2017 Community Activities: July and August
Including Fairfield Court event and Vehicle Donation
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-Aloha Health discusses conducting joint project with the Partnership for Families
Dick Seely and Joe Boatwright met with Executive Director Veronica Fleming, Partnership for Families, on August 15 to discuss implementing a project that will significantly increase the number of Richmond family members receiving the medical care they need but are not accessing at the present time. Near term steps that will be carried include joint fundraising activities and deciding on the families who will participate in this outreach initiative.
-Aloha Health arranges a vehicle donation to LULAC and the Richmond Kougars
Through the efforts of Joe Boatwright, two vehicles are being donated to Richmond organizations thereby reducing the effects of a critical health disparity – lack of transportation to and from programs for at-risk youth and adults. A bus is being donated to LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens) Council 4614) and a van to the Richmond Kougars. Both vehicles will begin picking up residents for programs in -September
Van being donated to LULAC
-August 8 presentation by Bruce Kay, Markel Corporation Managing Director of Investor Relations and Real Estate to ECPI micro economics students
Dick Seely arranged for Bruce Kay to speak to the ECPI micro economics class. In his remarks Mr. Kay gave students valuable real world information on how to invest, the importance of having a positive corporate culture such as the one at Markel, an overview of the strategy Markel uses to decide on which companies to buy, and how and why students might want to start their own business. Dick was especially pleased that in his remarks Mr. Kay made it clear that the concepts and theories students learn in micro economics have real relevance in the market place.
-Aloha Health updated VDH Director Dr. Danny Avula and staff on July 17
Joe Boatwright and Dick Seely updated Dr. Danny Avula, Director of the Richmond City Health District, and his staff on efforts to implement the Aloha Health Trusted Community Leader (TCL) 5-year project. The two organizations will continue to cooperate in efforts aimed at connecting thousands of Richmond residents to a patient centered medical home and to the medical services they need and deserve, but are not accessing today.
-Dick Seely arranging career planning presentations for his business adminstratrion students at Richard Bland College of William & Mary
Dick Seely has invited career planning officials to make presentations this his fall Richard Bland College of William and Mary Business Adminstration course. This initiative has the full support of the RBC adminstration.
News: June 2017
-Aloha Health assists Fairfield Court to organize and conduct its June 24 Community Day
Fairfield Court residents enjoy a whole of fun The Richmond Ambulance Authority staff gave
Activities offered at the Community Day event residents a tour of an emergency vehicle and
and information on how to access RAA services
Aloha Health assisted Fairfield Court to obtain food and drinks, funding, and recruit exhibitors for the June 24 Community Day program. The event was a terrific success thanks to the efforts of the Fairfield Court Tenant Council headed by President Joanne Towles, VP Dyanne Brody and Secretary Deborah Turner. Residents learned a great about the Richmond Ambulance Authority as a result of TCL Skip Long and other RAA representatives speaking to adults and children about safety and the services provided by the RAA. The Motorcycle club headquartered in Richmond parked their vehicles on North 25th Street where residents took photos and admired these amazing vehicle. Games, prizes, delicious food were also enjoyed by Fairfield Court residents.
Joe Boatwright & Councilperson Cynthia Newbille TCL and RAA staff member Skip Long and his
toured Fairfield Court speaking to neighbors about colleague manned the Authority’s table at the event
health and other issues of concern.
Delicious food was enjoyed by all!
Candidate for Governor Ed Gillespie and Dick Seely talk at the Community Day about ways government can improve the health of public housing residents .
-Aloha Health discusses conducting joint project with the Partnership for Families
Thanks to the efforts of LULAC President Vilma Seymour, Dick Seely and Joe Boatwright are in discussion with Executive Director Veronica Fleming, Partnership for Families, about conducting the proposed Aloha Health 5 year health project as a joint initiative. A mid-July planning meeting will be scheduled to plan next steps.
-Aloha Health coordinated the delivery RamPantry food to residents of Fairfield Court
Aloha Health coordinated delivery of vegetables, bread and other products by Nicole Patterson, VCU Volunteer Programs, to Fairfield Court on June 26. The food was distributed to residents living in that public housing community. In the future, Tenant Council President Joanne Towles and Nicole Paterson will work together to schedule food deliveries on Fridays as donations are available.
-Aloha Health is spearheading efforts to expand exercise classes in public housing communities
Aloha Health is assisting Louise Lockett, Sports Backers Fitness Warriors Program, to expand the Richmond “Culture of Wellness” by helping her organize free fitness programs at, among others, Mosby, Whitcomb and Fairfield Courts. Our activities include searching for space in each community where the classes can be held and enlisting the assistance of TCLs to recruit/attract regular participation by residents in these important fitness sessions.
-Aloha Health to meet with Masjid Bilal on carrying out joint programs
In early July Aloha Health principals will meet with Greg Abdus-Salaam and other officials of the Masjid Bilah to discuss ways to improve the health outcomes of the hundreds of Church Hill families the nonprofit serves. Masjid Bilal is committed to the formation of sound family structures that “exemplifying moral excellence in the cultural, political, educational and economic life of the American public.”
-Aloha Health to meet on July 17 with VDH regarding its proposed 5 year $750,000 Project
Aloha Health principals will meet with Dr. Danny Avula, Director of the Richmond City Health District, on July 17 to discuss implementation of the proposed Aloha Health 5 year project. This initiative will bring into care 100 new patients annually ensuring they are connected to a patient centered medical home and are compliant.
Aloha Health is the only organization in the Richmond area that utilizes trusted community leaders (TCLs) who live, work, and carry out positive activities every day in communities where the majority of residents live in poverty. The TCLs – who Aloha Health has long standing relationships with - are respected and listened to by citizens living in these communities. TCLs guide their neighbors - who have become lost in the healthcare system although Medicaid and Medicare eligible - to appropriate services thus reducing health disparities, and address social determinants of health thus creating a culture of wellness in Richmond. The Aloha Health Model is based on the University of Pennsylvania Community Health Worker Best Practices Model. Our strategy is a community intervention that results in expensive emergency care being replaced with less costly preventive care.
2017 Community Activities: January to May
-Skip Long Makes a 2nd “Making it into the Marketplace” Presentation to ECPI Students
Skip Long - VDH Lead Facilitator of the Family & Fatherhood Initiative – made a presentation to Dr. Dick Seely’s ECPI Micro Economics course on May 15. Skip is an extremely effective presenter who engages students and gives them valuable insights on the soft skills they need to improve their chances of being hired for the job of their choice. Students appreciate a great deal Mr. Long’s offer to assist them individually to prepare themselves for the market place. Many have taken him up on his offer.
-Aloha Health Establishes a Partnership With the League of United Latin American Citizens
Joe Boatwright and Dick Seely met on a number of occasions with Vilma Seymour, President of LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens Council 4614), to discuss programs that can advance the health of Hispanic youth living in Richmond. These discussions lead to Ms. Seymour proposing that LULAC work with the Richmond Ambulance Authority to carry out a RAA Academy program for Hispanic youth living in the City. Rob Lawrence, RAA COO, contacted President Seymour and a meeting regarding next steps in implementing the project has been held. Aloha Health is hopeful that a LULAC/RAA Academy program can be carried out as early as the fall. Aloha Health also connected LULAC with VDH and the two organizations are discussing implementing in-school health education programs that have proven effective in other youth settings.
-The May 23rd Anniversary Party an opportunity for Trusted Community Leaders to Meet
At Joe Boatwright’s request, Richmond Trusted Community Leaders (TCLs) and Aloha Health principals got together at a local event to enjoy fellowship, great food and to catch up on each other’s activities since the March VCU Block Party. Those attending the Anniversary Celebration were TCLs Joyce Kenney, Reverend and Mrs. Frank Curry, and Aloha Health principal Dick Seely
-Aloha Health made a financial contribution to the April 28-30 family strengthening & health program
Joe Boatwright and Dick Seely made a contribution to Richmond Kougars’ President Jay Pollard on April 17. The Kougars’ health & family strengthening weekend was a great success! At noon on Friday, April 28, CHAT buses – graciously made available by the organization at no cost and driven by CHAT volunteers - picked up 30 youth and 12 parents from public housing and other Richmond communities so families could take part in an activity-filled weekend looked forward to by all. Another 16 family members traveled by personal vehicle to Kings Dominion to join in the weekend program. Many educational, exercise, health, and family strengthening activities were carried out including: art sessions, exercise/healthy walking, discussions on respect and importance of teamwork, cooking, dancing and the celebration of April birthdays, and hours and hours of inter-family and intra-family fellowship.
The Richmond Kougars’ mission is to build healthy lives and skills ensuring that public housing youth and their families are productive members of society. The Kougar organization offers to 350 families – over 1,000 strong! - living in public housing communities such as Whitcomb Court, Mosby Court, Creighton Court and Fairfield Court year-around programs such as:
-Aloha Health will participate in an upcoming Masjid Bilal Church Hill Food Distribution Program
Aloha Health has been invited by Greg Abdus-Salaam of the Masjid Bilah to participate in its monthly free food distribution program which helps hundreds of Church Hill families in need. The Masjid Bilah has asked Aloha Health and its partners to conduct blood pressure, diabetes, and/or other screenings, make referrals, and offer nutrition education and other services at the monthly food distribution. Aloha Health officials have been participating in Masjid Bilah activities for the past three years.
-Aloha Health principals meet with Officials of the Healthy Lifestyles Center
At the request of VCU VP Sheryl Garland, Joe Boatwright and Dick Seely met on April 13 with Dr. Melanie Bean, Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Psychology, to discuss how Aloha Health could assist the Center to build awareness of and involvement by Richmond youth whose families fall into the U-5 and U-6 population segments. The latter are among the youth who can most benefit from the healthy lifestyle education, nutrition, and fitness activities offered by the Center. TEENS+ is a healthy weight management program for 12-16 year olds and a participating parent/caregiver.
Exchange of ideas on how the two organizations can work toward common goals in the future will continue in the days ahead.
-VCU March 18 “Block Party” at MLK
The 2017 VCU Block Party was a great success. Aloha Health is pleased to have supported the work of Chair Sarah Herdreth and the VCU student event team for the past six months. VCU did a wonderful job organizing educational, screening and fun activities for all to enjoy and, at the same time, giving residents an opportunity to learn about their health and ways to improve lifestyles.
TCLs (Trusted Community Leaders) Jay Pollard, Joyce Kenney, Reverend Frank Curry, Monae Gordon, Joanne Towles, Dyanne Brody, Deborah Turner and many others made sure that 100's of public housing residents knew about and attended the Block Party. Our thanks go to Tyler McPhillips, his fellow drivers and CHAT for providing bus transportation for residents to and from the event. CHAT is also one of Aloha Health’s TCLs.
Joseph Boatwright and Dick Seely, along with TCLs, manned the Aloha Health booth at the Block Party and discussed health issues and ways to address the social determinants of health – lack of transportation, lack of a phone, income challenges, among others – that are preventing thousands of residents from accessing the health care services they need to prevent them from becoming seriously ill.
On Monday, March 20, Aloha Health distributed gift cards given by VCU to TCLs in recognition of the countless hours of important community outreach activities that ensured that 100s of residents attended the Wellness Block Party.
-Aloha Health is working with TCLs to register resident interest an ECPI college education
Following the February ECPI/Community Leader Planning Meeting held at Fairfield Court, President Ashley Richards (ECPI Moorefield campus) worked with Dick Seely and TCLs to distribute ECPI program flyers to residents to build awareness of the university study opportunities at ECPI (East Coast Polytechnic Institute. In the weeks ahead, Dick and the TCLs will record residents' interest in continuing their education by enrolling in particular ECPI majors.
Joe Boatwright and Dick Seely met again on April 6 with ECPI Moorefield Campus President Richards to discuss next steps in enrolling more Richmond youth and adults in ECPI courses and majors. The three focused much of their attention on measures to address the social determinants of health – one being education – and how Richmond residents facing such social determinants of health as lack of transportation can be assured of equal access to the college education so important to career success. By the way, ECPI has over 11,000 students in Richmond alone.
-Aloha Health will continue to distribute RamPantry food to our neighbors living in public housing
Aloha Health will continue, as needed, to pick up donated food and other items from the RamPantry and distribute these products to families living Fairfield Court, Whitcomb Court, Mosby Court, among others.
-Other Aloha Health April community support activities:
4/8/17 Hopewell clinic presentation to working class Black, White, and Hispanic families
4/10/17 Petersburg clinic presentation to Black, White, Hispanic working class families
4/12/17 Colonial Heights presentation to working class Black, White and Hispanic families
-Aloha Health participates in and arranges speakers for the ECPI Activity Day
At the request of ECPI, Aloha Health arranged for Skip Long (former Church Hill Academy Principal) to make two presentations to more than 100+ ECPI students at the January 3rd ECPI Activity Day Program. Mr. Long’s “Making it into the Marketplace" presentation was very well received by both students and faculty. ECPI Academic Director Teresa Hale commented that “You (Skip) hit it out of the park!” Students benefit a great deal from Mr. Long’s presentation which focused on learning the soft skills they need to improve their chances of being hired for the job of their choice. Dr. Richard Seely, Aloha Health Project Director, also addressed the students. Dr. Seely serves as an ECPI Adjunct Professor teaching micro and macro economics and business administration courses.
-Aloha Health is coordinating community outreach for the VCU March 18 “Wellness Block Party”
Aloha Health principals are working again this year with TCLs (Trusted Community Leaders) to build awareness of, register, and ensure transportation for Richmond residents wanting to attend the VCU Wellness Block Party (BP) to be held at MLK elementary school. Special thanks go to CHAT and Tyler McPhillips for providing two buses and drivers for the event. Aloha Health arranged an initial BP planning meeting between TCLs, Aloha principals, and Sarah Herdreth (Block Party Chair) and her team on January 19. Fairfield Court Tenant Council President Joanne Towles hosted the meeting.
A second BP planning meeting was arranged by Aloha Health the last week of February to finalize the event registration form and process, bus routes and pickup/drop off times, and other event details.
-Aloha Health organized & participated in the February 16 ECPI/TCLs meeting in Church Hill
Aloha Health is assisting ECPI to build relationships with Richmond trusted community leaders (TCLs). To this end, Aloha Health organized an ECPI/TCL planning meeting on February 16 hosted by the Fairfield Court Tenant Council President, Joanne Towles. The meeting lead to discussion highlighting that:
Among the planning meeting participants were: Dick Seely, Aloha Health, Fairfield Tenant Council President Joanne Towles, ECPI President Ashley Richards, Associate Pastor Reverned Frank Curry of the Fountain Baptist Church, Mosby Court Leadership Monae Gordon, former CHA Principal Skip Long, Richmond Kougars President Jay Pollard, and Deborah Turner, Fairfield Court Tenant Council Secretary. Dr. Joseph Boatwright, photographer, is not in the picture! Joyce Kenney, former President of Randolph/Maymont Tenant Council, and Dyanne Brody, Vice President of the Fairfield Court Tenant Council, could not attend the meeting for medical reasons.
President Ashley Richards (Moorefield Campus) has pledged support for the implementation of the Aloha Health initiative. A planning meeting to map out next steps between President Richards, Joseph Boatwright and Dick Seely is planned for the 1st week in March.
-Aloha Health participated in the February 17 Church Hill Academy (CHA) “Market Place”
Dick Seely (Aloha Health Project Director) along with 25 Richmond officials, took part in one-on-one role plays with CHA students so the 36 participating youth could gain practical experience in effectively interviewing for an entry level job. The students were well prepared, poised, their resumes professional, and their interviewing skills impressive! The Church Hill Academy's mission is to equip and prepare students to achieve academic success, develop their character, and serve the community. The purpose of the Market Place is to provide students with an opportunity to dress professionally, practice their interview skills, and prepare a resume.
Head of School, Gina Maio, said that CHA staff looks forward to continuing to want to work with Aloha Health to expand college educational opportunities for CHA students.
For more information contact:
Dr. Richard Seely, Aloha Health Project Director, (cell) 703-624-2793, [email protected]
Dr. Joseph Boatwright, Aloha Health Medical Director, (cell) 804-357-8341,
[email protected]
Check out our Aloha Health web site: alohahealth.weebly.com
Dick Seely and Joe Boatwright met with Executive Director Veronica Fleming, Partnership for Families, on August 15 to discuss implementing a project that will significantly increase the number of Richmond family members receiving the medical care they need but are not accessing at the present time. Near term steps that will be carried include joint fundraising activities and deciding on the families who will participate in this outreach initiative.
-Aloha Health arranges a vehicle donation to LULAC and the Richmond Kougars
Through the efforts of Joe Boatwright, two vehicles are being donated to Richmond organizations thereby reducing the effects of a critical health disparity – lack of transportation to and from programs for at-risk youth and adults. A bus is being donated to LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens) Council 4614) and a van to the Richmond Kougars. Both vehicles will begin picking up residents for programs in -September
Van being donated to LULAC
-August 8 presentation by Bruce Kay, Markel Corporation Managing Director of Investor Relations and Real Estate to ECPI micro economics students
Dick Seely arranged for Bruce Kay to speak to the ECPI micro economics class. In his remarks Mr. Kay gave students valuable real world information on how to invest, the importance of having a positive corporate culture such as the one at Markel, an overview of the strategy Markel uses to decide on which companies to buy, and how and why students might want to start their own business. Dick was especially pleased that in his remarks Mr. Kay made it clear that the concepts and theories students learn in micro economics have real relevance in the market place.
-Aloha Health updated VDH Director Dr. Danny Avula and staff on July 17
Joe Boatwright and Dick Seely updated Dr. Danny Avula, Director of the Richmond City Health District, and his staff on efforts to implement the Aloha Health Trusted Community Leader (TCL) 5-year project. The two organizations will continue to cooperate in efforts aimed at connecting thousands of Richmond residents to a patient centered medical home and to the medical services they need and deserve, but are not accessing today.
-Dick Seely arranging career planning presentations for his business adminstratrion students at Richard Bland College of William & Mary
Dick Seely has invited career planning officials to make presentations this his fall Richard Bland College of William and Mary Business Adminstration course. This initiative has the full support of the RBC adminstration.
News: June 2017
-Aloha Health assists Fairfield Court to organize and conduct its June 24 Community Day
Fairfield Court residents enjoy a whole of fun The Richmond Ambulance Authority staff gave
Activities offered at the Community Day event residents a tour of an emergency vehicle and
and information on how to access RAA services
Aloha Health assisted Fairfield Court to obtain food and drinks, funding, and recruit exhibitors for the June 24 Community Day program. The event was a terrific success thanks to the efforts of the Fairfield Court Tenant Council headed by President Joanne Towles, VP Dyanne Brody and Secretary Deborah Turner. Residents learned a great about the Richmond Ambulance Authority as a result of TCL Skip Long and other RAA representatives speaking to adults and children about safety and the services provided by the RAA. The Motorcycle club headquartered in Richmond parked their vehicles on North 25th Street where residents took photos and admired these amazing vehicle. Games, prizes, delicious food were also enjoyed by Fairfield Court residents.
Joe Boatwright & Councilperson Cynthia Newbille TCL and RAA staff member Skip Long and his
toured Fairfield Court speaking to neighbors about colleague manned the Authority’s table at the event
health and other issues of concern.
Delicious food was enjoyed by all!
Candidate for Governor Ed Gillespie and Dick Seely talk at the Community Day about ways government can improve the health of public housing residents .
-Aloha Health discusses conducting joint project with the Partnership for Families
Thanks to the efforts of LULAC President Vilma Seymour, Dick Seely and Joe Boatwright are in discussion with Executive Director Veronica Fleming, Partnership for Families, about conducting the proposed Aloha Health 5 year health project as a joint initiative. A mid-July planning meeting will be scheduled to plan next steps.
-Aloha Health coordinated the delivery RamPantry food to residents of Fairfield Court
Aloha Health coordinated delivery of vegetables, bread and other products by Nicole Patterson, VCU Volunteer Programs, to Fairfield Court on June 26. The food was distributed to residents living in that public housing community. In the future, Tenant Council President Joanne Towles and Nicole Paterson will work together to schedule food deliveries on Fridays as donations are available.
-Aloha Health is spearheading efforts to expand exercise classes in public housing communities
Aloha Health is assisting Louise Lockett, Sports Backers Fitness Warriors Program, to expand the Richmond “Culture of Wellness” by helping her organize free fitness programs at, among others, Mosby, Whitcomb and Fairfield Courts. Our activities include searching for space in each community where the classes can be held and enlisting the assistance of TCLs to recruit/attract regular participation by residents in these important fitness sessions.
-Aloha Health to meet with Masjid Bilal on carrying out joint programs
In early July Aloha Health principals will meet with Greg Abdus-Salaam and other officials of the Masjid Bilah to discuss ways to improve the health outcomes of the hundreds of Church Hill families the nonprofit serves. Masjid Bilal is committed to the formation of sound family structures that “exemplifying moral excellence in the cultural, political, educational and economic life of the American public.”
-Aloha Health to meet on July 17 with VDH regarding its proposed 5 year $750,000 Project
Aloha Health principals will meet with Dr. Danny Avula, Director of the Richmond City Health District, on July 17 to discuss implementation of the proposed Aloha Health 5 year project. This initiative will bring into care 100 new patients annually ensuring they are connected to a patient centered medical home and are compliant.
Aloha Health is the only organization in the Richmond area that utilizes trusted community leaders (TCLs) who live, work, and carry out positive activities every day in communities where the majority of residents live in poverty. The TCLs – who Aloha Health has long standing relationships with - are respected and listened to by citizens living in these communities. TCLs guide their neighbors - who have become lost in the healthcare system although Medicaid and Medicare eligible - to appropriate services thus reducing health disparities, and address social determinants of health thus creating a culture of wellness in Richmond. The Aloha Health Model is based on the University of Pennsylvania Community Health Worker Best Practices Model. Our strategy is a community intervention that results in expensive emergency care being replaced with less costly preventive care.
2017 Community Activities: January to May
-Skip Long Makes a 2nd “Making it into the Marketplace” Presentation to ECPI Students
Skip Long - VDH Lead Facilitator of the Family & Fatherhood Initiative – made a presentation to Dr. Dick Seely’s ECPI Micro Economics course on May 15. Skip is an extremely effective presenter who engages students and gives them valuable insights on the soft skills they need to improve their chances of being hired for the job of their choice. Students appreciate a great deal Mr. Long’s offer to assist them individually to prepare themselves for the market place. Many have taken him up on his offer.
-Aloha Health Establishes a Partnership With the League of United Latin American Citizens
Joe Boatwright and Dick Seely met on a number of occasions with Vilma Seymour, President of LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens Council 4614), to discuss programs that can advance the health of Hispanic youth living in Richmond. These discussions lead to Ms. Seymour proposing that LULAC work with the Richmond Ambulance Authority to carry out a RAA Academy program for Hispanic youth living in the City. Rob Lawrence, RAA COO, contacted President Seymour and a meeting regarding next steps in implementing the project has been held. Aloha Health is hopeful that a LULAC/RAA Academy program can be carried out as early as the fall. Aloha Health also connected LULAC with VDH and the two organizations are discussing implementing in-school health education programs that have proven effective in other youth settings.
-The May 23rd Anniversary Party an opportunity for Trusted Community Leaders to Meet
At Joe Boatwright’s request, Richmond Trusted Community Leaders (TCLs) and Aloha Health principals got together at a local event to enjoy fellowship, great food and to catch up on each other’s activities since the March VCU Block Party. Those attending the Anniversary Celebration were TCLs Joyce Kenney, Reverend and Mrs. Frank Curry, and Aloha Health principal Dick Seely
-Aloha Health made a financial contribution to the April 28-30 family strengthening & health program
Joe Boatwright and Dick Seely made a contribution to Richmond Kougars’ President Jay Pollard on April 17. The Kougars’ health & family strengthening weekend was a great success! At noon on Friday, April 28, CHAT buses – graciously made available by the organization at no cost and driven by CHAT volunteers - picked up 30 youth and 12 parents from public housing and other Richmond communities so families could take part in an activity-filled weekend looked forward to by all. Another 16 family members traveled by personal vehicle to Kings Dominion to join in the weekend program. Many educational, exercise, health, and family strengthening activities were carried out including: art sessions, exercise/healthy walking, discussions on respect and importance of teamwork, cooking, dancing and the celebration of April birthdays, and hours and hours of inter-family and intra-family fellowship.
The Richmond Kougars’ mission is to build healthy lives and skills ensuring that public housing youth and their families are productive members of society. The Kougar organization offers to 350 families – over 1,000 strong! - living in public housing communities such as Whitcomb Court, Mosby Court, Creighton Court and Fairfield Court year-around programs such as:
- Health education
- Fitness (exercise and nutrition)
- Connection to doctors/medical homes
- Family strengthening
-Aloha Health will participate in an upcoming Masjid Bilal Church Hill Food Distribution Program
Aloha Health has been invited by Greg Abdus-Salaam of the Masjid Bilah to participate in its monthly free food distribution program which helps hundreds of Church Hill families in need. The Masjid Bilah has asked Aloha Health and its partners to conduct blood pressure, diabetes, and/or other screenings, make referrals, and offer nutrition education and other services at the monthly food distribution. Aloha Health officials have been participating in Masjid Bilah activities for the past three years.
-Aloha Health principals meet with Officials of the Healthy Lifestyles Center
At the request of VCU VP Sheryl Garland, Joe Boatwright and Dick Seely met on April 13 with Dr. Melanie Bean, Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Psychology, to discuss how Aloha Health could assist the Center to build awareness of and involvement by Richmond youth whose families fall into the U-5 and U-6 population segments. The latter are among the youth who can most benefit from the healthy lifestyle education, nutrition, and fitness activities offered by the Center. TEENS+ is a healthy weight management program for 12-16 year olds and a participating parent/caregiver.
Exchange of ideas on how the two organizations can work toward common goals in the future will continue in the days ahead.
-VCU March 18 “Block Party” at MLK
The 2017 VCU Block Party was a great success. Aloha Health is pleased to have supported the work of Chair Sarah Herdreth and the VCU student event team for the past six months. VCU did a wonderful job organizing educational, screening and fun activities for all to enjoy and, at the same time, giving residents an opportunity to learn about their health and ways to improve lifestyles.
TCLs (Trusted Community Leaders) Jay Pollard, Joyce Kenney, Reverend Frank Curry, Monae Gordon, Joanne Towles, Dyanne Brody, Deborah Turner and many others made sure that 100's of public housing residents knew about and attended the Block Party. Our thanks go to Tyler McPhillips, his fellow drivers and CHAT for providing bus transportation for residents to and from the event. CHAT is also one of Aloha Health’s TCLs.
Joseph Boatwright and Dick Seely, along with TCLs, manned the Aloha Health booth at the Block Party and discussed health issues and ways to address the social determinants of health – lack of transportation, lack of a phone, income challenges, among others – that are preventing thousands of residents from accessing the health care services they need to prevent them from becoming seriously ill.
On Monday, March 20, Aloha Health distributed gift cards given by VCU to TCLs in recognition of the countless hours of important community outreach activities that ensured that 100s of residents attended the Wellness Block Party.
-Aloha Health is working with TCLs to register resident interest an ECPI college education
Following the February ECPI/Community Leader Planning Meeting held at Fairfield Court, President Ashley Richards (ECPI Moorefield campus) worked with Dick Seely and TCLs to distribute ECPI program flyers to residents to build awareness of the university study opportunities at ECPI (East Coast Polytechnic Institute. In the weeks ahead, Dick and the TCLs will record residents' interest in continuing their education by enrolling in particular ECPI majors.
Joe Boatwright and Dick Seely met again on April 6 with ECPI Moorefield Campus President Richards to discuss next steps in enrolling more Richmond youth and adults in ECPI courses and majors. The three focused much of their attention on measures to address the social determinants of health – one being education – and how Richmond residents facing such social determinants of health as lack of transportation can be assured of equal access to the college education so important to career success. By the way, ECPI has over 11,000 students in Richmond alone.
-Aloha Health will continue to distribute RamPantry food to our neighbors living in public housing
Aloha Health will continue, as needed, to pick up donated food and other items from the RamPantry and distribute these products to families living Fairfield Court, Whitcomb Court, Mosby Court, among others.
-Other Aloha Health April community support activities:
4/8/17 Hopewell clinic presentation to working class Black, White, and Hispanic families
4/10/17 Petersburg clinic presentation to Black, White, Hispanic working class families
4/12/17 Colonial Heights presentation to working class Black, White and Hispanic families
-Aloha Health participates in and arranges speakers for the ECPI Activity Day
At the request of ECPI, Aloha Health arranged for Skip Long (former Church Hill Academy Principal) to make two presentations to more than 100+ ECPI students at the January 3rd ECPI Activity Day Program. Mr. Long’s “Making it into the Marketplace" presentation was very well received by both students and faculty. ECPI Academic Director Teresa Hale commented that “You (Skip) hit it out of the park!” Students benefit a great deal from Mr. Long’s presentation which focused on learning the soft skills they need to improve their chances of being hired for the job of their choice. Dr. Richard Seely, Aloha Health Project Director, also addressed the students. Dr. Seely serves as an ECPI Adjunct Professor teaching micro and macro economics and business administration courses.
-Aloha Health is coordinating community outreach for the VCU March 18 “Wellness Block Party”
Aloha Health principals are working again this year with TCLs (Trusted Community Leaders) to build awareness of, register, and ensure transportation for Richmond residents wanting to attend the VCU Wellness Block Party (BP) to be held at MLK elementary school. Special thanks go to CHAT and Tyler McPhillips for providing two buses and drivers for the event. Aloha Health arranged an initial BP planning meeting between TCLs, Aloha principals, and Sarah Herdreth (Block Party Chair) and her team on January 19. Fairfield Court Tenant Council President Joanne Towles hosted the meeting.
A second BP planning meeting was arranged by Aloha Health the last week of February to finalize the event registration form and process, bus routes and pickup/drop off times, and other event details.
-Aloha Health organized & participated in the February 16 ECPI/TCLs meeting in Church Hill
Aloha Health is assisting ECPI to build relationships with Richmond trusted community leaders (TCLs). To this end, Aloha Health organized an ECPI/TCL planning meeting on February 16 hosted by the Fairfield Court Tenant Council President, Joanne Towles. The meeting lead to discussion highlighting that:
- TCLs feel Richmond public housing youth and adult residents have a need for the educational and training programs and the jobs placement services offered by ECPI.
- There is concern that public housing residents graduating from an ECPI program could be burdened by a large student debt that will need to be repaid over the long term.
- Such social determinants as lack of transportation, lack of funds, lack of babysitting services, no telephone, etc. must be overcome if residents are to successfully graduate from ECPI.
- ECPI officials will need to work with TCLs regularly over the long term to produce desired goals.
- It will be possible to carry out a pilot project over the next few months under which 10-15 public housing residents will enroll in an ECPI program.
- A briefing for TCLs by ECPI officials is important to conduct before the end of March. The information gained at briefings will help TCLs in their recruiting efforts.
- A similar briefing by ECPI officials needs to be conducted for potential students from public housing.
Among the planning meeting participants were: Dick Seely, Aloha Health, Fairfield Tenant Council President Joanne Towles, ECPI President Ashley Richards, Associate Pastor Reverned Frank Curry of the Fountain Baptist Church, Mosby Court Leadership Monae Gordon, former CHA Principal Skip Long, Richmond Kougars President Jay Pollard, and Deborah Turner, Fairfield Court Tenant Council Secretary. Dr. Joseph Boatwright, photographer, is not in the picture! Joyce Kenney, former President of Randolph/Maymont Tenant Council, and Dyanne Brody, Vice President of the Fairfield Court Tenant Council, could not attend the meeting for medical reasons.
President Ashley Richards (Moorefield Campus) has pledged support for the implementation of the Aloha Health initiative. A planning meeting to map out next steps between President Richards, Joseph Boatwright and Dick Seely is planned for the 1st week in March.
-Aloha Health participated in the February 17 Church Hill Academy (CHA) “Market Place”
Dick Seely (Aloha Health Project Director) along with 25 Richmond officials, took part in one-on-one role plays with CHA students so the 36 participating youth could gain practical experience in effectively interviewing for an entry level job. The students were well prepared, poised, their resumes professional, and their interviewing skills impressive! The Church Hill Academy's mission is to equip and prepare students to achieve academic success, develop their character, and serve the community. The purpose of the Market Place is to provide students with an opportunity to dress professionally, practice their interview skills, and prepare a resume.
Head of School, Gina Maio, said that CHA staff looks forward to continuing to want to work with Aloha Health to expand college educational opportunities for CHA students.
For more information contact:
Dr. Richard Seely, Aloha Health Project Director, (cell) 703-624-2793, [email protected]
Dr. Joseph Boatwright, Aloha Health Medical Director, (cell) 804-357-8341,
[email protected]
Check out our Aloha Health web site: alohahealth.weebly.com
Richmond Free Press
VOL. 25 NO.23 RICHMOND, VIRGINIA www.richmondfreepress.com JUNE 2-4, 2016
Reporter: Jeremy Lasarus
Study Shows Some Children Don’t Visit Doctors Despite Having Insurance
A majority of Richmond children from low-income families apparently are not getting annual checkups from doctors, even though the children have health insurance through Medicaid or other programs that would cover the cost. The result: Many youngsters are dogged by obesity or other treatable physical and mental health problems that are never dealt with, disrupting their education and well-being. That finding emerges from an East End pilot program led by a Richmond pediatrician, Dr. Joseph W. Boatwright III, and the former coordinator of an East End health outreach program, Dr. Richard Seely, who has a doctorate in business administration.
Their findings take on more significance as the city prepares to join the Invest Health initiative, which seeks to bring together public and private health entities to address health issues.
Dr. Seely said that until this study, he had no idea that so many children were not going to the doctor for yearly physicals. He said that also often applies to dental care. He thought he knew what was going on, having spent six years developing cooking, exercise and educational programs encouraging healthy behavior that touched 3,000 people a year through partnerships with community groups, churches and health care providers.
However, he said the study showed that such programs just scratch the surface and do not address the health disparities that result in East End residents living shorter lives compared with people in other parts of the city.
Dr. Boatwright and Dr. Seely believe the key to resolving the problem is to work with respected leaders who have relationships with families living in public housing or low-income communities. While many people and groups are working to improve health care, most do not have deep relationships with families where such support is needed. “Essentially what is needed is a robust community health worker and community leader program that focuses on screening and relies heavily on grassroots support,” Dr. Boatwright said. Dr. Seely said the kind of leaders he is talking about can ensure that children will get to appointments, even if they have to take the children themselves. He cited Nathaniel Pollard, who leads a sports program called Richmond Kougars that offers co-ed sports in Church Hill. He would round up players and bring them to appointments to make sure they got required physicals. The physician said that kind of support from community leaders is essential.
“That’s the missing piece,” Dr. Seely said. “There are plenty of medical resources and programs. But if they do not include individuals who are trusted and respected, the impact will be limited.” He said a large share of the health disparities within Richmond’s East End population could be relieved through stronger ties between the medical programs and the people in the communities they target.
The men have created Aloha Health Initiative, a program that incorporates what they have learned. They hope it will be embraced by funders of health care programs. Essentially, their proposal seeks to link providers with community members who have essential relationships with families who need stronger links to medical and dental services.
Richmond Free Press
VOL. 25 NO.23 RICHMOND, VIRGINIA www.richmondfreepress.com JUNE 2-4, 2016
Reporter: Jeremy Lasarus
Study Shows Some Children Don’t Visit Doctors Despite Having Insurance
A majority of Richmond children from low-income families apparently are not getting annual checkups from doctors, even though the children have health insurance through Medicaid or other programs that would cover the cost. The result: Many youngsters are dogged by obesity or other treatable physical and mental health problems that are never dealt with, disrupting their education and well-being. That finding emerges from an East End pilot program led by a Richmond pediatrician, Dr. Joseph W. Boatwright III, and the former coordinator of an East End health outreach program, Dr. Richard Seely, who has a doctorate in business administration.
Their findings take on more significance as the city prepares to join the Invest Health initiative, which seeks to bring together public and private health entities to address health issues.
Dr. Seely said that until this study, he had no idea that so many children were not going to the doctor for yearly physicals. He said that also often applies to dental care. He thought he knew what was going on, having spent six years developing cooking, exercise and educational programs encouraging healthy behavior that touched 3,000 people a year through partnerships with community groups, churches and health care providers.
However, he said the study showed that such programs just scratch the surface and do not address the health disparities that result in East End residents living shorter lives compared with people in other parts of the city.
Dr. Boatwright and Dr. Seely believe the key to resolving the problem is to work with respected leaders who have relationships with families living in public housing or low-income communities. While many people and groups are working to improve health care, most do not have deep relationships with families where such support is needed. “Essentially what is needed is a robust community health worker and community leader program that focuses on screening and relies heavily on grassroots support,” Dr. Boatwright said. Dr. Seely said the kind of leaders he is talking about can ensure that children will get to appointments, even if they have to take the children themselves. He cited Nathaniel Pollard, who leads a sports program called Richmond Kougars that offers co-ed sports in Church Hill. He would round up players and bring them to appointments to make sure they got required physicals. The physician said that kind of support from community leaders is essential.
“That’s the missing piece,” Dr. Seely said. “There are plenty of medical resources and programs. But if they do not include individuals who are trusted and respected, the impact will be limited.” He said a large share of the health disparities within Richmond’s East End population could be relieved through stronger ties between the medical programs and the people in the communities they target.
The men have created Aloha Health Initiative, a program that incorporates what they have learned. They hope it will be embraced by funders of health care programs. Essentially, their proposal seeks to link providers with community members who have essential relationships with families who need stronger links to medical and dental services.
