HILL HEALTH CORPORATION

Company News    

Employees and Departments Recognized

The Hill Health Corporation recognizes its employees and departments/programs which go above and beyond the call of duty in carrying out the mission of the organization.

376 Columbus Torn Down

Hill Health Center contractor Elm City Recycling demolishes a delapidated Columbus Avenue garage today with funds from New Haven's Community Development Block Grant Program.

Employees Honored by Youth Continuum

Bob Windom, Heather Oberlander, and Kathy Stone were honored by Youth Continuum at the annual Youth Continuum Awards breakfast, for the work they do with the children served by that program. 

Breast Cancer Awareness Day

Hill Health Center observed Breast Cancer Awareness Day Oct. 9 with an information table and a visit by the Mammography Van.  Pictured are Iris Torres (right) and Katherine Gonzalez (left).

Hill Health Center Sending Diabetes Prevention Team to Washington DC

Four members of Hill Health Center's Diabetes Prevention Program will be attending a third Learning Session in Washington DC in November 2003.  Through these learning sessions, pilot prevention teams have the opportunity to:

• Learn from faculty and colleagues.
• Receive individual coaching from faculty members.
• Gather new knowledge on the subject matter and process improvement.
• Share experiences and collaborate on improvement plans.
• Problem-solve improvement barriers.

Nursing Director Appointed

Hill Health Center has appointed Valerie Vargas, RN, of Madison as director of nursing (left).
Valerie has more than 20 years nursing experience in Connecticut, New York and New Mexico. The Center's Nursing Department of 30 staff covers six medical clinics and the tuberculosis and disability programs. Before coming to the Center, Vargas worked as nurse manager at the Community Health Center of Clinton.

Summer Gospel Festival
The Amistad Village Project is sponsoring its third Gospel Fest at Quinnipiac Terrace Social Hall, Front Street, New Haven on September 24 at 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.. The event is open to the New Haven community.

The event will also include soul food, testimonies, witness to recovery and African art displays
 

The Amistad Village Project provides culturally appropriate intensive outpatient substance abuse treatment which facilitates recovery, assures opportunity for after-care services and strengthens re-integration into the community for African-American men and women.
 

The Project is a program of the Hill Health Center. For information call Sue, 503-3480.

Domestic Violence Day - October 9
In an effort to acknowledge the importance of the issue of domestic violence, the Hill Health Center will be participating in national Health Cares about Domestic Violence Day to promote awareness of this pervasive issue by distributing informational materials and being available for questions.

An information table will be located at Hill Health Center, 428 Columbus Avenue, in the lobby. Representatives from the following programs will staff it from 1:30 to 4:30: Grant Street Partnership, office of the Patient Advocate, Adult Psychiatric Clinic, Public Housing Primary Care Program, along with representatives from CCCC (Coordinating Council for Children in Crisis) and Domestic Violence Services of Greater New Haven.

Helping EZ Workers to Stay Employed

Now that you've got it, don't let it go! Getting that job you want can be tough. Keeping it can be even more difficult. Often, how you do at work is directly affected by what's going on in your life.

In partnership with the Hill Health Center, Empower New Haven has created strategies that can generate solutions to make your life easier, which in turn makes keeping your job easier.

A grant from Empower New Haven has allowed Hill Health Center to start an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Located at Northside, 226 Dixwell Avenue, New Haven, the EAP aims to assist ANY resident of the Empowerment Zones (EZ) in New Haven to remain employed. The EZ neighborhoods are Hill, Dwight, Dixwell, Newhallville, Fair Haven and West Rock

According to Sherri Killins, Empower New Haven director, "The purpose of the EAP is to give employed EZ residents critical support and resources to identify and manage barriers to their sustaining employment, to prevent loss of employment and time from work, and to connect them with community services and resources."

Northside Director David Borzellino said: "Our case management and clinical staff will assess the resident's barriers to maintaining employment and will then develop a solution-based plan. The EAP staff will be able to assist residents in many ways, including counseling for substance abuse or psychiatric issues, referrals to various levels of care; linkages to appropriate social service agencies; helping find child care, transportation and vocational services."

Barriers to employment include, but are not limited to the following: work-related issues: health, marital, domestic violence, family, child and elder-care, transportation, financial, alcohol, drug, legal, emotional, stress, sexual abuse, gambling, or other personal issues.

EAP can support EZ workers by: (1)working with case managers and finding counseling for work-related and domestic issues and other personal issues, (2) assisting in finding day care, or assisting with family or personal illness, (3) providing counseling to deal with a substance abuse problem, or (4) assisting in finding transportation to and from work.

Call 503- 3474 to learn how to make "Keeping Your Job" easier.

Health Center Wins Grant to Help Pregnant Teens
The Hill Health Center Perinatal Program has received a $1.2 million, five-year grant from the U.S. Office of Adolescent Pregnancy Programs. "The funds will support comprehensive case management, health and parenting education and other support services to pregnant and parenting teens enrolling in the Young Parents Outreach Program (YPOP)," according to Renee Dinkins, perinatal coordinator.

Hill Health Urges Exercise

As obesity rates increase in Connecticut and around the nation, Hill Health Center is observing National Health Center week by urging the community to exercise.

To help encourage exercise, the Center has produced an exercise directory and map of the Hill neighborhood and is introducing a free exercise program. You can climb, you can canoe, you can walk, you can run, you can swim, all within blocks of your home.

Fifteen to nineteen percent of Connecticut adults report being obese, an increase of 5% since 1991, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

Physical activity is not only about trying to lose weight and take off excess fat. Being active and exercising reduces the risk of dying from coronary heart disease, the number one cause of death in the U.S. Physical activity can benefit people of all ages, from children to the elderly, by controlling weight gain, reducing falls among the elderly, relieving arthritis pain, building healthy muscles and bones and even reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Being overweight also cuts across economic lines. The rich, the poor and those in the middle -- all are getting fat. Fortunately, given the Hill's reatively high poverty level, Hill residents have free access to many exercise opportunities. Here at Clemente School there is an outdoor track. Over at Hill Career High School, there is an indoor track and swimming pool.

At the Hill Health Center, we are emphasizing exercise as a way to prevent and reduce many risk factors for cardiovascular disease. From simple walking to more rigorous wall climbing, a variety of free exercise activities are available in the Hill neighborhood for people of all ages.

Hill Health Center has created the Hill Community for Healthy Hearts Exercise Directory as part of a grant funded by the State Department of Public Health. The directory includes many exercise opportunities offered in the Hill neighborhood as well as a listing of parks, locations and each park’s activities and available equipment. This directory, printed in both Spanish and English, will be available to the public and located throughout the community and at the Hill Health Center. To request a free copy of the directory, please call 203-503-3585 or 203-503-3276. It is also available on the Hill Health Center website: www.hillhealthcenter.com.

In addition to the exercise directory, the Hill Health Center is offering a unique weight management opportunity for patients who are ready to make some healthy lifestyle changes. The program is called "Hill Health Center's Step-by-Step for Healthy Hearts Weight Management Program." The program, partially funded by a grant from Griffin Hospital, will include nutrition education, behavioral modification, exercise activities conducted by an exercise instructor, and much more.

The program will begin next month, and we are now accepting referrals, We strongly encourage community residents to call either 503-3080 or 503-3081 to sign-up.

 Brenda Galvin, R.D., of New Haven, a Hill Health Center nutritionist, is now a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE), it was announced by Edward Angeli, nutrition director.

The CDE credential has become a standard of excellence for the delivery of quality diabetes education and demonstrates that rigorous education and experience requirements have been met. One requirement is completing 1,000 hours of diabetes education.

"Galvin's distinct and specialized knowledge in the area of diabetes will allow Hill Health Center to maximize our efforts to promote quality care for persons with diabetes," Angeli said.

Miller Scholarship Awarded
The 2002 recipient of the Tammis Miller Scholarship is Rosa Yvette Nieves of 33 William St., New Haven, it was announced by Dr. Robert Windom, Hill Health Center (HHC) chief of pediatrics.

Nieves will enter Quinnipiac College in the fall. The amount of the scholarship is $1,600. Nieves graduated from High School in the Community.

This is the sixth year that HHC has awarded the scholarship, which is in memory of the late Dr. Miller, an HHC pediatrician. The recipient must be an HHC patient who is planning to attend either college or technical school. Applications can be obtained from the office of the Medical Director, Hill Health Center, 428 Columbus Ave., New Haven, CT 06519, after September 1, 2002 with a submission deadline of April 1, 2003.

Diabetes Alert Day

March 26 is Diabetes Alert Day. Patients with diabetes are invited to a special luncheon in the hope that they will become advocates for good diabetes control - spreading the word to friends and neighbors. Please call Brenda Galvin in the Nutrition Department if you wish to attend. Call 503-3084.

Karin Michels New Medical Director
Dr. Karin Michels-Ashwood has been appointed to the position of Hill Health Center medical director. Dr. Michels was hired as an internist eight years ago and assumed the responsibility of the chief of Internal Medicine in 1996. Under Dr. Michels' leadership, the Internal Medicine Department has grown to become the largest clinical department with the highest volume of activity. She has chaired the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee for the past three years and is a physician who is well loved by her patients.

Blanca Toledo Promoted - New Patient Advocate
Welcome to Blanca Toledo-Perez, our new patient advocate. Blanca previously held the position of TB outreach worker. Before that, she worked at Casa Otonal and Junta for Progressive Action. If you have any comments about HHC services, Blanca can be reached at 503-3182 or 503-3211.

Amistad Village Project
This new project is aimed at African-American adults with substance abuse issues that are not being addressed. A variety of services are offered by local African American staff. Contact Richard Austin, Gabriella Forbes or Raymond Dolphin at 503-3430.

Counseling Services Open in West Haven Clinic (February 7, 2002)
A new service at the West Haven Health Center is therapy for mental health and substance abuse problems. Molly Benoit is the clinician and can be reached at 503-3294. West Haven Health Center, 285 Main St., West Haven, is open to all regardless of income.

Health Center Hires Human Resource Director
The Hill Health Center announced today that Andrea Lobo-Wadley of Hamden has been hired as its Human Resources Director. The Center employs more than 350 staff.

Andrea Lobo-Wadley was formerly Community Development Director for the Town of Hamden and a human resources manager for People's Bank.

She holds degrees from the University of New Haven, Southern Connecticut State University and Albertus Magnus College.

Her community and volunteer activities have included AIDS Interfaith, Junior Achievement and Neighborhood Housing Services.

Dr. Murphy Joins Hill Health Center Medical Staff

Coretta N. Murphy, M.D., a Florida native, has joined the Hill Health Center's internal medicine staff. Dr. Murphy graduated from Temple University School of Medicine and completed her residency at Monmouth Medical Center, New Jersey.

She speaks Spanish, has performed medical outreach work in the Dominican Republic and has acted as a mentor and tutor to teenagers.

Dr. Salvana Joins Hill Health Center Medical Staff

Jose F. Salvana, M.D., a Philippine native, has joined the Hill Health Center's internal medicine staff. Dr. Salvana graduated from the University of the Philippines School of Medicine and completed his residency at the University of Connecticut.

He speaks Spanish and is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Hill Health Center Re-accredited

The Hill Health Center (HHC) has been re-accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, it was announced today by Cornell Scott, chief executive officer.
 

In becoming accredited, HHC was evaluated against a set of national standards by a Joint Commission team experienced in the delivery of ambulatory care, behavioral health and laboratory services. Achieving accreditation demonstrates Hill Health Corporation's commitment to provide high quality care to its patients. The non-profit community health center was first accredited in 1998.
 

Scott said that accreditation shows "we make a significant investment in quality on a day-to-day basis from the top down. We sought accreditation for Hill Health because we want it to be the best. We view obtaining JCAHO accreditation as another step toward excellence."
 

The Center serves more than 22,000 low-income people a year from 16 sites with a staff of 378 and a budget of $20 million.

UI Donates to School Dental Clinic (10/17/01)
The United Illuminating Company has donated $2,500 to the Brennan School Dental Clinic, it was announced today by Cornell Scott, chief executive officer of the Hill Health Center, which operates the clinic.

The Dental Clinic reopens this fall with two dental chairs following the renovation of Brennan School. The clinic has been located with a separate entrance at the front of the building so it can also serve West Rock residents, as well as Brennan students.

The new dental clinic is "spacious and state-of-the art in every respect," said William O'Meara, D.M.D., director of the clinic.

The Brennan Dental Clinic also recently received a $25,000 gift from the Ronald McDonald House.

"Health Cares About Domestic Violence Day" (release date: Oct. 5)
"Health Cares About Domestic Violence Day" is Wednesday, October 10, 2001.

Hill Health Center will have a table staffed from 1 - 3 p.m. with information regarding the prevention and treatment of domestic violence in its main lobby, 428 Columbus Avenue, New Haven.

Staff from Domestic Violence Services of Greater New Haven and the Coordinating Council for Children in Crisis will be at the table. Hill Health Center staff, Michael Glendening, physician assistant and Molly Benoit, social worker, will also be available. The public is welcome. Please stop by!

Hill Health Center and Yale-New Haven Hospital Work Together to Prevent Teen Smoking

The Hill Health Center and Yale-New Haven Hospital are working together to prevent teens from smoking cigarettes, thanks to a grant from the State's Tobacco Control Program and the Area Health Education Center.

Diane Magalhaes, HHC health educator, said that youth from neighborhood schools are being trained to design an advertising campaign that will increase community awareness of the dangers of second-hand smoke..

"One of our goals is to reduce the amount of smoking in public areas, especially those areas, such as schools and community organizations, where youth are present," she said.

Hill Health To Open New Access Points
Hill Health Center is marking National Health Center week by announcing it has been awarded four new access points totaling $500,000 under President Bush's program to expand access to community health centers.

The four new access points are:
Opening of an in-house pharmacy in collaboration with Fair Haven Community Health Center.
Opening of a school-based health center at Hill Central Elementary School.
Expanding Katherine Brennan School dental services to the West Rock community.
Outreach and treatment for Spanish-speaking people needing mental health and drug treatment services through the Grant Street Partnership.

The new access points must assure that all persons will have ready access to all of the required
primary, preventive and supplemental health services, including oral health care, mental health
care and substance abuse services either directly on-site or through established arrangements
without regard to ability to pay.

National Health Center Week is being observed from Aug. 19 to 25.

Hill Health Center was established in 1968 and serves about 23,000 people a year at 17 sites. It
employs about 350 staff and has an annual operating budget of $20 million

RONALD McDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES FUNDS HILL HEALTH SCHOOL-BASED DENTAL CLINIC
August 3, 2001 - Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts is awarding a $25,000 grant to the Hill Health Center in New Haven, Conn. The funds will help continue and expand a school-based dental clinic program for low-income, minority children, ages five through 13, who attend the Katherine Brennan Elementary School in the West Rock section of New Haven.

“Both Ronald McDonald House Charities and the Hill Health Center are committed to improving young people’s lives,” said Jill Dana, a member of the RMHC board of directors and owner of McDonald’s restaurants in Derby, Conn. “We understand the tremendous importance of children’s dental health and are proud to help provide access to proper care.”

Ronald McDonald funds will help neglected children living in the West Rock area who are unable to come to the Hill Health Center for dental treatment. It will make a significant difference in the dental health of poor children who have been without care for many years.
"The McDonald grant will fill in serious funding gaps in essential equipment purchases for the two dental operatories, especially the modular cabinetry," Dr. William O'Meara, director of the Brennan Dental Clinic, said. "It will also be especially useful as we hire professional and support personnel to staff and operate the clinic."

RMHC of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts makes investments in our children’s futures through grants awarded to local non-profit organizations that benefit children and families. Since 1988, RMHC has provided more than $2.5 million to over 170 non-profit organizations, helping thousands of area children lead happier, healthier and more productive lives. For more information about RMHC, please call (860) 659-0514, extension 263.

Established in 1968, the Hill Health Center offers a variety of medical, dental and behavioral health services that are personal, cost effective and accessible to people who are unable to obtain adequate treatment elsewhere, specifically the underinsured, uninsured, low income and undocumented. The Center provides medical, dental and behavioral health services at 16 locations throughout New Haven County, including six school-based health centers. More than 23,000 people make 120,000 visits a year to the Center. It is accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.

HEALTH CENTER OPENS NEW TREATMENT PROGRAM(7/28/01)
The Hill Health Center has opened a new outpatient program for clients seeking mental health and substance abuse treatment; announced today by Nancy Navarretta, M.A., Director of HHC Behavioral Health Division.

Since many of the Center's clients with mental health problems also abuse substances, the Center's Adult Psychiatric Clinic will offer treatment for both. The 393 Columbus Avenue site is newly renovated and is accepting referrals.

By integrating mental health and substance abuse services at one site, the Adult Psychiatric Clinic will afford the population of mentally ill substance abusers the opportunity of “one-stop shopping.” As a result, patients will be less likely to be lost in the treatment system, Navarretta noted.

"We are excited about the expansion of the department and look forward to comments and suggestions regarding our services," Navarretta said.

The Adult Psychiatric Clinic has had successful treatment outcomes in response to referrals from agencies in Greater New Haven including New Haven Probation Department, Department of Correction, Department of Children and Families, Bureau of Rehabilitation Services, and Yale-New Haven Hospital. Referrals from other HHC programs including HIV Services, Internal Medicine, and the HHC Behavioral Health Division are received regularly. It is expected that referrals will increase now that a "multi-service" license to treat clients with co-occurring disorders has been granted by the State Department of Public Health.

Navarretta said that, in the past, lack of transportation and of walk-in accessibility have been barriers to treatment. The geographic location of the Adult Psychiatric Clinic in the community facilitates patients keeping appointments; they have access by direct public transportation or are within walking distance from their homes. The other outpatient sites of the Hill Health Center - Northside Community Outpatient Services and Grant Street Partnership - are currently operating at or above capacity.

The Adult Psychiatric Clinic will be operating under the direction of Daniel Iead, MSW, clinical coordinator and Claire Coley, administrative assistant. Other members of the staff are Elisa Cappetta , and clinicians Marty Bolton, APRN, Molly Benoit, M.A., Cory Bridwell, Psy.D., and Michelle Smith, LCSW.

The Clinic is accepting referrals at 503-3075 and will be advertising for participants in support and treatment groups.

New Clinical Coordinators in the Behavioral Health Division (8/6/01)
The Behavioral Health Division would like to welcome David Borzellino, LMFT to the HHC. He is the new Clinical Coordinator of Northside Community Outpatient Services. He brings years of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment experience to the position. Most recently he was the Program Coordinator of the Recovery House in New Haven.

Susan Feldman, LCSW has taken over as Clinical Coordinator of the new CSAT funded program "Family Power Project", located at the Dixwell Avenue site. This program will be utilizing Intensive Case Managers outreaching to Women/Families with Substance Abuse treatment needs.

Dixwell Clinic Restored to Full Operation

Cornell Scott, Chief Executive Officer of the Hill Health Corporation, recently announced that the Hill Health Center-Dixwell has restored full-time hours for its medical services in the Dixwell Plaza Building, 226 Dixwell Avenue, New Haven. The new operating schedule for the Dixwell Health Center is:

Monday 10:30 to 6:30

Tuesday 1:30 to 5:00

Wednesday 8:30 to 5:00

Thursday 8:30 to 5:00

Friday 8:30 to 5:00

Closed for lunch from 12:30 to 1:30. Call 503-3420 for information or appointments. Walk-in visits are welcome.

In 1997, Hill Health Corporation was forced to cut Dixwell's hours in half in the wake of cost cutbacks caused by the introduction of Medicaid managed care in New Haven.

Approximately 3,000 people are registered as patients at the Dixwell clinic, which serves the Dixwell, Newhallville and West Rock neighborhoods with medical care for infants, children, teens, adults and the elderly.

Dixwell accepts Medicaid managed care plans, Medicaid, SAGA, Medicare, private insurance and no insurance. Patients with no health insurance are charged a reduced rate based on a sliding fee scale, said Celia Cordero, Dixwell administrator.

Staff to Receive Service Awards at Annual Meeting of Hill Health Corporation
Below is a list of employees expected to receive employee service awards this year at the Center's Annual Meeting being held on Wednesday, May 15, 2001

Thirty Year Award
Cynthia Bolden

Twenty-five year Awards
Betty Davis
Senaida Pacheco

Ten Year Award
Andria Davis
Ann Schlenk
Frances Lavorgna

Five Year Awards
Mary McNeel

West Haven Clinic Restored to Full Operation
The West Haven Health Center , conveniently located at 285 Main Street, West Haven, has been restored to full-time hours for medical services. The announcement was made by Cornell Scott, chief executive officer of the parent company, Hill Health Corporation.

West Haven Health Center was opened in 1995 to serve the primary care needs of West Haven residents with affordable medical care for infants, children, adults and the elderly.

In 1997, Hill Health Corporation was forced to cut West Haven's hours in half in the wake of cost cutbacks caused by the introduction of Medicaid managed care in New Haven.

In 1998, West Haven Health Center was accredited by JCAHO, confirming its high level of quality care. The center offers a wide range of services including Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Gynecology, Nutrition and Diet Counseling, preventive health
screening for hypertension, diabetes, AIDS, and other diseases.

The new hours of operation for West Haven Health Center are:
Monday-Friday 8:30 A.M.--12:30 P.M.
1:30 P.M.--5:00 P.M.

There is a provider on call after hours for urgent medical concerns. Please call 503-3400 for information or appointments.

West Haven Health Center accepts Medicaid, Community Health Network, PHS, SAGA, Medicare and private insurance. Clients with no health insurance are charged a reduced rate based on a sliding fee scale.

Asthma Program a National Model
A Hill Health Center (HHC) medical team will present its model asthma program to the National Congress on Chronic Disease in St. Louis, Mo., March 15 and 16.
The meeting is sponsored by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, the U.S. Bureau of Primary Health Care and the Centers for Disease Control.

Attending from the Hill will be Dr. Robert Windom, chief of pediatrics; Dr. Margaret Boron, pediatrician; Genevieve Moss, PNP, director of HHC's Project AIR (Asthma Improvement Resources) and Kathy Nurse, LPN, pediatric nurse manager.

HHC was chosen as a model program for its ability to decrease emergency room visits and school absenteeism in children suffering from asthma and for treating 100% of patients with persistent asthma with anti-inflammatory medications. More than 800 children are followed for asthma at HHC's four medical clinics and five school-based health centers.

Other aims of Project AIR are to increase symptom-free days, have a written action plan for each child, and increase patient satisfaction with their care.

The Pediatric Department is now offering its comprehensive asthma program to patients.

Nurse Practitioner Appointed to Federal Asthma Faculty
Genevieve Moss, APRN, a nurse practitioner and director of Project AIR
(Asthma Improvement Resources) at Hill Health Center, has been appointed to the faculty of the Asthma Collaborative, a joint program of the
Federal Bureau of Primary Health Care (BPHC) and the Institute of
Healthcare Improvement. Moss provides pediatric services at HHC's main clinic, Dixwell Clinic, and School-Based Health Center in Jackie Robinson Middle School.

The Asthma Collaborative seeks to improve the quality of asthma care
among primary care providers throughout the country by involving them in an intensive year-long training program in chronic disease management. One of BPHC's
goals in this and other disease-related collaboratives is to reduce
health disparities that exist between white and non-white populations. Moss has recently been named Employee of the Month at HHC as a result of her asthma-related work.

DRIVE TO EXPAND DENTAL CARE GETS BOOST
Hill Health Center's campaign to expand its dental services receives a boost from the Connecticut Health Foundation with a grant of $38,500. The Center seeks to raise $500,000 to expand its Dental Department to meet increasing demands from city and area residents. Presenting the check are, from left, Henry Parker and Patricia Baker of the Foundation. Receiving it are Dr. Gwendolyn Testa, HHC dental director and HHC Executive Director Cornell Scott.

The Center's dental clinics in New Haven and Derby both have long waiting lists.

HHC plans to expand its New Haven dental clinic by adding four chairs, according Dr.Testa.

HILL HEALTH CENTER SEEKS DIRECTORS
The Hill Health Center has two consumer seats open on its board of directors. Applicants should be Hill Health Center patients over 18 years of age and preferably Hispanic. Call Senaida Pacheco (503-3252) before May 4 to place a name in nomination. The board meets the third Wednesday of the month and is responsible for overseeing the Center's 17 sites, 350 employees and $19 million annual budget.
 

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