellness Center

Barbour County Welcomes New Addition - Philippi Wellness Center

The Philippi Wellness Center is designed with the health and wellness of our members as top priority. Located in the back of Barbour Chiropractic Center at 206 N. Main Street, Philippi Wellness Center strives to provide basic wellness and preventative services to area citizens. Our recently opened health center provides members with opportunities for indoor cardio (heart, lung, circulatory system) exercise and strength training.

Here are five benefits the Philippi Wellness Center offers to members.

1. Trusted and Dedicated Staff Members.
Philippi Wellness Center might seem intimidating for newcomers, but with our friendly and knowledgeable staff, those first-time jitters will quickly fade away. Trent, Taylee, Ricki or Donna welcome all members with expertise and motivation. Although we do have our more athletic members, most of us are just regular folks who are making progress one day at a time.

2. Warning: Inspiration ahead.
With our dedicated and driven team, you will find yourself becoming more and more inspired after each visit. We hope that our staff and the wellness center atmosphere can motivate you on your fitness journey as you see others committed to health and exercise regardless of age, proportions, or fitness level. You will quickly realize you can do it too!

3. Watch your medical costs and medications diminish.
With a doctor’s approval and direction, you have the opportunity to lower both your medical costs and your medication intake by simply taking your health journey to the next level. Folks who exercise regularly have found that they may visit the doctor less frequently and even come off certain medications in time. Regular exercise also strengthens your immune system which may help you ward off so many things that can zap your energy and make you sick.

4. Boost in confidence.
As you feel stronger, have better balance, and increase your lung capacity, you will be more confident about everything from a trip to the mall to a couple of laps around the track! Research shows that regular exercise can increase self-esteem and have you feeling your best — both mentally and physically!

 

5. Keep anxiety and depression at a distance.
New research shows people who set aside time to exercise are happier than those that don’t. You also increase your chances of sleeping better, are more likely to be conscious about eating healthier and generally have a better mood. Routine exercise can help release feel-good endorphins, hence, making you feel better and even happier!

If you’re looking to improve your health, give the Philippi Wellness Center a call at (304) 457-0700 to find out how to become a member.

Employee Spotlight: Lesa Jordan, RN

Employee Spotlight: Lesa Jordan, rn

Barbour Community Health Association is excited to welcome Lesa Jordan, RN, to the Belington Clinic team. With over 30 years of nursing experience under her belt, BCHA and staff are looking forward to seeing Lesa serve as nurse manager at the Belington Clinic.

We chatted with Lesa to learn more about her nursing background and find out what she’s looking forward to in her new role.

Q: Where are you from?
A: I grew up in the city of Sutton in Braxton County, but I currently live in Tucker County.

Q: What is your educational background with nursing?
A: I received my bachelor’s degree from Alderson Broaddus University and my master’s degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. I’m currently working on my dissertation to get my PHD in nursing.

Q: What has been your experience in the nursing field?
A: I have 33 years of nursing experience. I taught in the Nursing Department for 11 years at Alderson Broaddus University, and I was also the assistant chair of the university’s nursing department.

Q: With so many years working in the nursing field, what has been your favorite part of your career?
A: I really like the educational aspect of nursing. Recently, I had to make changes in my own lifestyle to be healthier, so I have really enjoyed teaching patients how to also improve their overall health.

Q: What will be your duties at the Belington Clinic?
A: As the nursing manager, I’ll be in charge of scheduling, ordering supplies, keeping staff accountable, ordering medicine, etc. — just making sure the nursing staff and department runs smoothly.

Q: What do you hope to bring to the Belington Medical Clinic as the new Nurse Manager?
A: I hope to bring positivity, enhance teamwork and continue to provide quality care to patients.

Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
A: I love spending time with my grandchild and my fur baby. I also enjoy riding four-wheelers and reading.

Brandon School-Based Health Services: Serving Barbour County Schools

Brandon School-Based Health Services: Serving Barbour County Schools

Barbour Community Health Association consistently looks for opportunities to improve and expand services to all Barbour County residents. In fact, BCHA’s school-based program was recently contracted by the Barbour County Board of Education to begin providing both medical and behavioral health services in all Barbour County Schools.

These additional services to students are sure to be a great advantage for not only the student(s), but families, staff and teachers.

Here’s everything you need to know about the school-based program and the recent expansion.

When did the Barbour County Board of Education decide to partner with BCHA?
In August 2020 the Barbour County Board of Education accepted BCHA’s proposal that emphasizes every child, family, and school staff member in Barbour County should have access to medical and behavioral health care through a school-based health clinic.

What is the purpose of a school-based health program?
School-based clinics are utilized for both immediate-care services, such as minor injuries or diagnosis and treatment of various health conditions, as well as preventative services, such as health screenings, weight management, and providing health education to the students and staff.

By offering these services to all Barbour County Schools, students and families now have easy access to health and wellness.

What services are offered through school-based health services?
Both physical and behavioral services are offered through the school-based program, including:
Routine check-ups, vaccination, sports physical exams, chronic conditions management, acute care, individual/group/family therapy, psychological testing, psychiatric evaluations and medication management.

What does the contract between BCHA and the board of education indicate about the expansion?
Under the contract, the Brandon Wellness Center at Philip Barbour High School would continue to be the central hub and first point of contact for behavioral health referrals or questions from the community. A full-time licensed mental health provider will remain at that location as well as a case manager to provide support to both the medical provider and the school.

The contract now includes adding two additional licensed mental health providers, one to serve Philippi Elementary, Philippi Middle, and Kasson Elementary/Middle and one to serve Belington Elementary, Belington Middle, and Junior Elementary. A full-time manager will also be on site for support. BCHA also employs two doctoral level psychologists and a psychiatric nurse practitioner that will be available on an as needed basis for specialty services.

Barbour Community Health Association will also assign one licensed medical provider, and a nurse to these additional locations, with a rotating schedule to best accommodate the needs of each individual school.

Will these services be monitored?
To ensure services are effective and adequate, BCHA will meet with school officials every 90 days to discuss how the program has been going and to troubleshoot any barriers or issues that may arise.

By introducing this expansion, BCHA’s goal is to provide quality care for the wellbeing and health of the children and families of Barbour County. For more information on services, contact Brandon Wellness Center at (304) 457-4000.

What to Expect at Your Medicare Wellness Visit

What to Expect at Your Medicare Wellness Visit

Since 2011, Medicare beneficiaries have been eligible for an annual wellness visit (AWV), a preventive health benefit created by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010. Though this service has been offered for several years now, many may be confused about what the actual visit entails.

We talked with our AWV experts, Amy Chenoweth, LPN from Belington Clinic and Jamie Carpenter, LPN from Myers Clinic, to find out what beneficiaries can expect at an annual wellness visit.

What is a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit?
It is a visit that we make sure your chart is completely updated and make sure your screenings are done. Everything you should be getting like your immunizations, we want to go over your medication list, and go over family history. We are basically updating your whole chart and depending on your health, will be what screening you get.

Who gets a Medicare Wellness Visit? Who is it that has these or should get them?
Anybody that has Medicare coverage for their insurance is eligible for a Medicare Wellness Visit.

Does this visit cost the patient?
It does not, it is a free annual wellness visit for all Medicare covered patients.

But patients should be aware that during their visit, their clinician may recommend tests or perform services like a hands-on exam that are not formally included in the AWV visit, potentially causing beneficiaries to incur out-of-pocket costs.

What is the process like? How does it get started? If I have Medicare do I call you or do I talk to my provider about it?
You can call us at our respective clinics and ask to speak with us. I do have a Medicare list and I try to call all of our patients that have Medicare, especially when they have Part B, because Part A and B is when you are able to get an exam. Then I will update your chart over the phone and after that, you will come in to see the provider. The basic thing is if I have not gotten ahold of you and you decide you want to do that; give me a call and I will get you in.

Was there any special training or certifications that nurses have to go through to perform these visits?
We did have to do the Aledade training and we are both Licensed Practical Nurses, so we are certified to complete the Medicare Wellness Visits. Aledade is an organization that we work with that helps us put all the data together for these visits and helps us make sure we stay in touch with folks.

What specific screenings should I expect during these visits?
I will do my part over the phone, which is basically getting all of your health information and getting everything updated. Then when you come in to see your provider you will get vital signs depending on which Medicare appointment you come to. During the welcome visit, you can actually get an EKG as well at no cost, but it is going to depend on your health because men and women are different. Women may get their mammograms or dexa scans and men of course will need their PSA checked and we want to make sure they are getting their colonoscopy. It will depend on your health and your age.

For more information on your upcoming Annual Wellness Visit, call Barbour Community Health Association at 304-823-2800.

HPV Vaccination: What You Need to Know

HPV Vaccination: What You Need to Know

January is recognized as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. During this month, BCHA sets out with the intention of raising awareness of the preventable cancer. To provide our patients with education about prevention, screening options and treatments, we sat down for a Q&A with Jenniver Duvall, PA-C at BCHA.

Why should you get your teenager’s HPV vaccinations?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the US and the vaccine protects against particular strains of it. Nearly 80 million Americans are currently infected with HPV and approximately 14 million people become newly infected each year.

How is it cancer protection?

HPV is known to cause cancers of the throat, cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, and anus. Since the vaccine can protect against certain high risk strains of HPV, it can prevent more than 90% of HPV cancers.

What ages should your child get their vaccinations?

Ideally, Gardasil is given to boys and girls between the ages of 11-12 before being exposed to HPV. The body’s immune response to the vaccine seems best at this age range. It can be given as early as nine years of age.

What if you missed your HPV vaccination during childhood? Can a patient catch up?

Yes, it should be given as soon as possible followed by the appropriate immunization schedule. It is given in a series of two or three doses, depending on the age it is started. The vaccine is recommended for ages 9-26, even if the individual has already been diagnosed with HPV. Some adults between the ages of 27-45 may benefit from vaccination depending on risks for new HPV infections. They can discuss this with their healthcare provider.

What else should patients know about cervical cancer and the HPV vax?

For most women, HPV will go away on its own; however, if it does not, there is a chance that over time it may cause cervical cancer.

Some things that increase your risk of developing cervical cancer are being immunocompromised, smoking, being on birth control pills for five or more years, and giving birth to three or more children.

Cervical cancer may not cause any signs or symptoms. Advanced cervical cancer may cause abnormal bleeding or discharge.

Cervical cancer is the easiest gynecologic cancer to prevent with regular screening tests and follow-ups. It also is highly curable when found and treated early. However, each year, approximately 12,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer and more than 4,000 women die.

Getting the vaccine does not eliminate the need for cervical cancer screening.

HPV has been recommended since 2006 and has proven to be safe and effective. However, there are some people that should not get the vaccine, such as people with a life threatening allergic reaction to any ingredient of HPV or to a previous HPV vaccine, people who have an allergy to yeast, or people who are pregnant.

The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program provides vaccines at no cost to children ages 18 years and younger who are uninsured and Medicaid-eligible.

What screening options does BCHA have for cervical cancer?

BCHA offers PAP tests and HPV testing. We start screening PAP tests at 21 and HPV testing at 30.

To help prevent false-negative or false-positive results, you should avoid douching, sexual intercourse, and using vaginal medications or hygiene products for two days before your test.

If you have a low income or do not have insurance, you may be able to get a free or low-cost cervical cancer screening test through the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program or Family Planning.

If you have questions or would like to learn more, contact BCHA today. 

Barbour Community Health Association to Vaccinate Seniors

Barbour Community Health Association to Vaccinate Seniors

Following Governor Jim Justice’s announcement regarding the COVID-19 vaccination, Barbour Community Health Association (BCHA) will begin administering vaccinations to seniors 80 years old and up. BCHA offices will begin contacting all 80+ aged patients to schedule a time to come in for the vaccine so there is no need for patients to call any BCHA office to set up an appointment.

The process will take a few weeks for offices to get through the patient list as BCHA is unsure when additional vaccines will be arriving. BCHA is working closely with the state and will continue to provide more information to our patients and communities when available.

BCHA is asking folks to be patient on being contacted about the vaccine and to not call offices regarding the vaccination. Large call volumes will stall emergency calls.

State health departments and medical clinics across are being given a limited supply of COVID-19 vaccine doses to be administered to those 80 and older per request from the governor.

The COVID-19 vaccine will help protect our communities from the disease that has killed approximately 350,000 Americans. The vaccines will provide immunity without the serious risks associated with getting infected naturally. The COVID-19 vaccines are designed to work with our immune systems so the body will be ready to fight the virus if we are exposed to the virus.

Health officials are still strongly encouraging people to wear masks and social distancing to help reduce the chance of being exposed to the virus or spreading it to others.

Why It’s More Important Than Ever To Get Your Flu Shot This Year

Why It's More Important Than Ever To Get Your Flu Shot This Year

Each year, West Virginians grapple with flu season. Stuffy noses, sore throats, and body aches become just another part of wintertime in the Mountain State. Because of this, flu vaccinations are encouraged to prevent and lessen the severity of influenza.

However, with this year’s flu season raging alongside the COVID-19 pandemic, health officials across the nation are strongly recommending that everyone over the age of six months get the flu vaccination this year.

Here are five reasons you should get the flu vaccination this season.

1. Lessen the stress on healthcare facilities, including BCHA.
The COVID-19 pandemic has already taken over thousands of healthcare and medical clinics across the United States. However, with this disease coinciding with influenza this year, health officials are worried that the two illnesses will overwhelm emergency rooms and hospitals causing shortages and overcrowding in facilities. By getting the flu vaccination this year, you will help in lessening the stress of healthcare professionals who are already overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients.

2. Decrease your chance of further health complications.
The flu vaccination in no way prevents one from getting the illness, however, it can help limit the spread and decrease the chance of influenza-related health complications for folks with chronic diseases. The flu vaccine has additional benefits for people with chronic medical conditions, like reducing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, or death among people with heart disease, and decreasing illness flares in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Complications from influenza can lead to hospitalization, and in some cases, death.

3. The flu shot does not give you the flu.
Despite what some may say, the flu vaccination does not give you the illness. As stated before, the vaccination does not prevent you from getting ill, but rather lessens the severity and can limit the spread. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports getting your flu vaccine effectively cuts your chances of contracting seasonal influenza by up to 60 percent.

4. COVID-19 and influenza have similar symptoms.
This year’s flu season is looking different than in previous years. Mainly because the two contagious respiratory illnesses — COVID-19 and the flu — have similar effects on people. This is a worry among many because it can be difficult to distinguish the illness without proper testing. These similar symptoms include fever, chills, fatigue, body aches, and coughs. There are some key differences between flu and COVID-19. COVID-19 seems to spread more easily than the flu and causes more serious illnesses in some people. It can also take longer before people show symptoms and people can be contagious for longer.

5. Flu vaccinations are often free.
During flu season it’s not hard to find a location that offers the flu vaccination. Many clinics and pharmacies will offer the vaccination free of charge. This is quite nice as the flu can easily be spread through the community. Schedule your flu vaccine this year at a BCHA location by calling to make an appointment, walk-in vaccinations are not permitted at this time due to the current health situation. You can also ask for the flu vaccine at your regularly scheduled checkup or doctor’s appointment.

There is a lot going on in the world right now but keeping yourself and loved ones safe and healthy should be a priority. The flu vaccination can help protect you and yours from the state’s rampant flu season. Consider getting a flu shot at a BCHA site today.