PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Dorothy Farley, Vice President of Behavioral Health and Social Services at Community Healthcare Network (CHN)
2:27:02
ยท
3 min
Dorothy Farley from Community Healthcare Network (CHN) testified about their services for veterans, particularly focusing on mental health support through their Military Family Wellness Program. She highlighted CHN's collaborative efforts with the Veterans Advocacy Project to provide comprehensive care for veterans.
- CHN is a federally qualified health center with 14 sites citywide, serving over 50,000 patients annually.
- The Military Family Wellness Program offers mental health screenings, counseling, and referrals for various services including legal support.
- Farley provided examples of successful interventions, including helping a veteran with mental health and housing issues, and supporting a single mother veteran with childcare and employment concerns.
Dorothy Farley
2:27:02
Okay.
2:27:03
Sorry.
2:27:03
I'm just putting on my camera.
2:27:05
Thank you for the opportunity to testify.
2:27:08
My name is Dorothy Farley, and I serve as vice president of behavioral health and social services for the Community Healthcare Network, otherwise known as CHN.
2:27:19
CHN is a federally qualified health center with 14 sites citywide that provide critical care and social services for patients in underserved communities.
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We reach well over 50,000 patients annually.
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CHN welcomes individuals of all ages regardless of their ability to pay.
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While our services are many, I would like to highlight the work we specifically do for veterans, particularly for their mental health.
2:27:51
CHN's Military Family Wellness Program connects active and former service members to health and social services.
2:28:00
Each participant is screened and assessed for mental health needs, including post traumatic stress disorder by a licensed clinical social worker and can receive referrals for services like individual and family counseling and psychiatry, medication management, as well as medical care.
2:28:22
We provide dental services and other social services, including legal support provided for our program partner, the Veterans Advocacy Project.
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With the Veterans Advocacy Project, our program participants can receive assistance for public benefits, PA claims, discharge upgrade applications, housing support, and other civil legal issues.
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The Veterans Advocacy Project works closely with CHN to ensure continue continuity of care and provide CHN training on cultural competency when working with veterans and understanding their legal needs.
2:29:07
To speak to our program's impact, we have many army veterans, and one who was referred to our program to abreast to address mental health concerns and housing instability.
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Our social worker provided a mental health assessment, identified the need for a high level of care, and helped him schedule an initial intake appointment at the VA for treatment.
2:29:32
The social worker also referred the patient to the Veterans Advocacy Project for assistance with rental arrears.
2:29:38
The patient is now attending regular talk therapy and psychiatric appointments at the VA while receiving legal representation for his housing concerns.
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In another example, a 33 year old US Navy veteran and a single mother of 2 was referred to us our program, given her childcare and employment concerns.
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With CHN, she learned how to
Robert Holden
2:30:05
Thank you.
2:30:05
Your time's expired.
Dorothy Farley
2:30:08
Sorry?
Robert Holden
2:30:09
You can finish up.
2:30:10
You can
Vickie Paladino
2:30:11
finish up.
Dorothy Farley
2:30:11
CHN is a proud and honored to work with our veterans community and greatly appreciate city council support for our program.
2:30:20
We are committed to its continuation, and I thank you.
Robert Holden
2:30:23
Dar Dorothy, how do we, how do veterans get in touch with you?