November 21, 2013

A 2011 study found more than 12,000 uninsured people lived in the Price Hill area. They waited up to six months for a health clinic appointment, or visited an emergency room for basic care.

That's why we helped start the Good Samaritan Free Health Center. The Center provides services such as physician examinations, mammograms, dentistry and physical therapy from its new St. Lawrence Avenue location in Price Hill.

Today, you'll find Price Hill residents at the Center-but you'll also find people from Fairfield, White Oak, Walnut Hills and Mt. Carmel. You'll find working people whose jobs don't offer health insurance or who can't afford it, and others who don't currently qualify for Medicaid.

About 500 people a month receive care at the Center from an army of volunteer doctors, nurses, dentists, hygienists, nurses, interpreters and physical therapists-although more are needed.

Better Care, Better Outcomes, Lower Cost

In this column, I've talked about our "triple aim" goals of lower costs, better patient satisfaction and better outcomes. So how does a free health center do this.

• We improve outcomes because we see cases earlier, which improves treatment and effectiveness. And, a community health worker helps patients receive proper follow-up care after their visit.
• The Center lowers costs by offering regular care and preventative services on-site rather than at a more expensive hospital emergency room.
• Patient satisfaction improves because they now have a regular "medical home" in a setting much like a private doctor's office. And care providers know their patients' entire social and medical histories.

This is all possible because of the generous donors, dedicated volunteers and strong collaboration with numerous community agencies.

• Read more Leading the Way messages by John Prout, President and CEO.