#USA #North Hollywood #San Fernando Valley #Valley Community Healthcare #Field Medicine

Valley Community Healthcare's Innovative Field Medicine Program

Valley Community Healthcare (VCH), established in 1970 and a key Federally Qualified Health Center, recently announced the launch of a groundbreaking initiative aimed at delivering healthcare directly to individuals experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. The newly formed Field Medicine Program is designed to expand access to comprehensive healthcare services where these individuals live—be it on the streets, in shelters, or within supportive housing facilities.

Partnering with Starfield Primary Care, the Field Medicine Program seeks to provide integrated field-based primary care alongside Enhanced Care Management (ECM) services throughout the San Fernando Valley and surrounding regions. This collaborative effort is structured to serve as a medical home for these vulnerable populations, enabling them to access a full continuum of care that encompasses medical, behavioral health, dental, and vision services under one umbrella.

Anita Zamora, President and CEO of Valley Community Healthcare, highlighted the program's core mission: "Bringing compassionate, high-quality healthcare to our most vulnerable neighbors is at the core of our mission. Our Field Medicine Program ensures that those who have traditionally been disconnected from the healthcare system receive continuous, person-centered care that supports their health, dignity, and stability."

VCH has recognized the significant gap in healthcare access for unhoused individuals, estimating that around 11% of the 21,000 patients it serves fall under this category. The Field Medicine Program's aim is to bridge the divide between immediate outreach efforts and long-term clinical care, ensuring ongoing support for patients in connecting with housing options as well as behavioral health and social services.

The field team comprises trained licensed medical providers, medical assistants, and case managers dedicated to delivering trusted health services at various sites across the San Fernando Valley—locations that include shelters and supportive housing developments in North Hollywood, Panorama City, Sylmar, and Van Nuys.

Dr. David Luna, Chief Medical Officer at VCH, emphasized the program’s mission of accessibility: "Healthcare doesn't stop at the clinic door. Through our Field Medicine Program, we're meeting patients where they are, ensuring that no one is left behind simply because they lack a permanent address." This forward-thinking program exemplifies Valley Community Healthcare's commitment to fostering health equity and improving healthcare access in Los Angeles County.

Beyond direct medical services, the Field Medicine Program sets out to empower individuals with connections to essential resources and support systems, thus reinforcing community resilience. Fostering health and wellbeing for all demographic segments, regardless of housing status or financial capability, is not only a priority for VCH but a fundamental tenet of their operational philosophy.

In summary, the Field Medicine Program by Valley Community Healthcare represents a significant step towards addressing the healthcare needs of some of society's most marginalized members. By meeting individuals where they reside and offering comprehensive and compassionate care, VCH is setting an inspiring standard for non-profit healthcare models aiming to uplift vulnerable communities.