January ushers in a crisp new year, but it also holds a vital message for women's health: Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. This month is a potent call to action for education, prevention, and early detection.
Cervical cancer, once a leading cause of female mortality, can be largely prevented thanks to two powerful tools: HPV vaccination and regular screening tests. Yet, disparities in access and knowledge remain, leaving many women vulnerable. Taking the Reins:
Cervical Cancer Awareness Month is a springboard, not a finish line. Let's carry the momentum through the year by advocating for equitable access to vaccines and screenings, supporting research initiatives, and fostering open conversations. Remember, knowledge is power – the power to save lives. Together, let's shine a light on cervical cancer, dismantle barriers, and empower every woman to take charge of her health. This January, and every month, let's strive towards a future where cervical cancer becomes a preventable disease, not a devastating reality. Remember, even small actions can make a big difference. Let's join hands and turn teal and white into symbols of hope and resilience, a beacon guiding us towards a future free from cervical cancer.
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Don't miss Cover WV Day next Tuesday, January 9, 2024! The West Virginia Primary Care Association, WV Navigator, and Community Health Centers across the state will be working together to assist you in receiving coverage from the Marketplace, Medicaid, or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Check out the flier and locations listed in the attached images and be sure to check out the additional resources below as well!
WV Navigator Cover WV Day website: https://buff.ly/3vjHdIv WVPCA Cover WV Day website page: https://buff.ly/3TLFIN7 WV Navigator Cover WV Day video: https://buff.ly/4aJeD38 RRHC is proud to offer assistance in Ritchie County and Doddridge County! Ritchie County: RRHC Harrisville Campus 135 S. Penn Ave. Harrisville, WV Doddridge County: RRHC West Union Campus 190 Marie St. West Union, WV #coverwvday #HealthCoverageForAll #RRHC RRHC Employee Holiday Party 2023 was one for the books! Thank you to our guest speaker, Jason Young, for his powerful message about creative collaboration. 🎄Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the RRHC team 🎉 12/18/2023
Behavioral Health Case Manager, Jocelyn Blackwell, represented RRHC at the Celebrate Recovery of Doddridge County's community dinner on Monday. We were glad to participate in the event and share resources about prevention, awareness, and support – including information about our virtual SMART Recovery and Friends and Family meetings. SMART Recovery - Life beyond addiction Monday and Friday at noon Tuesday at 1 p.m. Wednesday at 3 p.m. Friends and Family - Support for those whose loved ones are in addiction Monday and Friday at 1 p.m. Tuesday at 2 p.m. Wednesday at 4 p.m. For the meeting link, visit smartrecovery.org; enter 'West Union, WV' in the search bar; click 'Find a SMART Meeting'; and look for 'Jocelyn Blackwell' under Facilitator. Everyone is welcome! #mentalhealthmatters #RRHC #celebraterecovery 🎄⛄️As we prepare for the upcoming holidays, we wanted to share our hours of operation.
We will be closing early and remain closed on Tuesday, December 19 for our Employee Holiday Party. Our Harrisville Campus and Ellenboro School-Based Health Center (SBHC) will be open until 11:30 a.m. All other open sites will be open until 11 a.m. All open campuses will be open until noon on Friday, December 22, and will remain closed until Tuesday, December 26. All open campuses will be open until noon on Friday, December 29, and will remain closed until Tuesday, January 2. Our Smithville SBHC, St. Marys SBHC, and Doddridge SBHC will be closed during Christmas Break (December 25 - January 1). For a more detailed list of our locations and hours, click here. Although our campuses will be closed during those times, our on-call nurse line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To contact the on-call nurse, call (304) 299-0904. Please note that our nurses are there to help but are unable to schedule or cancel an appointment. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately or go to the nearest ER. Wishing you and yours happy and healthy holidays! ⛄️🎄 🧑🎄 Our 'elves' at RRHC have been busy 🧑🎄
The 'elves' sponsored 34 children and teens from local families experiencing financial hardship this year. We are so inspired by our employees for their overwhelming compassion and generosity. Their commitment to our communities is unparalleled 💞 #RRHC #communityfirst #ouremployeesarethebest 🤧🚫 Skip flu this season by getting vaccinated 💉
RRHC is partnering with The Health Plan to provide 2 flu vaccine clinics. The first 10 people at each clinic will receive a $25 gift card!! 📌Wednesday, December 6 from 12 pm to 4 pm RRHC West Union Campus 190 Marie St. West Union 📌Thursday, December 7 from 12 pm to 4 pm RRHC Jefferson Elementary Campus 1200 Stephenson Ave. Parkersburg NO APPOINTMENT is necessary. Please call 304-873-1401 for more information. #communityhealthcenter #immunityiscommunity #RRHC The holiday season is often depicted as a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. However, for many individuals, this festive period can also bring about feelings of stress, anxiety, and even sadness. The heightened expectations, social pressures, and financial strains associated with the holidays can take a toll on mental health.
Factors Contributing to Holiday-Related Stress Several factors contribute to the increased stress levels experienced during the holidays. These include: • Financial strain: The financial burden of gift-giving, travel, and holiday gatherings can cause significant stress, especially for those with limited financial resources. • Social obligations: The pressure to attend social engagements and maintain family harmony can lead to feelings of overwhelm and anxiety, especially for those who struggle with social interactions. • Unrealistic expectations: Societal portrayals of perfect holiday celebrations can create unrealistic expectations that can lead to feelings of inadequacy and disappointment. • Loss and grief: The holidays can exacerbate feelings of loss and grief for those who have lost loved ones or experienced significant life changes. • Loneliness and isolation: For individuals facing loneliness or isolation, the holidays can amplify feelings of sadness and disconnection. Protecting Mental Health During the Holidays Despite the challenges, it is important to prioritize mental health during the holidays. Here are some strategies to maintain emotional well-being: • Manage expectations: Set realistic expectations for yourself and your family. Focus on enjoying the meaningful aspects of the holidays rather than striving for perfection. • Communicate openly: Express your feelings and concerns to loved ones. Open communication can help alleviate stress and strengthen relationships. • Establish boundaries: Set clear boundaries regarding social obligations and spending limits. Don't feel obligated to attend every gathering or spend beyond your means. • Practice self-care: Prioritize self-care activities that promote relaxation and stress reduction. Engage in activities you enjoy, get enough sleep, and maintain a healthy diet. • Seek professional help if needed: Don't hesitate to seek professional help if you are struggling with persistent feelings of stress, anxiety, or sadness. RRHC has a whole team of dedicated mental health professionals who can provide support. We also offer the Sliding Fee Program to uninsured or underinsured individuals so you can get the help you need without having to worry about the cost. Remember, the holidays are about cherishing moments with loved ones and creating lasting memories, not about achieving perfection or conforming to societal expectations. Prioritize your mental well-being and allow yourself to enjoy the season in a way that feels authentic and meaningful. Ritchie Regional Health Center Partners with Parkersburg South High School for Health and Education Initiative Paving the way for a healthier future: Health officials from Ritchie Regional Health Center and the Principal of Parkersburg South High School come together to sign a partnership agreement. Seated, left to right: Jill Parsons, President and CEO, Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley; Amy Yokum, CEO, Ritchie Regional Health Center; Betsy Patterson, Principal, Parkersburg South High School; Michele Watkins, School Nurse, Parkersburg South High School. Standing, left to right: Dawn Barchett, Nurse Practitioner, Ritchie Regional Health Center; Wendy Cutright, Chief Quality Officer, Ritchie Regional Health Center; Sandy Swisher, Chief Medical Officer, Ritchie Regional Health Center. Parkersburg, WV – The Partner in Education Program, a service of the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley, has facilitated a new partnership between Ritchie Regional Health Center (RRHC) and Parkersburg South High School. This partnership connects healthcare and education in the community.
Amy Yokum, CEO of Ritchie Regional Health Center, conveyed her enthusiasm for the new partnership: "Ritchie Regional Health Center has been serving the Parkersburg community for several years, and we are thrilled to strengthen our partnership with Parkersburg South High School through the Partner in Education Program. Our commitment to providing compassionate and excellent care aligns seamlessly with enhancing the educational experience of students, focusing on their physical and emotional well-being." Jill Parsons, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley, added: "The partnership between Ritchie Regional Health Center and Parkersburg South High School shows the power of community partnerships. These initiatives benefit our students and contribute significantly to our community's overall health and prosperity." Founded in 1994, Ritchie Regional Health Center has a rich history of serving the local community, initially as a school-based health center program. RRHC operates across eight campuses today, offering vital primary care services to the Mid-Ohio Valley, which now includes this valuable partnership with Parkersburg South High School. We invite other local businesses to explore similar opportunities for collaboration through the Partner in Education Program. Engaging with our schools provides invaluable support to our youth and strengthens the fabric of our community. For more information or to participate in this program, please contact the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley at 304-422-3588 or info@movchamber.org. 🧥🧤🧣Ritchie Regional is proud to once again support Lite Rock 93R & The Classic Rock Station WXCR’s promotion, Coats for Kids. 🧣🧤🧥
For 19 years, Coats for Kids has provided winter apparel to children in need. We are asking you to join us in this worthy cause by donating new or used coats, gloves, scarves, etc. to any of the following RRHC locations: 🧥 Harrisville Campus - 135 S Penn Ave. Harrisville 🧤 West Union Campus - 190 Marie St. West Union 🧣Doddridge Wellness Center - 151 Doddridge School Rd. West Union All donations are greatly appreciated, and any used items will be cleaned. Coats for Kids will conclude on January 15. |
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