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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Nilda Soto, MD, Open Door Health Center, 1350 SW 4th Street, Homestead, FL 33030, 305-246-2400, nasa2k@msn.com
Healthcare delivery to the underserved has reached a crisis level in America. With over 40 million uninsured people in this group, escalating costs and limited resources, new ideas are needed to make this problem manageable. The authors will present an alternative, which not only addresses the problem, but also integrates ideas and roles not previously linked. This presentation is based on the story of a successful project in South Florida: The Open Door Health Center. This clinic opened its doors in February 2001 and has already met and exceeded expectations. It has registered over 1,200 patients including children, adults and senior citizens, had over 5,000 visits and given over $1 million free quality medical services to its clientele. This has been accomplished through collaboration of entities such as academia, foundations, volunteers, community organizations, multi-denominational faith groups and State agencies. Its cost effectiveness along with multiple win-win relationships established for all groups involved have made possible the provision of comprehensive quality holistic care to those most in need. This included hundreds of migrant farm workers and their families to whom most services are denied. The Health Center has already been recognized with local and National awards. Through this presentation, the participants should be able to create and implement a similar model in their own communities. Essential ingredients along with a road map and possible pitfalls to avoid should simplify the process and make this possible.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Access to Health Care, Universal Health Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Open Door Health Center
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Medical Director