The Importance of Accessible Healthcare: Moses Lake Community Health Center
Access to healthcare is a fundamental right for everyone, irrespective of their background, social status, or economic condition. However, the reality is that many people struggle to obtain adequate healthcare services, whether due to a lack of insurance, an inability to travel, or a shortage of healthcare facilities in their region. This is where community health centers like Moses Lake Community Health Center (MLCHC) play a critical role in bridging the gap and ensuring that everyone has access to quality and affordable healthcare services.
What Is Moses Lake Community Health Center?
Moses Lake Community Health Center is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) located in Moses Lake, Washington. It was established in 2009 and has since been providing comprehensive primary healthcare, dental services, behavioral health services, pharmacy services, and health education to residents of Grant County and surrounding areas.
MLCHC is a nonprofit organization that is governed by a dedicated board of directors comprising patients, community members, and healthcare professionals. It is also a member of the Washington Association of Community and Migrant Health Centers (WACMHC), an organization that represents all FQHCs and migrant health centers in the state of Washington.
Why Is Accessible Healthcare Important?
Accessible healthcare is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures that people can receive proper medical attention before their condition worsens and requires more expensive and intensive treatment. This, in turn, reduces the overall cost of healthcare for individuals and society as a whole. Secondly, accessible healthcare contributes to a healthier and more productive population, as people can get timely medical treatment and prevent or manage chronic diseases. Lastly, accessible healthcare is a matter of social justice and equity, as it ensures that everyone has an equal opportunity to lead a healthy life without facing discrimination or financial barriers.
How Does MLCHC Ensure Access to Healthcare?
MLCHC operates on a patient-centered care model, which means that patients are at the heart of everything they do. They offer a range of services designed to meet the unique needs of each patient, including preventive care, disease management, and health promotion. They also employ a diverse team of healthcare professionals, including physicians, dentists, nurses, social workers, and case managers, who work collaboratively to provide comprehensive care to patients.
MLCHC recognizes that access to healthcare goes beyond just physical access to a healthcare facility. Hence, they have implemented various initiatives to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for their patients. For instance, they offer a sliding scale fee, which adjusts the cost of care based on a patient’s income and family size. They also accept most forms of insurance, including Medicaid and Medicare, and have bilingual staff to cater to the needs of non-English speaking patients. Additionally, they have a transportation program that provides free transportation to and from medical appointments for patients who do not have access to reliable transportation.
The Impact of MLCHC
MLCHC has had a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of the communities it serves. In 2020, they served over 35,000 patients, 66% of whom were uninsured or publicly insured. They also provided over 100,000 medical, dental, and behavioral health visits and administered over 13,000 COVID-19 vaccines. MLCHC has been instrumental in improving health outcomes for patients with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma, and reducing emergency department visits and hospitalizations.
Furthermore, MLCHC has been actively involved in addressing social determinants of health that affect their patients, such as food insecurity, housing instability, and access to education and employment. They have partnered with local organizations to provide social services and resources to their patients, such as a food pantry, housing assistance, and job training programs.
Conclusion
Accessible healthcare is a fundamental right that should be available to everyone. MLCHC is an excellent example of a community health center that is committed to providing quality and affordable healthcare services to underserved populations. Their patient-centered care model, diverse healthcare team, and innovative initiatives have made healthcare more accessible and inclusive for the communities they serve. It is essential to continue supporting and investing in community health centers like MLCHC to ensure that everyone has access to healthcare services that meet their unique needs.
