VANCOUVER, Wash., Apr. 6, 2017 -Â The Free Clinic of Southwest Washington has received a $20,000 grant from Kaiser Permanente and Providence Health & Services for the clinic's diabetes coordinated care program. This award is the second installment of a two-year grant totaling $40,000.
Statistics show that low-income individuals (the population served by free clinics) are more likely to suffer from uncontrolled diabetes due to lack of access to health care and other services. During the first year of the two-year grant, the 112 patients in the diabetes coordinated care and support program gained knowledge about their disease. Many attended a culturally tailored food and nutrition program and received vouchers for fresh produce at the Vancouver Farmer's Market. Nearly 20 percent of diabetic patients received oral health screenings/ treatments through the Free Clinic's partner organization, Battle Ground Healthcare.
In the second year, a community health worker will be integrated into the diabetes care team. This individual will work with patients and families to address social issues that may be impeding improvements in the patient's health.
"We're grateful for the ongoing support of Kaiser Permanente and Providence Health & Services," says Barbe West, executive director of the Free Clinic. "This grant will help us achieve three goals - expand services for uninsured diabetic patients, explore the use of community health workers and improve overall patient health."
About the Free Clinic:
The Free Clinic of Southwest Washington provides free, compassionate, quality health care to children and adults who are otherwise unable to obtain such services. The Free Clinic offers medical, dental, vision and specialty care services from 500 volunteer professionals. The Free Clinic is funded by the local community, and all donations stay in Southwest Washington. For more information about the Free Clinic of Southwest Washington, visit our website: freeclinics.org.
About Kaiser Permanente's Community Benefit Initiatives:
Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to improving the health of individuals and the communities we serve. Specifically, our work is focused on: connecting low-income people to health care, educating children and families about healthy eating and active living, creating and sharing groundbreaking research, strengthening health safety nets in our communities, and supporting our employees' community engagement. In 2015, financial contributions to improve the health of Northwest communities totaled more than $141 million.
About Providence Health & Services:
Providence Health & Services has been serving the needs of our communities in Oregon and Washington for 160 years. Through innovative partnerships with community-focused organizations, Providence reaches far beyond the clinical setting to serve the needs of today, while transforming conditions for a better tomorrow. In 2015, Providence invested more than $225 million in community benefit across Oregon. Through these investments, Providence is ensuring care for our most vulnerable communities, addressing childhood hunger and supporting access to oral health services.
April 7, 2017
