Thundermist Health Center

We were honored to kick off National Health Center Week by hosting Kyu Rhee, MD, MPP, president and CEO of the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC), for a site visit at our West Warwick medical and behavioral health center. He was joined by Sue Joss, CEO of Brockton Neighborhood Health Center and NACHC board member. Thanks to the Rhode Island Health Center Association, for also joining us. It’s always great to meet with our colleagues and peers and share information about the work we do and how best to serve our communities.  #NHCW24   Pictured (left to right):  Elena Nicolella, president and CEO of the RI Health Center Association, Matt Roman, Thundermist COO, Sue Joss, Dr. Kyu Rhee, Jeanne LaChance, Thundermist president and CEO, Karen Mazzola, Thundermist director of clinical operations, and Amanda Barney, Thundermist chief of staff.

Meet Kristina Rocha, a medical assistant at our Woonsocket location. Caretaking comes second nature for Kristina. She has experience tending to the needs of many of her loved ones, so she knew a career in healthcare would be fulfilling. Kristina joined Thundermist two years ago after hearing about the positive work environment and great benefits, with opportunities to grow. “There’s so many different things and every day there is always something new,” she shares. “There are so many different opportunities here.” #IAmThundermist Watch her full story here: https://lnkd.in/esx_quVE

Thank you to Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island for your commitment to high-quality health care for all – no matter what. Your year-long support means patients can get the care they need.  Thank you for all you do for our communities! Happy 30th Anniversary!

Meet Maria Ramos, document management lead at our Woonsocket location. Maria started at Thundermist behind the front desk 9 years ago. Her curiosity about how other departments operated made her want to expand her knowledge. While working at Thundermist, she became a medical assistant before moving into her current role. She continues to provide support to our clinical team, “It is patient care though it might not be patient facing care, we do a lot on a day-to-day basis.” She explains. #IAmThundermist  Watch her full story here: https://lnkd.in/ePgxUeXU

Meet Ingrid Read, a medical assistant, at our Woonsocket location. Ingrid started at Thundermist working as a patient service representative two years ago. When she learned Thundermist was offering staff a career advancement opportunity to become a medical assistant, she acted immediately. "I did it and it was the best thing that happened to me. Now I have a whole new career.” #IAmThundermist  Watch her full story here: https://lnkd.in/eBZMhNbi

Gov. McKee signed the Shield Act and two other bills into law this morning at our Woonsocket health center including the PrEP/PEP no pre-authorization and the gender-neutral name change bills. The Provider Shield Act specifically will ensure patients can access legal, standard-of-care transgender and reproductive medical care and that providers will be protected from lawsuits and investigations from outside Rhode Island.  All three bills are important for both patients and providers across the state. We’re proud to have worked with a coalition of organizations including GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders - GLAD, Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, and the Rhode Island Medical Society, in support of each.

Community Health Worker Donna Sennett is a certified peer recovery specialist at Thundermist Health Center at our South County location. The Rhode Island Department of Health featured Donna’s story as part of the video series “Rhode Island’s Community Health Workers (CHWs): Your Bridge to Better Health.” “Actually seeing people move ahead, move forward in their lives, that really motivates me to keep working. I’m trying to make that difference and make it happen with as many people as I can,” Donna shares. We are proud to have employees like Donna, whose dedication and passion shine through when helping folks get the care they need. #CHWsinRI  Watch her story here:

Pride celebrations aren’t done just yet! We will be at South County Pride this Saturday, June 22. The parade kicks off at 11 a.m. at 327 Main St. in Wakefield, and festivities run until 6 p.m. Please come by and enjoy live music, local vendors and artists, as well as a drag show! We hope to see you there. learn more about the event at https://lnkd.in/e6jeBDXv #Pride2024

This Pride month we say thank you to the Boston Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence for your generous grant of $2,000 to support community events for members of the trans community. Your support helps bring people together and build community.

Celebrate with us at the sixth annual Juneteenth RI Festival this Saturday from 12-7 p.m. at 195 District Park in Downtown Providence. We will be tabling with great giveaways! Come say hi and enjoy live music, food, and local vendors. Learn more about the Juneteenth RI Festival at https://lnkd.in/eykqC9UC. #Juneteenth2024