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(1/16/2013 – Woodbridge, VA) The Greater Prince William Community Health Center is participating in the National Day of Service on Saturday, January 19, 2013, with a special volunteer project in the Health Center’s Prenatal Practice.
 On Saturday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., community volunteers will paint, add wall paper and create a welcoming environment for expectant mothers and children at the Health Center. Each year, the center’s Prenatal Practice serves more than 500 pregnant women—including low-income, uninsured, Medicaid and private insurance patients—and completes more than 8,000 patient visits.
“At the Health Center, we think it is important for every expectant mother to feel welcomed, comfortable and relaxed during their prenatal visits,” said Prenatal Director Lisa Wiener. “We recently relocated our prenatal space within the Health Center, and this weekend’s volunteer effort will create a warmer, more nurturing environment for our patients and their families.”
President Obama and the first family began the National Day of Service four years ago as a way of honoring the life and legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The focus of the day is community service—whether it is at the school, city, state or national level.
“The President is encouraging Americans to spend some time this Saturday giving back to their community,” said Health Center Executive Director Frank J. Principi. “The Health Center is thrilled to be part of this grassroots campaign. We welcome this volunteer initiative and the positive impact it will have on our patients.”
The Health Center provides integrated and coordinated primary, prenatal, dental and behavioral health care under one roof. A 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, the Health Center serves patients from all walks of life—regardless of age, income or insurance status.
 (January 2013 – Woodbridge, Virginia) The Health Center has begun offering root canal and crown services for those patients needing these restorative services, which are provided to all patients. Uninsured patients are provided a discount when income and dependents are documented at patient check-in.
Having a root canal has become a common procedure for patients whose teeth have become decayed or infected. The term "root canal" refers to the natural pulp chamber within the center of the tooth. The content of this chamber is soft and it's where the nerves and the blood supply reside. During the procedure, the tissue within the tooth is removed and the tooth is disinfected. The space is then sealed. The cleaning procedure removes the decay, infection, or abscess that may have caused the tooth decay. Once the tooth is cleaned, our dentist may choose to administer medication directly on the area and then wait a week before sealing the tooth. In this case, a temporary filling is placed to keep food and saliva out until your next visit.
When a tooth is badly decayed from a large cavity, you may require a dental crown. Crowns are one type of tooth restoration whereby a cap is set completely over the decayed tooth and is bonded to that tooth with dental cement. This improves the strength of the tooth. There are many other reasons why patients need crowns. Teeth that become weakened or cracked due to an injury, teeth that are misshaped or discolored, and a tooth with an unusually large filling are some of the reasons patients have crowns. One of the most common reasons for needing a crown is when a tooth has had a root canal performed in the past. The crown procedure can take as few as two visits, but depends on the nature of the work involved. The first session involves numbing the tooth for comfort, a dental impression of the tooth is made. The tooth shape is reduced to allow for the spacing of the new permanent crown.
We are pleased to provide these services as part of our Dental Practice. Call 703-6807950 for more information and an appointment today!
(6/28/12 – Woodbridge, Virginia) The United States Supreme Court decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act means thousands of Greater Prince William Area residents—and millions of uninsured Americans—will have affordable access to health care services, vital protections, and new preventive benefits under the law.
“The Supreme Court ruling will benefit low-income and uninsured families in our community who deserve access to affordable health care,” said Frank J. Principi, Executive Director of the Greater Prince William Community Health Center. “It provides assurance that our Health Center and community health centers across the country will continue to expand services for the growing numbers of people with few or no other health care options. The Court’s decision is an historic step forward in solving our community’s and our nation’s health care crisis.”
The Health Center provided affordable access to integrated and coordinated health care for 9,000 residents in 2011 and has served nearly 30,000 patients since its doors opened in November 2007. Many families served by the Health Center are low-income or uninsured, including families dealing with the loss of jobs and/or health care benefits during the recession. Recent studies suggest that more than 18,000 Prince William County residents between the ages of 18 and 64 are uninsured.
“Our Health Center will have an important role in creating public awareness of the health care law’s benefits and protections,” added Principi. “We will also help eligible residents enroll in Medicaid or the state Health Insurance Exchange so they are able to gain the coverage they and their family need and deserve.”
The Health Center provides affordable access to integrated and coordinated primary, prenatal, dental and behavioral health care services to the whole family under one roof. The Health Center addresses short-term health problems before they become chronic or critical. This care reduces lost work days, school days and visits to hospital emergency rooms for routine care. The Health Center provides prenatal care—decreasing the risk of low birth weight babies—as well as routine and preventive dental care for children and adults, behavioral health services, and affordable prescriptions. The Health Center accepts patients with insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid.
More information about the Health Center is available at www.GPWHealthCenter.org.
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(Woodbridge, Virginia) With the latest start to the flu season in two decades, the Greater Prince William Community Health Center just made getting your flu shot easier and more affordable than ever. The Health Center is offering two flu shots for just $19 during all open hours. When one adult purchases a flu shot for $19, a related family member age 18 or under can get a free flu shot.
Get Your Flu Shots at Ridgewood Center on Prince William Parkway. The Health Center is located at 4379 Ridgewood Center Drive, Suite 102, near the intersection of the Prince William Parkway and Old Bridge Road. No appointment is necessary to get your flu shot. Walk-ins are welcome between 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and until 6:30p.m. on Wednesdays. We welcome most private insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid recipients.
Is It Still Flu Season? According to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this year’s flu season did not officially begin until the first week of February. Given this unusually late start to the flu season, the CDC is reminding people they can still gain protection by getting a flu shot, which is recommended for everyone 6 months and older.
An Ounce of Prevention. "No one wants to deal with the misery of the flu, and one of the most important steps you can take is to get a flu shot,” said Dr. Rashid Mohiuddin, the Health Center's Medical Director. “Flu shots are particularly important for young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma and diabetes, and people over age 65.”
The Health Center provides integrated and coordinated primary, prenatal, dental and behavioral health care for the entire family under one roof. To make an appointment, please call our Appointment Line at 703.680.7950. For more information about the Health Center visit our website, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
(Updated 3/1/2012 - Woodbridge, VA) – The Greater Prince William Community Health Center announces the launch of a new model for prenatal care called CenteringPregnancy™. Pregnant women coming to the Health Center will now have the opportunity to receive prenatal care in groups of 8 to 12 women with similar due dates. The next CenteringPregnancy™ group will begin at the Health Center on Wednesday, March 7, with new groups beginning every month.
Centering provides a health assessment, education, and support group for expectant mothers. Groups meet once or twice monthly with one of the Health Center’s Certified Nurse Midwives. Each group session, which lasts two hours, begins with a private physical assessment of each woman, followed by time for socializing and group discussion about topics important to participants, such as nutrition, hygiene, breathing and relaxation techniques, childbirth, breastfeeding and post-partum care.
“The group setting offers so many advantages for our expectant mothers,” said Lisa Wiener, Prenatal Director at the Health Center. “In addition to learning information and skills from the Health Center’s experienced providers, the entire program is really tailored to the individual. We will talk about everything from physical concerns to how group members are feeling emotionally.”
CenteringPregnancy™ was developed in 1993 by Sharon Schindler Rising, CNM, MSN, and is used by sites all over the country. Research indicates that Centering is an effective approach to prenatal care, allowing most patients 10 times more contact with their provider, a community of friends, an opportunity to participate actively in health decisions, plenty of time to discuss questions, and an enjoyable prenatal visit. Centering groups eliminate the need for extra classes and waiting for appointments to start.
To find out more about enrolling in CenteringPregnancy™ at the Health Center, call 703 680-7950, Extension 114. The Health Center accepts most private insurance plans and Medicaid.
(10/31/11 - Woodbridge, VA) In late October, more than 300 people attended an enjoyable evening of games and entertainment—all while supporting the Health Center. The Health Center, Lake Ridge Rotary and Woodbridge Rotary co-hosted Chips4Charity at the Harbour View Event Center in Woodbridge.
The evening include a variety of table games, a silent auction, live music by Kitty and the Fat Cats, dancing, plus numerous prizes and raffles. Many local businesses sponsored the event while others donated to our silent auction.
“It was a fun evening for everyone who attended,” said Health Center Executive Director Frank J. Principi. “Best of all, proceeds from Chips4Charity will help meet the needs of local residents—providing health care to uninsured children, serving families during emergencies or natural disasters, helping victims of child abuse and domestic violence, providing scholarships for at-risk youth, and more.”
Lake Ridge Rotary member Victor Evans explained the fundraising partnership behind Chips4Charity: "Rotary exists to improve the quality of life for individuals, families and the community at both the local and international levels. In our community, the Lake Ridge and Woodbridge Rotary work directly with residents or indirectly through existing service programs. It was a perfect fit to create a joint fundraiser run by the Rotary Clubs and the Health Center, which provides incredible services to improve the health and well-being of local residents."
Thanks to all of our sponsors and donors and all who attended the event. We hope to see you at Chips4Charity next year!
(8/1/11 – Woodbridge, VA) – The Greater Prince William Community Health Center will commemorate National Community Health Center Week, August 8 to 12, with a variety of free programs and activities. These events—which include health screenings, educational sessions and tours—are open to the public at the Health Center, 4379 Ridgewood Center Drive in Woodbridge.
Program |
Date and Time |
Activity |
Mammograms |
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Monday, August 8 |
Patients with a current mammogram order can schedule a free mammogram from our partner, the University of Virginia Mobile Clinic. |
Open House |
1 to 3 p.m.
Tuesday, August 9 |
Open house and tour of the Health Center. |
Healthy Lifestyles |
1 to 3 p.m.
Tuesday, August 9 |
Presentations provided by the RealFit Center of Amerigroup. |
Health Screenings |
2 to 6 p.m.
Weds., August 10 |
Height and weight checks plus blood pressure and blood glucose screenings by our primary care team. |
|
2 to 4 p.m.
Weds., August 10 |
ADHD screenings by our behavioral health team. |
|
4 to 6 p.m.
Weds., August 10 |
Oral health screenings by our dental team. |
Preparing for Labor Seminar |
5:30 to 7 p.m.
Weds., August 10 |
A seminar for expectant families in partnership with the Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS) Healthy Families Program. |
Optometry Mobile Clinic |
9 a.m. to noon,
1 to 3 p.m.
Thurs., August 11 |
The Lake Ridge Lions Club Mobile Clinic will be at the Health Center to provide free vision, glaucoma and hearing screenings. |
Car Seat Distribution |
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Thurs., August 11 |
NVFS- Healthy Families Prince William will offer qualifying, low-income parents the chance to apply for a free car seat. 30 seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. |
Healthy Eating |
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
August 8 to 12 |
Healthy snacks, recipes and informational materials regarding a healthy diet will be available in the Health Center waiting rooms. |
”National Community Health Center Week recognizes the important role of facilities like the Health Center in providing affordable, high quality, health care to all people, regardless of income,” said Health Center Executive Director Frank J. Principi. “We encourage residents from all over the Greater Prince William Area to visit the Health Center and learn about our integrated and coordinated approach to health care.”
For information about any of the Community Health Center Week activities, call the Health Center at 703-680-7950. You can also learn more about the Health Center at www.GPWHealthCenter.org, on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. The Health Center is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that provides primary, prenatal, dental, and behavioral health services under one roof for the whole family.
(5/5/11 - Woodbridge, VA) – The Greater Prince William Community Health Center has hired a new director for its behavioral health practice, Dr. Yorvska Salazar of Bristow, Virginia. Dr. Salazar and her behavioral health team are part of the Health Center’s integrated approach to health care in which patients can access coordinated primary, prenatal, dental and behavioral health care in a single location.
Dr. Salazar will lead the Health Center’s behavioral health practice, which helps patients address mental health issues that are affecting the quality of their life and health. Dr. Salazar has years of hands-on, clinical experience in helping people manage issues ranging from anxiety and depression to substance abuse, trauma and major life transitions. She has experience working with children and adults as well as individuals and families. She received her Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University Washington, D.C. and most recently was a therapist for the City of Alexandria’s Community Services Board at the Adult Detention Center.
“I am very excited about the work that the Health Center is doing in the Greater Prince William Area. I was drawn to the integrative approach to treatment because I see it as an opportunity to work with a range of patients who are suffering from different types of medical and mental health issues,” said Dr. Salazar. “My goal is to continue the collaborative efforts between primary care and behavioral health to move towards functional restoration of the patient, providing them with tools and techniques they can use as soon as they leave the Health Center.”
The Health Center’s behavioral health service offers practical benefits for its patients. For example, if a Health Center patient has been diagnosed with a chronic health problem like diabetes, Dr. Salazar can help them learn behaviors and skills to manage their illness and its effects on their life. Patients who come to the Health Center reporting anxiety or depression can be immediately screened by Dr. Salazar and provided with brief, behavioral-based counseling. The Health Center’s behavioral health team works closely with its primary care providers to design a treatment plan to meet each patient’s needs, including appropriate prescriptions.
The Campbell Hoffman Foundation of McLean, Virginia, has awarded the Greater Prince William Community Health Center a $200,000 grant to ensure access to its integrated and coordinated health care to uninsured families in Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park. The Foundation presented the check to the Health Center Board of Directors on January 24.
The grant funds will be used to support the Health Center’s prenatal and primary care practices, particularly to subsidize the cost of care for uninsured patients, contribute to staff salaries and purchase needed clinical equipment and supplies. The Health Center expects to serve 6,700 primary care and 600 prenatal patients in Fiscal Year 2011.
"The Campbell Hoffman Foundation grant will have a significant and measurable impact on the Health Center and our patients,” said Sallie Eissler, Chairman of the Health Center’s Board of Directors. “These grant funds will help us continue our mission to provide health care access to all, regardless of age, income, or insurance status.”
Campbell Hoffman Foundation Board President Kathie Westpheling said the Health Center is “the epitome” of what their founders hoped to achieve. “The mission of the Campbell Hoffman Foundation is to increase access to comprehensive health care for underserved and uninsured residents in Northern Virginia. As we learned during our site visit, the Health Center has done an excellent job of providing access to comprehensive care, and the Foundation wants to help ensure its continued success,” said Ms. Westpheling.
The Health Center is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization providing primary, prenatal, dental, and behavioral health services under one roof for the whole family.
Fiscal Year 2010 Annual Report Available
The Health Center has released its first annual report, which provides information, statistics and personal stories about the Health Center's achievements during Fiscal Year 2010.
Download the report.
Free Information Session About Depression on November 17 at 6PM
Depression can have many triggers –diagnosis of an illness, home foreclosure, everyday stress and anxiety. On Wednesday, November 17, the Greater Prince William Community Health Center will host a free information session about depression, what it means and how to get help. The session will be held at 6 p.m. in the Health Center, 4379 Ridgewood Center Drive, Suite 102, in Woodbridge.
"This session is for anyone who wants to learn more about depression, including its signs, symptoms and triggers,” said Dr. Erika Borrayo, the Health Center’s Director of Behavioral Health. “Depression often goes undiagnosed and, if left untreated, its consequences can be fatal. The good news is that we have the opportunity to detect the signs of depression and that depression is treatable.”
Dr. Borrayo will present the November 17th information session, which will include a short depression screening questionnaire to assess each participant’s current risk of depression. Dr. Borrayo will also discuss the signs of depression, useful coping mechanisms and treatment of depression in people of all ages. All information will be confidential. Tours of the Health Center are available and light refreshments will be served.
Walk-in Service Available November 1!
To better serve our patients, the Health Center will offer walk-in service every Monday-Friday from 8:30-10:30AM starting November 1. Here are the details:
- No phone call is necessary, simply walk-in.
- First come, first served. Patients are encouraged to arrive at 8AM to take advantage of the walk-in service.
- These visits are intended for sick patients. Patients are encouraged to make an appointment for routine care.
- Walk-in service is available through the medical practice only. We do not currently offer walk-in service for dental care.
- Call 703-680-7950 with questions.
Health Center Expands Services to Include Prenatal Care
February 12, 2010
The Greater Prince William Community Health Center, which provided primary care services to more than 6,000 local residents in 2009, has expanded its services to include prenatal care.
The Center now provides a full spectrum of prenatal services from maternity checkups to ultrasound, lab work, prescriptions and referrals. Located along the Prince William Parkway, the Greater Prince William Community Health Center will also be expanding its services during the next few months to include dental and behavioral health care.
“Our goal is to provide comprehensive health care services for the entire family in one convenient location,” said Executive Director Frank J. Principi. “We already have a first-rate primary care service at the Center and now we have brought together a quality, caring, professional prenatal care team. We look forward to being able to serve even more patients in the coming months and encourage local residents to meet our staff, tour our brand-new facility or schedule a consultation.”
The Center’s Medical Director is Dr. Rashid Mohiuddin, who is Board Certified in Family Practice and completed his residency at Howard University. In addition to a highly regarded Board Certified Obstetrician, Dr. Jennifer Kasirsky, the Center’s prenatal team includes Lisa Wiener, Certified Nurse Midwife; Debra Morton, Family Nurse Practitioner; and Maritza Chavis, Medical Assistant. The team members bring a range of skills, education and experience in obstetrics, gynecology, maternal care and women’s health. With employees who are fluent in six languages and an array of services available through internal referrals, the Center is able to meet the varied needs of its patients. The Center accepts all private insurances and Medicaid.
Diabetes Education Class Starts February 3
GPWCHC will offer an education class for Spanish speaking diabetic patients starting next month. The purpose of the class is to help patients understand diabetes and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. A trained Diabetic Educator will teach the class and a bilingual Nurse Practitioner will be available to answer questions.
Please call 703.680.7950 for information.
GPWCHC is Nonprofit Business of the Year
October 28, 2009
At Prince William County's Regional Chamber of Commerce annual awards, GPWCHC was selected as the 2009 Nonprofit Business of the Year for providing quality healthcare services to over 10,000 community members, raising over $2.8 million, and creating 19 new jobs in the community. Over 40 local businesses were nominated for 8 awards this year. Board of Director members Ray Spicer, Conny Techi, and John Gray accepted the award on GPWCHC's behalf. The staff are all very grateful for the honor of being selected and will actively work to continue the high quality customer service.
View the Regional Chamber of Commerce's Event Summary.
H1N1 Information
This year it is especially important to practice healthy habits during flu season such as washing your hands frequently, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, drinking plenty of fluids, and getting sufficient rest. Please use the following information provided by the Center for Disease Control as a resource for better understanding the illness.
Over 325 Families Served at Children's Wellness Festival
September 28, 2009
On Saturday, September 26, the third annual Children's Wellness Festival was held at Metz Middle School. Sponsored by the Rotary Club, this festival is geared towards providing free health screenings to children from low-income families. GPWCHC attended and provided blood sugar screenings for all participating children. Families were also able to receive information about local health resources, nutrition, and free education programs.
Health Center Receives $250,000 in Stimulus Funds to Expand the Facility
July 1, 2009
The White House released $851 million in grants to help increase access to health care for millions of Americans. To help this mission, the Health Center will double its space and offer dental, prenatal, and behavioral health services. These expansion plans will take place at the Ridgewood Center location and use office space directly across the hall to house the new practices. Having four practices in one location will achieve the Health Center's goal of offering integrated care and facilitate the community's access to multiple services. The additional space is scheduled to open November 1, 2009. Read the White House's Press Release>
Health Center Receives Grant from Virginia Health Care Foundation
June 22, 2009
The Health Center received a $3,000 grant from Virginia Health Care Foundation as reimbursement for a grant writer that helped prepare the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) proposal to the federal government. The CIP proposal was for $250,000 that would help build out the office space directly across from the Ridgewood location. Expanding the Health Center would increase the total space to 17,000 square feet and house four services - primary care, dental, prenatal, and behavioral health in one location. Receiving the CIP funds will expedite the Health Center's goal of providing an integrated service delivery model for health care.
Over 500 People Served During 'Life Fest'
June 13, 2009: Life Church, Manassas
On Saturday, June 13, the Health Center served over 500 people as the only health care provider participant in the Life Fest sponsored by Life Church in Manassas. The event included free gifts of food, furniture, clothes, toys, and games. The Health Center provided free blood sugar and blood pressure screenings to everyone that stopped by. Those that did not receive a screening picked up a brochure and climbed aboard the mobile clinic van to see the Health Center's doctor's office on wheels.
The Health Center's staff were pleased to serve so many that day and hope to see the participants in the office soon for a follow-up appointment.
The Health Center Reaches Out to New Community Members
May 7, 2009: Potomac Mills Mall
On Thursday, May 7, the Health Center participated in a Health Fair held at Potomac Mills Mall by providing free blood pressure and blood sugar screenings. The fair ran all afternoon and many community groups participated by providing free health related services and products. Over 120 people stopped by the Health Center’s table to get a free screening and pick up a brochure.
The term “health center” was new to many people and they wondered what the difference was between a health center, a doctor’s office, and a free clinic. Our team of two Medical Assistants, a Nurse Practitioner, and the Director of Operations explained that a health center is for everyone in the community, regardless of income and insurance status, and that it operates just like a doctor’s office: patients call to get an appointment and see the same provider each visit.
Through this event, the staff was able to meet new community members and raise awareness of the services offered at the Health Center. Staff members hope for the opportunity to get out into the community for health advocacy events again soon.
Congressman Connolly Speaks to the House of Representatives About the Health Center
May 5, 2009: House of Representatives
After visiting the Health Center to learn about the progress made after receiving Federally Qualified Health Center Status and $1.2 million in stimulus funds, Rep. Gerald E. Connolly of Virginia's 11th district spoke on the floor of the House about the Health Center's vital role in the community. He highlighted the Health Center's mission of providing care to the uninsured and under-insured and praised the staff's dedication to that mission. Keeping the Health Center sufficiently funded and enabling new staff to be hired are two ways Rep. Connolly described the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act benefiting the local community. The speech demonstrates a key role the Health Center plays by helping to meet the huge demand for affordable health care.
View Congressman Connolly's Speech
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