Brockton Neighborhood Health Center

WHAT DO YOGA, FACE PAINTING, MASSAGES, MUSIC, BALLOONS AND DANCING HAVE IN COMMON? BNHC, of course, especially during National Health Center Week. BNHC celebrated the week recently with an eye on great health care and a focus on fun! Here's a sampling of what we did! National Association of Community Health Centers Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers C3 - Community Care Cooperative Father Bill's & MainSpring Health Center Advocacy Network Greater Lawrence Family Health Center BAMSI Good Samaritan Medical Center Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital & SMG

BNHC celebrates Health Center Week 2024 in style A bit of yoga. Some painting. Afternoon walking clubs. And homemade food. Those were just some of the ways Brockton Neighborhood Health Center celebrated Nat...

CHILD’S PLAY — Team Pediatric’s wrapped up National Health Center Week Saturday with its annual Kids Fun Fest. We moved the event indoors for fear of the weather, turning it into an artwork, games and story-time event that was, as always, full of families and full of fun. National Association of Community Health Centers Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers C3 - Community Care Cooperative

HELDER CARE! How great it was to see BNHC’s Helder Gomes Andrade doing what he does best today — helping people, this time at the Brockton City Hall Farmer’s Market. But it’s also time for us to help Helder, who suffered unexplained kidney failure and is now on dialysis awaiting a kidney transplant. BNHC plans a special event Aug. 23 to help support Helder (see flier below). You can also support him at www.tinyurl.com/helpHelder. Thank you! Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers Cape Verdean Nurses Association Associação Caboverdiana de Brockton/Capeverdean Association of Brockton Helder Andrade

YOU’LL BEND. YOU’LL STRETCH. YOU’LL WORK (but not too hard). AND YOU’LL ROLL AND RELAX AND UNWIND AND WONDER — why didn’t I do this before? That's what Team BNHC has learned in our recent yoga sessions, run at BNHC every two weeks by Brockton’s Tiffany Bell of GreenTreeYogaWellness.com.
Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers National Association of Community Health Centers GreenTree Yoga & Wellness

FLEX TIME — Our OB/GYN Team unwound during a morning yoga session Tuesday as part of National Health Center Week. National Association of Community Health Centers Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers

CELEBRATING A PUBLIC HEALTH CARE HERO — BNHC was proud to honor and thank Brockton State Representative Rita Mendes for her strong support for BNHC as a state legislator and when she served as a city councilor. As part of National Health Center Week, Team BNHC was able to thank her in person on Wednesday, Aug. 7, during a visit to the health center. National Association of Community Health Centers C3 - Community Care Cooperative Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers Health Center Advocacy Network State Rep. Rita Mendes Representative Stephen F. Lynch State Senator Michael D. Brady State Representative Gerry Cassidy

IT’S TIME TO HELP HELDER! We’re gathering Aug. 23 at Generations in Avon to show our love and support for BNHC’s Helder Gomes Andrade. Helder needs a kidney transplant, and right now needs our help and support. Much of the cost of your ticket will go toward supporting our colleague and friend! To buy tickets, contact Judith and Ana mentioned in the flier below.
If you can’t make the event, you can donate to Helder’s GoFundMe page at www.tinyurl.com/helpHelder. Thank you!
National Association of Community Health Centers Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers Ana Mendes Cape Verdean Association of Boston Cape Verdean Nurses Association

YOU'RE PROBABLY DUE FOR A VACCINE, and maybe you know it. Most of us are. Whether it's for COVID, RSV, shingles or something else, August is the perfect time to do it -- because it's National Immunization Awareness Month! And BNHC is here to help. If you're not sure what you need, please reach out to your provider. Or you can visit www.bnhc.org/pharmacy or call 508-427-4633. Immunizations can save your life. So don't delay -- update your vaccinations today! National Association of Community Health Centers Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Health Center Advocacy Network

BNHC IS ON THE MOVE! This week, to celebrate National Health Center Week, Team BNHC has focused on fitness with walks, yoga and exercises both big and small! National Association of Community Health Centers C3 - Community Care Cooperative Health Center Advocacy Network

ALIVE AT 5! Led by Deputy CEO Maria Celli, in foreground, a small but dedicated group took part in the Monday 5 o’clock walk as part of National Health Center Week. With 90-degree weather, what else can we say but, “Well done.” National Association of Community Health Centers Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers C3 - Community Care Cooperative Health Center Advocacy Network

HANDS-ON HELP — Our Pediatrics team received some well-earned massages Monday to kick off National Health Center Week. Thanks to Brockton’s Mocha Wellness and owner Sharlene Paul, who spent the morning keeping our team relaxed and ready. National Association of Community Health Centers Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers Radio Brockton Fm Health Center Advocacy Network

CALLING ALL KIDS! Our Pediatrics Department will host its annual KIDS FUN FEST TODAY, Aug. 10, and all children and their families are invited. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., we'll gather at our Pediatrics offices at 158 Pleasant St. for a day of fun, games, refreshments, face painting, dancing, give-aways including backpacks, and much more. The event will be held rain or shine -- AND IT'S ALL FREE!
For more information, please call us at 508-894-3363. We'll see you there! Brockton Public Schools Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers Radio Brockton Fm City of Brockton Old Colony YMCA

A BNHC PRESCRIPTION FOR SUCCESS! As larger pharmacies close and drug prices rise, the BNHC Pharmacy "stands out as a rare success story" in serving the community, says the The Boston Globe in a Page 1 story. Read the story below:
C3 - Community Care Cooperative Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers National Association of Community Health Centers City of Brockton Massachusetts Health Connector

As ‘pharmacy deserts’ spread, a program that helps combat them is under fire in D.C. - The Boston Globe The pharmaceutical industry is pushing back on a federal discount drug program that’s critical to places like Brockton, where many residents lack access to pharmacies.

FOUND IN TRANSLATION -- A HEALTH CARE HERO! Silvia Marques joined BNHC on July 22, 2002, as a part-time medical interpreter. She was one of four. Twenty-two years later, due to her skillset, professionalism and personal touch, she is now in charge of the department, overseeing more than 40 certified medical interpreters who play a vital role in patient care. Silvia celebrated her 22nd anniversary this week, along with members of her celebrated team. Congratulations, Siliva!
Mesi! Obrigada! Gracias! Merci! Dhanyavaad! Thank you!
National Association of Community Health Centers U.S. Medical Interpreters Certified Medical Interpreters Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers C3 - Community Care Cooperative

INTRODUCING OUR LATEST BNHC HERO OF THE MONTH, THE ONE AND ONLY ORIANA! Oriana Almeida Fidalgo, that is, our sensational clinical secretary who keeps everything moving and everyone smiling at our busy clinic at Father Bill's & MainSpring shelter in downtown . Thank you, Oriana, for the heartfelt caring, comfort and support you bring to both our staff and patients at MainSpring, and CONGRATULATIONS on being named our HERO OF THE MONTH! National Association of Community Health Centers C3 - Community Care Cooperative Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers

On Pride Day 2024, BNHC proudly shows its Pride side. Happy Pride Day, everyone! Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers National Association of Community Health Centers

TIME TO FIND A JOB? Then attend one of the Brockton Library's Haitian-Creole based Jobseeker Workshops, held Saturdays in summer from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Large Conference Room at the 304 Main St. library. The workshops are conducted in Haitian Creole. For more information, please contact the library's Malice Veiga at 508-894-1425 or [email protected]. Haitian Community Partners Radio Tele Brockton

LEADING THE WAY AT BNHC -- Several members of our pharmacy team and two from our interpreters team celebrated their completion of BNHC's Leadership Academy with previous participants and Team BNHC on June 26 at BNHC. The program enables participants to develop their supervisory skills for current and future positions. Congratulations to John Guidaboni, Nicole Hammond, Carla Andrade, Linh DoPham, Mishu Desir, Alhan Fadiani and Nelida Sena from Pharmacy, and interpreters Erickson Fortes and Candida Lopes! Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers C3 - Community Care Cooperative National Association of Community Health Centers

HAVE YOU BEEN STUCK WAITING IN THE ER? We have an alternative called "The ER Can Wait." For non-emergencies, this weekly group at BNHC doesn't just provide great health care, but information on housing, employment, medications and any other lifestyle issues you're facing. The ER can wait, thanks to this growing group run by Dr. Nik Gohokar. For more information, and to make an appointment, visit our special "The ER Can Wait" page on our web site:
https://www.bnhc.org/want-to-stay-healthy-out-of-the-hospital-this-group-can-help/
National Association of Community Health Centers Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers C3 - Community Care Cooperative Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital & SMG Cape Verdean Nurses Association

TEAM BNHC IS FAMILY, AND WE’RE UNITING WITH ONE OF OUR OWN, TO SHOW HE IS LOVED AND NEVER ALONE IN HIS FIGHT FOR LIFE. Join us in helping former Brockton High student Helder Andrade, a BNHC community health worker! Show you care — give and share! Thank you! Radio Brockton Fm Cape Verdean Women United Associação Caboverdiana De Brockton/Capeverdean Association of Brockton Cape Verdean Association of Boston

Donate to Hope For A Kidney: Support Helder’s Journey, organized by Judith Varela Hello All, My name is Judith, I am advocating on behalf of my dear friend.… Judith Varela needs your support for Hope For A Kidney: Support Helder’s Journey

NEXT STOP: MEDICAL ASSISTANT. Congratulations to the latest graduates of BNHC's Medical Assistant program, which provides team members the opportunity to earn their MA certification. The newest class includes 10 new MAs, and one who completed the Billing and Coding program.
The MA graduates are: Camila Andrade, Admilsa Gomes, Adiene Goncalves, Luana Lopes, Jacelinda Martins, Lucy Cabral Rodrigues,
Malvina Mendes, Jassiana Semedo, Dione Sullivan and Leidira Teixeira. The Billing and Coding graduate is Raquel Lopes Teixeira.
CONGRATULATIONS!
National Association of Community Health Centers Medical Assistants Rock Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers C3 - Community Care Cooperative

BNHC’s HELDER ‘THE HELPER’ ANDRADE IN FIGHT FOR HIS LIFE — Helder Gomes Andrade, as a BNHC community health worker, is used to helping others throughout the region. But now, he’s asking for our help as he faces a rare form of kidney failure, one which cannot be traced to sickness, lifestyle or any known risk factors such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Called CKDu, for chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology, Helder, 28, has been hospitalized as he awaits treatment through dialysis and – he prays one day – a kidney transplant. A beloved member of BNHC for five years and former Brockton High School student, he is being treated at Mass. General Hospital — but you can help!

Co-workers and friends at BNHC are organizing a kidney drive for Helder, and forming a committee, in the hopes of finding a living donor and providing support. We invite everyone who would like to help, or see if they are a potential match, to email BNHC’s Judith Varela at [email protected] or Ana Mendes at [email protected]. Also, you can visit www.mghlivingdonors.org and sign up to see if you might match. Or click on the QR code!

Helder, who is single and moved here from Praia, Cape Verde, posted the video below several days ago, in which he explains what he is facing in his native Cape Verdean Creole. We hope you’ll watch, share this post – and decide to join us in helping the person who's helped so many others! Thank you.
Associação Caboverdiana de Brockton/Capeverdean Association of Brockton Cape Verdean Nurses Association Mass General Brigham Good Samaritan Medical Center