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Jessie Trice Community Health System Observes National Cholesterol Education Month

September 15, 2025 jtchs web admin News

It’s time to take control over cholesterol. This month, Jessie Trice Community Health System (JTCHS) observes National Cholesterol Education Month.

“Cardiovascular health is very important,” said Ryan R. Hawkins, president and CEO of JTCHS. “National Cholesterol Education Month is a time to increase awareness about the importance of managing cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. JTCHS is the perfect place to cater to your health needs and ensure that you take the right steps to boost your health longevity.”

High cholesterol can definitely take a toll. It is a major risk factor for heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States. According to the American Heart Association, people with high cholesterol are twice as likely to have heart disease than people with lower cholesterol levels; 73.5 million American adults (31.7%) have high low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol and fewer than 1 out of every 3 adults with high LDL cholesterol has the condition under control. JTCHS wants to ensure that residents take steps to reduce their risk of heart attack and stroke by lowering their cholesterol.

The Jessie Trice Community Health System, Inc. is one of Miami-Dade County’s preeminent federally qualified community health care centers, governed by a remarkably dedicated Board of Directors (51% of which are users of the medical and dental services) and an incredibly talented, committed family of providers and staff. JTCHS recently earned a Prestigious HRSA’s CHQR badge for Advancing HIT for Quality. The 1st Federally Qualified Health Center in the state and 5th in the nation, Jessie Trice Community Health System, Inc., is a Florida 501 (c) 3, not-for-profit organization that has been serving Miami-Dade County since 1967. JTCHS served its first patients from a trailer. Now, more than fifty (50) years after its founding, JTCHS owns and operates eight (8) Comprehensive Primary Care centers, a 40 bed Women’s Residential Center for substance use, and fifty-nine (59) school-based health suites.

JTCHS knows and specializes in comprehensive health, offering a myriad of services to improve the health of the community. This includes: dentistry, family medicine, nutrition, behavioral health, transportation, pharmacy, healthy start, obstetric & gynecological care, school-based health, community health promotions, health & wellness center, pediatrics, and ancillary services. For more information on the Jessie Trice Community Health System, call 305-637-6400 or visit jtchs.org. In addition, to stay connected with news and information about their services and facilities, follow Jessie Trice Community Health System on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @JessieTriceCHS.

JTCHS Earned Prestigious HRSA’s CHQR Badge for Advancing HIT for Quality

September 8, 2025 jtchs web admin News

Jessie Trice Community Health System (JTCHS) is proud to announce that it has earned the 2025 Community Health Quality Recognition (CHQR) Badge for Advancing Health Information Technology (HIT) for Quality from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA). This recognition highlights JTCHS’s efforts to leveraging technology to improve patient care quality.

“We are absolutey thrilled to earn this prestigious badge,” said Dr. Joycelyn Lawrence, chief medical officer of JTCHS. “This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality care for our patients. We understand the vital role technology plays in everyday life and are proud to remain at the forefront.”

CHQR badges recognize Health Center Program awardees and look-alikes (LALs) that have achieved quality improvements in areas of access, quality, health information technology, and health outcomes using Uniform Data System (UDS) data from the most recent reporting period. To receive the Advancing HIT for Quality Badge, JTCHS showcased its capabilities in providing telehealth services, exchanging clinical information online with key healthcare providers, engaging patients through HIT, and collecting data on patient health-related needs.

The Jessie Trice Community Health System, Inc. is one of Miami-Dade County’s preeminent federally qualified community health care centers, governed by a remarkably dedicated Board of Directors (51% of which are users of the medical and dental services) and an incredibly talented, committed family of providers and staff. The 1st Federally Qualified Health Center in the state and 5th in the nation, Jessie Trice Community Health System, Inc., is a Florida 501 (c) 3, not-for-profit organization that has been serving Miami-Dade County since 1967. JTCHS served its first patients from a trailer. Now, more than fifty (50) years after its founding, JTCHS owns and operates eight (8) Comprehensive Primary Care centers, a 40 bed Women’s Residential Center for substance use, and fifty nine (59) school-based health suites.

JTCHS Celebrated Staff, Patients, and Partners during National Health Center Week

September 2, 2025 jtchs web admin News

National Health Center Week (NHCW) was celebrated August 3–9, 2025 and Jessie Trice Community Health System (JTCHS) joined the celebration with a week full of themed events highlighting staff, patients, residents, and partners.

The week kicked off on Saturday, August 2, Fuel Your Fitness Day, where employees and board members participated in a morning workout to promote wellness. JTCHS then recognized its dedicated staff on Staff Appreciation Day, held on Monday, August 4, with President & CEO Ryan R. Hawkins and board members visiting each JTCHS facility to personally thank employee and hand out goodies.

On Tuesday, August 5, Patient Appreciation Day showcased JTCHS’s commitment to the community, with giveaways to thank patients for choosing JTCHS as their healthcare provider. Among the items distributed was a fan that read, “We’re Fans of Our Patients.” Social media takeovers throughout the week highlighted the expertise of JTCHS’s Family Medicine and Dental Residency teams.

The festivities continued on Friday, August 8, with Partner Appreciation Day, recognizing key community partners who help advance JTCHS’s mission, and concluded on Saturday, August 9 on Gratitude & Future Vision Day with the annual Back-to-School Immunization Fair, held in partnership with the Florida Department of Health, offering free immunizations to families preparing for the new school year.

“National Health Center Week is a time to celebrate the incredible role of health centers and all those who are part of them, from staff and patients to community partners,” said Ryan R. Hawkins, president & CEO of JTCHS. “For 58 years, Jessie Trice Community Health System has been dedicated to improving the health of our community, and NHCW was a wonderful reminder of the impact we continue to make every day.”

For more information about JTCHS, visit JTCHS.org. To keep up with the latest news and events, follow JTCHS on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram @JessieTriceCHS.

About Jessie Trice Community Health System

The Jessie Trice Community Health System, Inc. is one of Miami-Dade County’s preeminent federally qualified community health care centers, governed by a remarkably dedicated Board of Directors (51% of which are users of the medical and dental services) and an incredibly talented, committed family of providers and staff. The 1st Federally Qualified Health Center in the state and 5th in the nation, Jessie Trice Community Health System, Inc., is a Florida 501 (c) 3, not-for-profit organization that has been serving Miami-Dade County since 1967. JTCHS served its first patients from a trailer. Now, more than fifty (50) years after its founding, JTCHS owns and operates eight (8) Comprehensive Primary Care centers, a 40 bed Women’s Residential Center for substance use, and fifty nine (59) school-based health suites.

From left: Dr. Fabian Thurston, EVP/chief operating officer; Dr. Deborah George, EVP/chief dental officer; Dr. Luckner Denord, EVP/chief strategy and quality officer; Toni Thompson, EVP/chief ambulatory officer; Paul Roberts, board vice chair; Irene Taylor-Wooten, board chair; and Amy Clark, chief financial officer for Jessie Trice Community Health System. During NHCW 2025, the JTCHS executive team and board members visited each facility during Staff Appreciation Day to personally thank employees and hand out goodies.(Photo/Ricardo Reyes, Sonshine Communications)

Members of the JTCHS staff posed happily with members of the executive team and the board. During NHCW 2025, the JTCHS executive team and board members visited each facility during Staff Appreciation Day to personally thank employees and hand out goodies.(Photo/Ricardo Reyes, Sonshine Communications)

From left: Dr. Fabian Thurston, EVP/chief operating officer; Ryan R. Hawkins, president and CEO; Dr. Ouida Bridges, pediatrician; Irene Taylor-Wooten, board chair; and Amy Clark, chief financial officer for Jessie Trice Community Health System, pictured during Staff Appreciation Day. In celebration of National Health Center Week, held Aug. 3–9, Jessie Trice Community Health System hosted a week full of themed events highlighting staff, patients, residents, and partners. (Photo/Ricardo Reyes, Sonshine Communications)

From left: Ryan R. Hawkins, president and CEO, and Dr. Sheryl Reaves, optometrist, of Jessie Trice Community Health System, pictured on Staff Appreciation Day during National Health Center Week 2025. (Photo/Ricardo Reyes, Sonshine Communications)

From left: Dr. Fabian Thurston, EVP/chief operating officer; Ryan R. Hawkins, president and CEO; Amy Clark, chief financial officer; and Toni Thompson, EVP/chief ambulatory officer, pictured entering one of Jessie Trice Community Health System’s facilities on Staff Appreciation Day. The JTCHS executive team and board members visited each facility to personally thank employees and hand out goodies. (Photo/Ricardo Reyes, Sonshine Communications)

Jessie Trice Community Health System executive team and board members join staff during Staff Appreciation Day as part of National Health Center Week 2025. Leadership visited each facility to personally thank employees and distribute goodies.

JTCHS Launches Innovative Residency Program with Opening of New Teaching and Research Annex

June 27, 2025 jtchs web admin News

The Jessie Trice Community Health System (JTCHS), in partnership with the Jessie Trice Community Health Foundation (JTCHF), marked a new chapter in their commitment to advance primary care with the grand opening of the Annie R. Neasman Teaching and Research Annex and the official launch of the JTCHS Family Medicine Residency Program. The program is a significant step toward addressing the ongoing shortage of primary care providers.

The event, held at the JTCHS Dr. Fatima Zafar Health & Wellness Center, brought together JTCHS leadership, board members, staff, resident physicians, healthcare professionals, and community partners. Among the distinguished guests was Ms. Annie R. Neasman, former president and CEO of JTCHS, whose legacy in advancing teaching and research continues through the annex named in her honor.

“This residency program represents a major milestone; we are incredibly proud to open the doors to this next chapter in medical education at JTCHS,” said Ryan R. Hawkins, president and CEO of JTCHS. “By training the next generation of family physicians, we are building a healthier tomorrow for the communities we serve.”

Led by an interdisciplinary team of medical professionals, the JTCHS Family Medicine Residency Program offers a hands-on curriculum rooted in patient-centered care, population health, and service in underserved areas. “Residents who train at teaching health centers and federally qualified health centers are more likely to remain practicing in underserved areas,” said Dr. Joycelyn Lawrence, chief medical officer of JTCHS and designated institutional official for the program. “We are honored to mentor these talented residents as they grow into skilled, confident, and compassionate physicians.”

The program’s inaugural class features four outstanding residents who will receive hands-on clinical experience. Their training hub, the Annie Neasman Teaching and Research Annex, located at the JTCHS – Dr. Fatima Zafar Health & Wellness Center, will support interdisciplinary collaboration, patient-centered care, and community engagement. The annex also houses a growing portfolio of research and quality improvement initiatives, including projects focused on food security, diabetes care, hypertension management and other vital health needs. “I’m proud to see the next generation being trained right here,” said Annie R. Neasman, former president and CEO of JTCHS.

Program leadership includes:

Ryan R. Hawkins, President & CEO of JTCHS
Joycelyn Lawrence, Chief Medical Officer of JTCHS and Designated Institutional Officer
Arianne Cordon-Duran, Associate Program Director
Gladys Opong-Tetteh, Institutional Administrator and FM Program Coordinator

The opening of the Annie R. Neasman Teaching and Research Annex and the launch of the Family Medicine Residency Program mark a significant step forward for JTCHS. By emphasizing education, practical training, and community care, JTCHS is strengthening its commitment to improving health outcomes in South Florida. Over time, this program will help expand the pool of skilled healthcare providers available to serve the community’s evolving needs.

About Jessie Trice Community Health System, Inc.

The Jessie Trice Community Health System, Inc. (JTCHS) is one of Miami-Dade County’s preeminent federally qualified community health centers, governed by a remarkably dedicated Board of Directors (51% of which are users of the medical and dental services) and an incredibly talented, committed family of providers and staff. The 1st Federally Qualified Health Center in the state and 5th in the nation, JTCHS is a Florida 501 (c) 3, not-for-profit organization that has been serving Miami-Dade County since 1967. JTCHS knows and specializes in comprehensive health, offering a myriad of services to improve the health of the community. This includes but is not limited to dentistry, family medicine, nutrition, HIV/AIDS, behavioral health, transportation, pharmacy, healthy start, obstetric & gynecological care, school-based health, community health promotions, health & wellness center, pediatrics, and ancillary services. For more information on the Jessie Trice Community Health System, call 305-637-6400 or visit jtchs.org. In addition, to stay connected with news and information about their services and facilities, follow Jessie Trice Community Health System on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram @JessieTriceCHS.

About the Jessie Trice Community Health Foundation

Jessie Trice Community Health Foundation, Inc. (JTCHF), is a not-for profit 501(c)(3) organized in 1985 to promote the provision of medical care, treatment, and health education to the general public and to support Jessie Trice Community Health System’s initiatives to reach the underserved and uninsured population. For more information and to donate, visit www.jtchf.org

Ryan R. Hawkins, president and CEO of JTCHS, delivers opening remarks during the opening ceremony for the Annie R. Neasman Teaching and Research Annex and the launch of the JTCHS Family Residency Program.

(L-R) Irene Taylor-Wooten, chair of the JTCHS board of directors, Annie R. Neasman, former president and CEO of JTCHS; and Ryan R. Hawkins, president and CEO of JTCHS, at the ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the opening of the Annie R. Neasman Teaching and Research Annex and the launch of the JTCHS Family Medicine Residency program.

The inaugural class of the JTCHS Family Medicine Residency Program, from left, Dr. Sarah Wahman, Dr. Bethly Aubourg, Dr. Taelor Highland, and Dr. Mohammad Ferdjullah, poses on June 24, 2025, at the JTCHS Dr. Fatima Zafar Health & Wellness Center, which houses the Annie R. Neasman Teaching and Research Annex.

(L-R) Dr. Arianne Cordon-Duran, associate program director of the JTCHS Family Medicine Residency Program, and Dr. Joycelyn Lawrence, chief medical officer of JTCHS and designated institutional official of the residency program, at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Annie R. Neasman Teaching and Research Annex and program launch held on June 24, 2025, at the JTCHS Dr. Fatima Zafar Health and Wellness Center.

(L-R) Dr. Fabian Thurston, EVP/Chief Operating Officer of JTCHS and David Williams, Jr., former councilman of Miami Gardens and member of the JTCHS board of directors.

(L-R) Dr. Gladys Opong-Tetteh, Dr. Arianne Cordon-Duran, Dr. Saint Anthony Amofah, Dr. Sara Wahman, Dr. Bethly Aubourg, Dr. Joycelyn Lawrence, Dr. Taelor Highland, Dr. Mohammad Ferdjullah, Dr. Deborah Gracia, and Diego Shmuels.

(L-R) Margarita Ollet, executive vice president and COO of Health Choice Network (HCN); Rosalyn Frazier, CEO of Broward Community & Family Health Centers Inc. (BCOM Health); Ryan R. Hawkins, president and CEO of JTCHS; Annie R. Neasman, former president and CEO of JTCHS; and Blake Hall, president and CEO of Community Health of South Florida Inc. (CHI).

(L-R) Members of the JTCHS Board of Directors join President and CEO Ryan R. Hawkins, former President and CEO Annie R. Neasman, and the inaugural class of the JTCHS Family Medicine Residency Program. On Tuesday, June 24, JTCHS marked a new chapter in advancing primary care and training future physician leaders with the opening of the Annie R. Neasman Teaching and Research Annex and the launch of the JTCHS Family Residency Program.

JTCHS leadership, board members, and upcoming residency class prepare to cut the ribbon at the opening of the Annie R. Neasman Teaching and Research Annex and the launch of the Family Medicine Residency Program at the JTCHS – Dr. Fatima Zafar Health & Wellness Center on June 24, 2025.

We Are Now an Age-Friendly Health System!

June 2, 2025 jtchs web admin CMO Corner, News

Jessie Trice Community Health System is proud to announce our official recognition as an Age-Friendly Health System – a national designation by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement that honors our commitment to delivering high-quality, evidence-based care to older adults.

What This Means for You

As an Age-Friendly Health System, we focus on what matters most to our senior patients. We have implemented the 4Ms Framework of age-friendly care:

What Matters – Aligning care with each patient’s health goals and preferences. We do this by working with the patient, their family or caregiver.
Medication – Using age-appropriate medications that do not interfere with overall well-being. We have caring pharmacists on board who are integral team members and are ready to meet our patients’ medication needs.
Mentation – Preventing, identifying, treating, and managing dementia, depression, and delirium. We screen each patient for social needs and provide support to help meet those needs.
Mobility – Ensuring older adults move safely to maintain function and independence. We develop care plans incorporating fall prevention. We also offer a variety of services to assist patients with maintaining and improving mobility.

To achieve this recognition, we met rigorous criteria that demonstrate our commitment to improving care for older adults in every interaction.

Our Team Approach

During your visits, you’ll see more than just your provider. Our Community Health Workers (CHWs), peer mentors, and medical scribes are integrated into the care team. They work alongside our providers and nursing teams during patient encounters to support the 4Ms and help you navigate the healthcare system with greater ease and understanding.

We’re here to make sure every older adult receives the respect, care, and attention they deserve—because age-friendly care is quality care.

JTCHS Provided Dental Care Services + a whole lot of fun to Uninsured Patients during their Annual “Give Kids a Smile Day”

March 31, 2025 jtchs web admin Events, News

Children’s smiles were healthier and brighter than ever as Jessie Trice Community Health System (JTCHS), in partnership with the Miami-Dade County Dental Society, hosted its annual Give Kids a Smile Day on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the JTCHS Corporate Office Complex. The event provided free dental services such as exams, cleanings, and sealants to dozens of uninsured patients.

After receiving quality dental care from the JTCHS team of skilled dental professionals, patients enjoyed a variety of fun-filled activities, including face painting, a bounce house and games. They also had the opportunity to explore the JTCHS Dental Van, which serves as a mobile dental unit providing care throughout the community.

“We want to ensure that every child receives the care they need to get a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime” said Dr. Deborah George, EVP/Chief Dental Officer at JTCHS. “We are grateful for the volunteers who joined us, and we are honored to give back to the community.”

Give Kids a Smile Day is a national initiative launched by the American Dental Association (ADA) to provide underserved children with free dental health services and education. JTCHS is proud to participate in this meaningful program and make a lasting impact on the life of local families. For more information about Jessie Trice Community Health System, visit JTCHS.org or call 305-637-6400.

About Jessie Trice Community Health System, Inc.

The Jessie Trice Community Health System, Inc. (JTCHS) is one of Miami-Dade County’s preeminent federally qualified community health centers, governed by a remarkably dedicated Board of Directors (51% of which are users of the medical and dental services) and a diverse, incredibly talented, committed family of providers and staff. The 1st Federally Qualified Health Center in the state and 5th in the nation, JTCHS is a Florida 501 (c) 3, not-for-profit organization that has been serving Miami-Dade County since 1967. JTCHS knows and specializes in comprehensive health, offering a myriad of services to improve the health of the community. This includes but not limited to dentistry, family medicine, nutrition, HIV/AIDS, behavioral health, transportation, healthy start, obstetric & gynecological care, school-based health, community health promotions, health & wellness center, pediatrics, and ancillary services. For more information on the Jessie Trice Community Health System, call 305-637-6400 or visit jtchs.org. In addition, to stay connected with news and information about their services and facilities, follow Jessie Trice Community Health System on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram @JessieTriceCHS.

Dr. Deborah George, EVP and chief dental officer of JTCHS; Precious Baker, dental assistant; and Dr. Lauren L. Mantilla, a volunteer for the event, posed for a photo who some of the patients during the Give Kids a Smile Day, held recently at the JTCHS Corporate Office Complex. Following their treatments, patients were given lab coats, received oral health education, and participated in fun activities such as face painting and a bounce house.