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

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

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

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!

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

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

 

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

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. 

Swope Health Supports National Community Health Center Week

National Community Health Center Week is Aug. 9-15, 2020, a time designated to celebrate the long record of success by Community Health Centers in delivering quality health care.

 

Swope Health is proud to support the effort.

 

At Swope Health, we will be participating in national, regional and local celebrations, including a thank you to our Associates.

 

  • Swope Health will be featured at Region 7 of the Federally Qualified Healthcare Centers virtual conference Monday, Aug. 10 (noon – 1:30 pm). The program is hosted from Nebraska and co-promoted by the National Healthcare for the Homeless Council. Terri Cooley-Bennett, Swope Health Outreach Supervisor, will speak on Homelessness and COVID-19.
  • Swope Health associates and patients are invited to write comments on posters, which will be displayed and shared on social media. Posters from all Swope Health satellite clinics will be collected and displayed at Central.
  • Swope Health is also using this week to focus attention on the public health and safety benefits of wearing a face mask. Swope Health joins cities and organizations across the country in the #MaskUp campaign, which encourages using a mask in public, keeping physical distance and practicing frequent hand washing. Our associates and patients are sending in photos of their mask-wearing style for social media promotion.
  • Swope Health Associates will be treated to ice cream Tuesday, Aug. 11. An ice cream truck will be at Swope Health Central and members of the Swope Health executive team will deliver treats to satellite clinics.
  • United Healthcare, in a month-long celebration of Community Health Centers, will provide lunches Aug. 13 to Swope Health associates working the COVID-19 pop-up testing clinic at Quindaro Community Center.
  • You can find Swope Health events on the National Community Health Center Events Log.

 

Across the country, 1,400 Community Health Centers provide services for more than 29 million people in rural and urban settings.  Community Health Centers were first formed in 1965 with federal support to increase access to primary healthcare. Community Health Centers advocate for patients and work to remove barriers to care, such as cost, lack of insurance, distance and language. Learn more.

As a result, Community Health Centers generate an estimated $24 billion in savings for the healthcare system, largely by providing access to primary care and reducing avoidable emergency department and hospital stays. Community Health Centers deliver a wide range of services, including preventive care to identify and care for illnesses like diabetes, asthma, heart and lung disease, depression and more.

We hope you’ll join us in celebrating Community Health Centers. We’re here for you!

 

Tune into 107-3 Facebook LIVE We Are ONE KC Virtual Town Hall THIS Friday, 6/12 at 6pm.

We are ONE KC Virtual Town HallThe Town Hall will be hosted by Darron Story and features Swope Health’s very own Jeron Ravin, J.D. and Dr. Naiomi Jamal. 

They’ll be joined by KCMO Mayor Quinton Lucas, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II as well as on-air personalities Rick & Sasha, and a special panel of Community Leaders.

Topics include:

COVID-19:  Where are we and what does the future look like?

Systemic Racism:  a conversation about next steps to bring about positive change.

Listen.  Ask questions.  BE THERE!

Valentine’s Day opening for Swope Health West

It was a chilly morning on Valentine’s Day, but warm inside our newest clinic location at Swope Health West, at 4835 State Ave., in Kansas City, Kansas.

The outpouring of warmth came from dozens of Wyandotte Community representatives who joined Swope Health staff in a ceremonial ribbon-cutting to open the new clinic location. There were balloons and flowers, candy and treats, as well as tours throughout the expanded clinic.

Swope Health President and CEO Jeron Ravin welcomed the audience, which included representatives from the KCK-Wyandotte County Unified Government, El Centro, Wyandotte Health Foundation and other agencies and business partners. Ravin noted that the new clinic allows for an expansion of services for Wyandotte County patients.

Swope Health West Opening

The ribbon cutting, led by Jeron Ravin, with West Clinic associates and Dr. Kenneth Thomas, right.

Swope Health West

This new facility replaces the former Swope Health West location at 6013 Leavenworth Road in Kansas City, Kansas. The new Swope Health West has five exam rooms, plus a procedure room, all newly renovated and installed with new fixtures and equipment. The Community Care Network of Kansas provided more than $13,000 for some of the new medical equipment and supplies at Swope Health West.

Swope Health West Opening

The West Clinic has five exam rooms and a procedure room with all new equipment and supplies.

Swope Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kenneth Thomas also spoke at the ribbon-cutting, both to welcome the community and express appreciation for all the hard work that supported the creation of the new clinic. He introduced the clinic associates, including Dr. George J. Bures Jr. and Nurse Practitioner Kylie Gaustad.

Swope Health West Opening

Bertha Thomas, Clinic Manager, left, introduced the West Clinic staff: Dr. Jennifer Frost; Dr. George Bures; Nurse Practitioner Kyle Gaustad; Medical Assistants Jalyssa Marshall, Nastasha Garry, and Yuliana Loveland-Paez;  and Jeron Ravin.

Dotte

Dr. Thomas, who introduced himself as a “Dotte,” shorthand for native of Wyandotte County, spoke of his deep ties to the community. He emphasized the Swope Health commitment to quality healthcare for all.

 “This beautiful new facility is another example of our commitment to and investment in high-quality care,” Dr. Thomas said. “We want our patients to have an experience that demonstrates our promise to quality care, starting at the moment you enter the new Swope Health West. We want you to find a safe, clean and welcoming environment, with associates who are skilled and compassionate in caring for every person.”

To schedule an appointment at Swope Health West, call 816-923-5800. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.