Community Benefit Initiatives
Harsh economic times and severe government budget constraints are negatively impacting regional health. Efforts to minimize such impacts drive the community benefit planning process. Dignity Health and Woodland Healthcare’s regional emphasis for all community benefit activity and funding is on two top priorities:
- Partnership programs that provide access to primary, mental and specialty (i.e. dental, women and children) healthcare for uninsured, underinsured and undocumented immigrants
- Programs that provide wraparound care and service, including transitional and permanent housing for the homeless; substance abuse treatment; mental health services case management and referral; transportation and other complementary programs that support the continuum of care needed for underserved populations
In today's environment, the challenges this region faces in taking care of its underserved population go beyond the scope of service hospitals, primary care clinics and other community benefit programs provide. Creative and collective thinking is required to identify and develop innovative new approaches to enhance health resources for the underserved.
