Promoting Health and Well-being Across Our Community

Manisha Adhikari at the Wednesdays for Women Program

Since the beginning of the year, SACSS has engaged community members through multilingual presentations. These sessions help clients better understand both their physical and mental health, including how to navigate the healthcare system. Many individuals delay or avoid care due to a lack of awareness, limited access to healthcare providers, or concerns about being uninsured. The goal of these presentations is to address those barriers directly and provide clear, practical guidance.

Each session includes a walk-through video featuring an experienced physician, designed to ease anxiety about visiting a doctor and make the healthcare process feel more approachable and understandable.

One recent Connect2Care session took place during the SACSS Wednesdays for Women program. Senior Managers Nushmia Shafique, Maria Ariza and Program Manager Manisha Adhikari led a discussion on the importance of self-care, including what it means to support and maintain personal mental health. The presentation was delivered in Hindi and Spanish to ensure accessibility. The women in this group already participate in ongoing conversations focused on their wellbeing, and this session built on that foundation by offering practical tools and guidance.

Maria Ariza and Manisha Adhikari hosting a Connect2Care lunch and learn session

The team also hosted a lunch and learn gathering. During this session, Manisha and Maria introduced the self-care presentation and connected participants to other services. Creating space for conversation in a comfortable setting allowed participants to ask questions and better understand the resources available to them.

Sushmita Diyali at the senior center

In addition to group presentations, the Health Services team continues its regular check-ins at the SACSS Senior Center. Staff work closely with seniors to help them understand Long Term Care and home care services. Senior Manager Sushmita Diyali recently provided detailed information about how Managed Long Term Care, Medicaid, and Medicare provide Durable Medical Equipment (DME), what may be covered by insurance, and how to obtain the equipment. This includes but is not limited to wheelchairs, oxygen tanks, hospital beds, walkers, ramps, and diabetes monitors. She emphasized that no one should go without essential equipment needed for recovery or precautionary safety and encouraged seniors to speak with the healthcare access team if they require assistance.