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Faced with one of the toughest years for health care centers around the globe, Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) remained undeterred and laser-focused on its 50-year motto: Patient Care Comes First.
As the pandemic unfolded CHI was at the forefront in community response. On March 18, 2020, CHI became the first to offer free COVID-19 drive-through testing in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. The non-profit organization sprang into action, mobilizing its team and provided many communities invaluable health resources when they were needed most.
“This was something that we never encountered before. However, we knew that we had to be there for our community and help in the best way we could,” said Monica Mizell, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer. “We had an obligation to serve our community, our staff, and our patients.”
In the midst of the storm, CHI formed a COVID-19 team, composed of Blake Hall, President; Dr. Saint Anthony Amofah, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer; Monica Mizell, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer; and Patricia Philippe, Director of Infection Prevention and Control. Little did they know that this incredible undertaking would be broadcasted by news outlets around the world, and result in 6,560 COVID-19 tests administered by the end of the year.
“We have the best people on our team, they tackled every obstacle presented to make sure we were successful,” said Mizell.
As the virus spread, the team met every day to determine the best way to administer tests—all while constantly adapting to the latest COVID-19 news. They trained staff, obtained the proper PPE equipment, mobilized resources, and prepped most of its health care centers for testing.
On December 19, 2020, COVID-19 testing evolved from PCR testing to rapid testing, which delivered results in just 15 minutes. Currently, CHI performs rapid testing at two of its Urgent Care Centers: Doris Ison and Martin Luther King Clinica Campesina Health Centers.
In addition to these testing options, CHI also implemented SafeCareProcedures across all 11 health centers, soon to be 12. These CDC-driven protocols included social distancing, mask requirements, intensified sanitation measures, and health screenings. CHI staff made sure to educate patients at every step of the way to keep them safe during their visits.
“With our SafeCareProcedures plan, we provide our patients the comfort and security of knowing they can visit our health centers and feel safe,” said Mizell. “We know how hard it has been for people to decide to come back and continue to do their regular routines.”
By the end of 2020, CHI began to see light at the end of the tunnel. Preparations to receive the COVID-19 vaccine started.
To date, the non-profit health care company has vaccinated more than 6,300 people in Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties. What is unique about CHI’s approach is two-fold. First, CHI has been reaching out to underserved patients and community members with no health insurance and few resources. Secondly, the federally qualified health center has utilized its outreach team and mobile medical van to go into public housing complexes, community parks, and even homeless encampments to vaccinate those who need it.
“We know we still have a long way to go, but we will keep doing our best to help the South Florida community,” said Mizell. “CHI will always be here for all your needs. It doesn’t matter if it’s for a COVID test or for you or your loved one to get vaccinated.”
