March 2024 Healthcare on the Ridge Update

Adventist Health reestablishes Home Care, Hospice Services in Paradise and Butte County

Adventist Health is proud to announce that home care and hospice services have been reestablished in Paradise and Butte County, bringing compassionate end-of-life care closer to home.

This development means residents will have access to high-quality, personalized care without the need to travel far from loved ones and familiar surroundings. We are committed to providing comfort, dignity and support to patients and their families during this sensitive time.

Adventist Health is now accepting referrals for new hospice and home care patients. Our dedicated team is ready to extend a helping hand and provide the care and support that community members deserve. We believe that quality hospice and home care is an essential component of comprehensive healthcare, and we are proud to reintroduce this service to our community.

For more information or to inquire about our hospice and home care services, please feel free to reach out to Jessica Smith, our dedicated Community Liaison, at smithja03@ah.org.

Feather River Health Clinic renovation update

Adventist Health is pleased to share the latest developments in the $2.4 million renovation project at the Feather River Health Center on Skyway in Paradise. This transformative initiative aims to enhance healthcare services on the Ridge, with the renovated spaces expected to welcome patients in March 2024.

Highlights of the renovation project include a dedicated Rapid Care Clinic, as well as a remodeled lower level to increase provider capacity and patient access. It will also allow for Women’s Health clinic services to move back into the Feather River Health Center to support accessibility of services in one convenient location.

As part of the remodel, Women’s Imaging services, including mammography and bone density tests, will return to the Ridge, expected to open in early Spring 2024.

Access to care

Adventist Health has continued to welcome new providers to the Ridge to help improve access to essential care and stabilize clinic hours. This includes:

Jennifer Tomelden, MMS, PA-C

Dermatology

Jennifer is a board-certified physician assistant with extensive experience in medical dermatology care. She treats acne, eczema, psoriasis and skin cancers, provides evaluation, diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of dermatologic conditions, and offers shave/punch biopsies, incision and drainage of cysts, cryotherapy, and intralesional injections as needed for her patients. Her patient panel includes all ages, including children as young as 2 years old. To schedule an appointment with Jennifer at the Feather River Health Center at 5125 Skyway in Paradise, please call 530-872-2000.

Abdelrahman ElGendy, BDS, CAGS

Dentistry

Dr. ElGendy is dental practitioner with significant experience in general dentistry techniques and procedures. Dr. ElGendy offers comprehensive treatment plans for his patients that include fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures, sealants and more. He is skilled in creating nightguards for his patients and supports the unique dental needs of patients who use sleep apnea devices. He sees all ages, from young children to adults and older adults. To schedule an appointment with Dr. ElGendy at the Corning Health Center, located at 155 Solano Street in Corning, please call 530-876-2545.

Uzoamaka Ben-Israel, MSN, FNP-BC

Primary Care

Uzoamaka (Uzo) Ben-Israel is a family nurse practitioner who emphasizes education about healthier living as part of her practice. Uzo was inspired to become a healthcare provider by her desire to help people feel better. She provides wellness exams and vaccinations, and offers diagnosis and treatment options, disease process and management as well as lifestyle considerations for optimal health and well-being. Uzo sees patients from age 12 and up. She is from Nigeria and is fluent in English and Igbo. To schedule an appointment with Uzo at the Feather River Health Center, located at 5125 Skyway in Paradise, please call 530-872-2000.

Community Healing Garden planning moves forward

Adventist Health Feather River Health Foundation is moving forward with its initiative to establish a Community Healing Garden, which will serve as a peaceful and healing sanctuary designed to promote well-being. The garden will feature tranquil spaces, sweet-smelling plants, and educational opportunities for families.

The foundation recently hosted a community meeting to gather valuable input from residents and discuss the vision of the Community Healing Garden - which includes plans to teach classes on produce and hold events featuring farm-to-fork meals and other garden-based activities.

Feather River Health Foundation commits to supporting new initiatives in 2024

Following its efforts in 2023, which included a total donation of $200,000 to support recovery and rebuilding in the community, with proceeds benefitting the Boys & Girls Club of the North Valley, Magalia Community Park, Community Action Agency, Paradise Arts, Theater & Culture Hub (PATCH), Butte County Local Food Network, Paradise Stronger, Paradise Little League, and the Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce, Feather River Health Foundation has continued its efforts by pledging nearly $50,000 of support in the community to begin 2024.

This support will benefit the Butte County Local Food Network, Boys and Girls Club of the North Valley, Paradise Arts, Theater and Cultural Hub among other local organizations. Part of the foundation’s efforts will also help the Feather River Health Center purchase a specialized car seat to allow end-of-life patients to lay down during transport.

Commitment to communication

Adventist Health is committed to transparency and open communication. We provide monthly updates on the progress of initiatives through social media and a dedicated webpage. Your feedback is crucial to us, and we encourage you to reach out to healthcareontheridge@ah.org with any questions or concerns.

We appreciate the ongoing support from the residents of Paradise and value the trust you place in Adventist Health. Together, we are building a healthier and stronger community on the Ridge.