Beaufort Jasper Hampton Comprehensive Health Services, Inc.

Spotlight on the BJHCHS Nutrition Team! We’re excited to celebrate the amazing work of our Nutrition Team! Recently, one of our Community Health Workers (CHWs), Ines Figueroa, was featured in the Diabetes Free SC Annual Impact Report for her outstanding contributions to diabetes care and prevention. Ines, alongside fellow CHW Robin Chaplin, is part of an initiative supported by a Blue Cross Blue Shield grant, Diabetes Free South Carolina. Over the next two years, they will be working hard to provide vital support and education to patients with diabetes across all BJHCHS centers. Whether you’re seeking resources, guidance, or personalized care, Ines and Robin are here to help you manage diabetes and improve your overall health. We’re proud of the work our Nutrition Team is doing to make a difference in our community. Let’s give them the recognition they deserve! #BJHCHS #NutritionTeam #DiabetesFreeSC

🎉 A big thank you to the Beaufort County Mobile Library for visiting and reading to our families! 📚 Your commitment to spreading the love of reading makes a difference in our community. We know the kids enjoyed their snow fight! We are also thrilled to celebrate our first Beaufort Jasper Hampton Comprehensive Health Services Parents as Teachers graduates of 2024! 👏 These amazing families have allowed us to walk alongside them, reflect together, and support them in their most important role — being their children’s first and best teachers. We are honored to witness your dedication and to be a part of your journey toward unlocking your children’s full potential! 🌟 #BJHCHSParentsAsTeachers #EarlyChildhoodEducation #CommunitySupport #FamilySuccess

The BJHCHS Agricultural Worker Program team, Diana Gonzalez and Mari Valentin, attended the 2024 Agricultural Worker Health Symposium this past week. With a focus on emerging issues in preventative, occupational, and environmental health, the event provided valuable insights to better serve agricultural workers. They also had the opportunity to visit local strawberry fields during their time there. We are excited to hear about the great things they learned and how it will help strengthen our efforts to support agricultural workers in our communities

Join us in welcoming Jhonatan Diaz, MPH, to the BJHCHS Team! We are thrilled to introduce Jhonatan Diaz, MPH, as our new Health Informatics Specialist at Beaufort Jasper Hampton Comprehensive Health Services. A native of Beaufort, South Carolina, Jhonatan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in public health, clinical research, and community health improvement. Jhonatan holds a Master of Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from the University of South Carolina, and both an Associate of Arts and Associate of Science from the Technical College of the Lowcountry. His career highlights include spearheading a health assessment project addressing diabetes in Beaufort County’s Hispanic populations and developing data-driven campaigns to promote healthy eating habits among students. With expertise in health informatics, data analysis, and public health program development, Jhonatan is passionate about leveraging data to make a meaningful impact on community health. Fun fact: During his undergraduate studies, Jhonatan played football for the University of South Carolina, which helped shape his leadership and teamwork skills. We are excited to have Jhonatan on board and look forward to his contributions to our mission of improving community health. Welcome to the team, Jhonatan!

We are excited to announce Melissa Major as the new Chief Financial Officer of Beaufort Jasper Hampton Comprehensive Health Services, Inc. Melissa Major is the Director of Reimbursement for Beaufort Jasper Hampton Comprehensive Health Services, Inc. where she is responsible for financial reporting and analysis, compliance with the Code of Federal Regulations, establishing and maintaining strong internal controls, and overseeing revenue maximization. She has been with the organization for almost nine years. Prior to joining BJHCHS, Melissa worked at Palmetto GBA where she was a Senior Auditor. She completed field engagements and desk audits of Medicare cost reports for hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies. Melissa brings over 20 years of experience in auditing, accounting, and financial management within the healthcare sector. Melissa holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Clemson University, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, and a Master of Divinity in Biblical Studies from Liberty University. Passionate about community health, she is dedicated to aligning financial strategies with the core values of BJHCHS—ensuring access to care, improving health outcomes, and expanding service delivery for the populations served. Outside of work, Melissa is the Church Administrator and Youth Pastor at Bethel #2 Pentecostal Holiness Church. She also serves as the UPCAG International Assistant Director for NextGenLeadership and Treasurer of EmpowerHer 2 Be. She enjoys traveling, listening to music, and spending quality time with family and friends. Congratulations on this new position, Melissa!

Last Friday, Beaufort Jasper Hampton Comprehensive Health Services wrapped up our World AIDS Day Awareness Week. It has been incredible to witness the support and enthusiasm as our sites participated in the “Rock the Awareness Competition.” With over 25 submissions, BJHCHS sites creatively raised awareness about HIV, Ending the Epidemic, and safer sex practices. After a close vote by the Ryan White Team, Hampton Medical Center was selected as this year’s winning “Rock of Awareness.” Congratulations to the Hampton team! The creativity and passion of the BJHCHS staff and the surrounding community are truly inspiring. Together, we are making a meaningful difference. A special thank you to Christi Whitworth, Ryan White and HOPWA Program Director, and the entire Ryan White team for their dedication to this initiative!

As part of World AIDS Day, we asked our BJHCHS Ryan White Team what inspires them in their roles or as advocates to work toward ending the HIV epidemic, and why they believe connection to HIV care is essential. Today, we’re excited to hear from our Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Faith Polkey, MD, MPH. “World Aids Day is important to me for several reasons. I lost my uncle to HIV in the late 80s. This was before any new medications and when we only had AZT. I was on my way to medical school the next year and I remember him telling me that he wanted me to find the cure for HIV. Well, I did not reach that lofty goal however I’ve been able to care for people living with HIV and AIDS for the past 30 years. The strides we have made have been incredible. As a pediatrician early in my career, I treated many babies with HIV. Now, I can’t remember the last time there was perinatally acquired HIV in my care. As CEO of our organization, I am proud of our Ryan White team and what they achieve on a daily basis caring for people living with HIV and our entire community. Living in a time where HIV is highly treatable and preventable, is nothing short of miraculous.” Faith L. Polkey, MD, MPH Chief Executive Officer

As part of World AIDS Day, we asked our BJHCHS Ryan White Team what inspires them in their roles or as advocates to work toward ending the HIV epidemic, and why they believe connection to HIV care is essential. Today, we’re excited to hear from Paige Mancourt and Shaedron Williams. Their stories highlight the passion that drives our team to make a difference! “World AIDS Day is so important for remembering those that have lost their lives, supporting people living with HIV/AIDS, and continuing to spread awareness everywhere. Since I joined the Ryan White team, many people have told me that they didn't know HIV was really still around or they don't know about all of the medical advancements that help those living with HIV to thrive and lead full lives. This really fuels my passion to continue raising awareness, standing up to stigma, and working to make sure that our patients receive the best possible care!” - Paige Mancourt “It has been an honor and call to serve and support the efforts to eliminate and also advocate for the individuals, colleagues, staff, friends, multiple agencies and friends over 30 years. Serving in the capacity of Director of Prevention, Director of Housing and Case Manager of HOPWA Housing for 4 counties single handily has been received as trust by currents and present agencies. The trust in the service that has been in stored in my service could have not been possible without the hidden staff behind scene over the years. Clients love me because of you all: Fatemah, Christian, Viola, former Director of Ryan White Charmella Tyler and the agencies that entrusted in me. In closing, I must say it has been a highlight in my live to serve as a member of “African American Men Against Aids” (White House Panel) and also to have served for two terms as SC House of Representative for this district where several million dollars where secured for HIV and other medical services.” -Shedron Williams

As part of World AIDS Day, we asked our BJHCHS Ryan White Team what inspires them in their roles or as advocates to work toward ending the HIV epidemic, and why they believe connection to HIV care is essential. Today, we’re excited to hear from Fatemah Doctor! Her story highlights the passion and dedication that drives our team to make a difference every day! “World AIDS Day, a time to reflect, honor, and raise awareness. As a social worker, I chose this career to make a real difference for people who have been directly affected—especially those in my own life, friends, and family. Each day, I strive to provide support, hope, and advocacy for those navigating the challenges of living with HIV/AIDS. My deepest hope is to live long enough to contribute to the end of this epidemic, working toward a future where no one has to suffer from the stigma, fear, and pain that HIV/AIDS has caused for far too long. Together, we can raise awareness, fight for better healthcare, and show love and support to those who need it most. Let’s stand united in this fight, today and every day”. #WorldAIDSDay #FightingForChange

December 1st marked World AIDS Day, a time to reflect on the progress made in the medical field and government programs that have improved health outcomes for people living with HIV around the world. First observed on December 1, 1988, this day calls us to honor those with lived experiences, remember those we have lost, and stand in solidarity in the effort to end this epidemic. At BJHCHS, we recognize that communities like ours play a vital role in bridging gaps, fostering change, raising awareness, and combating stigma. Together, we advocate for increased funding and impactful programs while building unity and support for those affected. To commemorate World AIDS Day, BJHCHS staff members will be wearing red on Friday, December 6th. We invite you to join us this week by wearing red to show your support for HIV awareness and advocacy. Together, we can make a difference.