WHAT'S NEW AT THOMPSON CLINIC?

When you come to Thompson Clinic at CCIA, you’ll find quality health care along with warm and friendly smiles. Emily Coria, Nurse Practitioner, and Michelle Lewis, Medical Assistant, spent some time talking about what’s been happening at the Clinic in recent months.

As you might expect during these winter months, they’ve treated lots of colds, bronchitis and sore throats. Emily pointed out that flu cases have been down this year compared with last year. “Maybe more people are getting their vaccines,” she explained. Along with the typical upper respiratory ailments, they have seen an increase in people who are new to the area and don’t yet have a family doctor or perhaps have not yet been enrolled in Medicaid or other medical insurance. Very often these are people whose children need physical exams for school enrollment.

Emily pointed out that unlike most medical practices, many of their patients are not repeat visitors.  Most, but not all, are people who do not have medical insurance.  Sometimes the Clinic will get a referral from a local doctor when that doctor’s office is busy and the patient needs care right away.  As Michelle said, “We may never see that person again, but by coming here they learn about other services available at CCIA and they may not have been aware of these services.  It’s sort of one stop shopping.”

Sometimes, a person may come in needing to get an employment physical. Once that person is hired he or she is able to get insurance and find his own doctor. About 10% of their patients are people who come by regularly for treatment of chronic conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

The Clinic is able to treat the majority of people who come in. A person may be referred to the imaging center if an X-ray is needed, and there are some other situations where they do not have the equipment for a particular treatment. In these cases, the patient will be referred to Thompson’s Urgent Care Center. If someone needs immunizations, blood work or a prescription, these can be handled at the Clinic.When it comes to advice for staying healthy,

Emily pointed out that it is still cold and flu season. “Get your flu shot. Wash your hands carefully. And most importantly, stay home if you are sick! And keep kids home from school if they have a cold or the flu.” While both Michelle and Emily will take good care of you, they would rather see everyone stay healthy!

SUPPLY A SMILE

Choices must be made. Feed your family or have a rotten tooth removed. You feed the family, of course. But for the past year, people without resources to pay for dental care have not been faced with those choices. Thanks to caring dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and other volunteers, organized through Canandaigua Churches in Action (CCIA), more than $100,000 worth of dental work has been provided for 140-plus people of all ages through the Supply a Smile program. Some of those people have been seen six to eight times, says the Rev. Joan Wood, a part-time dental hygienist, full-time co-pastor with husband Chris at Zion Fellowship of Canandaigua, and Supply a Smile director.

Choices must be made. Feed your family or have a rotten tooth removed. You feed the family, of course.  But for the past year, people without resources to pay for dental care have not been faced with those choices. Thanks to caring dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and other volunteers, organized through Canandaigua Churches in Action (CCIA), more than $100,000 worth of dental work has been provided for 140-plus people of all ages through the Supply a Smile program. Some of those people have been seen six to eight times, says the Rev. Joan Wood, a part-time dental hygienist, full-time co-pastor with husband Chris at Zion Fellowship of Canandaigua, and Supply a Smile director.

The first patient was seen on Jan. 5, 2011. One year later, in January of 2012, nearly 70 volunteers -- were honored at a dinner (with someone donating money for the meal since Supply a Smile has a budget of zero) at LeTourneau Christian Camp overlooking Canandaigua Lake. Then those volunteers quickly began moving on their Supply a Smile endeavors for this year.

Eleven dentists, nine hygienists, 13 dental assistants, and dental office personnel volunteer for the program that focuses in cleanings, fillings and extractions. "The dental community here is so generous and so caring. I'm thanking them all the time," says Wood. "The more partners we have, the more we can do.

"How does the program work? People needing help (those without dental insurance and Medicaid) attend a screening clinic from 9 to 11 a.m. held on the first Saturday of every month (except July and August) at the Canandaigua Primary School and staffed by 50 or more volunteers. The clinic can only take the first 25 people, which is why, Wood points out, some people have arrived as early as 7:30 a.m. to get in line.

At the screening, medical histories are organized, blood pressure checked, and immediate needs determined. Prospective patients are given an appointment card and then call a dental office to make an appointment. Wood acknowledges that many people are "phobic" when it comes to dental work. Those fears are allayed at the screening. Once patients arrive at their particular dental appointment, they receive the same respect as paying patients.

No one in the waiting room knows that they have arrived via Supply a Smile.

Why is dental health so important? "Health of your mouth is so connected with health of your body," answers Wood. But that isn't all. Dental health, she continues, also involves mental health, confidence, and self-esteem.

She cites one Supply a Smile patient who had broken, rotting teeth. "I just want to smile," the patient said. She was given attention and "economy" dentures. She got her smile back. She was beaming," remembers Wood. Improved dental health "can change everything in your life ... It just does something for the whole person."

To support Supply a Smile, make a donation to Canandaigua Churches in Action/Dental Clinic and send to CCIA, 120 N. Main St., Canandaigua, NY 14424. Money will be used to purchase toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss to be distributed during screening clinics. For details, call (585) 394-7450.

PLEASE DON'T FORGET

It is because of your generosity that CCIA has been able to help so many of our community members. Please don't forget that St. Vincent's is always in need of gently used blankets of all sizes. Also, food stamps don't cover personal care products, therefore, the food bank needs deodorant, shampoos, razors, toilet paper, diapers in all sizes, feminine care products, bath soap, body wash, combs, and brushes.

Thank you!

FROM THE DIRECTOR

We should never stop giving thanks to God. Thanks for what He has done in our midst this past year and for what He has planned for us in the New Year. God continues to show His faithfulness to us. God is always on time whether it is a financial donation, a food donation or sending volunteers.

Our Food Pantry and Lending Room move from room 38 & 37 to 31 has been a good move. It has freed up a much needed storage space and allowed us to better serve our families.

Many may not be aware, “Supply A Smile” Dental Clinic celebrated its first anniversary on January 11, 2012 with an appreciation dinner at Le Tourneau Christian Conference Center.

Over 140 individuals have received care by area Dentists and Hygienists. A “BIG” thank you for their kindness and generosity. Thanks to Pastor Joan who oversees this wonderful group of volunteers.

We continue to give thanks. First, to the body of local churches that support CCIA. Next to our many volunteers who give of their time. Without their help we could not serve the number of families that we do. Secondly to our many faith based partners here at 120 N. Main St. It is so good to see the “body of Christ” working together serving our community

We are blessed to live in such a wonderful giving community. Through the kindness and generosity of our local churches and our community we are able to serve our many families in need.

Thank you to the many churches, groups and organizations that support us financially or through food and non-food donations.

Continue to pray for CCIA. We need to have the heart of God as we continue to serve our community. Pray for wisdom as we look at new ideas that will benefit our community and for the financial and space needs that will arise over the coming months and years.

Please contact me if you would like more information on CCIA or a tour of the wonderful services provided at 120 North Main St. You can also visit our web site at www.churchesinaction.org.

Jeff Lippincott
Pastor
CCIA Executive Director
394-7450

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

Should Canandaigua Have Its Own Hospice/Comfort Care Home?
Come to a Public Informational Meeting
&
Panel Discussion

Our Panel Members:

• Michelle Wheeler, RN. Director, Ontario-Yates Hospice
• Mary Brady, MD. Education/Outreach Coordinator for Compassionate Care. Part of volunteer training team for HOJ, CC, OYH and VA Palliative Care program. Former Medical Director of OYH
• Carole Jensen, RN. Director, House of John (HOJ), Clifton Springs
• Cheryl Williams, MD. Medical Director, Ontario/Yates Hospice (OYH) and Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center, Rochester, NY
• Donna Payne, RN. Director, Keuka Comfort Care Home, Penn Yan
• William Kays. Founding member and Board member of Keuka Comfort Care Home
• Duncan Rioch. Chairman, Canandaigua Churches in Action (CCIA)
• Moderator: Rev. Max Bishop. Spiritual Care Coordinator for OYH. Pastor, St. Brendan’s Christian Fellowship, Canandaigua. Board Member, CCIA

A focus meeting for the public to air and discuss such questions as: What cost/benefits would a Canandaigua Comfort Care Home bring to Canandaigua? Is a Comfort Care Home feasible in Canandaigua? Is it time for a Canandaigua Comfort Care Home? How is such a project initiated and executed? What role can the public and area businesses play in such a project? Can an individual such as myself become involved in and/or become a volunteer at such a facility?

This Meeting is Brought to You By the Canandaigua Churches in Action (CCIA)

Meeting Venue & Time: Tuesday, February 28, 7:00 – 9:00 PM

Wood Library, 134 N Main St,
Canandaigua, NY

EDITOR'S NOTE

Congratulations and blessings on CCIA’s Rev. Jeffrey W. Lippincott at his ordination as a Minister of Jesus Christ. His ordination was on Sun.22,2012- his birthday!