Thank you Chris Dudley, former Trailblazer star!
Your basketball camp for youth managing their diabetes, and empowering them to keep their health and athletic dreams alive is inspiring. www.chrisdudley.org
NIMAA program announcement!
Congratulations Aleida and Alejandra!
We’d also like to give a shout-out to Meili and Deya, for their support and training with the NIMAA program, and all the students you’ve helped train as new Medical Assistants. You ladies made this all possible!!
We are so proud of Aleida for her hard work and dedication throughout this intensive program, and we are equally thrilled to celebrate Alejandra’s achievement alongside her.
For those who may not be familiar, the National Institute for Medical Assistant Advancement (NIMAA) offers:
• Fast, Practical Training: An 8-month program combining online learning with hands-on clinic experience to prepare students for the MA certification exam.
• Learn by Doing: Students train directly in local clinics while learning essential skills and knowledge.
• Flexibility: Ideal for busy individuals, including parents and part-time workers.
• Supportive Environment: With continuous guidance and mentorship throughout the journey.
• Affordability: A high-quality, low-cost alternative to traditional MA programs, which can cost over $15,000.We’re excited to see what the future holds for them!
Check your vaccine records!
Vaccine reminder: This is a good time to check your records and make sure all your vaccines are up to date, including your measles vaccine.
May 2025 – Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health Awareness Month highlights the importance of mental health to ALL areas of our lives—our physical well-being, how we work and perform in school, and our ability to participate fully in family and community activities.
The need for mental health resources has greatly increased throughout Wallace’s service area over the last few years and in the broader Multnomah County and State of Oregon. Wallace is responding, thanks to a recent $1.1 million Behavioral Health Service Expansion grant from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) Health Center Program.
“Aside from diabetes and hypertension, behavioral and mental health disorders are some of the most common conditions we see at Wallace,” said Bethany Stairs DNP, Wallace’s Medical Director. “We’re excited to grow our mental health services.”
When complete, Wallace’s expanded team will include a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, a professional mental health counselor with specialization in addiction, and two behavioral health providers as well as patient coordination staff and language interpretation support. The two-year timeline calls for a 45% increase in the number of patients receiving mental health services. Along with adding capacity for behavioral and mental health support, the team will expand its ability to provide treatment for substance use disorders, expecting to serve a minimum of 150 patients in this way by the end of 2026.
“Receiving this grant right now is huge for us, and for our community,” added Stairs. “I am so proud of our team and their commitment to our patients. We’re all eager to dig in!”
