On April 1, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, the Westside Family Health Center (WFHC) opened its doors at its new Culver City office. The center offers a wide range of medical services including family practice, pediatrics, prenatal, reproductive health services, flu shots, immunizations, behavioral health care as well as dental and vision services.
Community health centers like WFHC are crucial not only during pandemic times but year-round as they serve patients who are on or below the federal poverty level regardless if they are insured.
Celia Bernstein, director of development at WFHC, told the Journal there are approximately 188,000 residents who are low income or uninsured on L.A.’s Westside.
“Ninety-three percent of our patients are at 200% or below the federal poverty level and a little less than half have no health insurance,” she said. “When we say we help our patients regardless of their ability to pay, we mean that we try to see if a patient is eligible for insurance, and will help them enroll if they are. If the patient is not able to get health insurance, we ask them to make a donation on a sliding fee scale. We try very hard to get access to health care for all our patients.”
Although the nonprofit isn’t offering coronavirus testing at this time, it has changed its safety protocols to ensure its volunteer nurses and doctors are safe, as well as every patient that enters the building. The “team members” are dressed in full PPE gear and masks and practice social distancing as much as possible.
“WFHC has always had infection protocols in place. Due to the pandemic, we are not taking any walk-ins. We have been calling our patients on the phone and, if appropriate, conducting the visit on the phone as well,” Bernstein said.
“Many [people] will become ill with preexisting conditions and have more risks to COVID-19 infection. All deserve affordable and accessible health care and they can find it at their local community health center.” — Celia Bernstein
Initially, WFHC didn’t need additional face masks. But it they ran low, the community stepped in to help deliver more than 125 homemade masks for team members and their families. The facility still is trying to access masks that will fit children.
Bernstein, who has worked in nonprofit organizations for over 25 years, said that last year WFHC treated more than 13,000 patients. Because of the coronavirus, the facility predicts a 65% visit drop in in-person patient visits. It still tries to see 10-12 patients a day in person.
Bernstein added that the longer the virus spreads and impacts families financially, the more people will need WFHC’s resources. While she is grateful many have offered assistance during this time, she said the best way to help keep WFHC afloat is with donations.
“We are learning that it is a privilege to keep our jobs and work from home safely to protect ourselves and our families. Those that do not have that privilege will become unemployed and more will become uninsured,” Bernstein said. “Many will become ill with preexisting conditions and have more risks to COVID-19 infection. All of these individuals and families deserve affordable and accessible health care and they can find it at their local community health center.”
For more information on how to help, visit the website.
