North Side Christian Health Center will be closed for Thanksgiving:
Thursday, November 28
Friday, November 29
Saturday, November 30
Giving Tuesday inspires and reminds us how important it is to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity, on this day and every day.
For more than 30 years, generous donors have supported North Side Christian Health Center's mission to provide high quality primary health care to the underserved on the Northside and surrounding neighborhoods. Your generous gift today will instantly and meaningfully impact our patients.
Pittsburgh Magazine's Give Big Pittsburgh will raise money for North Side Christian Health Center and other nonprofits through a single online donation platform, providing a simple way to connect donors to the charitable causes they care about most. This 24-hour online fundraising effort, hosted by Pittsburgh Magazine and local sponsors, offers nonprofits the chance to raise funds to support their critical missions.
For some of our North Side neighbors a daily meal is a choice between food and other crucial needs—like medicine, rent, or childcare. Thanks to a generous collaboration with Pittsburgh Community Services Inc and Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank we have the opportunity to bridge this gap.
Starting in September and continuing on the first Thursday of every month for the rest of 2024, we will be offering free produce at NSCHC to our neighbors in need.
North Side Christian Health Center will be closed for Christmas:
Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Wednesday, December 25, 2024
North Side Christian Health Center will be closed:
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
After the holiday festivities the New Year is the perfect time to turn our focus back on health!
Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight is important for overall health and can help you prevent and control many diseases and conditions. When you are overweight you’re at higher risk of developing serious health problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, gallstones, and breathing problems, among others.
Many factors can contribute to a person’s weight. These factors include environment, family history and genetics, metabolism (the way your body changes food and oxygen into energy), and behavior or habits.
Follow a healthy diet, and if you are overweight or obese, reduce your daily intake by 500 calories for weight loss
Are physically active
Limit the time you spend being physically inactive
As we reflect on the contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, we’re reminded that his legacy calls for the health and well-being of local communities. We’re proud to embody Dr. King’s vision for human rights and equality.
Monday, January 20, 2025
A healthy heart is vital to overall wellness, and critical to readiness and optimizing performance. Cardiovascular disease — including heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure — is the number one killer of men and women in the United States. Lowering your risk factors for heart disease is critical to your health and helps improve readiness and mission performance.
Knowing the risk factors, warning signs, and symptoms of heart disease is key to avoiding serious health complications, including death, but many people don’t know the signs.
High blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol, and smoking are key risk factors for heart disease.
Warning signs of heart disease include fatigue, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, among other symptoms.
Chest pain or discomfort.
Upper body pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or upper stomach.
Shortness of breath.
Nausea, lightheadedness, or cold sweats.
Eat a balanced, healthy diet, low in sodium, cholesterol, and saturated fat (the Mediterranean diet is considered an excellent model).
Get at least 2.5 hours a week of physical activity.
Get seven to eight hours of sleep.
Manage stress.
Don't use tobacco.
Keep alcohol consumption low.
Friday, April 18, 2025
Saturday, April 19, 2025
May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month and the timing is perfect because it's peak allergy season!
Allergens, substances that cause allergies, can trigger asthma. Asthma is a chronic disease of the lungs that causes wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing. It can occur at any age, but is most commonly diagnosed during childhood. Nationally, nearly one in 13 school-age children have asthma, and that rate is rising more rapidly in preschool-aged children and those living in urban inner cities than in any other group. Asthma that is not well-controlled can greatly limit a person's quality of life.
Common allergens that can exacerbate asthma include dust mites, cockroaches, pollen, molds, animal allergens, and rodents.
Asthma rates are not the same across demographic groups. Non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous groups have the highest asthma rates compared to other races and ethnicities. Structural racism and discrimination, limited access to quality health care, and environmental pollution contribute to asthma rate disparities.
North Side Christian Health Center is proud to provide culturally competent and inclusive services to everyone, including the LGBTQIA+ community.
Juneteenth is a day for celebration, but it is also a day for reflection and action. Let us use this day to build a more just and equitable future for all.
June 20 marks World Refugee Day, a global observance honoring those forced to flee their homes. It's a poignant reminder of the challenges refugees face and the collective responsibility to protect their rights, support their integration, and seek solutions to their hardships.
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to bring awareness to the unique struggles that racial and ethnic minority communities face regarding mental illness in the US. Mental health conditions do not discriminate based on race, color, gender, or identity.
Racial and ethnic minorities often suffer from poor mental health outcomes due to multiple factors, including lack of access to quality mental health care services, cultural stigma surrounding mental health care, discrimination, and overall lack of awareness about mental health.
NSCHC’s Behavioral Health Department, under the leadership of Dr. Cathy Sigmund, specializes in developing culturally informed behavioral health and community wellness services within the ethnic minority, refugee, immigrant, and other underserved communities.
Keep a fire extinguisher, bucket of water, or garden hose handy, in case of fire or other mishap.
Light fireworks one at a time, then move away from the fireworks device quickly.
Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water, and throw them away.
Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
Never point or throw fireworks (including sparklers) at anyone.
After fireworks complete their burning, to prevent a trash fire, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding the device.
Make sure fireworks are legal in your area, and only purchase and set off fireworks that are labeled for consumer (not professional) use.
Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
North Side Christian Health Center is proud to celebrate National Health Center Week (NHCW) 2025 August 3-9. This annual event highlights the essential role Community Health Centers play in improving public health and advancing health equity. Health centers represent the nation’s largest primary care network, serving 31.5 million patients nationwide.
With a mission to make high-quality, affordable care available to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay or insurance status, health centers save lives on the front lines of our nation’s most pressing public health challenges. They are powered by a workforce of nearly 300,000 dedicated professionals who not only prevent illness but also address the social drivers that may cause it -- climate change, homelessness, substance use disorders, food insecurity and behavioral health.
One in 5 uninsured people
One in 3 people living in poverty
One in 7 rural residents
Nearly 9 million children
400,000 veterans
This year’s NHCW celebration is sponsored by the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). To learn more about the mission and accomplishments of health centers, visit www.nachc.org.
#NHCW25
Thank you to our staff and healthcare providers who dedicate countless hours and limitless passion to serving our patients!
You don’t have to stop smoking in one day. Start with day one. Let the Great American Smokeout event on the third Thursday in November be your day to start your journey toward a smoke-free life. You’ll be joining thousands of people acros the country who smoke in taking an important step toward a healthier life and reducing your cancer risk.
About 34 million American adults still smoke cigarettes, and smoking remains the single largest preventable cause of death and illness in the world. Smoking causes an estimated 480,000 deaths every year, or about 1 in 5 deaths.
While the rates of cigarette smoking have declined over the past several decades, from 42% in 1965 to 14% in 2019, the gains have been inconsistent. Some groups smoke more heavily or at higher rates and suffer disproportionately from smoking-related cancer and other diseases. These populations tend to be those who experience inequities in multiple areas of their lives, including those at lower socioeconomic levels, those without college degrees, American Indians/Alaska natives, African American/Black communities, LGBTQ communities, those in the military, those with behavioral health conditions, and others.
No matter your age or how long you’ve been smoking, quitting improves health both immediately and over the long term. Giving up smoking is a journey, and it can be hard, but you can increase your chances of success with a good plan and support. Getting help through counseling and medications doubles or even triples your chances of quitting successfully.
We have reached capacity for the Mission Vision Clinic and are no longer taking appointments. We hope to schedule another clinic very soon!
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NSCHC is once again partnering with Mission Vision to conduct a free eye exam and glasses clinic at the Middle Street office on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.
Clinic appointments are not restricted to current NSCHC patients - all interested individuals are eligible to participate. No insurance coverage is needed.
Eye exams will be conducted on site at Middle Street. Glasses, if prescribed, can be picked up at this location approximately three weeks after the exam.
There are limited appointments available and will be scheduled on a first come first serve basis.
For some of our North Side neighbors a daily meal is a choice between food and other crucial needs—like medicine, rent, or childcare. Thanks to a generous collaboration with Pittsburgh Community Services Inc and Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank we have the opportunity to bridge this gap.
Starting in September and continuing on the first Thursday of every month for the rest of 2024, we will be offering free produce at NSCHC to our neighbors in need.
North Side Christian Health Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and a member of Three Rivers Alliance of Community Health Centers (TRACHC) will be staffing a referral table at the Mission of Mercy event this weekend. NSCHC staff will connect event participants to ongoing dental, medical, or behavioral health care, and Dr. Lucia Covato, Chief Dental Officer, will be treating patients in the dental clinic.
Last year over 7,000 dental, vision or audiology procedures or assessments were provided in two days.
All services are provided on a first come - first served basis. No appointments and no patient preregistration. Clinic services will be stopped when we reach capacity based on patient needs and volunteer attendance.
Click here for more information about Mission of Mercy: https://mompgh.org
North Side Christian Health Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and a member of Three Rivers Alliance of Community Health Centers (TRACHC) will be staffing a referral table at the Mission of Mercy event this weekend. NSCHC staff will connect event participants to ongoing dental, medical, or behavioral health care, and Dr. Lucia Covato, Chief Dental Officer, will be treating patients in the dental clinic.
Last year over 7,000 dental, vision, or audiology procedures or assessments were provided in two days.
All services are provided on a first come - first served basis. No appointments and no patient preregistration. Clinic services will be stopped when we reach capacity based on patient needs and volunteer attendance.
Click here for more information about Mission of Mercy: https://mompgh.org
Tickets are no longer on sale, but you can still support Faith Renewed by making a donation ❤️
For some of our North Side neighbors a daily meal is a choice between food and other crucial needs—like medicine, rent, or childcare. Thanks to a generous collaboration with Pittsburgh Community Services Inc and Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank we have the opportunity to bridge this gap.
Starting in September and continuing on the first Thursday of every month for the rest of 2024, we will be offering free produce at NSCHC to our neighbors in need.
For some of our North Side neighbors a daily meal is a choice between food and other crucial needs—like medicine, rent, or childcare. Thanks to a generous collaboration with Pittsburgh Community Services Inc and Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank we have the opportunity to bridge this gap.
Starting in September and continuing on the first Thursday of every month for the rest of 2024, we will be offering free produce at NSCHC to our neighbors in need.
NSCHC is participating in The Pittsburgh Foundation’s #OneDay Critical Needs Alert, a one day fundraising event for organizations that support basic needs and the safety net of essential human services in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties.
Between 8 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. on August 6 go to pittsburghgives.org to make your gift.
Your support is essential to helping us achieve our mission of providing whole-person primary health care to underserved people, and will profoundly impact the healthcare experience we provide to those who need it most.
$17.00 = THE PRESCRIPTION CO-PAY FOR AN UNINSURED PATIENT
NSCHC subsidizes the co-pay for prescriptions when patients are uninsured or have high-co-pays.
$45.00 = TRANSPORTATION FOR A REFUGEE FAMILY
NSCHC often provides a cab ride for the patients who do not yet have the language skills to navigate Pittsburgh's mass transit system.
$104.00 = ASTHMA TREATMENT FOR ADULT AND PEDIATRIC PATIENTS
Over 60% of our patients have a chronic condition and for many that includes asthma. Even the insured often struggle to pay for routine meds if they have a high deductible plan.
$205.00 = THE COST OF A VISIT FOR AN UNINSURED PATIENT
NSCHC never turns anyone away based on their ability to pay. Patients pay a nominal fee if it is out of pocket, typically 10% or less of the reimbursement rate of an uninsured patient: $205.00.
$498.00 = LAB WORK OR DENTURES
Dentures aren't only for the elderly - they're also for young patients with untreated diabetes, poor oral hygiene practices, or poor diets. And those with medical insurance may still lack dental insurance.
$1,320.00 = ONE YEAR OF CARE AT NSCHC
In 2021 the average cost per patient was $1,320. This is not enough to cover the cost of the excellent care patients receive at NSCHC. We rely on grants and your generosity to cover the rest.
The Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community is an annual fundraising walk that benefits local health and human service nonprofit organizations.
The Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community events have raised more than $18.4 million for 550+ health & human service nonprofit organizations.
We’re pleased to walk again this year and we hope you will join us!
7:45 AM: Walker Registration Begins (for people who did not register prior to walk day)
8:30 AM: Opening Ceremony
9:00 AM: 5K Walk Begins
9:15 AM: 1 Mile Fun Walk Begins
Allegheny Health Network (AHN) and Highmark Health will launch a new program to perform free Echocardiogram Screenings at North Side Christian Health Center’s Middle Street office on June 21, 2024.
The AHN Cardiovascular Institute will be performing the screenings. This program is being provided because overwhelming data shows that patients of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds have an increased prevalence of heart disease. A sonographer from AHN will be on site at the Middle Street office to perform the tests. There is no cost for the tests or to receive your results. Anyone who is not currently under the care of a cardiologist and has unexplained, non-emergency chest pain, shortness of breath, passing out, or leg swelling can call to receive a free screening.
An echocardiogram uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart. This common test can show blood flow through the heart and heart valves. Your health care provider can use the pictures from the test to find heart disease and other heart conditions. This service is available to all NSCHC patients and to non-patients. This research project aims to gather information regarding heart health in our area. Baseline demographic data and echo results data will be collected for research purposes. All results will be shared with the patient within 7 to 10 business days. Results will also be shared with the patient’s PCP for follow-up care if needed.
This service is provided by appointment only on Friday, June 21 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Please contact NSCHC staff at 412-321-4001 to schedule an appointment.
North Side Christian Health Center will be closed:
Monday, May 27, 2024
Connect with more than 50 employers, service organizations, and training providers.
Full and part-time opportunities available.
Attendees registered by April 19 will be entered into a drawing to win two Club Level Pirates tickets.
National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) reminds us of the important role of vaccines in preventing diseases that pose serious threats to infants such as measles and whooping cough.
Ensuring that infants receive timely immunizations is paramount in protecting them from preventable diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a vaccination schedule starting from birth and continuing through early childhood to provide maximum protection against a range of illnesses.
By adhering to the recommended immunization schedule, parents and caregivers not only shield their children from potentially life-threatening diseases but also contribute to the concept of herd immunity. This collective protection benefits the entire community, including those who may be unable to receive certain vaccines due to medical reasons.
In addition to routine childhood vaccinations, recent years have seen the development of innovative vaccines that offer protection against emerging threats, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The rapid development and deployment of vaccines against the novel coronavirus serve as a testament to the power of scientific collaboration and innovation in safeguarding public health.
North Side Christian Health Center encourages you to make sure your child's vaccines are up to date. Call 412-321-4001 to schedule an appointment, or if you have any questions about infant vaccinations.
#ivax2protect
Join Bethel Assembly of God to promote community wellness with community organizations that provide great services to our area.
Organizations on site:
Resolve
TRAC
Light of Life
Northside Christian Health Center
Teen Challenge
Pressley Ridge
Safe Families
Christian Counseling Associates
National Physician Week takes place each year from March 25 - March 31 and includes National Doctor's Day on March 30. This is a week for all physicians to be recognized by their patients, celebrated by their peers, and take pride in the hard work that they do.
We'd like to especially acknowledge the NSCHC providers who devote so much to our patients and our organization.
This is an opportunity to reflect on the broader challenges facing the healthcare system. From addressing disparities in access to healthcare to tackling public health crises, doctors are at the forefront of efforts to improve the health and quality of life for all individuals.
#NationalPhysiciansWeek #ThanksDoc
Dentistry plays a vital role in maintaining overall health and well-being, often overlooked by many. Beyond the common perception of dentistry as merely addressing dental issues, it is an essential component of preventive healthcare that contributes significantly to one's overall health. In this article, we explore the various ways in which dentistry is crucial to achieving and sustaining good health.
Oral health is intricately connected to the health of the entire body. Poor oral hygiene can lead to various systemic issues, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and respiratory problems. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings help prevent and identify potential issues early on, reducing the risk of systemic complications.
Dentistry emphasizes preventive care to avoid the development of dental diseases. Regular cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental exams are essential in preventing cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. By addressing problems at their early stages, dentists help patients avoid more significant and costly treatments down the line.
Healthy teeth and gums are crucial for proper nutrition. Dental problems, such as missing or decayed teeth, can hinder an individual's ability to chew and digest food effectively. Dentistry ensures that individuals can maintain a balanced and nutritious diet, supporting their overall health and vitality.
While aesthetic concerns may seem secondary, the appearance of one's teeth can have a significant impact on self-esteem and confidence. Cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as teeth whitening and orthodontic treatments, not only improve the appearance of the smile but also contribute to an individual's overall well-being and social interactions.
Dentistry is not just about treating dental issues; it is a cornerstone of preventive healthcare and a key player in maintaining optimal overall health. Regular dental check-ups, cleanings, and adopting good oral hygiene practices are essential components of a holistic approach to well-being. By recognizing the importance of dentistry, individuals can pave the way for a healthier and happier life.
Has it been awhile? Call 412.321.4001 to schedule a dental visit!
Protect yourself and your loved ones this flu season by getting your annual flu vaccine.
The flu is a respiratory disease caused by a virus that attacks the nose, throat, and lungs. Illness is usually mild or moderate, not requiring hospitalization. However, at times flu can be severe, even leading to death. It is not the same as the "stomach flu." Flu symptoms include fever, dry cough, sore throat, headache, extreme tiredness, and body aches. These symptoms usually begin suddenly and might be severe enough to stop your daily activities.
People age 65 and older.
Young children, especially those under 2 years old.
Pregnant women.
People with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease.
American Indian and Alaska Natives.
Although these groups are at highest risk, anyone can become very sick with flu.
No. Some people get a mild fever or have discomfort for a short time after being vaccinated, but this is a sign that your body is responding to the vaccine. It is not the flu. Also, because there are many viruses circulating during flu season, it is possible to get sick with a different virus at this time.
Call 412.321.4001 to schedule an appointment to receive your flu vaccine.
North Side Christian Health Center has been chosen by Americares/Walgreen’s to be a site for FREE flu vaccines for uninsured patients in our area. The Flu Clinic will take place at the NSCHC Middle Street location on Thursday, November 16, 2023, from 10 am – noon. This event is free and open to the public.
A representative from Evolve Insurance Group will be on hand to assist with Medicare enrollment. Barbara James, NSCHC Benefit Eligibility Coordinator, will be available to answer any questions regarding Medicaid Open Enrollment. Barbara is a certified PENNIE Assister.
This FREE Vaccine Clinic is open to all uninsured people, not just current NSCHC patients.
Learn about different types of trauma (e.g., personal, community, ethnic-racial, societal), and related multi-level impacts.
Hear local and global panelists share stories, concerns, hope, and interventions.
Participate in mini-workshops on developing self-care, community, faith- and church-based trauma care strategies, and wellness hubs.
Network with public and behavioral health professionals, nonprofits, ethnic communities, and faith-based entities in developing local trauma care initiatives.
Participate in an International Welcoming Cultural Lunch Session
Wells of Refuge Conference - Registration Link
Early Bird (Prior to September 15): $15 per person (includes Lunch)
September 16-October 15, 2023: $20 per person (includes Lunch)
After October 15th: $25 per person (includes Lunch)
Scholarships Available for Community Members, Health Workers and Volunteers
$50 per Table (includes table, chairs, lunch and registration for two people)
Dr. Cathy Sigmund, NSCHC Chief Behavioral Officer
All funds raised go directly to patient care services. NSCHC provides comprehensive health care in Medical, Dental, & Behavioral Health.
Dr. Mark Guy · Dr. Daniel Holt · Dr. Todd Wahrenberger
$175 each (limited to 50 guests)
5:30 – 6:30 Early Admission & VIP reception
Meet & Mingle with this year’s Honorary Chairs
$125 each (limited to 250 guests)
6:30 – 9:30 Dinner & Program
Full Dinner Buffet
Awards Presentation
Music by Kenny Stockard Band
Complimentary Wine & Beer (Cash Bar)
Private tables of 8 are available at the VIP and General Admission level
Join us for a family-friendly day of activities, including face painting, games, inflatables, a next-gen hangout lounge, photo stations, lots of food trucks, and a Gospel worship experience in the park! We can’t wait to see you there!
10:00 am – Kenny Stockard
10:30 am – UIF Children’s Choir
11:00 am – ACAC Worship
12:00 pm – UIF Jazz Band
12:30 pm – Dan Getkin and the Twelve Six
1:00 pm – Steel City Revival
1:30 pm – Zanetta Butler
The board of directors, staff, and volunteers of North Side Christian Health Center invite you to join us for our most important fundraiser of the year.
On this unique day of giving your generous gift will help NSCHC fulfill our mission to provide whole-person primary health care to underserved people on the Northside and surrounding neighborhoods regardless of their ability to pay.
Cheer on the Pirates and give to NSCHC at the same time!
