In the Media
It’s important to check in with kids even if they’re not asking questions, said Marian Pena, the behavioral health director at West County Health Centers in Sonoma County, where recent fires destroyed thousands of homes and killed more than 20 people. Some children will develop anxiety because they’re stressed and don’t have an outlet for that stress.
“A lot of parents feel like if they don’t ever talk to their kids about this, it’s out of sight out of mind,” she said.
But that’s not true. Children are thinking about what’s happening around them, whether or not they ask their parents about it. And it’s important for parents to provide the most accurate information, and reassure children that they are safe.
The aftermath of the fire presented countless challenges for the rest of the healthcare system.
Many residents struggled to breathe because of the smoky air. Tens of thousands of people were evacuated into schools and fairgrounds across the region.
“Each shelter had to figure out how do you manage these almost MASH-unit trauma centers,” said Jason Cunningham, chief medical officer for the West County Health Centers.
Mary Szecsey Cheif Executive Officer for West County Health Centers, talks with Roland Jacopetti on KRCB’s Sonoma Spotlight about the Capital Campaign to rebuild the new Russian River Health & Wellness Center.
West County Health Centers (WCHC) has raised $1.84 million towards a goal of $4.2 million for a new Russian River Health Center.
Much good has happened since flames destroyed the community health center in the heart of Guerneville the day sfter Christmas 2015, and also since then the ranks of people in need of quality, affordable, medical care have grown.
Fund raising for Guerneville’s new $10.5 million Russian River Health & Wellness Center planned for First Street, next door to the Guerneville Safeway, kicks off with a capital campaign launch event on Aug. 18.
Dr. Rhonda Berney is a Primary Care Provider at Sebastopol Community Health Centers one of West County Health Centers four primary care sites. Call today to ask about your Annual Medicare Wellness Visit with your provider.
West County Health Centers Chief Medical Officer Jason Cunningham DO, speaks about the importance of innovative patient centered care in the Primary Care setting.
The Russian River Health Center is one of seven West County Health Centers locations that provide primary and preventative medical care and integrated behavioral health services.
Amanda Gonzalez sat with her mother Mariana as Dr. Edward Chio, Dental Director at the Russian River Dental Clinic, prepared to brush Amanda’s teeth on Friday, February 3rd during the annual coutrywide Give Kids a Smile Day.