Dr. Jennifer Penney, PsyD, Chief Integration Officer at Axis Community Health, has been appointed to serve on the Alameda County Mental Health Advisory Board, marking a significant step in strengthening local mental health advocacy and oversight.

The appointment, made by District 1 Alameda County Supervisor David Haubert, places Dr. Penney in a crucial advisory role where she will help shape the future of behavioral health services in Alameda County. As an advisory board member, she will contribute to vital decisions regarding mental health programming and the allocation of county funds, while working to identify and address gaps in mental health care services.

Under Dr. Penney’s leadership, Axis’s Integrated Behavioral Health program sees over 19,000 visits a year, and the innovative Axis Bridge Mental Health Urgent Care program has demonstrated remarkable success in the Tri-Valley community. Since its launch in 2021, the program has transformed local mental health care delivery, achieving notably low hospitalization rates with less than 1% of patients requiring hospitalization or emergency 72-hour psychiatric holds during their participation in the program. In the past year alone, the program served 820 individuals, stabilizing patients presenting with urgent mental health struggles and demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in filling this gap in care.

“As a citizen of our local community and a professional working within the health field, participating as a member of the mental health advisory board provides an opportunity to represent our local community values, needs and aspirations,” says Dr. Penney. “Learning and exchanging ideas with other professionals and system champions throughout the county is engaging and allows for direct participation in some of what impacts our community directly.”

The Mental Health Advisory Board plays a fundamental role in ensuring that county behavioral health services align with community needs. Advisory board members collaborate with county officials and healthcare professionals to develop recommendations that enhance mental health care accessibility and effectiveness throughout the region.

“I’m honored to be a member,” Dr. Penney adds, expressing her commitment to serving the community in this new capacity.

This appointment represents a continuation of Alameda County’s efforts to strengthen its mental health services through experienced professional guidance and community representation. Dr. Penney’s proven track record in developing successful mental health programs and her deep connection to the local community positions her well to contribute meaningful insights to the advisory board’s important work.

Photo from R to L: Julia Liou (CEO, Asian Health Services), Andrea Schwab-Galindo (CEO, Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center), Cecilia Aviles (CEO LifeLong Medical Care), Liz Perez-Howe (CEO, Axis Community Health), Francisco J. Silva (CEO, CA Primary Care Association), Dr. Melissa Marshall, MD (CMO, CA Primary Care Association)

Last week, I had the privilege of attending the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) Partner Conference, where over 300 leaders from across the country came together to chart the future of community health. This gathering was an incredible opportunity to share insights, strategize, and prepare for an evolving healthcare landscape.

This conference was a melting pot of ideas and collaboration. Leaders from various regions and backgrounds converged to discuss the pressing issues facing Community Health Centers (CHCs) and to develop actionable strategies to address these challenges. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of purpose and commitment to improving community health outcomes.

Key Outcomes

Securing Funding: One of the primary focuses of the session was on securing sustainable funding for CHCs. Participants explored various avenues for financial support, including federal and state grants, private donations, and innovative funding models. The discussions emphasized the importance of advocating for policy changes that would ensure long-term financial stability for CHCs. By diversifying funding sources and optimizing resource allocation, CHCs can continue to provide essential services to underserved communities.

Advancing Workforce Development: Another critical outcome of the session was the emphasis on workforce development. The healthcare sector is facing a significant shortage of skilled professionals, and CHCs are no exception. Strategies were discussed to enhance the recruitment, training, and retention of healthcare workers. By investing in workforce development, CHCs can ensure they have the skilled personnel needed to meet the growing demands of community health.

Embracing Innovative Technologies: The integration of innovative technologies was a major theme at the session. Leaders recognized the transformative potential of technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and telehealth in improving patient care and operational efficiency. AI can assist in diagnosing diseases, predicting patient outcomes, and personalizing treatment plans, while telehealth can expand access to care, especially in remote and underserved areas. By embracing these technologies, CHCs can enhance the quality of care they provide and reach more patients.

The strategies and insights developed during this session will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of CHCs. By focusing on securing funding, advancing workforce development, and embracing innovative technologies, CHCs are well-positioned to navigate the evolving healthcare landscape and continue making a profound impact on the communities they serve.

Early childhood reading is essential for a child’s development, laying the foundation for lifelong learning and success. Research consistently shows that reading to young children enhances their language skills, cognitive development, and emotional well-being. It fosters a love for books and learning, which is crucial for academic achievement and personal growth.

Recognizing the profound impact of early childhood reading, the local Zeta My Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma has partnered with Axis to launch the “Cuddle Up and Read” initiative. This project aims to promote literacy and a love for reading among young children by providing them with books to enjoy at home.

Delta Kappa Gamma is an international professional society for women educators that promotes excellence in education. Their generous donation of gift-wrapped books will be given to pediatric patients at Axis’s Pacific Avenue Clinic during every 6-month well-child check-up. The packages include age-appropriate books for children that they can enjoy from the ages of 6 months to 5 years old, and come in English, Spanish, or bilingual stories. The initiative also includes resources and tips for parents on how to engage their children in reading, making it a fun and interactive experience. Cuddle Up and Read will operate in conjunction with the existing Reach Out and Read program available at all Axis pediatric clinics.

Thank you to the Zeta My Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma for your commitment to early childhood education! Together, we can make significant strides in fostering early literacy and a lifelong love of reading among young children.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of early detection and treatment of breast cancer. Regular screenings, such as mammograms, play a crucial role in catching breast cancer early, when it is most treatable. This can make a significant difference in the lives of many women.

In an exciting development, Axis Community Health teamed up with Sutter Health to offer mammograms to Axis patients through a mobile unit. This initiative aimed to make these essential screenings more accessible to our community, especially those who might find it challenging to visit traditional healthcare facilities.

It is our hope that in partnering with Sutter, we can continue to increase our breast cancer screening rates. According to the 2023 Uniform Data System (UDS), Axis’s breast cancer screening rate is an impressive 59.1%. This is significantly higher than both the state average of 46.9% and the national average of 45.3%. These numbers highlight the success of Axis’s efforts and the importance of making healthcare services more accessible.

Regular mammograms are recommended for women aged 40 and above, although those at higher risk may need to start earlier or have more frequent screenings. Early detection through these screenings can lead to less aggressive treatments and better survival rates, making them a vital part of women’s health.

The collaboration between Axis and Sutter Health is a fantastic example of how healthcare providers can work together to improve public health. By bringing mammograms directly to the community, they are breaking down barriers and ensuring that more patients have the opportunity to benefit from early detection.

Thank you to Sutter Health for providing this incredible resource to our patients! We look forward to future partnerships and continuing to make a positive impact on our community’s health together.

In a recent feature on their news website, Vitals, Sutter Health showcased the remarkable efforts of Axis Community Health in improving access to mental health services. The article, titled “Breaking the Silence: How One Health System is Improving Access to Mental Health Services,” delves into the significant strides made by Axis in addressing mental health needs in the Tri-Valley area.

The piece highlighted our Axis Bridge Mental Health Urgent Care Program, that provides free, critical mental health treatment to adults and children aged 5 and older who reside in Dublin, Livermore, and Pleasanton. This program, supported by a substantial $300,000 investment from Sutter Health, offers crisis intervention, stabilization, care management, and counseling services, regardless of a patient’s insurance status or ability to pay.

Theresa Rizzo, Psy.D., Axis’s Administrative Director of Integrated Behavioral Health (pictured above speaking to a patient), and other key members of the Axis team were interviewed for the article. They shared insights into the program’s success and the ongoing need for accessible mental health care.

Axis’s CEO, Liz Perez-Howe, expressed deep gratitude for Sutter Health’s partnership and support. She emphasized how the Axis Bridge program has provided urgent mental health support to over 1,000 individuals this year alone, significantly reducing hospitalization rates and offering hope and healing to those in need.

Thank you to Sutter Health for their continued support of Axis! By bringing mental health services directly to the community, we are breaking down barriers and ensuring that more people have access to the care they need.

To see the article on Vitals, click here.

The Yumlish Diabetes Prevention Program is a comprehensive, evidence-based initiative aimed at preventing Type 2 Diabetes among high-risk individuals. The program focuses on lifestyle changes, including healthy eating, physical activity, and behavioral support, to help participants reduce their risk of developing diabetes.

This program features several components to assist patients on their journey to better health:

• Nutrition Education: Participants learn about balanced diets, portion control, and making healthier food choices. The program emphasizes culturally relevant dietary advice, making it easier for individuals to incorporate these changes into their daily lives.

• Physical Activity: Regular exercise is a cornerstone of diabetes prevention. The program encourages participants to engage in physical activities that they enjoy and can sustain long-term, such as walking, dancing, or swimming.

• Behavioral Support: Changing habits can be challenging, but with the right support, it becomes more manageable. The program offers group sessions and one-on-one coaching to help participants stay motivated and overcome obstacles.

• Monitoring and Feedback: Regular check-ins and progress tracking help participants stay on course. This ongoing support ensures that individuals are making steady progress towards their health goals.

500 Axis patients will be enrolled into this first cohort. To be eligible for this program, Axis patients must have Alameda Alliance, be 18 years or older, overweight, and have a history of pre-diabetes, gestational diabetes, or hypertension. Services are offered in English and Spanish. Together, we can take proactive steps towards a healthier, diabetes-free future!

To learn more about Yumlish, please visit: https://yumlish.com/personalized-nutrition-therapy-in-diabetes-management/

From L to R: Axis’s Mental Health Interns – Caitlin Valdez, Ciara Skye, David Goldner, Anita Sayani, Natalie Kiff (Director of Intern and School Programs), and Bhavna Goel

Earlier this month, Axis’s Mental Health Interns celebrated meeting the Follow-Up After Emergency Department Visit for Mental Illness (FUM) quality measure. Community Health Centers meet this measure when patients receive a follow-up appointment with their primary care provider within 7-30 days of leaving the emergency department for a mental health concern.

Research suggests that follow-up/continuous care for people with mental illness is linked to fewer repeat ED visits, improved physical and mental function, and increased compliance with follow-up instructions. Offering continuous care is particularly crucial in mental health care for several reasons:

• Prevention of Relapse: Continuous care helps in monitoring patients regularly, which can prevent relapses or the worsening of mental health conditions. Regular follow-ups ensure that any emerging issues are addressed promptly.

• Consistency in Treatment: Patients benefit from a consistent treatment plan that evolves with their needs. This consistency helps in building trust between patients and healthcare providers, making patients more likely to adhere to their treatment plans.

• Holistic Health Management: Continuous care integrates various aspects of a patient’s health, including physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This holistic approach ensures that all factors contributing to a patient’s health are considered and managed effectively.

This milestone highlights the dedication of Axis’s team to treat our patients’ whole-person health and to improve patient health outcomes. Kudos to the MH Interns for all their hard work in ensuring our patients receive the care they need to thrive!

As we celebrate National Health Center Week, we’re filled with gratitude for the amazing journey Axis Community Health has taken. From our humble beginnings in 1972, we’ve grown into a vital part of our community’s healthcare system, driven by dedication, progress, and a deep commitment to those we serve.

Axis Community Health started with a simple mission: to provide pediatric care to low-income children. Our founders saw a critical need and, with compassion and determination, laid the groundwork for what would become a key healthcare provider in our area. Over the years, we’ve expanded our services to include adult medical care, women’s health, dental care, and mental health services, meeting the diverse needs of our community.

“As long as you are busy, you’re happy” –Axis’s first Director, Birdie Bianchi

1972 Health Care Concerns Committee incorporates as a non-profit agency

Our history highlights the ongoing demand for accessible, high-quality healthcare. Each milestone has been fueled by the belief that everyone deserves the chance to live a healthy, fulfilling life. From our early days on Spring Street to our extensive facilities today, our growth mirrors the broader development of community health centers nationwide. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, we are proud to be a fundamental healthcare resource for many families.

But our journey doesn’t stop here. We are committed to continually adapting to the evolving needs of our community. With new clinics, expanded services, and innovative programs, Axis Community Health strives to make healthcare accessible to all. We recognize the powerful impact comprehensive healthcare has on individuals and communities, fostering resilience and well-being.

Liz Perez-Howe (left) and Former Axis CEO Sue Compton (right) with the first patient (middle) to be served at the W. Las Positas clinic in Pleasanton

The pioneering efforts of healthcare trailblazers have set a strong foundation, and we are honored to build upon it. Our growth isn’t just about numbers; it’s about enhancing our impact and ensuring our services reach those who need them most. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, we’ve increased our patient base by 40%, underscoring the critical need for holistic healthcare.

As we reflect on our achievements, we’re also aware of the challenges that remain. More than 120 million Americans still lack access to affordable healthcare, highlighting the urgent need to advance community health centers. We are committed to addressing this gap.

Together, we don’t just provide healthcare; we nurture hope, foster well-being, and build a healthier future. For this incredible privilege, we are forever grateful. This National Health Center Week, let’s celebrate our shared journey and the bright future ahead.

Thank you for being a part of our story.

Warmly,  

Liz Perez-Howe

CEO, Axis Community Health