There’s still time to register your child for the Back To School Bash, which happens on Friday, August 9, 12 noon to 6 p.m., at FHC’s Moses L. Walker Building, 117 W. Paterson St. Stop by any FHC location to register.

Dr. Soto, former Chief Dental Officer at Family Health Center, learned of the honor at a surprise reception at FHC’s Alcott campus on June 29. More than 120 people from state and local government, community groups and healthcare organizations, as well as Dr. Soto’s family, took part in the celebration. At the reception, FHC President and CEO Denise Crawford announced that future Dental Day of Caring events will be renamed the Dr. Lisandra Soto Dental Day of Caring.

“Family Health Center is proud to honor Dr. Lisandra Soto, who provided the clinical leadership for our first-ever Dental Day of Caring, spearheading the effort that made it possible,” said Crawford. “As a community, we honor Dr. Soto by working together to build a strong, resilient and healthier Kalamazoo County.”

Crawford said Dr. Soto has been battling cancer since 2016. “Her determination and fighting spirit are reflected in her lifelong commitment to providing quality oral health care to underserved people. To honor her commitment, every future Dental Day of Caring will be known as the Dr. Lisandra Soto Dental Day of Caring.”

Family Health Center’s first-ever Dental Day of Caring took place on March 23 at the Alcott campus. About 300 uninsured adults across Kalamazoo County received dental services such as diagnostics, cleaning, and dental procedures such as fillings and extractions, as well as a free dental hygiene kit to maintain good oral health. Partnering with FHC were United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region, and the Kalamazoo chapter of The Links Incorporated, fourth-year dental students and supervisors from the University of Michigan, and volunteer dental professionals from across Kalamazoo County.

“Many adults who don’t have dental insurance don’t get the care they need, and that puts their overall health at risk,” said Crawford. “The Dr. Lisandra Soto Dental Day of Caring will help them address that basic need.”

Crawford said FHC plans to hold future Dental Days of Caring on a regular basis.

In addition, State Rep. Jon Hoadley presented Dr. Soto with a resolution from the Michigan State Legislature celebrating her commitment to community and underserved patients.

Dr. Soto served as FHC’s Chief Dental Officer from 2016 until 2019. A native of Fajardo, Puerto Rico, she has dedicated much of her professional career working with underserved population. In 1985 she received her degree as a Dental Medicine Doctor from the University of Puerto Rico School of Dentistry. In 1992, Dr. Soto completed her residency program in pediatric dentistry from the same institution. In addition, she earned board certification from the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, a master’s degree in Public Health, and a post-graduate certificate in Public Administration from Michigan State University. In 1997, she relocated to Kalamazoo and has been active both in her profession and in community service.

Each year, well over 1,000 students take part in the Bash. This ensures kids start the school year healthy, ready to learn and able to stay in school.

This year’s Back To School Bash features carnival rides, bouncies, games, concessions and prizes. Backpacks, school supplies and hygiene kits are available while supplies last. Gates open at 12 noon at FHC’s Moses L. Walker Building, 117 W. Paterson Street.

Join the fun! Register for the Back To School Bash by calling (269) 349-2641, or download, print and fill out a registration form here.

The park is open to the public free of charge. It includes multiple exercise stations, a children’s play structure, a basketball half-court, and a covered pavilion.

At the dedication ceremony, FHC staff will demonstrate the exercise equipment, offer health and wellness tips, and provide information on exercises classes.

To ask questions about FHC’s Outdoor Fitness Park, exercise programs or the June 3 event, contact Katie Runyon, Wellness Coordinator, katie.runyon @fhckzoo.com.

Check out the video below to learn more. You can also call us at 349-2641.

The Dental Day of Caring, spearheaded by Family Health Center, will deliver free basic dental care for up to 450 uninsured adults from across Kalamazoo County in a single day. The effort takes place Saturday, March 23, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., at Family Health Center’s Alcott campus, 505 E. Alcott Street. Partners include Family Health Center, United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region, and the Kalamazoo chapter of The Links Incorporated.

“Many adults who don’t have dental insurance can’t afford to take care of their teeth, and that poses a big risk to their overall health,” said Denise Crawford, president and chief executive officer of Family Health Center (FHC). “Dental Day of Caring will tackle that need for hundreds of our community’s most vulnerable residents.”

On a typical day, FHC serves about 100 dental patients. Dental Day of Caring aims to more than quadruple that figure.

During the one-day clinic, uninsured adults will receive a dental exam and at least one service, including cleanings, sealants, fillings and extractions. All services are being provided free of charge by volunteers who are fully licensed and certified dental providers. Also assisting are fourth-year dental students and supervisors from the University of Michigan.

Crawford said poor oral health brings lots of problems, with tooth decay, tooth loss, gum disease and related pain just the beginning. Studies show poor oral health can lead to numerous health issues, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, pregnancy complications, kidney disease, dementia and many others. Even more, it can cause people to suffer a social stigma that hurts their self-esteem, their relationships and their ability to find or keep a job.

“Family Health Center focuses on the health needs of the underserved, whoever they are and whatever their circumstances,” said Crawford. “No one, no matter what their situation, should have to suffer from lack of dental care. That’s what makes Dental Day of Caring so important.”

While walk-ins will be served on Dental Day of Caring, patients are urged to pre-register to secure a time to receive care. Anyone can pre-register at an FHC location—117 W. Paterson Street; 1308 N. Burdick St.; or 505 E. Alcott Street.

In addition, Dental Day of Caring needs volunteers to help with check-in, escorting patients, handing out hygiene kits and much more. General volunteers can sign up online at tinyurl.com/dentalgeneralvolunteers2019. There is also a need for additional volunteer dental professionals, who can sign up at tinyurl.com/dentalprosignup2019.

Other information is available by calling 349-2641, extension 230.

Week 1: Diabetes and Your Health. Our health educator will give you current information on managing your diabetes and decreasing long-term health effects.

Week 2: Using Food to Manage Your Diabetes. Our dietitian will help you learn to read labels and understand how good food can still be good for you. This class will include a cooking demonstration with food samples.

Week 3: Relaxation. This class will discuss the effects of anxiety and depression on our bodies. We will explore relaxation techniques and meditation.

Week 4: Impacting Your Glucose with Activity. Our wellness coordinator will demonstrate movements to assist with weight loss. This class will include an activity demonstration.

Classes are offered on Thursdays from Feb. 28 through March 21. You can choose sessions at 12 noon-1 p.m. or 6-7 p.m. All sessions are held at FHC’s Moses Walker Building, 117 W. Paterson.

Participants are eligible to win a YMCA membership, gift cards and step trackers.

Register today by calling (269) 349-2641 ext. 561 or register online at https://tinyurl.com/FHCdiabeteshealth. Please let us know if you need transportation assistance.

The theme of the Jan. 22-25 event was “Shatter the Myths.” Partnering with Prevention Works, we set up an information table at our Paterson campus, offering snacks, information packets (in both English and Spanish) and experts who could talk about alcohol and drugs to help teens make responsible choices. We also reached out to parents and families so they could be educated on this constantly changing issue and ways to support our youth.

Part of the fun involved an educational Drug Facts quiz. Those who took it learned more about alcohol and drugs, and they were entered in a raffle for a Kindle Fire. Out of 65 participants, our grand prize winner was Janessa Sims who did an awesome job!

It was impressive to see how many people were committed to the youth of our community and are willing to partner with the Family Health Center to “Shatter the Myths.” We look forward to more fun events targeting prevention of substance use disorders and outreach to those who already struggle with the disorder.

Dr. VanDerKolk has been named the new Family Medicine Residency Program director in Kalamazoo and will begin her role on July 1, 2019. When Dr. VanDerKolk begins her new duties, Dr. Eichorn will replace her as the Family Medicine clerkship director.

The transition comes as Dr. Glenn Dregansky has announced his retirement as program director of the Family Medicine Residency Program in Kalamazoo, effective June 30, 2019. Dr. Dregansky has served in the role since 2016.

“I want to thank Dr. Dregansky for his service and leadership,” said Dr. Lisa Graves, interim chair of WMed’s Department of Family and Community Medicine.

Dr. VanDerKolk has served as an assistant professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine since 2013 and became the department’s founding clerkship director in 2015. Prior to coming to WMed, Dr. VanDerKolk earned her MD degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine and completed her residency training at the University of Michigan.

Dr. VanDerKolk has held several leadership positions at the medical school, including her service as vice-chair of the Medical Student Performance Committee (MSPC). Currently, she is the interim chair of the MSPC and a member of the Medical Student Curriculum Committee. Dr. VanDerKolk is a member of several professional societies, including the American Association of Family Physicians, the American Medical Association and the Society for Teachers of Family Medicine.

Additionally, Dr. VanDerKolk is a member of the Michigan Academy of Family Physicians’ Advocacy Committee and formerly served as a Michigan delegate to the National Conference of Constituency Leaders (NCCL), as well as a national delegate of the American Academy of Family Physicians’ Congress of Delegates.

“I am excited to move into the role of Program Director for the Department of Family and Community Medicine,” Dr. VanDerKolk said. “Dr. Dregansky has led the program through a great period of growth and change, and has positioned us well to continue our tradition of graduating compassionate, well-rounded, dedicated family physicians. I plan to foster our culture of continuous improvement, inspire scholarly activity and research, and strengthen our outreach and advocacy for patients in the community.”

Dr. Eichorn, who completed his residency at WMed in 2017, joined the Department of Family and Community Medicine as an assistant professor in October. Prior to joining the faculty at WMed, he worked for more than a year as a physician at Bronson LakeView Family Care in Mattawan, Michigan. Dr. Eichorn is a graduate of the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and a diplomate of the American Board of Family Medicine and the American Board of Obesity Medicine. He also is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and Michigan Academy of Family Physicians, as well as the Obesity Medical Association, the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians and the Christian Medical and Dental Association.

Dr. Eichorn was recently appointed as Michigan’s new physician delegate to the 2019 NCCL, which is the American Academy of Family Physicians’ leadership and policy development arm focused on empowering change makers to catalyze positive change in family medicine.

“As a family physician, I love caring for patients at all stages of life to help keep them well and manage a wide variety of illnesses while having the opportunity to concentrate in my areas of interest,” Dr. Eichorn said. “No matter what specialty you decide to pursue, you will find a piece of it in Family Medicine. My goal for the Family Medicine clerkship is to excite and inspire students to become the best doctors they can be.”

Dr. Graves said she is pleased that Dr. VanDerKolk and Dr. Eichorn will be stepping into their new leadership roles later this year. She said they will continue to be valuable assets for faculty, residents, and students at the medical school.

“Dr. VanDerKolk and Dr. Eichorn are each enthusiastic about the graduate and undergraduate experience for our residents and students,” Dr. Graves said. “They’re approachable and always committed to bringing about excellence.”