Southwest Community Health Center “Caring for Community”

A non-profit, community health center providing primary care, health education,

and advocacy for the uninsured and underserved in southwest Santa Rosa.

Southwest Community Health Center “Caring for Community”

MISSION STATEMENT

The Southwest Community Health Center is dedicated to providing excellent, affordable medical care and health education to the uninured and underserved, regardless of ability to pay. We will provide care in a supportive and culturally appropriate environment and are committed to acting as advocates for the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of the individuals in our community.

Our Community Profile

Highest density of ethnic minorities – 53% of the population compared to 19% in the County.

Highest percentage of households on Temporary Aid for Needy Families

High percentage of migrant and seasonal workers

Mono-lingual Low literacy

Barriers to Care

Poverty Language Fear of deporation or loss of legal status Transporation Childcare Cultural differences Awareness of services

Health Issues in Southwest Santa Rosa

Higher incidence of Diabetes Higher incidence of Hepatisis C Lower rate of completed immunizations Higher rate of teen pregnancy Higher incidence of heart disease Lower life expectancy Higher rate of late-entry to prenatal care 60% do not receive dental care

Whom do we serve? We serve the uninsured and underinsured, low-

income families of southwest Santa Rosa

– 28,000 visits a year (115 visits per day)

– 96% have incomes less than $25,000 /yr for a

family of four

– 72% of the patients are Latino

– 48% of the patients have NO insurance

– Over $350,000 in uncompensated care each year

Funding Sources

Medi-Cal CHDP (well-child program) Healthy Families (children only) Federal Programs State Programs Private Foundations Donations

Services We Provide

Primary Care– Acute sick visits– Well-child exams, including vaccines

• Vaccines for Children program

• CHDP Saturday clinics

– Prenatal Care and Obstetrics• Psycho-social support

• Vitamins

• Understanding the physical and emotional changes

• Preparing your home

• Involving the father

Services We Provide

Primary Care– Family Planning

• Separate reproductive health clinic

• Male Clinic - by male physician and Nurse Practitioner

• Teen Clinic hours

– STD testing and treatment• Confidential testing and treatment

– Adult periodic physicals, school physicals, sports physicals, work physicals

• Low or no cost mammograms, screening PAPs

Services We Provide

Elsie Allen School Health Center– Physicals, sports physicals, annual exams– Acute illness visits– Injuries– Confidential or “sensitive services”

• Birth control counseling• STD testing and counseling

– On site: • Mental Health counseling• Drug and Alcohol Abuse counseling

Services we provide

Health Education and Wellness– Diabetes education and case management

• Prevention, education, and assistance

– Parenting classes– Breastfeeding classes– Nutrition classes– HIV/STD education– Reproductive health education

Services we provide

Outreach to the Community– “Comadres” Group

• Local woman who are trained to promote healthy choices, early prenatal

care, and identify opportunities for intervention in their community.

– HIV and STD outreach– Low-cost car seats, installation, and training

• 135 families have received car seats and training

– Bus vouchers and taxi vouchers– Health fairs

Most Importantly

We are the medical home for over 8,000 people, who would otherwise face tremendous barriers to care possibly resulting in:– emergency room visits– loss of work– difficulties in school– life-long health problems

We provide the information, tools, and care to maintain a healthy and productive life.

Caring for Community

This is only a start. There is much, much more to be done….– 350 new patients each month– The number of uninsured is increasing– 60% of the community does not receive dental

care– Access to specialty services is extremely limited

The Road Ahead for SCHC

Uninsured increasing at an alarming rate Running out of space to meet the growing

demand. The Medi-Cal reimbursement reduced

2002 Accomplishments Increased access to care

– Expand services at Elsie Allen Health Center– Increase Southwest clinic hours by 25% (nights and

weekends)

– Began initial collaborations with SJ Dental Clinic, Family Services Agency, CHDC Drug and Alcohol Treatment Prgm

– Received Federal Funding in June 2002