This year, colon cancer will take more than 52,000 lives in the United States. That’s the bad news. The good news is that nearly 30 times that number living in America survived the disease. While this type of cancer remains the third most common, it’s no longer a death sentence for those who receive such a diagnosis.

That’s not by accident. Preventing and successfully beating colon cancer happens when you take care of yourself and get regular screening. Today’s technology to detect colon polyps and remove them before they become cancer cells is better than ever.

Colorectal cancer screening is a critical reason the US case rate continues to drop. According to the National Cancer Institute, the number of diagnoses reduced by 2% each year in adults aged 50 and older from 2014 to 2018. That directly correlates to the large percentage of individuals who got screened regularly. The myth was that only those who experienced symptoms needed to go through a colonoscopy or similar procedure. Not so. Early colorectal cancer doesn’t ordinarily come with any signs or warnings. The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) recommends that all men and women who are 45 or older undergo routine screenings.

Moreover, ASCRS encourages individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer, polyps, or inflammatory bowel and rectal diseases to consider getting screened before age 45. Women with a family history of ovarian, endometrial, or breast cancer should also consider screening before they turn 45.

That said, family history plays a factor in the risk of someone getting colorectal cancer only about 25 percent of the time, according to ASCRS. The disease also doesn’t discriminate by gender, with men and women contracting colon cancer at nearly an equal rate.

There’s been a lot reported about the daunting screening procedure. Trust me as someone who’s been through it. The most unpleasant part is the preparation an individual must do before undergoing the colonoscopy. Regardless, the 20-minute process will be far less invasive and painful than months-long cancer treatment that may involve extensive surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Additional complications can ensue if the cancer is not detected early enough and spreads to other organs.

What’s more, a colonoscopy is only one way to get screened. Other options exist, including less invasive stool-based tests. Regardless of what you and your doctor decide, getting tested regularly, adhering to a proper diet, regular exercise, avoiding tobacco, and limiting alcohol consumption are key factors in preventing you from getting colorectal cancer.

We’re looking to get back to pre-COVID levels of screening. Today, only half of those who should get tested for colorectal cancer do. Thanks to a grant from the California Colorectal Cancer Coalition, we will help change that. Please do your part for your health and your family. You may save a life – yours.

Dr. Nishwan Jibri is a Primary Care Provider at Neighborhood Healthcare, a regional Federally Qualified Health Center providing a wide range of medical, dental, and behavioral health services.

– Hologic’s $50,000 grant helps non-profit community increase services, awareness, education for breast, cervical cancer screening – 

ESCONDIDO, Calif. (February 21, 2023) – Neighborhood Healthcare, a regional Federally Qualified Health Center providing a wide range of health services, announced today that it received funds to expand its women’s preventative health programs.

Hologic’s $50,000 grant enabled the non-profit organization to increase mobile mammography access for patients and enhance its education and outreach campaigns for breast and cervical cancer screenings.

“We will focus these expansion efforts initially in El Cajon but intend to broaden our reach to the other areas that we serve,” said Elena Chavarria, Director of Women’s Health Program for Neighborhood Healthcare. “In doing so, we’ll provide 300 additional mammogram screenings, reduce disparities in access, and increase awareness of the importance of regular cervical and breast cancer screening for women’s preventative healthcare. We’re grateful for Hologic’s partnership in this important initiative.”

The project activities will include sending text reminders to patients known to be past due on their mammograms and pap screenings, visual reminders at Neighborhood’s Health Centers, and community education on no cost or low-cost access to breast and cervical cancer screenings. Ten incremental monthly mobile breast cancer screening events in El Cajon have also been added to the previous monthly schedule.

More information on all of Neighborhood Healthcare’s Women’s Health Services is available at https://www.nhcare.org/health-services/womens-health/.

About Neighborhood Healthcare  

Neighborhood Healthcare provides quality, compassionate, whole-person care to everyone, regardless of their circumstance, throughout San Diego and Riverside Counties. We go above and beyond in serving those in need with high integrity, professionalism, and in the spirit of collaboration, just as we did when founded more than 50 years ago. In doing so, we dedicate ourselves to improving community health so everyone can live happy and healthy lives.

Riverside Community Health Foundation (RCHF) and Neighborhood Healthcare celebrated two ribbon-cutting ceremonies at the Riverside Eastside Riverside community health center

RCHF, whose mission is to improve the health and well-being of the community, partnered with Neighborhood Healthcare late last year to assume operations of both Riverside community health centers without service interruption. Both community health centers, located at 1970 University Ave, will accept Medi-Cal and Medicare along with other insurance while providing primary care, behavioral health, pediatrics, women’s health, prenatal, and dental care with expanded specialty services such as acupuncture and chiropractic care. The RCHF and Neighborhood Healthcare relationship expands both organizations’ capabilities to offer individuals and families in the area quality, compassionate care regardless of situation or circumstance at these and other facilities.

“We are excited to celebrate our partnership with Neighborhood Healthcare,” said Dan Anderson, D. Min, President/CEO of Riverside Community Health Foundation. “The organization has a proven track record of quality care, and we are excited to continue to work with them to foster healthier and happier communities through compassionate and quality care.”

U.S. Congressman Mark Takano

U.S. Congressman Mark Takano participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremonies. California Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes and Riverside Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes also joined the activities.

“We offer more than just medical care,” said Rakesh Patel, MD, CEO of Neighborhood Healthcare. “Together with RCHF, our programs and resources can help individuals and families with everything from obtaining insurance coverage to planning a family.”

Individuals desiring to schedule a Neighborhood Healthcare appointment may do so online at www.nhcare.org/schedule or call 833-867-4642.

About Riverside Community Health Foundation

RCHF is a 501(c)(3) whose mission is to improve the health and well-being of its community through programs and services that encourage a healthier, happier, and more active Riverside. Over the last 25 years, RCHF has invested over $36.4 million in grants to the community, built three community health clinics, and offers programs that provide access to health education, physical activity classes, maternal wellness, and chronic disease including their CDC-recognized National Diabetes Prevention Program and cancer resource center, The Pink Ribbon Place.

About Neighborhood Healthcare 

Neighborhood Healthcare provides quality, compassionate, whole-person care to everyone, regardless of their circumstance, throughout San Diego and Riverside Counties. We go above and beyond in serving those in need with high integrity, professionalism, and in the spirit of collaboration, just as we did when founded more than 50 years ago. In doing so, we dedicate ourselves to improving community health so everyone can live happy and healthy lives.

“On Dec. 13, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of California announced $1.5 million in funding to support community-based programs to reduce health disparities improve health equity in San Diego County. This funding supports initiatives from 17 San Diego organizations to address specific health needs of underserved members of the community and gaps in access to health care.

Recipients of the program include: Interfaith Community Services; Champions for Health; Chicano Federation of San Diego County; San Diego County Promotores Coalition; San Diego Youth Services; Family Health Centers of San Diego; Neighborhood Healthcare; South Bay Community Services; HealthCorps; SAY San Diego; La Maestra Community Health Centers; Cajon Valley Union School District; Oceanside Unified School District; San Diego Rescue Mission; TrueCare; San Ysidro Health; and Father Joe’s Villages.”

To read more visit:
https://eccalifornian.com/healthcare-service-providers-to-receive-financial-boost

Learn more about dental services

Neighborhood launches new Dental Mobile Health Center for children

Neighborhood Healthcare, a regional Federally Qualified Health Center providing a wide range of health services,
announced today that it received funds to launch its Virtual Dental Home service for children. Delta Dental’s $50,000 grant enabled the non-profit organization to purchase a new Dental Mobile Health Center to reach children whose families experience difficulty getting to one of its facilities. “We go above and beyond in serving those in need with high integrity, professionalism, and in the spirit
of collaboration, just as we did when founded more than 50 years ago,” said Joseph Jordan, DDS, dental director for Neighborhood Healthcare. “The Virtual Dental Home service for children is just one example of this. In doing so, we dedicate ourselves to improving
community health so everyone can live happy and healthy lives. We’re thankful for Delta Dental’s contribution to
our efforts!”
The Dental Mobile Health Center is a 40-foot vehicle self-contained with two exam rooms and state-of-the-art, portable dental units. It also includes a wheelchair lift, hydraulic chairs, portable x-ray devices, and running water. Neighborhood Healthcare’s Virtual
Dental Home program is a community-based oral health initiative that provides preventative and early intervention services in community settings such as schools and preschool sites. These activities include a complete dental exam, teeth cleaning, fluoride treatment, X-rays, sealants, and pictures of the child’s teeth. The program aims to reach children with limited or no access to dental care due to multiple factors, such as lack of awareness, transportation, insurance, family income, or avoidance of dental care
due to fear. Families do not incur any out-of-pocket costs for utilizing this service, and no one gets turned away
based on their inability to pay.

More information on all of Neighborhood Healthcare’s dental health services is available at https://www.nhcare.org/health-services/dental/

ESCONDIDO, Calif. (November 15, 2022) – Neighborhood Healthcare, a regional Federally Qualified Health Center providing a wide range of medical, dental, and behavioral health services, will hold a Women’s Wellness event in El Cajon Thursday.

The public event open to all women will occur from 8:30 a.m. to Noon at the non-profit’s 855 E Madison Ave. location and will draw a projected 200 individuals.

Neighborhood Healthcare – El Cajon

Neighborhood will offer participants at no charge:

• Mammograms – Valley Radiology
• Scheduling Women Wellness Exams
• Health Information
• Enrollment Services
• Free COVID at-home tests
• Giveaways

Media are invited to attend.

About Neighborhood Healthcare 

Neighborhood Healthcare provides quality, compassionate, whole-person care to everyone, regardless of their circumstance, throughout San Diego and Riverside Counties. We go above and beyond in serving those in need with high integrity, professionalism, and in the spirit of collaboration, just as we did when founded more than 50 years ago. In doing so, we dedicate ourselves to improving community health so everyone can live happy and healthy lives.

Neighborhood Healthcare, a regional Federally Qualified Health Center providing a wide range of medical, dental, and behavioral health services, broke all records at its recent fundraising gala by raising over $430,000.

The contributions raised at the September 17 event will expand the organization’s women’s health services, prenatal care, and cancer screenings.

“We’re grateful for the continued support we received from so many organizations and generous individuals,” said Rakesh Patel, MD, CEO of Neighborhood Healthcare. “This event exceeded all expectations and demonstrated how communities could rally around each other in these unprecedented times. Now more than ever, our mission to provide quality, comprehensive, compassionate care to everyone, including women, regardless of circumstances, is greatly needed.”

The “Denim and Diamonds” included music, silent and live auctions, and touching messages from those that Neighborhood Healthcare has helped. The nonprofit also honored one of its long-standing supporters, Judith Descalso, with its annual Servant Leader Award, for her more than three decades of support that raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in support of Neighborhood Healthcare.

“This event went a long way in helping us expand our range of women’s health programs and resources that address many of the barriers our patients face on their road to health and happiness,” said Tina Pope, Director of External Affairs for Neighborhood Healthcare. “The support we received in the activities leading up to and including the gala from so many individuals and organizations will help us continue to bring positive change to our communities; change you can see firsthand in the smiles of the patients we serve.”

About Neighborhood Healthcare 

Neighborhood Healthcare provides quality, compassionate, whole-person care to everyone, regardless of circumstance, throughout San Diego and Riverside Counties. We go above and beyond in serving those in need with high integrity, professionalism, and in the spirit of collaboration, just as we did when founded more than 50 years ago. In doing so, we dedicate ourselves to improving community health so everyone can live happy and healthy lives.

ESCONDIDO, Calif. (September 21, 2022) – Neighborhood Healthcare, a regional Federally Qualified Health Center providing a wide range of health services, announced today the launch of its behavioral health mobile services program with the Escondido Union High School District.

The initiative improves student access to such services through a mobile health center vehicle at Del Lago Academy, San Pasqual High, Escondido High, Valley High and Orange Glen High Schools.

“Bringing this program to the schools eliminates barriers to accessing care, for example transportation, insurance, or time in a busy schedule to attend doctor appointments,” said Gabriel Rodarte, MD, Behavioral Health Medical Director at Neighborhood Healthcare. “We will do so in a safe and supportive environment and are grateful to UnitedHealthcare and other organizations that provided the grants to support these efforts that align with our stated mission to deliver quality, compassionate, whole-person care to everyone regardless of circumstance.”

The mobile health center vehicle will be on the campuses weekly. Both students and parents will have access to educational resources through the school’s website and QR codes. Licensed therapists will provide counseling with the full support of the Behavioral Health Department should any student need enhanced care.

“We recognize the importance of supporting our student’s mental health and were so pleased to open Wellness Center spaces on our three comprehensive high school campuses last year,” said Escondido Union High School District Superintendent Anne Staffieri, Ph.D. “This partnership with Neighborhood Healthcare allows us to provide additional behavioral health supports to even more students in our district. Access to behavioral health services is especially important for our community as nearly 80 percent of students in our district are either homeless, foster youth, or of low socio-economic status.”

The behavioral health mobile services program at the Escondido High School District’s campuses will cost approximately $720,000. The funding for this initiative came in part from:

• Neighborhood Healthcare’s 2021 fundraising gala
• UnitedHealthcare
• The San Diego County Board of Supervisors
• The US Health Resources and Services Administration

About Neighborhood Healthcare  

Neighborhood Healthcare provides quality, compassionate, whole-person care to everyone, regardless of their circumstance, throughout San Diego and Riverside Counties. We go above and beyond in serving those in need with high integrity, professionalism, and in the spirit of collaboration, just as we did when founded more than 50 years ago. In doing so, we dedicate ourselves to improving community health so everyone can live happy and healthy lives.

About Escondido Union High School District

The Escondido Union High School District has empowered students to graduate prepared for college, career, and life through excellence in learning for more than 125 years. The district serves nearly 7,000 students across five high schools including: Escondido, Orange Glen, and San Pasqual, Del Lago Academy and Valley; as well as the Escondido Adult School.  More than 900 staff members are employed by Escondido Union High School District, which offers more than 180 courses, including nationally recognized Advanced Placement courses, College & Career Technical Education, Independent Study, after school enrichment, career exploration, STEM opportunities, and more.

ESCONDIDO, Calif. (August 16, 2022) – Neighborhood Healthcare, a regional Federally Qualified Health Center providing a wide range of medical, dental, and behavioral health services, announced today its partnership with the North County Family Justice Center,’”One Safe Place.”

The center, operated by the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, serves anyone who experienced family violence, elder abuse, child abuse, hate crimes, human trafficking, or other crimes.

“We provide comprehensive services in a safe and judgment-free environment that empowers people to move forward with their lives,” said San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan, who spearheaded the creation of One Safe Place. “We have dozens of community partners on site who are here to help. We’re grateful to count Neighborhood Healthcare as one of them.”

As part of the agreement, Neighborhood Healthcare will provide assistance with Medi-Cal, Medicare, and CalFresh enrollment from a bilingual Certified Enrollment Counselor. The non-profit will expand also its services for One Safe Place participants in the coming months to include offsite behavioral health services, adult and pediatric care, routine lab testing, and other offerings. Neighborhood Healthcare’s providers are culturally sensitive and experienced in working with refugees and the unhoused. Many of the organization’s staff are also bilingual in Spanish or Arabic.

“Neighborhood Healthcare recognizes that health is about more than just vac-cines and checkups,” said Rakesh Patel, MD, CEO of Neighborhood Healthcare. “This partnership with the North County Family Justice Center is important to us. It will ensure we continue to help all our neighbors eliminate barriers to achieving their best life, whether financial, social, or otherwise.”