Join us for COVID-19 Town Hall — 6 pm Tuesday, Aug. 10

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Dr. Naiomi Jamal, Swope Health’s Chief Quality Officer, will participate in a special online Town Hall on COVID-19 starting at 6 pm Tuesday Aug. 10.

Dr. Naiomi Jamal

Dr. Naiomi Jamal

The town hall, sponsored by 107.3 FM, will be broadcast live on Facebook. Watch on the 107-3 FACEBOOK PAGE

The Town Hall, “The Real Deal on the COVID-19 Vaccine,” features other Kansas City healthcare experts with Dr. Jamal in questions and discussion led by Darron Story of 107.3FM.

Topics will include guidance on the COVID-19 delta variant and information about the COVID-19 vaccines.

Dr. Jamal heads the Department of Quality and Population Health at Swope Health. She is responsible for organization wide clinical quality, performance and process improvement, along with Population Health initiatives geared toward meeting the quadruple aim of improving provider and patient experience, improving population health outcomes and resource stewardship.

She also practices as a primary care physician through the Independence clinic and sees a variety of complex medical diagnoses.

Dr. Jamal is on faculty at University of Missouri/Kansas City where she is responsible for developing and delivering a preventive medicine and public health curriculum for family medicine residents. She is also responsible for the didactic lecture series Social and Structural Determinants of Health at the UMKC School of Medicine for Medical Students.

 

Looking Forward to National Health Center Week

/0 Comments/in , , /by

National Health Center Week, which takes place each year to spotlight the valuable work and accomplishments of America’s health centers, is set for Aug. 9-13. Swope Health will celebrate with its own events and special days of focus.

Swope Health will mark the week by honoring the people we serve and showing appreciation for the numerous individuals and groups who are so instrumental in helping us carry out our mission:

  • Monday, Aug. 9: Healthcare for the Homeless Day
  • Tuesday, Aug. 10: Community Partner Appreciation Day
  • Wednesday, Aug. 11: Patient Appreciation Day
  • Thursday, Aug. 12: Stakeholder Appreciation Day
  • Friday, Aug. 13: Staff Appreciation Day

National Health Center Week has been observed for more than 30 years in acknowledgement of health centers as a beacon of strength, service and care in their communities. Swope Health is proud to fill that role in Kansas City with the assistance of many supporters. The events of the week shine a light on our stake in community health, paving the way to meeting our patients’ needs and driving a more equitable healthcare system for all.

“This week is always a special one at Swope Health because it accentuates our critical role in caring for the people in our community who need it most,” said Jeron Ravin, JD, Swope Health President and CEO. “As part of our mission to provide accessible, quality healthcare in Greater Kansas City, we will build upon these opportunities to share our story so we can encourage greater collaboration and take meaningful steps toward lasting change.”

Ravin added: “National Health Center Week also prompts us to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributes to the work we do – our staff members who make Swope Health so indispensable; our donors, stakeholders and partners who have joined our commitment to making care visible; and all our patients, who are such a joy to serve. We look forward to a week of well-deserved celebration and recognition, while maintaining our focus on a brighter future for health in Kansas City.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Swope Health offers COVID-19 Vaccinations at KCK Police Athletic League

/0 Comments/in , /by

On Wednesday, Aug. 4, Swope Health will offer free COVID-19 vaccinations at the Police Athletic League of Kansas City, Kansas.

The event, sponsored by Swope Health with El Centro Inc. and KCK PAL, runs from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the PAL center, 800 N 5th St. No appointments are necessary, and the event is open to the community.

The Pfizer vaccine will be offered to individuals age 12 and up. Anyone under age 18 must have a parent or guardian present. Participants will be offered giveaways and the chance to enter a raffle for grocery gift cards.

The Police Athletic League of KCK offers youth the opportunity to interact with police officers in a positive setting while participating in academic, cultural, mentoring and sports programs. The program provides a safe, caring, and supportive environment, where members of the Kansas City Kansas Police Department and citizens work together to facilitate a community free from fear and violence.

 

Be Alert! Swope Health invites you learn about the Stop Trafficking Project

/0 Comments/in /by

Swope Health is hosting a free webinar, open to all, to learn about how you can help combat the crisis of sex trafficking of minors in our community.

The event will be held noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 18, via Zoom. Details: https://swopehealth.zoom.us/j/92623977221

The event features Russ Tuttle, the president and founder of The Stop Trafficking Project®– a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of the issue, and teaching ways to prevent trafficking. The organization has developed the “Be Alert” strategy, which empowers students and encourages adults to take effective and empathetic action.

Russ’s program, “More than meets the eye,” will include details about the reality of domestic minor sex trafficking in our community and offer specific tactics to empower individuals to make a difference.

“Technology is not the enemy,” Russ says. “But the reality is that our kids’ vulnerabilities can — and are – being exploited online.”

His program will describe worst-case scenarios that led to instances of criminal sex trafficking involving children. He explains the scenarios as the “exploitation of vulnerability,” giving webinar participants an understanding of how the process typically begins. He also offers practical tools for adults to understand how to intervene in a compassionate and caring way.

Russ, with more than three decades of experience, has delivered educational presentations throughout the region, frequently speaking to students, educators, health professionals and parents. He estimates he has reached 125,000 people through his passionate commitment to raise awareness and help prevent exploitation of minors.

Swope Health provides this educational seminar to the community as well as to its associates in social work, counseling, and medical professions. All are welcome.

Join us:  noon, Wednesday, Aug. 18, in a live presentation and discussion with Russ Tuttle, via Zoom: https://swopehealth.zoom.us/j/92623977221

Learn more about sex trafficking:

Resources: Including a Parents’ Safety Guide on Kids and Technology, Internet Safety Resources, Warning Guides, infographics and more.

Swope Health President & CEO Supports Action-Centered Conversation

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Jeron Ravin, J.D., President and CEO of Swope Health, will participate in the first of a 10-month series of conversations sponsored by the African American Artists Collective.

This event occurs in two parts on Friday, July 30: first, from 1-2:30 pm with a conversation at the 21c Museum Hotel in Kansas City, and then from 7-9 pm, an evening social for action-centered connections and networking. Events are free and open to the public; registration is required at https://www.aaackc.org/testimony

The topic of the conversation is Testimony: The Misrepresentation of Black Men and Boys. From varying points of view, Black men will provide insight on what it takes to navigate the real world, maneuver through negative situations, and maintain a healthy mental, physical and spiritual existence. Questions will be posed by the moderator, Renee Blanche, host of the Night Tides radio program on KCUR-FM in Kansas City.

In addition to Ravin, participants are:

The July 30 evening social will include a live performance by Bobby Watson and art from the members of the African American Artists Collective. The collective invites local business, community, and educational organizations to register groups to attend. Seating is limited and available at no cost.

This independently organized event is associated with the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art’s Testimony Exhibition. The 10-month long series will feature local voices and resources under the theme of Relationships and Supportive Networks.

To register to attend and for more information about AAAC’s Testimony: The Misrepresentation of Black Men and Boys, visit http://www.aaackc.org.

Free Vaccination & Food Event at Swope Health West

/0 Comments/in , /by

On Saturday, July 31, Swope Health West will host a free drive-through and walk-up COVID-19 vaccination event, which also features free food giveaways.

The event runs from 9 am to noon, Saturday, July 31 at 4835 State Ave., Kansas City, Kan. No appointments are necessary.

Swope Health will provide the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to individuals age 12 and up. Individuals under age 18 must have a parent or guardian present.

Conducted with support from El Centro, Harvesters, KanCare and Aetna Better Health of Kansas, the event will also offer fresh foods and protein. In addition, households that can demonstrate at least an 80% vaccination rate will be eligible for a $100 gift card. (El Centro will require vaccination records and other information to receive the gift card after the event.)

Join us for Juneteenth KC!

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Swope Health is proud to participate in Kansas City’s 2021 Juneteenth Celebrations, including a Juneteenth Family Giveaway and Vaccination Event, the Juneteenth Parade and the Juneteenth Heritage Festival.

The JuneteenthKC organization, a non-profit, describes Juneteenth as the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. Traditionally Juneteenth is known as a cultural event that celebrates the emancipation of slaves in America in 1864.

​JunteenthKC notes that the celebration was brought to Kansas City in 1980 by Horace M Peterson III, founder of the Black Archives of Mid-America. The annual heritage event celebrates the emancipation of enslaved Africans in America and provides the backdrop to pay tribute to the founders of our community.

Here’s a roundup of Swope Health’s activities in the free celebrations. Join us!

  • June 10: Family Essentials Giveaway and Vaccine Event: Held from 4-6 pm on Thursday, June 10, at 8801 Westridge Blvd., Raytown at the Giving Has No Season KC Community Fridge. This event features free food and essentials. Anyone age 18 and older can receive the one-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccination.
  • June 12: the Juneteenth Parade: It all starts at noon Saturday June 12 and runs from Grove Park, then south on Benton to 18th Street through the heart of the historic district. The entire route is a little less than a mile and a half long. The event features floats, cars, parade marchers, bands and welcomes Mayor Quinton Lucas as the Grand Marshall. The event also includes the naming of an honorary Mr. and Ms. JuneteenthKC. Look for the Swope Health mobile dental unit in the parade, and Swope Health booths and games along 18th Street between Woodland and Highland streets.
  • June 19: JuneteenthKC Heritage Festival – Starts at noon and runs all day! Held throughout the 18th & Vine Historic District, the festival is hosted by Sean Tyler. Admission is free! Events include: noon, Gospel Jubilee; Youth Zone at the Jay McShann Pavilion; Health Fair at Gregg Klice Community Center; Onyx Art Gallery at the Gem Theater and retail/food vendors, special activities and live performances. Swope Health will offer free Pfizer COVID-19 vaccinations to anyone age 12 and older (anyone under 18 must have a parent or guardian present).

Learn more about Juneteenth History.

May 1 Vaccine Event in Wyandotte County

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Swope Health is hosting a COVID-19 vaccination event from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, May 1, for Kansas residents at Iglesia Bautista El Buen Pastor, 1900 Steele Road, Kansas City, Kansas 66106.

Swope Health will offer the Pfizer vaccine to Kansas residents, age 16 and older. The second dose will be scheduled for Saturday, May 22, also at Iglesia Bautista El Buen Pastor.

To schedule an appointment,
register at https://swopehealth.org/vaccine-may1/
or call 816-599-5112.

The free event includes a giveaway of food and hygiene kits on a first-come, first-served basis. Community partners for this event are Catholic Charities, El Centro and United Healthcare.

Swope Health Presents How the Pandemic has Affected Our Community

/1 Comment/in , /by

 

The Swope Health presentation “How the Pandemic has Affected our Community” – a virtual discussion with the faith community, is now available: https://youtu.be/0tncGJOSPQA. This event, originally held live at noon Thursday March 4, was the second of two events focused on the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine for the Kansas City community.

Historically, faith leaders have been vital to mobilizing communities of color. Join us as we converse with faith leaders in the Kansas City Metro area on the importance of vaccination, access to the vaccine, and how to engage with traditionally underserved communities. Hosted by Marielena Marroquin, Swope Health community engagement manager.

 


The conversation features:

Monsignor Stuart Swetland, president, Donnelley College. Monsignor Swetland previously served as Vice President for Catholic Identity and Director of Pre-Theology at Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, MD. He received his undergraduate degree in Physics from the United States Naval Academy, and he holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts from Oxford University where he studied Politics, Philosophy, and Economics. He also has a Master of Divinity and Master of Arts from Mount St. Mary’s Seminary; and earned his Sacred Theology Licentiate and Sacred Theology Doctorate from the Pontifical Lateran University, in Rome.

The Rev. Jacqueline McCall, associate pastor, Saint James United Methodist Church. Her fields of focus are trauma, grief, self-care and healing. She spent more than 18 years working with Fortune 500 companies in financial and client services, and she has published a book that chronicles her cancer diagnosis, treatment and journey. She has a Bachelor of Arts in French/International Business Management from Clark Atlanta University, and a Master of Divinity from Duke University. She has clinical pastoral education credits from Barnes Jewish Hospital and is working on a Doctor of Ministry degree from Drew University, focusing on spirituality and pilgrimage.

The Rev. Tony Carter Jr., pastor, Salem Baptist Church. Rev. Carter has served as the Senior Pastor of Salem Missionary Baptist Church since April 2002.  Prior to coming to Salem as Pastor, he served as Pastor of the Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church from December 1994 until March 2002. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Education from the Western Baptist Bible College and has also studied at Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Kansas.

Earlier, in the first lecture of the series, Swope Health presented “The History of Vaccination and Inequity Among Communities of Color” featuring Jason Glenn, PhD, assistant professor in the department of history and medicine at the University of Kansas.

Swope Health Joins Virtual Town Hall on COVID-19 Vaccine

/0 Comments/in , /by
Jeron Ravin

Jeron Ravin, JD

On Wednesday, Feb. 3, at 6 p.m., you’re invited to participate in a virtual Town Hall discussion on 107.3 FM about the COVID-19 vaccines. Swope Health President and CEO Jeron Ravin, JD,  and Dr. Naiomi Jamal, chief quality officer, will be featured in the discussion.

The “COVID-19 Vaccine 101” discussion will be led by 107.3’s Darron Story. Additional participants are:

  • Juliann Van Liew, director of the Unified Government’s Public Health Department
  • Jason Glenn, Ph.D., associate professor, University of Kansas Department of History and Philosophy of Medicine
  • Jerrihlyn McGee, vice chancellor for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Kansas Medical Center

 

COVID-19 VACCINATION FACTS

The panel will discuss facts about the COVID-19 vaccine and its rollout in the Kansas City area on both sides of the State Line. The experts will share personal experiences as well review and debunk misinformation about the vaccine.

You can participate by listening to 107.3 or logging on to the 107.3 Facebook page where you can ask questions of the panel.

Dr. Naiomi Jamal

Dr. Naiomi Jamal

Swope Health is now offering COVID-19 vaccinations by appointment only to current Swope Health patients at our Central Clinic for Missouri residents, and our Wyandotte Clinic for Kansas residents.

We are following guidelines set by the states of Missouri and Kansas in determining when individuals may receive the vaccine.

If you are interested in an appointment for COVID-19 vaccination and are a current Swope Health patient, please let us know by registering at: https://swopehealth.org/vaccine-interest/.

(If you are have issues accessing the link, call our helpline at (816) 321-3398.) You must be a current Swope Health patient to submit an interest form. Swope Health will contact you to schedule your vaccination when vaccine is available.