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July 2021

Community Health Newsletter

"We're here for you!"

We believe everyone should have access to care, especially during a pandemic.

By the Community Health team at Cherry Hill Free Clinic.

Note: We’re now back to seeing patients in person, as well as virtually! Please call us to schedule an appointment: (856) 281-3032. Estamos ahora viendo pacientes en persona y virtualmente! Por favor, llamenos para hacer una cita (856) 281-3032.

This Issue's

Top Stories

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Learn more about our Health Equity Olympics, happening from August 2nd -7th.

One Step Closer to Normality

by Hindira Garcia

Recently there has been news of the state reopening little by little. Thanks to more than five million New Jerseyans that are completely vaccinated and the ten million vaccines administered, we are now seeing a brighter future.

• Bars, restaurants, stores and other businesses: Masks and social distancing are no longer required in most indoor or outdoor spaces. There are no capacity limits for businesses or worksites to reopen to the public. However, for those who aren’t vaccinated, businesses should encourage wearing a mask and social distance to prevent the spread of COVID-19, particularly indoors, and have the right to require stricter mask policies.
• Schools: All students will be back in full-time, in person instruction for the 2021-2022 school year. Parents and guardians will not be able to opt children out of in person instruction as was done in the 2020-2021 school year. Masks and social distancing are no longer required, however, it is optional for schools to enforce it.
• Gatherings: Gatherings are no longer to a certain capacity outdoors and you are not required to wear a mask or social distance, but, it is highly recommended to do so for those who are still not vaccinated. Indoor gatherings depend on the business and its capacity but the same rules apply.

We highly encourage those who are still not vaccinated to please make an appointment or find vaccination sites near your area. New Jersey is waiting on you! Help us get closer to normality!

Visit COVID-19 Information Hub.

The Rise of Doulas

by Nertila Cana

Birth and postpartum doulas can be great companions and assistants for women who are pregnant during the special time of pregnancy, delivery, and post-delivery. I recall doulas used to be something I would read about in a book in my days of pregnancy (about 15 years ago). Now I have friends and acquaintances who work as dedicated and passionate doulas. They are skilled at providing education, guidance, and support through the whole spectrum of pregnancy and birth. They care for the newborn, the new parent(s), and the new family unit.

Although not part of the medical team, doulas have become a symbol of care, support, education, and advocacy. Doulas are typically certified and trained to provide physical and emotional support, education, as well as helping women through the process of labor and birth, and postpartum.

As of January 1, 2021, our state (NJ), recognized the role of doulas in improving birth outcomes, enabling a more positive experience, increasing health equity, and reducing disparities. Birth doula care/service is now a maternity benefit available to Medicaid - NJ FamilyCare members.

NJ FamilyCare members, who are pregnant or postpartum, are eligible for community doula care that can offer physical, emotional, and informational support before and after giving birth, as well as during labor and delivery. Doulas must get a licensed practitioner’s recommendation to provide this care under the NJ FamilyCare program. Here is a form recommendation for doula in English and Spanish that a pregnant/postpartum woman may request from her medical provider (doctor, midwife, or nurse) and give to her doula. You can ask for a recommendation even if you don’t know who your doula will be yet.

For more visit: Department of Human Services | Doula Care

Click to find Doula Training opportunities locally​

Nutrition Corner

By Ksenia Vongviphut

Are you tired of fad diets? Looking to eat healthier but unsure of where to start? Curious about trying out new recipes and expanding your food horizons? Welcome to the CHFC Nutrition Corner! We would love to hear from you! Please take a few minutes to click on the link and participate in our survey so that we can best help you discover new, tasty meal ideas.

Visit the Nutrition Corner.

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What to know about the Delta Variant

by Michelle Pham

With a new normal coming around the corner we are all hopeful to find relief during these trying times. However, with this we are facing a new obstacle. The Delta Variant is a highly contagious SARs-CoV-2 virus strain which was found in December. A Yale medical report has given us some important things to look out for.

The Delta Variant is the most contagious variant as of recent. Starting in India it has proven to be 50 percent more contagious than the original SARs-CoV-2. Unvaccinated individuals are the most at risk of contracting the Delta Variant. Unfortunately, even people who are already fully vaccinated are also at risk; however, have a much higher immunity than an individual who is unvaccinated. So as of now the top priority to protecting oneself from the Delta variant is to get Covid-19 vaccination as well as continue to practice not only social distancing but using face masks. Since there is still more to learn about this new variant, all we can do is continue the protocol that we previously had. Patience and being an aware member of your community will help the most in our journey to end Covid-19.

For more information, visit: 5 Things to Know About the Delta Variant.

Questionnaire

By Hindira Garcia

Want your questions to be answered in the next newsletter? Vocalize yourself through our official CHFC Questionnaire and we will answer! ¿Quiere que sus preguntas sean contestadas en nuestro próximo boletín informativo? Vocalizate a través de nuestro CHFC cuestionario oficial y nosotros contestaremos!

See what we've been up to!

GCLEA Pop-Up Vaccine Clinic 6/4/21

Juneteenth Event with Moorestown Better Together 6/19/21

Election Victory Event 7/7/21

New Jersey Department of Health Camden Vaccine Event 7/8/21

About Cherry Hill Free Clinic

Our Vision: An end to healthcare suffering from lack of access to care.

Our Mission: To provide free primary care to the uninsured and underinsured.In the ever-challenging world of healthcare, we often encounter people who suffer debilitating preventable conditions as a result of unmanaged chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma or high blood pressure.

Managing those diseases and providing care means we are making an impact on the quality of people’s lives and hopefully keeping them out of the Emergency Room.

Did you know that 42% of the population lives below the poverty line, with the average income hovering around $26,000? According to the CDC, in Camden County almost 20% are uninsured. That’s 1/5 of your neighbors and friends!

We’re here for those in need, absolutely free.

Address: 5 Esterbrook Ln, Cherry Hill, NJ

Phone: (856) 281-3032

7 Days a Week | Mornings - Evenings

ELC funding made available to the Southern NJ Perinatal Cooperative from the New Jersey Department of Health – Division of Family Health

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