Health First’s Top Five News Stories of 2021 Highlights Health System’s Commitment to Brevard

Health First has grown a lot in the last year

After reviewing tons of articles, we want to highlight and share our most impactful moments that resonated with you and our readers.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – From welcoming the first New Year’s babies of Brevard County to our front-line associates working nonstop as the hands that heal, we at Health First have grown a lot in the last year.

Every day, our clinicians and staff kept learning and experiencing more than the day before, and we made sure to capture these special moments in stories we shared with each of you.

Below are our top five stories of 2021, which highlight who we are – a community, friend and trusted neighborhood healthcare provider you’ve grown to love and depend on. 

Health First Health Plans’ Medicare Advantage Members Embrace Digital Tools

Pandemic or not, our Medicare Advantage members still needed care and answers about their health plan. COVID-19 made this difficult. However, technology was a crucial solution. Our Virtual Options helped our members explore additional options with the care they need in ways that work best for them.

Now, so many are using this technology every day. And those who might have initially been unsure are gratefully embracing it.

Health First Has Plans for Life’s ‘Unexpected Challenges’

For many of us, last year wasn’t easy. We weren’t sure what to expect. And what we thought was certainty came with doubt and cloudiness. Fortunately, a helpful local resource is helping folks prepare for the good, the bad – and the totally unexpected.

Health First’s Behavioral Wellness (formerly Senior Behavioral Wellness) teaches new coping skills and strategies that focus on emotional well-being and mental health. Our experts are here to decrease levels of anxiety, irritability and even rage, as well as help with levels of motivation and productivity and problem solving.

Health First Physician Leads by Example – and Strives to Repair African-Americans’ Trust in Medicine

For years, as a result of mistreatment, medical misinformation and skepticism have circulated in the black community. There’s been doubt, fear and mistrust that their voices are being heard and understood.

However, Dr. Angela Njoku is stepping up to the plate. And it starts with COVID-19 vaccines and rebuilding the bridge of trust. Minority healthcare leaders are crucial when it comes to helping everyone understand, trust and welcome medicine when it comes to saving lives.

Recovered from COVID-19? Why Health First’s Chief Clinical Officer Still Recommends a Vaccine

Our quest for a better tomorrow was at an all-time high in 2021. Yet, we didn’t give up. We handled the uncertainty together as more Americans were getting vaccinated.

However, some of us questioned if we should still get the vaccine if we’ve already had a positive COVID-19 test result. Dr. Jeffery Stalnaker provided a simple answer – absolutely. The vaccine goal is not only to help protect you but build an important layer of protection our community needs to help keep everyone safe.

Scared to Get a Colonoscopy? We Debunk the Myths

Sure, people like to make jokes about colonoscopies. No one really likes to talk about getting a health screening for one of the most personal of places. But there’s nothing funny about colorectal cancer. Simply put, a colonoscopy could potentially save your life. Read how our experts breakdown six myths to keep in mind for you or a loved one.

For these stories and all of our news stories, visit HF.org/news_and_events.

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