Transforming the Health of Our Community
In more ways than one, last year was pivotal for NOAH. Most notably, after 25 years of being integrated with a larger healthcare system, 2022 marked NOAH’s first year as an independent entity. From establishing new departments to developing our own workflows and processes, we encountered unforeseen obstacles, but the NOAH team was equipped with the tools and ambition to work together to find solutions.
Amidst the organizational changes, we continued to deliver on our promise to provide compassionate, quality, healthcare for our community while seeking to define what the new normal would mean for our employees and patients. A surge in COVID cases in January meant tightening up on relaxed protocols and developing an on-demand telehealth option for virtual appointments. With new health concerns like monkeypox and the omicron COVID variant, our teams were again challenged to navigate through unknown territory to diagnose and treat these illnesses while onboarding and administering a new bivalent COVID vaccine.
Despite pushbacks in sourcing labor and materials, NOAH opened two new health centers in 2022. The new Desert Mission and Cholla Health Centers boast a combined 55,000 square feet of space and capacity to see 36,000 patients annually. Workforce development became a key component in staffing our new, expanded facilities leading to the kick-off of two clinic-based training programs for new providers and medical assistants.
We firmly believe that the heart of NOAH comes not from the size or stature of our organization, but from the passionate individuals that make it their priority to meet the health and wellness needs of our community every day. We look forward to another year of growth, teachable moments, and connection within our community.
Workforce Development
Community Health Immersion Program
The Community Health Immersion Program, or CHIP, offers hands-on training and additional support for first-year advanced practice providers like physician associates and nurse practitioners. The program better prepares new providers for the complex and diverse patient challenges seen within the community health center setting by providing educational tools that highlight patient resources as well as build more confident and competent clinicians.
Community Health Worker
An important new Community Health Worker role was added to our workforce in 2022. As part of the Community Resources team, this position helps bridge the gap between patient and provider communication with one on one support to motivate patients with chronic diseases to take charge of their health.
AHEAD-AZ Program
NOAH launched the Advancing Health Equity Addressing Disparities in Arizona (AHEAD-AZ) program last May as a pilot created to fast-track existing NOAH employees to the role of certified medical assistants. This six month program includes over 300 total hours of instruction. The first round of this program was successful with all eight participants completing the program, passing certification exams, and onboarding as new medical assistants at NOAH health centers in December. The next cohort of participants is expected to begin in early 2023.
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Chronic Disease Management
of NOAH patients were diagnosed with hypertension and/or diabetes
of those diagnosed are successfully managing their disease
Partners in Prevention
NOAH’s HIV awareness and prevention program embarked on its first full year of grant funding in 2022. With the onboarding of three providers dedicated to the Partners in Prevention program, NOAH was better equipped to link patients to HIV treatment and preventative care. New workflows including offering HIV testing as part of routine blood work for every patient ensured the Partners and Prevention team reached their goal in the administration of HIV testing, a significant milestone for awareness and prevention of the disease.
Maricopa County has been named one of 50 jurisdictions identified by the CDC as HIV “Hot Spots,” areas with higher infection rates than the state and national average. Throughout the year, the Partners in Prevention team also promoted their efforts by providing educational resources through community events, including the Phoenix Pride Festival and Aunt Rita’s AIDS Walk.
Your Donation Matters!
The work of Neighborhood Outreach Access to Health (NOAH) continues to transcend and impact the lives of over 40,000 community members. Your donation helps NOAH provide health care services including dental, behavioral health, medical, and health education programs for children and families. Plus, your donation qualifies for the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit — meaning your donation of up to $400 for a single taxpayer or $800 for married filers may not cost you a dime.