News & Events

Safe Zones

Chafee and Randall Health Centers recertified by Blue Cross as LGBTQ Safe Zones

safe zoneProvidence Community Health Centers is excited to announce LGBTQ Safe Zone recertification for our Chafee and Randall Square sites. The recertification from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island follows a rigorous application process that ensures we are providing safe, affirming, and inclusive care to members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) community.

Our Safe Zone certification for these two health center sites was first awarded in 2019. As a member of the Safe Zone network, PCHC staff is encouraged to discuss and promote health equity for all people, particularly members of the LGBTQ community, through dialogue around reducing health disparities and upholding best practices for LGBTQ care within the provider community.

To earn this designation, providers must have: staff training specific to the care of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people; protection for patients and staff from discrimination based on gender identity or expression; gender neutral bathrooms; inclusive forms and procedures; and a public commitment to connecting with and serving the LGBTQ community. Our goal is to certify additional PCHC Health Centers as Safe Zones in the coming years. Thank you to all our team members who made this certification possible as we continue to welcome all people as patients of our health centers.

Optometry program

Residency in the Community Health Optometry program approved for reaccreditation

photo optometry 2021The Residency in the Community Health Optometry program at Providence Community Health Centers has been approved for reaccreditation for eight years. Our program is affiliated with the New England Col­lege of Optometry.

The Accreditation Council on Optometric Education conducted a virtual evaluation visit (due to COVID-19) on March 26, 2021. The evaluation is a comprehensive one, with reviews of the program’s mission, goals, ob­jectives, policies, curriculum, administration, faculty, resources, and facilities.

The classification indicates that the program has no deficiencies or weaknesses that compromise the ed­ucational effectiveness of the total program. PCHC is home to the only health center-based optometry residency program in Rhode Island. Congratulations to David Mills, OD, program director, and the entire optometry team for a successful accreditation. Dr. Mills is pictured here with Megan Lusignan, OD, (center) and optometry resident Jennifer Kim Hsiao-Fang-Yen, OD.

Water safety program

Water safety program featured on front page of Providence Journal

The July 29th edition of the Providence Journal featured a front page story about the swimming program for inner-city youth that is organized by Providence Community Health Centers and held at Pods Swimming in East Providence. The program is supported by a grant from the USA Swimming Foundation.

In these classes, children learn the elementary backstroke, how to float, and other valuable water safety skills. There are two four-week sessions of classes, held in July and August. This year, more than 40 children have registered for the classes.

The Providence Journal story, which is subscription only, is linked here: https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2021/07/28/some-providence-children-learning-swim-some-arent/5391533001/

Free swim lessons

Groundbreaking held for Capitol Hill renovations

Groundbreaking held for Capitol Hill renovations

A May 20th groundbreaking ceremony at our Capitol Hill Health Center marked the kickoff of renovations that will allow us to care for another 4,000 patients. At the event, Merrill Thomas, President and CEO, shared his thoughts on what expanded medical services will mean for the community. He also discussed the legacy of the late Dr. John Moran, a pediatrician who joined PCHC in 1973 as our first full-time physician and spent much of his career at Capitol. A dedication ceremony will take place later this year in memory of Dr. Moran.

Groundbreaking held for Capitol Hill renovations

A number of Dr. Moran’s friends and relatives were in attendance at the ceremony including his sisters Patricia Moran Bombardier and Mary Moran. They are pictured in the groundbreaking photo along with Merrill Thomas, Capitol Hill’s longest serving employee Alex Balon, Health Center director Patricia Terceira, and Dr. Beth Toolan. The new space will add 3,616 square feet to the already existing 8,649 square feet of clinic space and will provide 10 exam rooms (including a negative pressure room with direct access to the outside), a waiting room, team space, a provider room, and restrooms. Renovations are expected to be completed by December 2021.

COVID testing tent

PCHC in 90: In the COVID testing tent with Dr. Jennifer Hosmer

After 13 months and nearly 10,000 COVID tests, Providence Community Health Centers has wound down opera­tions of the state’s first drive through and walk up COVID testing site. With dozens of locations around the state providing testing, PCHC can now fully focus on vaccinating people in the community.

On May 5th, the testing site’s final day, Dr. Jennifer Hosmer shared about what the experience has meant for the community as well as her colleagues.

This is the first in a new 90 second video series called "PCHC in 90" detailing the people and programs of Providence Community Health Centers.

Best Places to Work

PCHC named one of RI’s “Best Places to Work” for 6th year in a row

For the 6th year in a row, Providence Community Health Center has been named one of Rhode Island’s “Best Places to Work” by the Providence Business News. This award is a reflection of our team’s commitment to our mission and dedication to our patients, their families, and each other. The honorees that receive this award are judged based on completed confidential surveys of employees and the organization’s human resources policies. With more than 500 employees, PCHC was recognized in the “Enterprise Employer” category along with some of the largest companies in the state.

PCHC will be honored at a virtual ceremony on June 9th and will be profiled along with the other awardees in a special section in the June 11th print issue of Providence Business News. While the past year has brought unprecedented challenges, our team responded the way we knew they would: with a focus on providing the community with the best care possible. Thank you to our staff for everything you do to make PCHC one of our state’s best places to work!

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