The holidays are always a time for reflection. We think about our dearest family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. We consider all that we and our loved ones accomplished in the past year. And we generally find ourselves feeling truly grateful for all the above.Not everyone in our community has been so fortunate that they can reflect positively on 2011. We all know that this year has not been kind to everyone and has provided many with new struggles and challenges due to the economy and unemployment. However, there is a lot to be thankful for too in terms of the resources and services available to those in need.
Here are just a few reasons the Health Center is celebrating 2011:
· 13,000 patients now call Community Health Center of Cape Cod their medical home and 55,000 total patient visits were provided, from physical exams to teeth cleanings to counseling sessions. This was a record high! Most of these patients turned to the Health Center because they were unable to access this high-quality, affordable care elsewhere due to financial, cultural, and other barriers.
· Each month 200 to 300 new patients are registered. To better meet their needs, a New Patient Access Team was created to enroll, educate and connect our patients to care much quicker than before. The Team also helps patients understand, plan and advocate for their health and well being.
· 50 more dental patients are served each week since our Dental Clinic expanded its operating hours to include additional evenings and Saturdays. There are now a total of 5,100 active dental patients.
· 1,100 people in schools, youth organizations, law enforcement as well as emergency responders, clergy, and clinicians have gone through life-saving suicide prevention training by the Youth Suicide Prevention Project, a program of the Health Center.
· Women’s Health visits are up 30%, meaning an increased number of cervical cancer screenings.
· 788 students are enrolled at the School Based Health Center at Barnstable High School. An amazing 90% of the students cared for at the SBHC actually returned to class—instead of going home sick and missing school days. On average 30 mental health visits are provided there each week, which shows the great need for these services among our adolescent population.
· The year-long planning and start of construction on our 22,000 sq/ft addition in Mashpee has created much excitement and anticipation. Upon completion, 5,000 additional patients will have access to expanded programs and new services including imaging, optometry, a low-cost pharmacy, and a much larger dental clinic.
Support for our capital campaign is essential in completing this addition, but as we build it please remember it is critical that we also sustain our operating budget, which funds all of our programs and services. To make a gift to the Annual Fund to help with day-to-day operations that allow us to care for the neediest children, adults, and families, please call 508-477-5990 or visit http://www.chcofcapecod.org/.