HASC is a proud partner of the 2017 Care Harbor Los Angeles Clinic, an innovative, cooperative effort that will deliver medical and dental care to thousands of the region’s underserved and at-risk this Nov. 17-19.

Care Harbor Los Angeles Clinic is organized by Care Harbor, a 501(c)(3) charity with the same name that combines the talents and expertise of health care professionals, event organizers, and a network of volunteer professionals and support organizations.

Care Harbor free clinics are also organized in collaboration with local providers, schools, government agencies and other regional stakeholders and deliver care while creating pathways to accessible ongoing care. HASC staff are sharing event information with area hospitals, seeking additional participation while underscoring the instrumental role hospitals play in implementing the temporary clinic.

“We are proud to support this important community event and encourage member hospitals to donate needed medical supplies, volunteers and after care,” said George W. Greene, HASC President/CEO. “Care Harbor is a strong fit with HASC’s mission — to improve health and health care in the communities we serve.”

Results of the past eight Los Angeles County free clinics are impressive. Nearly 23,000 professional and lay volunteers partnered to serve more than 23,000 patients over the same 3-day time period. A total of 37,000 screenings and 9,200 immunizations occurred. In all, over 119,000 medical, dental and vision services were rendered, with over 5,000 patients connected to follow-up care, services they may not have otherwise received.

In 2009, the organization that became Care Harbor hosted the largest urban free clinic in the country. The initial and subsequent efforts have  innovated major advances in the free clinic model. For example, Care Harbor has developed patient handling systems that eliminate overnight waits by patients hoping to gain entry, as well as day-long internal lines. A HIPAA-compliant electronic medical record system has been implemented, and the clinic has expanded to incorporate prevention and health education capabilities, including preventive dentistry. Care Harbor also continues to innovate new software solutions allowing the organization to manage and measure clinic performance better than ever. Its follow-up capacity helps to ensure that patients with conditions requiring additional treatment receive the care they need.

November’s clinic will include new initiatives focusing on Type 2 diabetes, outreach to the Latino community, as well as homeless outreach and follow-up. Additionally, Care Harbor has expanded its mission to include a major insurance education and enrollment outreach, creating opportunities for thousands of uninsured to enter no-cost and low-cost coverage programs.

Registration for Care Harbor volunteers is now underway, with primary and specialty physicians especially sought. Please visit www.careharbor.org/volunteer to learn more.

Contact:
Jennifer Bayer
(213) 538-0730
jbayer@hasc.org