Issue link: https://blog.providence.org/i/1482619
Health Matters: Providence Holy Cross Medical Center | 11 You're Not Heavy, You're My Brother Community partnerships: Helping is the Providence way. I n 1902, Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart, who led a group of Sisters of Providence from Montreal to the Pacific Northwest, said, "My sisters, whatever concerns the poor is always our affair." Today, Providence Holy Cross Medical Center continues to live the enduring Providence mission of outreach to the poor and vulnerable. From providing children's vaccinations to advocating for those who are experiencing homelessness, Providence is committed to addressing the social determinants of health, often working with partners to seek innovative solutions. In 2021, Providence provided $287 million in funding and care to meet the varied needs of underserved communities in Los Angeles County. That sum includes community health outreach, health education, free and discounted care and coverage of unpaid costs of Medi-Cal. Needs multiplied during the pandemic, and Providence expanded its commitment to equitable access to care, housing, mental health services and help for those experiencing food insecurity. PROGRAMS SUPPORTED BY PROVIDENCE HOLY CROSS MEDICAL CENTER In 2021, Providence Holy Cross Medical Center provided $56.4 million in community health investment, funding these programs and more: COVID Outreach. According to Anthony Ortiz-Luis, director of community health investment for Providence in Los Angeles, "the COVID-19 Outreach and Prevention Program focuses on communities with low vaccination rates and high rates of COVID-19 transmission. Programs include outreach and education by community health workers, virtual classes about COVID, COVID testing and vaccine clinics offered at our Wellness Centers and pop-up clinics in the community." San Fernando Community Health Center. "We work with this primary care provider and refer people who are uninsured or underinsured by providing a warm handoff. We refer patients to the center, where they can get care, we contact the center to let them know the patient is coming and then we follow up," explains Ortiz-Luis. North Valley Caring Services. This San Fernando Valley organization delivers nutritious food to people who need it."The nonprofit works with first-generation migrant families," says Ortiz-Luis. "In addition to providing food—including fresh fruits and vegetables—to 600 households, they also offer showers, safe parking and outreach programs for people experiencing homelessness." MY SISTERS, WHATEVER CONCERNS THE POOR IS ALWAYS OUR AFFAIR. —Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart