Community health centers provide physical and mental care for more than 20 million Americans, according to the Alliance for Advancing Nonprofit Health Care. Whether you need a general checkup, are sick or some other form of care, these localized non-profits offer some services that you might not be aware of. Along with general medical services, these community healthcare providers also may offer:
1. Supportive services. Getting access to healthcare isn't always easy. Some people can't get to the center or don't understand what the medial staff is saying. Neighborhood healthcare centers often provide supportive services to help. These services may include free or reduced-cost transportation or translation.
2. Education. Sometimes seeing the doctor isn't enough. Chronic conditions and illnesses are harder to manage of you don't have all of the facts. Community providers often offer patient education. This may include (but aren't limited to) educational programs on:
3. Imagining. A broken arm, unexplained belly pain or pregnancy-related concern may all requiring imagining. Community health centers often offer x-rays and ultrasounds. More complicated or extensive testing such as MRI's or CT scans may require a trip to the hospital.
4. Food pantry. As part of a healthy nutrition program or community outreach effort, these types of centers occasionally have food pantry programs. For example, Connecticut's Community Health Services has a food pantry every other week. The center also offers emergency food assistance for community members who are in immediate need.
5. Counseling. The name "health" center doesn't just refer to physical conditions. These community providers also often offer mental health, counseling and psychological services. Related services may include addiction and recovery counseling. Some centers may also have group counseling available.
6. Dental services. Along with physicians and nurses, many community health centers also have dentists on hand. Depending on the specific center, the site may offer general family dentistry, pediatrics or oral surgery services.
7. Vision. Eye care services aren't cheap. A community health service provider may offer vision checks and glasses at the same reduced prices that they have for regular physical care. Some centers may also provide specialized care for patients with conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma or diabetes-related vision issues. Not very center offers optometry care.
Staying in good health doesn't just include keeping physical symptoms in check. Even though community health centers offer regular doctor services, they also provide other less obvious types of care. From educational programs to eye care, these free or low-cost services, such as Community Health & Wellness Partners of Logan County, can help to keep your body and mind healthy without the price tag of going to a private practice.
Share6 November 2014
After watching my mother navigate treatment for breast cancer in my early teens, I knew pretty much what to expect from my dad's diagnosis with prostate cancer. What I didn't know was how different chemotherapy and radiation can affect different people. My mother became very ill while my dad seemed to weather the treatments with few ill effects. I spent a long time researching the differences in treatments, types of chemotherapy, and how each one can react differently with the body. I created this blog to help others understand the same things, because I knew I couldn't be the only one unfamiliar with it. I hope it helps you if someone you love is facing treatment for any type of cancer.
