Tag: News

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.

Inspiration Stems from Barbour County for Myers Clinic’s New Paintings

Inspiration Stems from Barbour County for Myers Clinic's New Paintings

Barbour County’s Myers Clinic, located in Philippi, is bringing a new sense of familiarity and comfort to its patients. The waiting area of the clinic will now be decorated with artwork done by Barbour County native, Leah Seaman. The artist chose five locations that were special to her and carefully captured each scene through vibrant acrylic paint on an 11×14 canvas.

We sat down with Leah to learn more about her artistic background and how her hometown spawned inspiration for the art project.

1. First of all, tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from? What are you studying at school?

I’m 21 years old and currently a senior at Marietta College in Ohio. I’m a double major in communication studies and studio art with a minor in leadership studies. I actually grew up in Barbour County in a little community called Chestnut Ridge. It’s a smaller community based within Barbour County that has a really unique collection of people. There are deep roots established in this community, so you have generations among generations of families that still live here with ancestors who came from the Civil War era.

2. When did you start getting into art? How did this hobby evolve?

Around eighth grade, I had no idea what to ask for at Christmas, so like any good child I asked for an art set and my parents got me a book and a set and my competitive nature pushed me to try to draw the things in the book – and it just kind of grew from there.

But pretty soon in high school I had a family of a former classmate reach out to me and asked me to do a drawing of their family. That first initial job, I think, was the first time I thought ‘there’s something here’.

So, I would say since eighth grade/freshmen year I have really been cultivating my craft, but I never really started to take it seriously until I studied abroad in Florence, Italy two years ago. It was there that I discovered that art is what brings me a lot of joy and fulfillment in life. From there, I really started taking my art seriously.

3. How did you get involved to do this project for Barbour Community Health Association?

Around the time COVID-19 hit, I contacted BCHA about the art project because I was looking for something different to do with my art. And so the conversations just started from there and we eventually came up with this idea. BCHA gave me a lot of free range on this project, which I really appreciated.

Myers Clinic Staff showing off Leah’s paintings.

4. Why did you choose to focus on Barbour County locations?

The purpose of the project was just to kind of show that there is a really gorgeous side to this community. Historically, Chestnut Ridge had sometimes faced some prejudice and difficulty. So, I really wanted to show that the Chestnut Ridge community is absolutely stunning and show some of the positive sides to the area and display some of the scenes we see on a daily basis. It was really cool to give that kind of representation, especially since a lot of people from this community go to the Myers Clinic, so I’m hoping people will recognize some of the scenes that I’ve painted and become relaxed because going to the doctor’s office can be kind of stressful.

5. What was your inspiration for each piece?

Each painting is of a scene from an area in the Chestnut Ridge community that is either special to me or my family, friends, or neighbors.

The painting entitled “Scenic Overlook from Chestnut Ridge Road” is of a vibrant sunset and is a popular spot for anyone who travels through Chestnut Ridge.

Another well-known spot in the community is the Welch Cemetery – the painting entitled “Scenic Overlook from Welch Cemetery”. You can actually see across Barbour County from this hill and many have family members who have been buried in this cemetery. It’s also my dad’s favorite spot.

The schoolhouse painting I did is called “The Old Croston Schoolhouse” – this school used to be the schoolhouse for all the Chestnut Ridge kids before schools integrated. Now, it’s this really old, beautiful, tattered building with a lot of history. I’m really hoping Chestnut Ridgers recognize this painting.

The farm painting, “Sickler Farm”, is of the Sickler Farm, which is owned by a couple that distributes a lot of their produce out to the community. So, I got permission from them to paint their property and some of the cows in the pasture.

For the “Arden River” painting, I wanted to add more autumn colors into the project. So, I thought I’d paint this because a lot of the Chestnut Ridge community enjoys going down to that part of the river to swim. My mom kind of pushed me to paint this more in fall colors just because all of my other paintings were very green.

6. What’s next for you?

I’m currently working on illustrating my first children’s book, so that’s very exciting. I’m also selling prints for any of the five paintings at Myers Clinic in three sizes: 8×10, 11×14, 16×20.

If you’re interested in Leah’s art, connect with h er via her social media pages: Facebook at Artabella or on Instagram at @Artabella_Gallery.

Open Enrollment: What You Need to Know

Open Enrollment: What You Need to Know

It’s that time of year again, you are looking for all the best deals possible to cross off items on your Christmas list, but don’t forget to shop for health insurance! Tis the season for open enrollment across the nation. Barbour Community Health Association has been conducting outreach, education and enrollment into the ACA Marketplace for the past five years and is here to continue answering questions you have about open enrollment. To start you off – here is a quick guide to open enrollment:

Am I eligible?

If you are between the ages of 18-64 and are not already covered by Medicaid, an employer, parents or Veteran Affairs, you are eligible. Health insurance sources that use open enrollment include: Medicare, job-based insurance and individual market health insurance.

Return customers? Need to re-enroll?

Come and reenroll with us! New plans and prices are available, and plans may be more affordable than you think. In fact, some premiums are dropping in many parts of the country.

What to bring:

First time applicants should bring as many of the following to speed up the eligibility process:

    • • Social Security Card/Number, identification (i.e. drivers license, government issued photo ID, school ID with photo), proof of citizenship for the applicant (U.S. birth certificate, U.S. naturalization certificate, U.S. passport), proof of residency, proof of income, terminated income, proof of pregnancy, childcare bills, record of medical expenses, utility bills.

Dates to know:

Open enrollment began November 1st and runs until December 15th. Plans bought within this period go into effect January 1st, 2020. If you don’t act by December 15th, you won’t receive coverage for 2020, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

Make a plan to enroll early and avoid the deadline rush! If you would like more information, to get a quote, to enroll or to re-enroll request an appointment at BCHA today by clicking here!

BCHA Announces Two New Board Members

BCHA Announces Two New Board Members

Barbour Community Health Association (BCHA) announces the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors. Joining the Board of Directors to serve three-year terms are Tonya Cooper and Amanda Sisson.

“BCHA is pleased to welcome these community leaders to the Board. Their experience and leadership will strengthen BCHA’s mission and values into the future,” said Eric Ruf, CEO.

Cooper is currently a first-grade teacher at Belington Elementary School. For the past twenty years Cooper has been a patient of either the Belington or Myers Clinic. Along with BCHA, Cooper is committed to the Belington Elementary PTA as Treasurer and a lifetime member, LSIC committee and the Leadership committee at Belington Elementary School and teaching Sunday and Bible School. Particular interests she hopes to address in healthcare are customer service and patient needs.

Sisson is currently the Chief Operations Officer at the WV Coalition to End Homelessness. As a patient of the Myers Clinic, Sisson commends the high quality of care received. Through her experiences with the WV Coalition to End Homelessness Sisson feels she can better represent the needs of people who may be experiencing homelessness in Barbour County to BCHA and be a leader in innovative practices to improve healthcare for West Virginia’s neediest residents. Along with BCHA and her commitment to WV Coalition to End Homelessness, Sisson is currently Treasurer of the Covered Bridge RiverJaxx Baseball Board of Directors, a non-profit travel baseball organization based out of Barbour County, founded in 2015.

Top 6 Reasons to Attend Our Pulmonary Screening Event

Top 6 Reasons to Attend Our Pulmonary Screening Event

Partnering with Broaddus Hospital Pulmonary Staff, Barbour Community Health Association is excited to be providing FREE Pulmonary Screenings to the Barbour County community at the Myers Clinic on Thursday, May 24th.

There are many reasons to consider scheduling an appointment for a pulmonary screening. Mild breathing problems or shortness of breath can be a sign of a serious condition or disease including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnea and chronic bronchitis. As with any disease prevention, early detection and treatment are key. Here are our top six reasons to schedule an appointment today:

  1. Screenings are FREE for Barbour County community members
  2. Appointments are limited so schedule your screening ASAP
  3. Screenings can aide in early diagnosis and prevention
  4. We’re close to home – The Myers Clinic is local, you can find us at 3 Healthcare Drive in Philippi
  5. Screenings are for ALL ages
  6. Free pulmonary screening events don’t occur often, so take advantage of this opportunity

Free pulmonary screening events don’t occur often, so take advantage of this opportunity. By scheduling a free pulmonary screening, you are paving the way to improved lung health and better quality of life. To make an appointment or for more information call Christina at 304-457-2800, Ext. 223.

5 Reasons to Attend PANIC

5 Reasons to Attend PANIC

During the past eleven years, the PANIC (Physical Activity and Nutrition in the Community) program has been a fun opportunity for the entire family to learn exercise and nutrition tips to lead healthier and happier lives. Here are the top 5 reasons to participate in PANIC this year:

  1. Learn How To Have Fun Exercising – We have a variety of fun exercises, from yoga, square dancing, Zumba and more. Get motivated in a group workout session and learn new ways to exercise from home or the gym.
  2. Learn A Lot – Guests speakers will present on various health and wellness topics, filling you in on relevant health news. Take home informational packets on the topics presented to share with your family and friends.
  3. Get Prizes – You can win BIG just for participating! From Wellness Center memberships to blender bottles and gift certificates you could take home a prize. 
  4. It’s Free – Did we mention it’s FREE? Don’t miss out on the fun, prizes and healthy tips you’ll gain from this year’s PANIC sessions.
  5. Get Six Free Gym Coupons – A coupon for six free admissions to the Belington Wellness Center will be given to each registered participant to use during the six-week program if you do not have a current membership. These coupons are only valid for those that are registered for the program and are non-transferable. Use excludes any scheduled weekly classes.

Don’t miss out on the fun at Belington Middle School. Remember that sessions are held on Monday evenings March 2nd through April 6th from 6PM to 8PM. You’ll need to bring along your water bottle and clean shoes. Free healthy snacks will be provided. Register NOW >> http://bit.ly/2MZaCNO 

Barbour Community Health Association Receives AIMS Grant

Barbour Community Health Association Receives AIMS Grant

A $175,000 grant was awarded to the Barbour Community Health Association’s (BCHA) Behavioral Health program recently to aid in the development and expansion of mental health services. Funded through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), BCHA was one of 1,178 health centers and 13 rural health organizations in the United States to receive monetary support to increase access to behavioral health services with a strong focus on substance abuse. These grants go directly to local organizations, which are best situated to address mental health issues in their own communities.

Other areas of emphasis include the treatment, prevention and awareness of opioid abuse, leveraging health information technology and providing training in the primary care setting. In addition to expanding the BCHA Behavioral Health program, the grant enables the hire of additional staff including Robert W. Kiser, a Licensed Professional Counselor from Buckhannon, to support the increase in services.

Kiser’s education and professional experience are rooted in clinical counseling and music therapy. The implementation of the AIMS grant will allow for early intervention and the ability to work with children and young adults before trauma or adverse experiences can have a lasting negative effect. Kiser states, “With early intervention, these young individuals will be able to go on to lead happy and productive lives.”

Contact Us for more information on the AIMS grant or behavioral health services.

Partnership Eases Student Access to Behavioral Health Services

Partnership Eases Student Access to Behavioral Health Services

Barbour Community Health Association benefits from its new partnership with the WVU School of Medicine Telepsychiatry Program. Through collaboration with the Brandon Wellness Center at Phillip Barbour High School, students will now have the opportunity to receive telepsychiatry health services.

This partnership allows WVU’s Telepsychiatry Program to implement its new initiative called the West Virginia Children’s Access Network at the Brandon Wellness Center where psychiatric and pediatric specialists can connect with students via teleconference. By allowing this vital interaction, medical professionals can screen, consult and treat patients efficiently and successfully at the Brandon Wellness Center, bridging the gap between rural settings and specialized health care services.

Secure and independent, the West Virginia Children’s Access Network ensures timely care for students in Barbour County, where access to specialized health care is limited. The program’s other focuses include early detection of students at high risk for obesity, diabetes, asthma and oral health problems. Educational and administrative video-conferencing services are also provided.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call the Brandon Wellness Center at 304-457-4000.