Annual Report – 2021
The mission of Chapa-De Indian Health is to advance the health and well-being of American Indians and low income individuals living in our communities by providing convenient access to high-quality, compassionate care.
Letter from Lisa
2021 was quite a year! While easily one of the most challenging years in recent history (which says a lot after 2020), the difficulties emphasized the importance of Chapa-De’s work and the amazing employees who make it possible. I am humbled to work alongside an incredible group of people who are smart, capable, incredibly resilient, and who care deeply about our patients and communities.
I am pleased to share this snapshot of what we accomplished together in 2021 and extend my sincere gratitude to the partners who helped make it all possible. Our team remains dedicated to enriching the lives of those we serve and hope for a better year for us all in 2022.
With gratitude,
Lisa Davies, MPH
Chief Executive Officer
Active & On-Going Grants
AAAHC Accreditation Survey Results
Our Newly Renovated Facilities
Budget
Revenue
68%
3rd Party Insurance Billing
& Patient Fees
19%
Indian Health Service
13%
Grants & Others
Expenses
78%
Personnel
12%
Facilities
10%
Other
Active & On-Going Grants in 2021
AAAHC Re-Accreditation
AAAHC Re-Accreditation
Achieving re-accreditation helps to show Chapa-De’s dedication to our mission and values and sets us apart from many other healthcare facilities. AAAHC is the leader in ambulatory health care accreditation. In order to receive accreditation, health care centers must meet nationally recognized standards for providing quality service. Chapa-De has had the AAAHC Primary Care accreditation for over 15 years. We are also recognized as a Patient Centered Medical Home by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).
Read more about our AAAHC re-accreditation HERE.
Newly Renovated Facilities
Newly Renovated Facilities
Chapa-De completed major renovations of more than 17,000 square feet at our health centers in Auburn and Grass Valley in 2021. Construction also continues on our new 10,000 square foot Administration Building in Grass Valley to be completed later this year. These projects ensure we have enough space to provide care to our growing communities. We also remain committed to providing a welcoming, relaxed, and updated atmosphere for patients to receive care.
Additions to the Auburn Health Center
9 new medical exam rooms
Expanded phlebotomy space
New offsite administration building
Dedicated telemedicine space
Expanded Diabetes Program Offices & Workout Room
Expanded dental offices & storage
Additions to the Grass Valley Health Center
New reception and waiting areas
5 new dental rooms and chairs
9 new medical exam rooms
Newly configured layout in all medical pods
New phlebotomy space
Dedicated telehealth space
New medical lab
Dedicated Diabetes space with new offices and group areas
Patient Visits & Key Encounters
Patient Satisfaction
Patient Testimonials
Chapa-De is dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare services to American Indians and low-income families and individuals. Chapa-De accepts Medical, Medicare and offers a sliding fee scale for uninsured patients. The relationship between a patient and their care team is vital to ensuring good outcomes. At Chapa-De our processes focus on getting to know our patients and collaborating across departments to meet their needs. Every day, we strive to deliver the best care possible and thank our patients for their trust and confidence.
Patient Numbers & Demographics
Patient Numbers
Active Patients
Patient had at least one visit in the last three years
Patient Demographics
Age
Gender
Race
Location
Patient Insurance Coverage for 2021 Calendar Year
62.60%
Medi-Cal
15%
Medicare
8%
Private Insurance
3%
Self Pay
11%
Free (AIAN)
0%
Other
Patient Income Compared to Federal Poverty Level for 2021 Calendar Year
36%
Under 100% FPL
11%
100-138% of FPL
11%
139-200% of FPL
9%
201-400% of FPL
3%
Above 400% of FPL
31%
Unknown
Patient Visits & Key Encounters
Patient Visits
Other Key Encounters
Top 10 reasons Patients Seek Care
1.  Dental Services
2.  Respiratory Symptoms
3.  Routine Child Health Examination
4.  Hypertension
5.  Depression & Anxiety
6.  Substance Use Disorder
7.  Diabetes Care
8.  Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
9.  Immunization
10.  Person under investigation for COVID-19
Patient Satisfaction
If you called to get an appointment for urgent care, did you get it?
Were you able to get an appointment for routine care within one month of your call??
Wait time includes time spent in the waiting room and exam room. Were you seen by your Care Team within 15 minutes of your appointment time?
Did your provider seem to know the important information about your medical history?
Did your provider listen carefully to you?
When you called Chapa-De, did you feel that the amount of time you spent on hold was reasonable?
Did anyone give you information about what to do if you need care during evenings, weekends, or holidays?
Data is based on feedback from patient surveys conducted in the medical department during the first half of 2021.
Patient Testimonials
I’ve always had great service here. The lady giving covid shots is hilarious. She made the trip to the doctor way more fun. I literally didn’t notice that she had given me my shot because I was too busy laughing. Then looked down and already had the Band-Aid on. Props to a great staff.
Jennifer S
A very nice and clean facility where I have found every Staff and fellow Patient extremely kind and helpful.
Matthew B
I’ve been at Chapa De since the beginning of this year upon switching to MediCal. Even throughout managing COVID, i have consistently received the most impeccable medical care of my life. Because of my collection of health conditions as well as income inequality I’ve been frequently made in my life to seek medical care facilities, i believe the world of patients and healthcare professionals would be much more harmonious if every facility I’ve ever encountered could take a cue from Chapa De. Other than the obvious convenience of everything being in one place (I can stop by and make a dentist appointment on my way out the door from picking up my prescriptions), the staff is excellent. I trust them, I feel they have my best interest at heart, I am able to be honest with them. Before Chapa De I never once have had a healthcare professional take my income/insurance obstacles into account when prescribing medication or recommending a referral; I rarely have had a doctor automatically recall my extensive medication roster when prescribing new medications; I had never expressed my specific worries to a pharmacist and had them immediately in contact with my doctor to resolve my problem; I had never encountered a patient advocate despite my obvious overwhelm (when I needed a referral for wisdom teeth removal they assigned me one who researched the stipulations of my coverage, found a provider in the area to refer me to who accepts my insurance, scheduled my appointment there, sent me a referral letter and notified me all without my prompting); I had never felt like my healthcare was a service to *me*, or a collaboration between myself and an educated, trustworthy servant who prioritizes my autonomy. At Chapa De I have never felt so genuinely cared for by the healthcare professionals I’ve been made to allow access to my body and mind. I’ve never felt so comfortable and welcome walking into a healthcare facility. I truly hope everyone who has ever needed or will need healthcare of any kind may someday have access to this kind of care.
Rachel F
Revamped Pandemic Services
The Chapa-De team has remained steadfast and committed to our communities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Being on the front lines is no easy task and our staff do it day in and day out to provide our patients and underserved communities with access to much needed vaccines, testing, medical assessments, care, and treatments.
Testing & Vaccination Numbers
COVID-19 Testing
COVID-19 Vaccines
* Includes Primary & Boosters
97%
Of Chapa-De staff are fully vaccinated and boosted to protect the health of our vulnerable patients and the wider community
COVID-19 Drive-Thru Visits
Revamped Pandemic Services
Our team also continues to provide high quality services to patients across the board. Our Diabetes Department especially was challenged to find new and effective ways to provide case management services, nutrition counselling, lifestyle coaching, and various groups and classes throughout the pandemic in virtual and remote formats.
With generous grant funding from Indian Health Service and Sutter Health, Chapa-De offered a fun new challenge for patients participating in the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP).
Participants were provided with a box of healthy food and were encouraged to share a recipe or picture of a meal that they prepared from the items in the box. This helped inspire others to incorporate tasty and healthy recipes into their weekly cooking.
Throughout 2021, the Chapa-De Diabetes Prevention Program gave out 55 food boxes. They also supported 44 individuals to lose a combined total of 333 pounds and to improve their A1C (blood sugar) level through healthy lifestyle changes.
Healing Trauma Gathering
Sierra Native Alliance COVID-19 Education
Drive-Thru Elder Christmas Party
Since our beginning, Chapa-De’s central focus has been to provide high-quality care and services to American Indians and Alaskan Natives. Every day we strive to respond in a meaningful and culturally relevant way to the health needs of this vital community. Our goal is to provide information, services and resources that support all aspects of wellbeing – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.
Our Commitment
During the pandemic, we heard from many patients who were missing gatherings, festivals, and everyday social interactions and connections. We recognized the sacrifices the community was making to keep everyone safe. We decided to reintroduce Chapa-De News as a means to connect with each other and American Indian culture. Each quarter, Chapa-De News features stories, traditions, and Native wisdom. We also let patients know what is going on at Chapa-De, telling them about services and programs available to them and their families.
Healing Trauma Gathering
On October 23rd Chapa-De brought together community members in response to the news of bodies found in unmarked graves at Indian Boarding Schools. These discoveries brought back painful memories. American Indian people have endured countless historical injustices including having their children forcibly removed from their homes to attend government-run boarding schools. Although a difficult topic to discuss, this gathering allowed people to start the process of long-term healing from unspoken traumas of the past and end the cycle of trauma for future generations. The gathering included a blessing, guest speakers from the Native Wellness Institute, and singing and drumming by the Bringing Medicine Drum Group.
Sierra Native Alliance COVID-19 Education
Chapa-De and Sierra Native Alliance have collaborated throughout the pandemic to share evidence-based information with our communities and to ensure access to COVID-19 testing, care and vaccines. One of our projects (made possible by generous grant support from Placer Community Foundation) included creating a series of six vaccine education videos. The videos have been viewed over 14,000 times on YouTube.
Drive-Thru Elder Christmas Party
One way we honor our Native Elders is with an annual Christmas party. For the second year in a row, we have hosted this event as a Drive-Thru party at each of our health centers to ensure safety during the pandemic. We were pleased to hand-out a holiday card, a sage bundle, and a gift card to 230 Elders in 2021. Chapa-De invites all American Indian Elders who are patients at Chapa-De to participate in the annual holiday party, we start accepting RSVPs in November each year.
Staff Testimonials
The Chapa-De team has remained at the service of the community throughout everything we endured in 2021. From spending numerous hours in rain, wind and heat while delivering medical care in our parking lots, to arriving at work through the wildfires and winter storms, our team has shown up. Beyond everything else, we want our team to know how grateful we are for their dedication, resilience and unmatched compassion. Here are some of the ways were able to shown our commitment and gratitude.
Our Commitment to Our Staff
Upgraded Employee Assistance Program
We enacted a new Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Concern Health in July. This is a free benefit for our employees and their immediate family. It includes video, phone, or chat therapy, referrals for legal or financial problems, child and adult family care resources, and access to a mindfulness program designed specifically for healthcare workers.
Staff Appreciation Luncheons
In May, we hosted a luncheon at each health center to celebrate our amazing staff members. We safely gathered in a socially-distanced outdoor venue and provided free lunches to be enjoyed with music, games, and coworkers.
Chapa-De Rocks Staff Event
At the end of April, we hosted a Chapa-De Rocks Virtual Jam Session. This was the first opportunity for all staff members to gather since the start of the pandemic. Employees participated in a variety of fun music themed activities that allowed the team to decompress and share some laughs and smiles.
All Staff Meeting Focused on Wellbeing
On October 21, our full team gathered at the Nevada County Fairgrounds for an outdoor meeting focused on healing, resiliency, and the general wellbeing of our employees. This was the first time all staff members were able to get together in-person since the start of the pandemic, producing many smiles and a few tears.
Bonuses
We are proud to have awarded extra bonuses to our employees in 2021. Chapa-De annually provides a year-end bonus. Employees also received a vaccine appreciation bonus to thank them for protecting themselves, vulnerable patients, and coworkers. They also received a mid-year appreciation bonus.
Paid COVID-19 Leave
Chapa-De afforded employees over 4,750 hours of paid leave in 2021. All of our employees were eligible for COVID-19 leave if they could not physically come into the office or telework due to a qualifying COVID-19 related reason. Full-time employees were able to take up to 2 weeks (80 hours) leave. Part-time employees were eligible to take the number of hours they were normally scheduled to work over a two-week period.
Half Day Fridays
For four weeks at the end of the summer, we closed early on Fridays to give our team additional time to rest and practice self-care. This was beneficial to our staff members as this extra time allowed them to rejuvenate and continue to provide patients with the best care possible.
Staff Testimonials
At Chapa-De, the leadership team places trust and confidence in its employees and there is ample opportunity for career growth and advancement.
Tara Williams – Tactical Registered Dental Assistant
Dentists and Registered Dental Assistants work together with a sense of equality. We are a team, and our core focus is on providing patients with the best care possible.
Susan Sauter – Registered Dental Assistant
Chapa-De supports its team and provides exceptional benefits, which allows me to have a healthy work-life balance and enjoy my time away from work with the ones I love most.
Donna Jenkins – Patient Services Representative
As a part of the wonderful team at Chapa-De, I was able to take advantage of our loan repayment program and received a significant award which has greatly impacted my student loans and career.
Dr. Esther Song – Dentist
I feel fortunate to live and work in a region that provides ample opportunities for adventures, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when low-risk outdoor activities are encouraged.
Dr. Marlowe Dieckmann – Family Practice
As a Registered Nurse at Chapa-De, I have been given the opportunity to use my experience and skillset to play an integral role in the planning and implementation of patient care. I feel respected and motivated by a talented, compassionate team. Above all, I love the diversity and kindness of my co-workers.
Kirk Reed – Registered Nurse
Board of Directors & Leadership Roster
Board of Directors
Brenda Adams
Chapa-De Board Chair
UAIC Tribal Member
Gene Whitehouse
Chapa-De Board Secretary
UAIC Tribal Member
David Keyser
Chapa-De Board Vice-Chair
UAIC Tribal Member
Jason Camp
Chapa-De Board Member
UAIC Tribal Member
John L. Williams
Chapa-De Board Member
UAIC Tribal Member
Leadership Team
Lisa Davies, MPH
Chief Executive Officer
Sierk Haitsma
Chief Financial Officer
Darla Clark, MPA
Chief Operations Officer
Eric Osborn
Chief Information Officer
Anthony Reyes, MHRM
Chief Administrative Officer
Pauline Karunakaran, DDS
Dental Director
Alinea Stevens, MD
Medical Director
Amy Eargle, PhD
Behavioral Health Director
Nicole Conzoner, RN
Director of Nursing
Brandon Bettencourt, RN
Director of Quality and Patient Engagement
Debbie Arvay
Medical Practice Manager
Katie Aplanalp
Dental Practice Manager