News Stories Walk/Run/Bike 5K Event HHC Joins Collaborative Kimberly Young joins staff Recognition of Marian Shaffer's 20 years Kelly Kilcoyne begins Internship Terry Jordan Joins Staff Reopening of Dental Department HAHC Doctors Bring Specialties Low-Income Prescription Plan Accepting New Patients Most Insurances Accepted Growden Joins Board Mayor Fasnacht Joins Board HAHC Tradition of Service

Recognition of volunteer, Donna Kilcoin
A good volunteer is someone who not only dedicates their time to a worthy cause, but it is someone who truly makes a difference and puts their heart in their work. It’s someone like Donna Kilcoin! Donna has been a volunteer at the Hyndman Area Health Center over the past year and was recently recognized by the health center for her assistance. Donna is part of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Bedford County, a nationally-acclaimed program that enlists older adults and retirees to serve as volunteers in their communities.

Donna, a registered nurse who previously worked for over 40 years at the Bedford hospital, was looking for a place to volunteer. She wanted to stay within the field she loved and had spent so much time in. Donna said she missed nursing so when the volunteer position became available at the health center she knew it was “the one for her.” When asked what she likes about volunteering at the Hyndman Area Health Center she said “working with the staff and patients, also continuing to being active in the medical field.”

Photo: HAHC Executive Director Stewart Hickey and volunteer Donna Kilcoin at the presentation to recognize her volunteer efforts.

Senator John Eichelberger, Hyndman Mayor Daniel Fasnacht, State Representative candidate Carl Metzgar and HAHC Executive Director at the 5K and 30th Anniversary for the Hyndman Area Health Center.

2008 5K Walk/Run/Bike-a-thon helps uninsured and underinsured patients
The Hyndman Area Health Center’s Sixth Annual 5K Walk/Run/Bike-a-thon for Affordable Health Care and 30th Anniversary celebration were held on Saturday, May 10, 2008. The 5K featured participants from all over the tri-state area coming to Hyndman to help support the health center by competing on a course that traveled through the town of Hyndman. Senator John Eichelberger and Carl Metzgar State House of Representatives candidate were among the participants this year. Although the rainy weather and a train affected the day and race most participants agreed that the race was a success; Senator Eichelberger commented that he enjoyed the day and the race--he medaled in his category.

Trophies were awarded in three categories: Walk winners were Sherry Obert and William Obert; Run winners were Diann Cosgrove and Jim Jordan and the Bike winner was Caleb Gaumer. New this year were medals awarded in various age brackets in the Run category; winners were Spencer Growden, Mark Abe, Kevin Spradlin, Lauren Reed, Thomas Mill, Kelli Petrarca, John Eichelberger, Lisa Hillegas, Carol Devine and Ned Donaldson.

Hyndman Mayor Daniel Fasnacht starts the HAHC 5K race

Many businesses sponsored the event, supplying financial donations or prizes for the health center to reward the participants. HAHC would like to thank these contributors for their support in the 5K. The list of contributors include: Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburg Pirates, Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, Altoona Curve Baseball Club, New Life Bible Camp, Bedford Sav-a-lot, Bedford Giant Eagle, Bedford Weis Market, Wal-Mart #1684, B & B Market, Western Maryland Health System, Reed, Wertz & Roadman, Inc., UPMC Bedford Memorial, Jean Bonnett Tavern, Elaine’s Wearable Art, Potomac Valley Pharmacy, TG Motor Sales, Papa Johns & Subway of Bedford, Best Way Pizza, Golden Rule Home Center, Cannondale, Roaring Springs Water, Bill Miller Equipment, Inc., REI and Queen City Fruit & Produce, H.A.H.C. Board Members, employees and patients. Additionally HAHC would like to thank the Bedford County Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans for their additional supplemental funds provided to the health center. Proceeds from the 5K go towards the purchasing of needed medical and dental equipment and supplies to help the health center continue to provide services for the uninsured and underinsured patient.

Hyndman Area Health Center joins Collaborative
The Hyndman Area Health Center has joined the Southeast Atlantic Conference of the HRSA Health Disparities Collaborative (HDC). The Collaborative is part of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the primary Federal agency for improving access to health care services for people who are uninsured, isolated or medically vulnerable. The Collaborative’s mission is to transform primary health care practices in order to improve the health care provided to everyone and to eliminate health disparities. The main areas of focus are asthma, depression, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer screening/planned care with each area divided into a different Collaborative. The Hyndman Area Health Center is currently focusing mainly on diabetic treatment with plans of spreading into all chronic healthcare conditions.

As Collaborative members the health center will be working to change their current mode of treatment in several key areas, including health care organization, community resources, policies, self-management support, decision support, delivery system design and clinical information systems to implement the evidence-based system of improvement. Two major areas of change will be assisting participating patients in self-management goal setting and educational group sessions. Also of equal importance is helping patients, who may be suffering financial hardships and/or be uninsured, to obtain the services and medications they need. The goal is to help patients become more informed about their condition so they may understand their part in their treatment and to be able to obtain the needed resources for treatment.

Kristi Hengahan, CRNP and case manager Kim Young, RN will be working closely with patients and staff to implement these changes. Kristi Henaghan, CRNP says “The Collaborative aids us in closely monitoring and comparing our lab results, diagnostic tests, medications, set self maintenance goals and perform education as needed. The Collaborative allows us to see how we perform against other nationwide on various key measures.” Case manager Kim Young enjoys helping the patients focus their attention on self-management goals and also helping to educate the patients. “It’s all about learning how to keep yourself well and prevent the complications of diabetes that effect the heart, eyes, kidneys, blood vessels, nerves, feet and teeth and gums.”

Hyndman Area Health Center, is a non-profit, Federally Qualified Health Center dedicated to providing primary and preventive health and dental care services to the entire family. HAHC offers a sliding fee discount program for medical and dental, and a medication assistance program for patients without prescription coverage. These programs are available to anyone who qualifies. To learn more about these programs and about the Health Disparities Collaborative contact either of the Hyndman Area Health Center’s two convenient locations: 144 Fifth Avenue, Hyndman, PA and 112 North Richard Street, Bedford, PA or call 814-842-3206 or 814-623-8222.

Kimberly Young, RN joins staff
The Hyndman Area Health Center is pleased to announce the newest addition to its health care family. Kimberly Young, RN has accepted the position as “Case Manager”. Kimberly, a native of Cumberland, MD, brings with her over 25 years of experience as a Registered Nurse. “The position of Case Manager allows me many opportunities to utilize my clinical expertise not only to assist patients in obtaining the help they need but also to provide patients with ways to improve their well-being and health through education,” says Kimberly. “I enjoy working with the providers of the health center and the variety of patients that I have been able to help so far,” she also added.

Hyndman Area Health Center, is a non-profit, Federally Qualified Health Center dedicated to providing primary and preventive health and dental care services to the entire family. Hyndman Area Health Center offers a sliding fee discount program, for medical and dental, and a medication assistance program, for patients without prescription coverage. These programs are available to anyone who qualifies. The federal government provides the income guidelines that can be used to establish whether patients are eligible for this discount for care. Non-insured patients are encouraged to apply, but patients that have insurance or receive supplemental income may also be eligible.

For patients at the Hyndman Area Health Center, who do not have coverage for perscriptions nor can they afford to pay for them out of pocket, there is help. Drug companies have established Prescription Assistance Programs to provide medications free of charge or at a minimal cost for these patients. The case manager serves as the patient advocate in completing forms and ordering the medications from the Pharmacutical companies. “These programs provide a means to obtain medications for patients who would normally go with out due to finiancial hardships,” says Kimberly.

Kimberly will also, be responsible for ensuring that the health center’s patients are able to access needed health care and social services at a cost commensurate with their ability to pay. She will be involved with community outreach and help with assisting patients and their families in addressing health, social and economic challenges by helping them to access local and national programs, services and support systems.

The Hyndman Area Health Center’s knowledgeable health care team, along with the new Case Manager, will work together to assist patients in proactively managing acute and chronic disease issues through patient education and prevention activities. Preventative medicine is a very important component of current health care. The health center has two convenient locations: 144 Fifth Avenue, Hyndman, PA and 112 North Richard Street, Bedford, PA. For more information about Hyndman Area Health Center, call 814-842-3206 or 814-623-8222.

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Recognition of Twenty Years of Service
The Hyndman Area Health Center recently honored Marian Shaffer for twenty years of service during a special luncheon. Marian, who works in the billing department of the health center, was presented with an award for her years of service. During the luncheon Executive Director Stewart Hickey thanked Marian for her hard work, years of service and dedication to the health center.

Hyndman Area Health Center, is a non-profit, Federally Qualified Health Center dedicated to providing primary and preventive health and dental care services to the entire family. Hyndman Area Health Center offers a sliding fee discount program for medical and dental, and a medication assistance program for patients without prescription coverage. These programs are available to anyone who qualifies. Hyndman Area Health Center has two convenient locations: 144 Fifth Avenue, Hyndman, PA and 112 North Richard Street, Bedford, PA. For more information about Hyndman Area Health Center, call 814-842-3206 or 814-623-8222, or visit www.hyndmanhealth.org

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5K Event a Great Success!
The Hyndman Area Health Center’s Fifth Annual 5K Walk/Run/Bike-a-thon for Affordable Health Care on Saturday, May 12, 2007, was a great success! Participants from all over the tri-state area came to Hyndman to help support the health center by competing on a course that traveled through the town of Hyndman. Trophies and certificates were awarded in the three categories. The Walk winners were Sherry Obert and William Obert, the Run winners were Diann Cosgrove and Jaron Hawkins and the Bike winners were Amy Miller and Donald Orr.

Many businesses sponsored the event, supplying financial donations or prizes for the health center to reward the participants. The list of contributors include: Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburg Pirates, Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, New Life Bible Camp, Bedford Sav-a-lot, Bedford Giant Eagle, Bedford Weise Market, Wal-Mart #1684, Western Maryland Health System, Reed, Wertz & Roadman, Inc., Standard Bank, UPMC Bedford Memorial, Barnes Body Shop, Jean Bonnett Tavern, Elaine’s Wearable Art, Potomac Valley Pharmacy, TG Motor Sales, Papa Johns & Subway, Golden Rule Home Center, Cannondale, Altoona Curve Baseball Club, Roaring Springs Water, Jerry’s Market & Deli and Queen City Fruit & Produce, H.A.H.C. Board Members, employees and patients.

Hyndman Area Health Center, is a non-profit, Federally Qualified Health Center dedicated to providing primary and preventive health and dental care services to the entire family. Hyndman Area Health Center offers a sliding fee discount program, for medical and dental, and a medication assistance program. These programs are available to anyone who qualifies. Hyndman Area Health Center has two convenient locations: 144 Fifth Avenue, Hyndman, PA and 112 North Richard Street, Bedford, PA. For more information about Hyndman Area Health Center, call 814-842-3206 or 814-623-8222, or visit www.hyndmanhealth.org.

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Kelly Kilcoyne begins Internship at HAHC
Kelly Kilcoyne a med student from the University of Maryland School of Medicine is interning at the Hyndman Area Health Center as part of the Western Maryland Area Health Education Center (WMAHEC). WMAHEC is a community based organization whose mission is to improve access to and promote quality in health care through educational partnerships with centers of higher education, community health professionals, and other vital supporters and advocates. Kelly said, “The WMAHEC rotation gave me the opportunity to serve the Hyndman and Bedford communities and offered exposure to rural health care in the primary care setting.”

Kelly will graduate from the University of Maryland in May 2007 and will start Orthopedic Surgery residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. in July 2007. Kelly said that working in the health center’s Hyndman based office and Bedford based office allowed him not only to develop relationships with the patients, but also the surrounding communities. “I was truly impressed with the closeness and support of the communities, and enjoyed meeting each and every patient. Thank you for allowing me to help serve your community.”

Hyndman Area Health Center, is a non-profit, Federally Qualified Health Center dedicated to providing primary and preventive health and dental care services to the entire family. Hyndman Area Health Center offers a sliding fee discount program, for medical and dental, and a medication assistance program. These programs are available to anyone who qualifies. Hyndman Area Health Center has two convenient locations: 144 Fifth Avenue, Hyndman, PA and 112 North Richard Street, Bedford, PA. For more information about Hyndman Area Health Center, call 814-842-3206 or 814-623-8222, or visit www.hyndmanhealth.org.

Photo above: Kelly Kilwyne and Mashukur R. Khan, MD

Terry Jordan Joins Staff
The Hyndman Area Health Center is pleased to announce the newest addition to its health care family. Terry Jordan has accepted a position as an LPN and will bring a friendly and familiar face to the patients of the Hyndman Area Health Center.

Terry is glad to have the opportunity to work in his hometown. “The staff is great to work with and the patients are very receptive to a male nurse,” he also added, “the Health Center is an asset to the community, and I am looking forward to the continued growth, as more services are being provided at the Center.” Terry graduated August 17, 2006 from the Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center as President of the 65th Practical Nursing Class. Terry resigned his position on the Board of Directors for the Hyndman Area Health Center, which he held for 7 years, to accept the position. He has also served for 22 years as EMT/Treasurer with the Hyndman Area Rescue Squad and 2 years as Emergency Management Deputy for Londonderry Township.

You may visit the knowledgeable medical and dental providers at the Hyndman Area Health Center on Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, with evening medical appointments available on Monday and Thursday in our Hyndman Office. Our Bedford office will be opening soon for medical appointments. Our website can be accessed at www.hyndmanhealth.org. Call 814-842-3206 or 814-623-8222 to schedule your appointment time. We have programs for the uninsured and accept most major medical and dental insurances.

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Dental Department Reopens
The Hyndman Area Health Center announces the reopening of its dental department on August 23, 2006 with the addition of dentist Dr. Ryan Pensyl, DMD, hygienist Lindsay Pfeiffer, RDH and dental assistant Amanda Logsdon. Dr. Pensyl is a Hyndman native who joined the Hyndman Area Health Center family August 2006. After graduating with a Biology degree from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, he attended Temple University School of Dentistry where he gained experience in all branches of dentistry as well as earning his degree in 2006. Dr. Pensyl now joins HAHC with the goal of bringing quality dental care to the community. Lindsay Pfeiffer, RDH is a Cumberland native who also joined the Hyndman Area Health Center family August 2006. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Allegany College of Maryland with an Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene in May 2006. Dr. Pensyl will be assisted by Dental Assistant Amanda Logsdon, a Cumberland native and graduate of Allegany High School. The Hyndman Area Health Center accepts most major dental plans including Pennsylvania Medical Assistance. A sliding fee program is also in affect on certain procedures for patients with no insurance who qualify. To schedule or for more information about Hyndman Area Health Center, call 814-842-3206; or visit hyndmanhealth.org.

In the Photo: Lindsay Pfeiffer, Dental Hygienist; Ryan Pensyl, DMD and Amanda Logsdon, Dental Asst.

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Hyndman Health Center Doctors Bring Varied Specialties
Providers at Hyndman Area Health Center bring varied interests and specialties to their jobs that complement each other in caring for their patients.

Dr. Mashukur Khan practices general internal medicine. He has taken interest over the past 10 years in treating psoriasis and eczema and claims outstanding efficacy in his use of a topical treatment for these difficult skin conditions. Dr. Khan is the only internist in the United States (aside from dermatologists and rheumatologists) who is a member of the National Psoriasis Foundation.

Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner Kristi Henaghan treats patients of all ages. She is a certified mid-wife and is interested particularly in women’s and children’s health.

Of his psoriasis and eczema treatment, Dr. Khan notes, “At least 95 percent of our patients experience success and relief within the first two weeks.” The treatment is an FDA-approved spray, cream or shampoo containing zinc and a topical steroid combined in varying strength. Its use is highly cost effective for the patient. However, he does not recommend the treatment for patients who have developed psoriatic arthritis.

“Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition with physical symptoms that directly affect the emotional well-being of sufferers, often resulting in loss of self-esteem and depression; and it often directly impacts the sufferers’ quality of life. There is no permanent cure for psoriasis, but we can keep it in remission,” says Khan. Eczema is distinguished by patches of itchy, dry, thickened skin, usually found on the hands, legs, neck and face.

Patients who have not achieved desired results from various medications are pleased with the outcome they receive with his treatment at Hyndman Area Health Center, Khan says. “Patients who have suffered for 20 or 30 years may be reluctant to mention their psoriasis or eczema to their doctors because they did not get relief from various traditional treatment methods in the past.

“If we can clear psoriasis or bring it to remission with a short period of time, generally two weeks, then we can avoid the harmful effects commonly associated with long term corticosteroid use,” notes Khan. The initial two-week treatment is followed by maintenance therapy.

There is a formulation of the spray available for children. The strength and composition and different from those in the adult formulation and is intended for use on children aged five to 15 years.

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HEALTH CENTER OFFERS PRESCRIPTION PLAN FOR LOW-INCOME PATIENTS
No-cost and low-cost prescriptions are offered in a Patient Drug Assistance Program for low-income patients at Hyndman Area Health Center, a cost savings for many and life-saving program for others.

“It’s either food or medicine,” says patient Gary Hughes of Buffalo Mills. On disability and without prescription coverage under Medicare, Hughes has a variety of health conditions that require six prescriptions. The health center provides four of them, the most critical of the six he needs. “Without the center, I just wouldn’t have them,” says Hughes.

Executive Director Stewart Hickey says about a fourth of the patients at the health center are uninsured. “We eat the cost of the program,” says Hickey, acknowledging how important it is for these people.

“Without the clinic’s help, there’s no way I could afford it,” says Darlene Lowery of Hyndman, who gets three prescriptions at the health center.

Partly supported with income realized from paying clients and partly underwritten by the Partnership for Prescription Assistance--a pharmaceutical industry service for indigent patients--the health center’s prescription assistance program operates separately from other services, like sliding fee for uninsured and underinsured and on-site lab, dental, podiatric, counseling and ob/gyn services for all.

“Providing prescriptions for low-income patients fits our mission,” notes health center Medical Director Dr. Mashukur Khan. “This is a practical program that helps people stay well, while easing a financial burden and worry for them.”

One hundred seventy-five are enrolled in the program.

Sharon Nieves of Cumberland, Maryland, has applied for disability and has been unable to get health insurance. She realizes about $500 in monthly savings by being enrolled in the health center’s drug assistance program. Likewise, Alice Minnick of Hyndman, a widow who has no help buying prescriptions, saves about $500 a month.

Patients are screened to determine eligibility for the program.

As the only federally qualified health center operating in Bedford County, operation of Hyndman Area Health Center is supported by a federal grant amounting to about $320,000 this year. That’s about a quarter of the entire operating budget, notes Hickey, who takes pride in turning the corner a few years ago from deficit to a growing surplus.

Hickey’s goal since being hired in September 2002 by the Board of Directors to be executive director for the health center has been to bring a better balance between income and expenditures so the center can continue to offer programs like Patient Drug Assistance.

Overseen by a board of directors that currently numbers 14, Hyndman Area Health Center operates as a non-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation. Costs are contained, and income is spent on programs that benefit clients.

Founded in 1978, Hyndman Area Health Center is a non-profit, Federally Qualified Health Center dedicated to providing primary and preventive health care services for the entire family and offers same day or next day appointments. Offering a fee discount program for those who qualify, the health center also has a drug assistance program for uninsured, underinsured and Medicare patients who have no prescription benefits. The health center’s hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with evening appointments available Monday, Tuesday and Thursday until 8 p.m.

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GROWDEN JOINS HEALTH CENTER BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Sherri Growden has joined the Hyndman Area Health Center Board of Directors, as announced by Chair Rena Litten and health center Executive Director and CEO Stewart M. Hickey.

“As a director,” notes Litten, “Sherri will work alongside other board members to help guide direction of health center operations and long-range planning for program development.” Hickey adds, “We are delighted to have Sherri join the board, and we look forward to a long and beneficial association.”

“As a health center patient – my husband and three children also are patients at the health center,” Growden notes, “I am aware of the health center programs and quality of care and services; and I am honored to have been invited to join the board and delighted that my skills and interests match the group’s needs.”

Formerly an accountant, Growden is an advertising executive for the Bedford Gazette newspaper. She has worked as events and marketing director for Old Bedford Village.

She is a former board member and president of her homeowners association and has been a fundraising chairperson for pre-school programs; AYSO soccer coach, referee and board member; Boy Scouts Troop chairperson, among other volunteer responsibilities. She has served as a Red Carpet Ambassador for the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce.

Other board members are Joy Carpenter, treasurer; Peggy Beaujon, secretary; Daniel Fasnacht, Hyndman mayor; Delmar Biller, former Hyndman mayor; Jason Burkett, Betty Holler, Newt Huffman, Terry Jordan, James Leydig, Ellen Shroyer, Robert Willison.

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Mayor Fasnacht Joins Health Center Board
Newly-elected Hyndman Mayor Daniel W. Fasnacht has joined the Hyndman Area Health Center Board of Directors, as announced by Board Chair Rena Litten and Executive Director Stewart M. Hickey. By nature of his office, the mayor is an ex-officio member of the health center board.

“I’m delighted to re-join this fine board,” notes Mayor Fasnacht. “Having served as a health center board member in past years, I have the privilege now of returning to serve again and be active in advancing the direction for the health center. I wish to see the health center provide the best in medical care for a clinic of its size, and I am excited to participate in making that happen every day.”

A Hyndman resident since 1993, Mayor Fasnacht is a retired veterinarian with nearly 50 years’ experience in the medical profession. He is a veteran of the US Army, a graduate of Lebanon Valley College and University of Pennsylvania and has served on a number of local boards. He and his wife Dotty have five children.

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Accepting New Patients:
Most Insurances Accepted