Category: CurrentNews
Lisa Nelson: Championing Access to Affordable Healthcare
Growing up in Hoquiam, Lisa Nelson witnessed firsthand the struggles of her parents to navigate a healthcare system that seemed designed against them. Her mother’s battle with health issues, exacerbated by the lack of affordable care options, left an indelible mark on Lisa’s life.
“I saw my mom suffer unnecessarily because of lack of health care and how that impacted her. She didn’t have an option, she had to work no matter how sick she was,” Lisa recalls.
Driven by this experience, Lisa pursued a career in pharmacy, earning her Doctor of Pharmacy from Washington State University. However, it was her move to community health that ignited her passion for advocacy and brought her closer to effecting real change in the lives of underserved communities.
“Working in Community Health Centers, we can solve these problems, so people have access regardless of their ability to pay,” Lisa affirms.
As Chief Pharmacy Officer at Unity Care NW, Lisa recognizes the pivotal role that affordable medication plays in ensuring comprehensive healthcare. She became deeply involved in initiatives like the 340B program, which helps low-income and other vulnerable patients access more affordable medicines, leveraging it to bridge the gap between medical care and financial constraints.
“Specifically with the pharmacy and 340B, it’s a mechanism that we at the Community Health Center can utilize to make an impact on affordable medications. Because for many people, maybe they can afford to go to the doctor, but they can’t afford their prescriptions,” Lisa explains.
“With community health centers we can have a pharmacy that, instead of saying no to these patients, can say yes so at the end of the day you walk away with your medication, and you get the health outcomes you deserve,” Lisa says.
Driven by her belief in fairness, Lisa is committed to streamlining processes to ensure that everyone receives the care they need without bureaucratic hurdles.
“I’m such an advocate for treating everyone the same. I want to make a system where everyone can get everything they need and if cost is an issue, we’ll figure that out without you having to fill out 14 pages of forms,” Lisa asserts.
This advocacy extends beyond the walls of Unity Care NW. As a nationally recognized expert on 340B, Lisa works with colleagues and law makers across the country to fight for fair drug pricing. She remains actively involved in various organizations, serving in leadership roles on committees and councils, engaging law makers, strategizing with other community health centers, and drafting model legislation aimed at advancing pharmacy practices and healthcare policies.
Lisa’s tireless efforts and dedication have not gone unnoticed. The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) recently honored her with the Elizabeth K. Cooke Advocacy MVP Award during their 2024 Policy and Issues Forum in Washington, D.C. This prestigious award recognizes Lisa’s exceptional advocacy work and her unwavering commitment to expanding access to affordable healthcare.
Lisa Nelson’s journey from witnessing her mother’s struggles to becoming a stalwart advocate for healthcare access for all exemplifies the transformative power of personal experience and unwavering dedication. Her story is echoed across the experiences of many health care advocates in the community health center movement across America. As she continues to champion accessible healthcare, her impact reverberates far beyond the confines of Washington State, resonating with communities across the nation in their pursuit of health and well-being for all.
You are Part of a Movement!
Advocates at the National Association of Community Health Center Policy and Issues Forum. Courtesy of NACHC. Washington D.C., 1977
More than 40 years ago, Unity Care NW began treating people without access to health care and today we are proud to be one of over 1,400 Federally Qualified Health Centers serving nearly 1 in 10 Americans.
Community Health Centers were born out of the fight for civil rights and the war on poverty in the 1960s. These new health care providers empowered local communities through patient-majority governing boards, using a combination of local resources and federal funding. The National Association of Community Health Centers was later founded and played a crucial role in unifying and advocating for accessible, quality health care.
Our state and federal governments make important decisions that impact your care on a regular basis. Unity Care NW monitors legislation and advocates with our elected officials on behalf of your care but we need your help. As a patient, your voice matters! Sign up for our advocacy mailing list and play an active role in shaping healthcare policies. Receive important action alerts and make your self heard by our elected officials. Together, we can create positive change and ensure better healthcare outcomes for all.
Whatcom Community Foundation Empowers Youth While Supporting Whatcom
Everyone here thrives. That’s Whatcom Community Foundation’s vision. Achieving it means lifting community voices and cultivating neighborliness. Being one of our Unity Care NW Health Care Champions is just one of the many ways they are a supporting a stronger and healthier community.
Like all the 1,000+ community foundations across North America, the Whatcom Community Foundation is a charitable organization created through gifts from people who care about a particular place. Anyone can contribute any amount of money to a community foundation, which pools and builds assets to meet local needs.
One way the Community Foundation is meeting its goals is by empowering the next generation of philanthropists. The Whatcom Community Foundation Youth Philanthropy Program (YPP) was created for students to engage in experiential based learning opportunities that foster leadership, technical and critical thinking skills. YPP connects youth to the community through charitable giving.
This year the team will focus on learning about youth homelessness and youth mental health challenges that often exacerbate youth homelessness in Whatcom County and across the country. Students will focus their time and effort on the powerful impact of grant award making, educating the community about the YPP program, learning leadership skills, and bringing in new members for 2025.
2023 Youth Philanthropy Project Team
In 2024, the YPP team will distribute $50,000 in grants ranging between $2,500 and $5,000 to nonprofit organizations, schools, Native American Tribes, and government agencies that address and work with children and youth (up to age 24) of all races and ethnicities in Whatcom County experiencing mental health challenges and youth homelessness. Priority will be given to programs that engage youth in program design/delivery. Do you know a youth that would be interested in participating? Click here for more information and to apply.
Thank you Whatcom Community Foundation – for the many ways you support Unity Care NW and our community.
Don’t Lose Your Apple Health Insurance! We can help.
Apple Health members need to renew their coverage every year to stay enrolled. Read on to learn more about Apple Health renewal to ensure you maintain your coverage.
How to Know if You Have Apple Health Insurance
Apple Health is the name for Medicaid in Washington. WA Apple Health is free or low-cost health insurance coverage for those who qualify. Everyone who has an Apple Health plan will have a Blue ProviderOne card like the one shown to the right. In almost all cases, the management of care for people with Apple Health insurance is delegated to a Managed Care Organization (MCO). There are five MCOs under WA Apple Health. They are Amerigroup Washington, Community Health Plan of Washington, Coordinated Care of Washington, Molina Healthcare of Washington, and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. Your Apple Health could be through any of these MCOs and you may have been provided an additional insurance card.
What Does This Mean for Apple Health Users and Why is it Important?
Everyone using Apple Health insurance must submit information to renew their coverage. Apple Health users can only continue their coverage if they complete the Washington Apple Health renewal process on time and still qualify for Apple Health insurance.
Patients who do not take timely action before their WA Apple Health renewal period ends will lose their Apple Health coverage.
What Do Apple Health Plan Members Need to Do?
Update your contact information with the Health Care Authority. Renewal information and important notices about Apple Health coverage will go to the address on file with the HCA. Make sure your contact information is correct and up to date! The first step of your WA Apple Health renewal is to login to the Washington Health Plan Finder website and confirm your contact information or report a change in address. More information on how to report a change can be found on the HCA website.
Watch for Apple Health renewal information – and take action! WA Apple Health renewal information will arrive in your mailbox the month before your renewal date. For example, patients with a renewal date in May will receive a renewal notice in April and must complete the process before their renewal date. Remember that people who do not complete the renewal process on time will lose their Apple Health Coverage.
What if I No Longer Quality for Apple Health Insurance? New Bellingham Office Location
Patients who no longer qualify for Apple Health insurance can find an affordable plan through the Health Plan Finder. We also offer a Sliding Fee Discount Program which lowers the cost of any services you receive not covered by your insurance. Eligibility is based on household size and income and our Enrolment Specialists can help you apply.
Need Help with Your Apple Health Renewal or Finding a New Health Plan?
Unity Care NW Enrollment Specialists can provide help with your WA Apple Health renewal or assist you with finding a new health plan at two convenient locations!
If you need assistance navigating the renewal process, or if you need help figuring out how to apply for Apple Health or assistance, schedule an appointment with one of our Enrollment Specialists in Bellingham or Ferndale. These health plan experts can walk you through the system and help you find the right plan for your specific needs.
To schedule an appointment for help with your WA Apple Health renewal or another health plan, please contact us at (360) 788-2669 and speak to one of our Enrollment Specialists or click the button below and fill out the form.
Unity Care NW Earns Gold Status for Advocacy Excellence
Unity Care NW (UCNW) is proud to announce that it has earned the Gold ACE status from the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). This is the highest level of recognition in the NACHC Advocacy Center of Excellence (ACE) Program, which supports and recognizes health centers that achieve specific measures of advocacy success and demonstrate an ongoing commitment to advocacy by making it an organizational priority.
UCNW is one of only three health centers in Washington to have achieved Gold ACE status. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff and leadership, who are committed to advocating for health access to care for the patients we serve.
The ACE Program measures advocacy success in four areas:
- Policy impact: The extent to which health centers have influenced policy changes that improve access to care for their patients.
- Public awareness: The extent to which health centers have raised awareness of the importance of community health centers and the challenges they face.
- Workforce development: The extent to which health centers have trained and supported staff to engage in advocacy.
- Organizational capacity: The extent to which health centers have the infrastructure and resources to support advocacy efforts.
We are grateful to NACHC for this recognition of our advocacy efforts. We will continue to work hard to advocate for health access to care for the patients we serve.
Quote from NACHC
“Earning Gold ACE status requires serious dedication and prioritization of advocacy at your health center. Your organization is now part of an elite group that serves as an example to other Community Health Centers striving to achieve advocacy excellence. The amount of effort and time needed to achieve this requires hardworking, engaged staff and supportive leadership—two pieces of the puzzle necessary for a successful and robust advocacy program—both of which you have demonstrated.”
How You Can Help
You can help UCNW continue its advocacy work by:
- Contacting your elected officials and urging them to support policies that improve access to care for low-income families.
- Donating to UCNW to support its advocacy work.
- Signing up to advocate for health centers.
Thank you for your support!
Apple Health Facts
Everyone who has an Apple Health plan will have a Blue ProviderOne card like this one.
Apple Health is Washington State’s free or low-cost health insurance program, also known as Medicaid. It helps eligible residents get important health care services without high costs.
Read our Washington Apple Health FAQ for general Apple Health facts and information. To learn more or to find out if you’re eligible for Apple Health, Unity Care NW has Enrollment Specialists standing by to help.
What is Apple Health insurance? Is it the same as Medicaid?
Yes, Apple Health is another name for Medicaid in Washington state. It provides the same benefits and protections as Medicaid as a free or low-cost insurance program. You may also hear Apple Health referred to by the name one of the five Managed Care Organizations like Molina or UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, that offer Apple Health plans.
How does Apple Health work?
When you qualify for Apple Health, you’ll receive a ProviderOne services card. Your care will be managed by one of five Managed Care Organizations (MCOs): Amerigroup Washington, Community Health Plan of Washington, Coordinated Care of Washington, Molina Healthcare of Washington, and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. The MCO may send you an additional insurance card.
From there, using your Apple Health coverage is similar to that of any insurance company—you find an in-network care provider such as Unity Care NW, make an appointment and see your doctor or health care provider.
Who can get Apple Health?
Apple Health is available to:
- Adults aged 19-64 with income at or below 138% of the federal poverty level
- Parents or caretakers
- Pregnant individuals
- Children
- Non-citizens
- People aged 65 and older, or those who are blind or disabled
Income limits are updated each year.
Which Apple Health plan is best?
Each MCO offers different benefits. Some focus on pediatric care, while others specialize in managing chronic illnesses. All MCOs are overseen by the Washington State Health Care Authority. The best plan depends on your and your family’s health needs.
What does Apple Health cover?
Apple Health covers a wide range of services, including:
- Primary care
- Emergency visits
- Pediatric care
- Dental visits
- Maternity care
- Vision care
- Prescriptions, and more
The goal of Apple Care is to provide necessary medical care to those with limited income.
Does Apple Health cover dental and vision?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions about Apple Health and we understand why — according to the American Dental Association, there are an estimated 2 million visits to emergency rooms each year for dental pain. The good news is that Apple Health does indeed cover adult and pediatric dental care.
Unlike many standard insurance policies which require a separate vision policy, vision coverage is included as part of Apple Health.
Does Washington Apple Health cover therapy?
Yes, Apple Health covers mental health services like therapy, inpatient care for crises, and specialized services for American Indians and Alaska Natives.
Can I use Washington Apple Health out of state?
Generally, Apple Health is for Washington residents and doesn’t cover services in other states. If you’re temporarily out of state and need medical care, contact your MCO or the Health Care Authority’s Medical Assistance Customer Service Center for guidance.
Need more help?
Unity Care NW has Enrollment Specialists ready to answer your questions and assist with eligibility, enrollment, and renewal. Contact Unity Care at (360) 788-2669 or request an appointment online with an Enrollment Specialist today.
Puget Sound Energy – Bringing Light and Support to Our Communities since 1873
From gas lights to wind power projects, Puget Sound Energy (PSE) has a rich history and deep roots in the Pacific Northwest. In addition to providing services to over 2 million residents in 10 counties, they are committed to partnering with local groups to create stronger communities for all.
Recently PSE provided a brand-new electric school bus to the Opportunity Council’s East Whatcom Regional Resource Center (EWRRC) for their East Whatcom County Mt. Baker Head Start program. The acquisition of this electric bus is part of PSE’s Up & Go Electric pilot program focused on fairness in transportation electrification, one of PSE and the PSE Foundation’s many grants programs.
This bus, which PSE purchased from Blue Bird, comes with a dual-port level 2 charging station that PSE installed on the resource center property. The charging station will power the electric bus while the extra charging port will be available for other invited guests of the resource center.
PSE is working to advance the adoption of transportation electrification in our region, and partnerships with community-based organizations enable them to build a robust EV network. They want to ensure that everyone, regardless of income and geographic location, can access the benefits of electric mobility.
PSE’s commitment to access extends to a variety of projects and programs throughout the ten counties they serve. They are one of Unity Care NW’s Health Care Champion Sponsors, supporting our work to ensure everyone in our community has access to high-quality care even if they can’t afford it. Thank you, PSE, for your support and your efforts in so many communities across the Pacific Northwest.
Outreach & Enrollment Has Moved
Outreach & Enrollment is now located on the first floor at our offices in 1616 Cornwall Avenue in Suite 107.
It’s Time to Get Childhood Immunizations Back on Track
We’re all still in a pandemic recovery period and getting our lives back on schedule can be chaotic, from preventative healthcare to regular haircuts and beyond. For those with the next generation’s health in their hands, pediatric immunizations are especially important. Lately, many children have fallen behind on their vaccine schedules. Elisabeth Gehringer, D.O. and Associate Medical Director at Unity Care NW, recently sat down with WhatcomTalk to help encourage parents get back into the groove of their kids’ healthcare.
Why We Are Behind
“I’ve been seeing a pattern that kids have been falling behind on immunizations — the main challenge was related to the pandemic due to delay in care, and the result of those challenges was falling behind on their vaccine schedules,” says Dr. Gehringer. “Vaccines are a really important part of the well child check-ups that we have built into our visits.” Read the full article.