Page 28 - CANNABIS NEWS FLORIDA DECEMBER 2021

Let’s Connect: Camillus Collaboration with Lions

ACHE of South Florida Club a 'Beautiful Partnership'

Spotlight BY LOIS THOMSON

Camillus Health Concern, Inc. (CHC), which provides
primary care, behavioral health, oral health, and social
Kenneth C. Wong, services to those experiencing homelessness in Miami-
Dade County, has teamed with the Lions Club
FACHE, Chapter International to provide vision screening services to its
pediatric population.
Dr. Chandra Jennings, Medical Director of CHC and
President Family Medicine Physician, said that Camillus Health
Concern reached out in June to initiate the partnership,
and the Lions Club was happy to respond. Since 2002,
BY VANESSA ORR
Johnson and Johnson Vision has partnered with Lions
Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) to provide vision
Since the start of his term as president have per- grants called "Sight for Kids." The Florida Heiken Dr. Chandra Jennings
of ACHE of South Florida, Kenneth C. formed best Kenneth C. Wong Children's Vision Program, a division of the Miami
Wong, FACHE, has been inspired by a in roles that Lighthouse for the Blind, has collaborated with LCIF and
strong desire to deliver a mission-driven have allowed Lions Clubs in Florida to provide comprehensive vision
and member-focused year. “In a new vir- that trait to thrive,” said Wong, who has exams to children enrolled in Miami-Dade County Public
tual world pushed upon us by the pan- served in numerous capacities in the Schools. This is the first grant in the United States to
demic, we needed to find new ways to cel- healthcare field, including marketing, serve Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and St. Lucie
ebrate and engage with our members and community and physician relations, cor- Counties. Lion Jane Colona, RN, President Diabetes
supporters,” said Wong. porate strategic planning and business Retinopathy Foundation of MD-35, Florida Heiken "Sight
During his tenure, Wong continued to development for hospitals and health sys- for Kids" Miami-Dade County Chair, and Secretary-
lead the chapter’s rebranding efforts and tems. He has also been successful Treasurer Aventura-North Miami Beach Lions, has been
communications following the name throughout his career working in phar- crucial in developing this collaboration with Camillus
change last year from the South Florida maceutical and medical device market Health Concern. She explained that the purpose of these
Healthcare Executive Forum to ACHE of development for Fortune 100 companies. programs is to provide no cost eye exams and glasses to Jane Colona
South Florida. This included continuing “Volunteering for ACHE of South students. "The focus is to serve low-income and minority
to improve the chapter’s new website and Florida has given me the opportunity to communities. When we had the opportunity to meet with Camillus Health Concern,
increasing its digital presence. Wong also unite that experience in a unique and ful- this was a great way for us to get involved and partner with them."
began promoting members’ accomplish- filling way,” he said. “I’ve looked at this Dr. Jennings commented further on the importance of the collaboration: "Vision is
ments through LinkedIn, almost tripling opportunity through the lens of a busi- very significant to the overall quality of life, even more so to children. In the past year
the number of followers since December ness owner or CEO.” they've had to deal with unimaginable challenges related to being out of school and
of last year. In addition to increasing member and being socially isolated, and now returning to the classroom, they may face barriers
“Our LinkedIn page is now the most supporter engagement through the many related to missed or delayed health screenings." She added that children who have
active it has been in chapter history,” he virtual activities that were offered, Wong difficulty seeing may not be able to pay attention in school or be able to learn, causing
said. “I get a lot of satisfaction promoting shared that the chapter dedicated over them to fall behind their peers, which can result in considerable emotional stress and
our members and the value they see in $10,000 to student scholarships and delay in academic progression.
membership. I also really enjoy recogniz- $5,000 to Healthcare Heroes awards this Colona said the Lions Club has a Welch Allyn spot vision camera that provides a
ing new Fellows (FACHE) and Life year. Important changes were also made screening of the client's eyes and gives a "Pass" or "Fail" reading, as well as early
Fellows (LFACHE), since those are both to the organization’s structure, including detection of vision and eye conditions. All children who fail their screening are
huge professional accomplishments.” establishing a finance committee and a referred to community resources, usually the Florida Heiken Program, for full, dilated
As of November, the chapter has wel- Past Presidents Advisory Board. Two new eye exams and eyeglasses.
comed nearly 200 new members, includ- positions were also added to the board: Dr. Jennings reiterated, "We've been reaching out for collaborations, and this has
ing 12 new Fellows and one Life Fellow. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging been such a beautiful partnership, our patients are ecstatic. The clinics in this com-
“As president of the chapter, you have a (DEIB) and a chapter secretary. munity that serve persons who are classified as underserved and low income, really
unique opportunity to make an impact,” “As my term comes to an end, I want to do a great job of thinking strategically to meet the needs of our patients."
said Wong. “I have tried my hardest to truly and sincerely thank everyone that Colona agreed. "One thing we learned during the pandemic is that partnerships
promote a mission-driven and member- has contributed to the many accomplish- and collaboration are keeping us all going, and the wave of the future is working
focused year. I want members, sponsors, ments we’ve achieved this year. None of together in these wonderful partnerships."
and supporters to feel proud about being this could have happened without the
involved with this organization and what support of some very dedicated individu- For more information, call 305-577-4840 or visit www.camillusHEALTH.org.
it represents.” als,” Wong said. “I look forward to con-
Wong, who originally transferred to tinuing to support the chapter next year
South Florida from Boston 15 years ago as immediate past president.” Visit us on the web at
while working for a multinational distrib- ACHE of South Florida, the local chap-
www.southfloridahospitalnews.com
utor of pharmaceuticals and medical ter of the American College of Healthcare www.southfloridahospitalnews.com
products, found his niche when he joined Executives (ACHE), began in 1972 as the
ACHE of South Florida. He was intro- South Florida Healthcare Executive
duced to the organization in 2014 when Forum and serves over a thousand mem-
he was invited to serve on a panel to dis- bers spanning seven counties throughout
cuss the importance of patient segmenta- southeast Florida, from Monroe to the
tion in healthcare marketing. Soon after, Treasure Coast.
he became a member, eventually serving
on the board of directors. To learn more about ACHE of South
I’ve always been entrepreneurial and Florida, visit ACHEofSouthFlorida.org.

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