FSLH Receives Three Grants from United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica Area

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In 2011, Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare (FSLH) received $155,000 in grants from the United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica Area to expand patient care and improve availability of services. Funding was provided to the OB Care Center (OBCC), the FSLH Dental Health Center’s annual Give Kids A Smile (GKAS) Program and the Central New York (CNY) Diabetes Education Program.

OB Care Center’s Patient Navigator Program

FSLH received two-year funding from the United Way to develop a Patient Navigator program in the OBCC. The program launched in September 2011 and is the first of its kind in the Mohawk Valley.

All new patients to the OBCC or those referred through the Mohawk Valley Perinatal Network are screened for participation in the program. Women most at risk, including teens, those with previous preterm or low birth weight infants, pre-existing medical conditions and chronic stress, qualify for the program.

The patient navigator may accompany patients to ancillary visits while helping them to advocate for themselves, encouraging the women to ask their provider questions to better improve communication and care planning. This relationship supports patient compliance and improves birth outcomes for both mother and baby.

The goal of the program is to help raise awareness and knowledge of preconception health, reduce stress levels and lower rates of preterm birth before 32 weeks among the identified high risk women.

Give Kids A Smile Program

GKAS is a one-day event organized by the FSLH Dental Health Center to provide free dental care to children who do not have a dentist. The event provides children with preventative treatment such as exams, cleanings, sealants and fluoride varnish. Children between the ages of 4 and 10 who do not have a dentist are eligible to receive care.

The United Way provided funding to have an outreach and education coordinator for the event. The coordinator plays a vital role in the planning of the event, networking between community organizations and working to identify children in need of services.

In 2011, nearly 180 children received free dental care. The 2012 GKAS event is scheduled for Saturday, February 4.

Central New York Diabetes Education Program

The CNY Diabetes Education Program received two-year funding from the United Way to provide programs that encourage individuals to work toward for a healthy weight and maintain good health.

Educational sessions for individuals and groups are held during the day and in the evening throughout the year. CNY Diabetes offers instruction to people of all ages with pre-diabetes, gestational diabetes and diabetes.

Following educational sessions, each individual is provided with a follow-up to review how well they are meeting their goals. Individuals are encouraged to attend free continuing education sessions like grocery store tours, support groups and free podiatry visits which help to motivate them to pursue weight loss, meal planning and overall health improvements.

CNY Diabetes is a cooperative effort of Faxton St. Luke's Healthcare and St. Elizabeth Medical Center, and is formally recognized by the American Diabetes Association.