Get the Training You Need

George Johnston | HUMAN RESOURCES
CHC has several types of training requirements, and we are constantly working to make our programs more interesting and effective. Last fall we began a more formal program of training our two largest categories of employees; Receptionists and Medical Assistants. We also added to our Human Resources Department, a Training Coordinator to oversee our various training programs. The following are some of the training sessions that we currently provide, or will provide in the near future:

• Our annual Blood Borne Pathogen/Hazard Communication Training is held during the summer.
• We have a monthly CPR Class at different sites on the third Tuesday of each month.
• In December, we will hold a First-time Supervisors Training where we bring in a Trainer from Skill Craft. This year we will also offer an Advanced Supervisor Training in October.
• We have regional sessions scheduled this fall for Child, Elder, and Domestic Abuse training. These will be attended by all “direct patient care” staff.
• With NextGen, our new Practice Management System coming online soon, we have found it necessary to offer computer training to some of our staff. These computer skills classes will be held in the next few months. This training will include Microsoft Access, Word, and Excel and will be given in preparation of our NextGen Training.
• It is a requirement that Supervisors receive Sexual Harassment Training when hired, and be re-trained every two years. This training will be held in the next few months.
• In conjunction with our Great Expectations Program training programs are in development on Patient Communication, specifically AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, and Thank you).

We have also set up a permanent computer lab at our Medical Administration Office on Dana Street in Nipomo. This room will have up to sixteen computer workstations. We are also in the process of recruiting two trainers from among our staff, one for front-office and one for back-office. Their duties will include the orientation of all new staff as well as developing an in-service program for current staff.

If you have any questions, please contact our Training Coordinator, Victoria Valdiviezo at 938-0935 x405.

CHC Dental Gets a Taste of the SLO-life

Joseph Mercardante | DENTAL SERVICES
In the ongoing effort to increase access to care, CHC Dental continues to grow. We have added a provider and a new office in San Luis Obispo, along with three new employees!

CHC is thrilled that Dr. Paul Walker has decided to join our staff. Dr. Walker attended the University of Florida Dental School in Gainesville, FL. After graduation in 2001, he joined the Air Force and completed his General Practice Residency at Vandenberg Air Force Base. Following starting a private practice in Arroyo Grande, Dr. Walker now cares for our patients at CHC Santa Maria II and CHC Lompoc.

ATTENTION Employees: We now have dental care in San Luis Obispo! My dental practice at 878 Boysen Ave. (near New Frontiers Grocery) is the newest addition to the CHC network. This is a private office, and offers our employees a relaxing place for treatment.

Also joining the fold are Office Manager Teryn Kelley, Dental Assistant Nancy Jordan, and Dental Hygienist Mandy Daniels. Teryn has managed the SLO office for the past two-and-a-half years. Call her at (805) 544-9440 to make an appointment. Nancy has been my assistant for over a year-and-a-half. Nancy is a career dental assistant, and her welcoming smile and friendly personality will help put you at ease. Mandy is our newest hygienist, and a recent graduate of Carrillo School of Hygiene.

Dr. Malia Johnson is now available at CHC SLO Dental on Thursdays and Fridays. Any employee that makes a new appointment with Dr. Johnson in SLO will be entered in a drawing for a free teeth whitening!

Nipomo Dental Assistants Patricia Hernandez and Mia Valdoz recently attended a “1st Smiles Training” in Santa Ynez. Under the direction of Dr. Johnson, and with help from Dental assistant Dora Gallegoes, the group began Fluoride Varnish Training. They will be participating in the Pediatric F Varnish Campaign throughout SLO County. The Dental Department hopes to have all CHC Pediatricians participating in the fluoride varnish program for their young patients.

Finally, we wish to welcome Hygienist Esthela Castro in Santa Maria and Dental Assistant Josh Mendivar in Templeton. Recent hires Esthela and Josh wasted no time getting started by participating in the Oceano Health Fair. Esthela and Josh teamed up to provide hygiene instruction and Fluoride varnish to almost a 100 youngsters.

Please help me in welcoming our newest members to the CHC Dental team!

Saluting California’s Healthcare Heroes

Steve Smith | MARKETING
This year was CHC’s inaugural entry in the annual Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Parade. Staffers embodied this years’ theme of “Saluting Our Heroes” by doing what CHC does best − reaching out to the community.

Our entry was a great success, thanks to CHC volunteers and their families. With 20 adorable kids dressed in miniature scrubs and lab coats, we had the cutest doctors and nurses in town!
I couldn’t have pulled this off without the help of volunteer Parade Coordinator Irma Mejia! She’s a natural leader, with a “can-do” attitude that makes it fun for everyone. I owe you one, Irma!
Click here to see photos from the '07 Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Parade

CHC Provides Low-Pressure Education at Farmer's Market

CHC recently collaborated with CenCal Health (formally SBRHA) in San Luis Obispo, with their “Go Red for Women” American Heart Association Screening at the weekly SLO Farmers’ Market. Provided in honor of Women’s Health Month, the free blood pressure checks & educational information was well-received by market-goers.

[Photo L-R] Kathryn Reid (CHC), Theresa Merkle (SBRHA), Krista Morley (SBRHA), Bernadette Alexander (CHC), Paula Marie Michal (SBRHA), Steve Smith (CHC)