Congratulations to our CEO, Wendy Armendariz, for being selected as part of the Titan 100!
The Titan 100 is a national program that recognizes a premier group of 100 CEO’s or C-level executives in a region. These Titans of Industry demonstrate exceptional leadership, vision, passion, and influence in their field.
“These leaders have built a distinguished reputation that is unrivaled and preeminent in their field… their achievements create a profound impact that makes an extraordinary difference for their clients and employees”.
Jaime Zawmon, President of Titan CEO
Wendy, along with her fellow Titan’s, will be recognized at an awards event on August 24, 2023, and will be given the opportunity to connect with the Titans multiple times throughout the year. Titan designees will also be published in a limited-edition Titan 100 book and profiled exclusively online.
This well-deserved recognition highlights Wendy’s outstanding leadership, unwavering commitment, and remarkable achievements in the business realm. Join us in celebrating Wendy’s extraordinary accomplishment and her invaluable contributions to NOAH’s success!
You might have seen our new desert friends popping up as stick puppets at NOAH health centers over the past year as a tool to entertain and engage children visiting NOAH; either for their own care or the care of a loved one. NOAH’s Desert Friends quickly gained popularity among patients of all ages inspiring an additional character, naming opportunity, photo backdrop, and more.
Kicking off at NOAHfest in January, event participants were invited to submit name suggestions for each animal. The naming campaign continued throughout the month at NOAH health centers throughout the Valley. From over 100 names submitted by NOAH patients and friends, the top five names for each animal were chosen with final names determined by popular vote among NOAH team members. NOAH is proud to introduce NOAH’s Desert Friends!
Meet the Characters
Niko the coyote is friendly, smart, and helpful but gets worried easily.
Maya the hummingbird is very active, opinionated, and full of advice.
Javi the javelina is somber but pleasant. You can find him always eating his vegetables.
Sheldon the tortoise is shy, unsure, and easily embarrassed.
What’s Next?
This year is turning out to be very busy for our new buddies. In partnership with the Arizona Lottery, NOAH has created an original children’s book which tells the story of our four friends helping one another overcome obstacles while learning important life lessons. Books will be distributed in English and Spanish to patients 6-12 years old participating in NOAH’s wellness exam and sports physical Back-to-School events. Grow With Me kits and coloring books, also funded through the Arizona Lottery Gives Back program, will be offered to patients ages 0-12 during the Back-to-School events scheduled for July 29 (at Palomino Health Center) and August 5 (at Cholla Health Center) while supplies last. More information about our Back-to-School events will be coming soon.
In the meantime, keep an eye out for our new companions, and check back often to learn about the exciting future activities our pals have planned!
Changes to AHCCCS and KidsCare Renewals 1 in 4 People Currently Enrolled Will Lose Coverage We Can Help!
What is Happening?
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government required state Medicaid programs like AHCCCS and KidsCare to automatically renew, even if a member’s eligibility changed. Effective April 1, renewals have reverted to the process in place prior to the Public Health Emergency which means eligibility no longer automatically renews as it used to.
Who Does This Affect?
More than 600,000 members will lose coverage because they are no longer eligible (due to income or other requirements) or have not responded to AHCCCS requests for information.
How Do I Get Healthcare Coverage if I am No Longer Eligible for Medicaid?
Members who are no longer eligible for Medicaid will be referred to the Healthcare Marketplace for coverage options. Losing Medicaid coverage is considered a qualifying event and the Healthcare Marketplace will accept new enrollments through July 2024.
What Do I Need to Do?
Update your contact information. If AHCCCS can’t reach you, you may be dropped even if you are still eligible.
Check your mailbox for renewal information.
Respond within 30 days to any requests from AHCCCS.
Schedule an appointment with NOAH Community Resources for help 602-562-3448.
Football Season is in full swing, with the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles facing-off for a chance to be this year’s Super Bowl Champions. Emotions are at an all-time high, and anything is possible. Regardless of which team we support, the uncertainty keeps us on the edge of our seat, our hearts pounding with adrenaline until the final seconds.
So, what exactly happens to our body during the most stressful moments that have and will come to define sports history?
According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, research found that viewing a stressful soccer match more than doubles the risk of having a minor cardiovascular event. Some fans have a very emotional response to an intense game that triggers their fight-or-flight. This can increase heart rate, blood pressure, cause narrowing of blood vessels and sometimes arrhythmias, or abnormal heart rhythm. According to Nicole James, NOAH Director of Advanced Practice, this is a “completely normal” response as adrenal glands release hormones that increase blood pressure and heart rate. Increased heart rate and blood pressure requires extra workload on the heart and those individuals with preexisting heart conditions, such as heart disease or coronary artery disease, may experience more significant symptoms when they’re excited or nervous at a sporting event.
Furthermore, a study from the Canadian Journal of Cardiology found that while tuning into a hockey game, TV viewers’ heart rates increased by an average of 75%, and game attendees’ heart rates increased by 110%, the equivalent to heart rate seen during moderate-to-vigorous exercise.
However, most individuals watching sports are just fine. Dr. Robert Kloner, director of cardiovascular research at Huntington Medical Research suggests being aware of symptoms of chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, palpitations, feelings of lightheadedness or dizziness, or passing out during the big game.
Despite the minimal risks, watching sports allows us to escape real life stressors and connect with a like-minded community. Doing so allows us to experience a collective glory when our team does well and gives us hope for better even when they don’t. Game on!
https://noahhelps.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screenshot-106.png6851319Maya Woodenhttps://www.noahhelps.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/NOAH_LOGO_CMYK_shadow_325_weblogo.pngMaya Wooden2023-02-07 13:09:362023-02-07 13:09:37Does The Big Game Come With A Big Risk?
https://noahhelps.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/NOAHFEST-Cholla-Carnival-Health-Fair-Poster_Page_1.png600600Maya Woodenhttps://www.noahhelps.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/NOAH_LOGO_CMYK_shadow_325_weblogo.pngMaya Wooden2023-01-10 13:21:512023-02-08 11:23:47NOAHfest Carnival and Health Fair
NOAH welcomed community members and partners to the new Cholla Health Center November 17 for a ribbon cutting event. Attendees were able to learn more about Cholla’s history, the patients, and the NOAH team.
NOAH CEO Wendy Armendariz kicked off the ceremony by introducing the Cholla Health Center, along with Wendy Lyons presenting the history of NOAH. Immediately following was David D. Ortega, Mayor of Scottsdale, and Thomas Galvin on behalf of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. Board of Directors, Kavita Bernstein closed out the ceremony by showing recognition to NOAH community partners and staff.
https://noahhelps.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/cholla.jpg749750Maya Woodenhttps://www.noahhelps.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/NOAH_LOGO_CMYK_shadow_325_weblogo.pngMaya Wooden2022-12-06 15:07:542022-12-20 10:52:52New Cholla Health Center Ribbon Cutting
NOAH, along with all other FQHCs and look-alikes are required to report a core set of information known as the UDS or Uniform Data System to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) every calendar year. This data includes patient characteristics, services provided, clinical processes and health outcomes, patients’ use of services, staffing, costs, and revenues. Upon review of this information, Health Centers are awarded Community Health Quality Recognition (CHQR) badges for notable quality improvement achievements in the areas of access, quality, health equity, health information technology, and COVID-19 public health emergency response.
NOAH was awarded the following badges:
Access Enhancer
Increased the total number of patients and the number of patients who receive at least one comprehensive service (mental health, substance abuse, vision, dental, and/or enabling) by at least 5%.
Addressing Social Risk Factors
Conducted regular screening for social risk factors impacting patient health and increased the proportion of patients receiving enabling services.
Health Disparities Reducer
Achieved at least a 10% improvement in low birth weight, hypertension control, and/or uncontrolled diabetes for at least one racial/ethnic group, while maintaining or improving overall performance; and/or met specific benchmarks in these areas for all racial/ethnic groups.
Advancing Health Information Technology
Utilize an electronic health record (EHR) system, offer telehealth services, exchange clinical information electronically with key healthcare providers, engage patients through health IT, and collect data on patient social risk factors.
National Quality Leader – Behavioral Health
NOAH was the only organization in the state to receive this badge!
Met or exceeded national benchmarks for depression remission, depression screening, and follow-up; at least 5% of all patients receiving Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT), and at least a 10% increase in patients receiving Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT).
Patient Centered Medical Home
Achieved PCMH recognition in one or more delivery sites.
Visit HRSA’s Community Health Quality Recognition Dashboard for a complete list of award categories and badges earned by health center organizations in Arizona and throughout the country.
https://noahhelps.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Blog-Image-HRSA.png634600Christina Henninghttps://www.noahhelps.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/NOAH_LOGO_CMYK_shadow_325_weblogo.pngChristina Henning2022-10-06 16:29:102022-10-06 16:29:11NOAH Recognized for Community Health Quality
Along with the approval of the new bivalent COVID-19 booster comes new recommendations from the CDC that everyone who is eligible should receive this booster. So who needs which vaccines and when? NOAH’s expert and Pharmacy Director, Eric Scherf weighs in on the most frequently asked questions.
Q. How is this vaccine different from previous vaccines?
A. The new bivalent COVID-19 boosters protect against the original strain of COVID and the omicron variant. Previous vaccines and boosters have only been monovalent, meaning they only offered protection against the original strain of COVID-19.
Q. Which COVID vaccines should patients have before getting this vaccine?
A. To be eligible for the bivalent COVID-19 booster, patients should have completed their primary series vaccine and any boosters at least two months ago.
Q. Which bivalent COVID-19 boosters does NOAH offer?
A. NOAH currently offers Pfizer and Moderna bivalent boosters. Availability varies by clinic so patients having a preference of manufacturer should inquire when scheduling.
Q. What ages are eligible for the bivalent COVID-19 booster?
A. Patients ages 12 and up are eligible for the Pfizer bivalent booster and ages 18 and older are eligible for the Moderna bivalent booster.
Q. Can patients get the bivalent COVID-19 booster at the same time as their flu vaccine?
A. Yes! Patients can schedule to get the flu vaccine and bivalent COVID-19 booster during the same appointment.
Q. Will the bivalent COVID-19 booster make patients sick?
A. If patients experience any side effects, expect them to be minor and brief, as with previous COVID-19 vaccines, the bivalent booster may cause pain, redness and swelling at the injection site; fatigue; headache; muscle pain; joint pain; chills; nausea/vomiting and fever.
Q. How much does the bivalent COVID-19 booster cost?
A. At this time, COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are covered by the federal government. Insurance, if applicable, may be billed for costs associated with administration of the vaccine.
Q. How can I sign-up to get the bivalent COVID-19 booster?
For more details about COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, feel free to ask your NOAH provider or check out the CDC website.
https://noahhelps.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/happy-senior-african-american-woman-wearing-face-m-2022-01-19-00-02-49-utc-copy.jpeg600600Christina Henninghttps://www.noahhelps.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/NOAH_LOGO_CMYK_shadow_325_weblogo.pngChristina Henning2022-09-29 15:56:052022-09-29 16:02:37Who Should Get the New Bivalent COVID-19 Booster?
NOAH has partnered with the national nonpartisan, non-profit organization, Vot-ER to help ensure our patients are ready to vote in the upcoming election. Healthcare organizations across the country are participating in this effort to build awareness about the impact of voting.
Why?
There are a couple of reasons why NOAH is part of this campaign.
Everyone needs healthcare. Our services reach a diverse population and can be effective in getting the word out throughout Maricopa County.
Health centers rely on government funding for a significant portion of our operating costs. This funding is decided on by our elected officials and/or guidelines set through legislation.
VOTE. It matters.
When you vote, you are helping to select people who will represent your views on important topics and legislation that impacts the way you live. Take the opportunity to share your voice by voting in every election. Voting can be complicated but there are lots of unbiased resources to help explain who and what is on the ballot in terms that are easy to understand.
If you need more information on how to register to vote or details about what’s on the ballot, click here or text VOTE NOAH to 34444.
https://noahhelps.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Beat-Image.jpg598594Christina Henninghttps://www.noahhelps.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/NOAH_LOGO_CMYK_shadow_325_weblogo.pngChristina Henning2022-09-20 12:50:242022-10-04 09:19:58Ready to Vote?
NOAH’s newest location, Cholla Health Center, is expected to open in late 2022. Conveniently located in south Scottsdale, the 30,000 square foot facility will combine three of NOAH’s locations; Heuser Family Medicine Center, Heuser Pediatric Dental, and the north Scottsdale Cholla Health Center. With capacity to serve over 16,000 patients annually, NOAH is able to provide care for all of the existing patients as well as welcome many new patients. For more information about the new Cholla Health Center including details about the new facility, construction progress, services offered, and NOAH’s Scottsdale roots, visit the project website.
At NOAH, we believe high quality healthcare starts with great people and are pleased to have experienced, caring, and passionate providers like Dr. Eller on our team.
Q. How long have you been a provider with NOAH?
A. I started working for NOAH in February 2017 and have now been with NOAH for five and a half years.
Q. If I asked your patients to describe what makes you a good provider, what would they say?
A. I work with my patients in shared decision making to help them achieve their healthcare goals.
Q. What is the most rewarding thing about being a NOAH provider?
A. At NOAH I have had the ability to serve a diverse patient population and have earned the trust of many patients.
Q. What positive changes have you seen in community healthcare over the years?
Keeping telehealth as an option has been a great addition for our NOAH patients. At NOAH, our wonderful integrative team helps to offer comprehensive care for our patients.
Q. What about the new Cholla Health Center excites you the most?
A. As a provider at the previous Cholla location, we’ve been without a permanent home, off and on, for over two years. I am excited to have a clinic to serve my patients in full-time.
Q, What do you hope the new Cholla Health Center will bring to the south Scottsdale community?
A. NOAH has operated clinics in north and Old Town Scottsdale but has not had the capacity to extend services as far south and east as we will with this new location. There is a high demand in this area for an integrated healthcare offering that supports underserved populations
Q. What do you like to do in your free time?
A. My husband and I are passionate about traveling and recently visited Puerto Rico. We loved the beautiful island, the people, and culture. We hiked the rain forest, relaxed on the beautiful beaches, and enjoyed time with friends. More locally, Sedona is one of our favorite places in Arizona to explore. We love the delicious food, beautiful hikes, and peacefulness the town offers.
https://noahhelps.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Cholla-Kick-Off-New-Building-New-NOAH-01-e1663008606305.jpg11241080Christina Henninghttps://www.noahhelps.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/NOAH_LOGO_CMYK_shadow_325_weblogo.pngChristina Henning2022-09-12 12:00:242022-09-12 12:00:25Cholla Health Center Provider Profile: Meet Dr. Eller
