OPEN DOORCELEBRATING 40 YEARS • QUALITY HEALTHCARE • ACCESS for ALL

Putting the Community in Community Health

“What we are doing here is providing abso-lutely personal care. We’ve been here a

long time and this is our community. Patients come to us because this is their community health center,” says Norman Bensky, MD, medical director of the Willow Creek Community Health Center (WCCHC) and long-time Willow Creek resident. “This was my private practice. Then for a long time we were a clinic sponsored by St. Joseph Health Systems and now we’re a part of Open Door Community Health Centers. Through all of those organization changes, we have re-mained committed to quality healthcare and the Willow Creek community. We have always tried

Community Health Centers

Gone are the television ideals of Dr. Kildare, Marcus Welby, even Doogie Howser and the image of an all-knowing, all-powerful doctor who is available 24/7, shouts orders and spouts medical jargon, doesn’t know you just lost your job except during the Christmas Special, and always has perfect hair.

In this series of articles celebrating Open Door Community Health Centers’ 40th anniversary, you’ll read about team work and our team approach to providing health care. Over the past several years, Open Door has invested a great deal of time and energy in developing a new model of care. What does “team care” mean to you as a patient of an Open Door clinic? In many ways it is a fundamental change in how you receive health care.

In the team care approach, you benefi t continued on page 5 ➤continued on page 8 ➤

Willow Creek Community Health Center

NorthCountryClinic

continued on page 2 ➤

GOODBYE MARCUS WELBY…Bill Hunter, MD.Chief Medical Officer

Heaven Porter gets a quick check-up from medical assistant Jen Busseau.

Caring for the Individual

“They will call you when they say they will call. If your provider cannot call you, an-

other provider will make sure to call. This is un-like any health care I have received from other places. I’ve never felt so loved by a clinic,” says Hank Larmuseau. “They go the extra mile and do the extra research. That’s real concern. It gives me hope.”

Hank has been going to NorthCountry Clinic since February 2005. As a result of his age and his specifi c health issues, his medical needs began to mount. Hank found that his providers went out of their way to thoroughly research his unique diabetic and mal-absorption issues and understand his lifestyle. With the help of this

Henri “Hank” Larmuseau and Eloi Hoopman, DO

Heaven Porter gets a quick check-up from Medical Assistant Jen Busseau

OPEN DOOR COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS SPECIAL SECTION • THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011 1

research, and a collaborative effort between Hank and his providers, they were able to fi nd a treatment plan to stabilize his medical issues, a self-care plan that fi t his daily routine, and signifi cantly reduced his need for medications. “I feel so much better. I have to pay atten-tion to what I do, but now I don’t have to take so many pills and injections. What a relief.”

In addition to the genuine con-cern Hank feels from his pro-viders, he feels something unique in the care he received from the entire staff. “I talk to Jessica a lot,” says Hank, referring to Medi-cal Assistant Jessica Quigley. “She helps me with my prescription re-

fi lls, gets answers to my questions, and puts me in contact with my doctor when necessary. To know someone is there to help is an un-believable comfort.”

A Focus on FamilyFour providers established North-

Country Clinic (NCC) in 1976 as a way to expand access to health care specifi cally for women and children. Deborah Sweitzer, PA,

remembers the early days. “I’ve been at NCC 34 years. I still love my job. It’s been a good ride. The four women who started NCC were all working

at the Humboldt Open Door Clinic. They saw a need in the community and opened NorthCountry Clinic for

Women and Children. I began with the clinic the next year, 1977, and have been here ever since. In order to stay fi nancially solvent we wid-ened our scope to be a full family practice clinic. We have always retained our commitment to serv-ing women and children and I have been a part of the women’s health program for the duration of my career here. Our clinic has always attracted providers who are dedi-cated to high quality care, access, and health education to empower patients to make healthy, informed choices. We have a quality core group of providers and staff. Even though our clinic has gone through changes over the years, the quality of care has never been compro-mised, nor has the mission at the heart of what we do.”

“We are always accepting pa-tients for women’s health,” contin-ues Deborah. “We try to keep our clinic feeling like a small intimate setting. We remain committed to offering women the option of being

continued from page 1NorthCountry Clinic

seen by women providers for their care. Open Door patients establish a primary care provider but women can choose who they want to see for their women’s health needs. We want women to feel comfort-able when discussing potentially sensitive but very important infor-mation. It is meaningful to build a relationship with the provider they see year after year.”

The team at NCC has grown since 1976 and the demand for quality health care has increased. NorthCountry Clinic now offers comprehensive services for the entire family. “NorthCountry grew out of Open Door in the 1970’s to focus on providing care for women and children. It came full circle in 2000, returning to Open Door to offer our community more effec-tive and effi cient healthcare on the north coast”, says Julie Ohnemus, medical director at NorthCountry Clinic and Open Door Community Health Centers’ associate medical director. “For years we provided

Women’s Health Specialist Deborah Sweitzer, PA, meets with patient Kate Haff (left).

Physician Assistant Joan Hughes and patient Kyle Walker

To know someone is there is an unbelievable comfort- Henri “Hank” Larmuseau

"

"

Maria Spetzler, PA-C with patient Malcolm Hidalgo

2 OPEN DOOR COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS SPECIAL SECTION • THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011

prenatal and obstetrics care for Open Door patients. Because of the increasing demand, we recently opened Northcountry Prenatal Ser-vices in the Shaw Pavilion at Mad River Community Hospital. Now all prenatal and obstetrics care is provided in the new facility.”

Joan Hughes, PA-C, has been working with NorthCountry for 30 years. Joan loves the relationship she builds with her patients from generation to generation, “It is fun to have families come in for prena-tal care and then watch the family grow. Our relationships as medical providers grow. I fi nd tremendous satisfaction and reward in my job. It is such a gift. Anything we give, we get back multi-fold,” says Joan. “Prenatal may have moved, but we’re still very much connected.” Deborah agrees, “I have patients I’ve seen since we fi rst opened and now I see their children and grandchildren.” Maria Spetzler, PA-C, adds, “I love working at this clinic; it truly represents a family practice. We see everybody from elderly to newborns.“

It Takes A Team“NorthCountry Clinic has great

synergy, all the parts work to-gether to contribute to the whole” says Deborah Sweitzer. “Our staff is committed to the patients and to working with each other. Every one of our front desk receptionists, medical assistants, nurses and pro-viders has an essential role in keep-ing the machine that is the clinic working effi ciently,” notes Maria Spetzler. Joan Hughes concurs, “Medical care begins when the pa-tient picks up the phone to call the clinic. Our receptionists recognize

that the person calling needs the reassurance that they can get the care they need, that they called the right place.”

Molly Rombalski, RN, has worked at NorthCountry for nine years. “I worked in hospitals before coming to NCC. I found a level of respect at the clinic that I didn’t see in oth-er places. I feel I have a voice and my opinion is valued. Everyone’s

skills are appreciated and used to the fullest benefi t of our patients. There are many things I can help patients with. That frees up provid-ers to see more patients. We are not just more effi cient, we’re more effective. I believe in this type of health care.”

Dolly Bott is the Behavioral Health Case Manager at NorthCoun-try Clinic. “I am an advocate for continued on next page ➤

the patient. What I do supports the patient and that in turn supports the medical care we provide as a clinic. When people are homeless, jobless, hungry or without trans-portation, their health suffers. If a patient can’t afford healthy food or needed medication, we’re spin-ning our wheels. I try to make sure

I came to North-Country Clinic because of its mission to pro-vide care for everyone, regardless of social status, income or insur-ance; and its focus on community health. We see a broad spectrum of patients, from HSU professors to home-less individuals. With each person who walks through our door, we do our best to listen,

respond to their concerns and provide high quality health care. I will always remember a homeless person with a severe psychiatric disorder saying to me, “Ev-ery time I come here, I feel like the ‘king of the day’.” That’s the way I want all of our patients to feel.

NorthCountry Clinic has always focused on educa-tion. We want our patients to be full participants in their health care. We address the whole person with our case management, behavioral health services and medical care.

NorthCountry Clinic serves as the buprenorphine (or Suboxone) treatment center for Arcata. Sub-oxone is an offi ce-based treatment for opiods de-pendence, including heroin and medications such as methadone, Vicodin and Oxycotin. These medications

all have value, but they can be abused. With this program we seek to reduce the chemical dependency and offer the patient the opportunity to redevelop their self esteem and self confi dence; the vital emo-tional journey necessary to avoid relapse. Often with addiction people exist in two different worlds: their public persona with family or work; and their shadow life of addiction. To be successful in recovery there needs to be a conscious effort to overcome the shame, guilt, and other emotions that accompany addiction. We’re working together to create a foun-dation of self value to guide better choices in the future. Open Door also provides suboxone treatment at its Eureka and Del Norte clinics.

I was a part of creating the Humboldt Community Breast Health Project because we needed something beyond medical care. As a doctor, there is only so much I can do. By creating partnerships, promoting healthy survivorship, and supporting each other, we increase our power to heal and enjoy life. �

Julie Ohnemus received her MD from the University of Arizona College of Medicine in 1988. She joined

NorthCountry Clinic in 1991 and is the clinic’s medical director as well as associate chief medical offi cer of Open Door Community Health Centers. Dr. Ohnemus

has also been director of Open Door’s behavioral health and psychiatry programs. For more information

about the Humboldt County Breast Health Project, please visit www.hcbhp.org.

Notes from Julie Ohnemus, MD

OPEN DOOR COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS SPECIAL SECTION • THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011 3

I was seeing patients from North-Country Clinic exclusively. Now I see patients referred from any clinic in the Open Door system. I’m a Humboldt County native. I’ve been doing case management for quite a while. Fortunately, I have a lot of good contacts.” explains Dolly. “All of us believe in the team approach and all of us

continued from page 3

patients can get the support they need. I also work hard to make sure that patients get access to medical care. Open Door clinics see everyone but many specialists do not. I work to create the connec-tions necessary for our patients to get the special medical care they need.”

“When I started with Open Door,

believe that we need to address the patient as a person who has a range of needs and dreams, not just a specifi c problem.”

Another member of the team at NCC is Lezlie Scaliatine, Psy.D, a licensed clinical psychologist. “As providers, we work with our patients by starting with each person’s needs and strengths. I take a “whole-person” approach because physical health and mental health are absolutely con-nected, and both are connected to the person’s environment and support system.” Lezlie notes that NCC uses an interdisciplinary approach, “I work with Dolly, Mol-ly, our other nurses and medical providers and they work with me. What we do supports directly the medical care and the patient’s overall health. I look outside of the immediate medical needs and help patients develop strategies for dealing with anxieties, stress-es and behaviors which may be contributing to the health prob-lems. This includes understanding a person’s home environment, the people they surround themselves with, and their habits and choices. Together we set goals designed to achieve better physical and emotional health.”

Molly Rombalski explains, “Genuine quality care goes be-yond our individual efforts.” Molly spends much of her time talking to patients on the phone, assess-ing their needs or following-up on their progress and then coordi-nating with other providers in the clinic. “When a provider and a pa-tient work out a treatment plan, we may need Dolly’s expertise to help the patient pay for the medi-

cations. We may need Lezlie’s skills to help the patient address some behaviors. I often need to provide education so the patient knows how to use the medication. And we all keep each other informed so that adjustments can be made. We work with people who may have diffi culty managing their whole life picture, medically and socially. We’re coaching, modeling appropri-ate behavior, educating, bringing in family support and asking about problems and progress.”

Joan Hughes comments, “One of the things that is so wonderful about the care provided at NCC is that we have a wide variety of resources to use. Not everyone needs such a comprehensive team approach, but it’s reassuring to know it’s available. I often see pa-tients with multiple issues, ranging from physical health to psychologi-cal well-being. I have the resources right here to address so much of what may be troubling someone. I really enjoy working for the well-being of the person. I can go far beyond the medicine.” �

NorthCountry Clinic

The staff at NorthCountry Clinic on the Sunset Bridge in Arcata

➤ Visit northcoastjournal.com/specialpublications to

view past editions of Open Door Special Sections

➤ Visit www.opendoorhealth.com for expanded versions of these

articles and to learn more about Open Door Community

Health Centers

4 OPEN DOOR COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS SPECIAL SECTION • THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011

many of our patients need.”“I work closely with the clinic

to serve our constituents well,” says Tamara. “We’re an outpost for lots of things. We help with patient assistance programs, senior services and fi nding caregivers, CalWorks, Medi-Cal applications, the County Mental Health branch; you name it and we’ll try to help. In one case, I walked into Ray’s Supermarket and saw a fl yer for a job. I knew someone who had just lost her job. We sat down that day and worked on her application. Perfect timing. She got the job. What we continued on next page ➤

do supports the quality of life and what the clinic does supports the quality of health.”

The Willow Creek Community Health Center provides medical care for all ages, including pediatrics, immunizations, wellness

check-ups for men, women and children and treatment for a wide range of acute illnesses and chronic conditions. It is also a place for urgent care. “We get cuts, burns and other tourist and camping related injuries all summer

long,” says Erika Dykehouse. “In the fall, we are prepared to stitch up a few chain saw accidents. We

continued from page 1Willow Creek Community Health Center

can’t handle everything – and there is an ambulance service in town for real emergencies – but for most non-life-threatening issues, we don’t expect someone to drive to the emergency room in Arcata or Eureka. For those people who are established patients of the clinic, we’re on call 24/7. It’s a real benefi t of being a WCCHC patient.”

“We don’t have a lot of direct services in our community. There is no hospital, no home health agency, no hospice and no specialty medical care providers in the Willow Creek community. We

have to travel to the coast, or the services on the coast have to travel to us. That is why our clinic has some things, like X-ray, that other Open Door clinics don’t have. We need to be able to take care of many things right here,” explains Dr. Bensky. In addition to his duties at the clinic, Dr. Bensky worked for many years at the emergency department of Redwood Memorial Hospital in Fortuna. “I know Highway 299 better than I’d like to. It is not easy on a clear day when you are feeling healthy. It is a real trial for someone who is ill. We’re committed to being responsive and fl exible; we never know what’s coming.”

Bringing Resources to the Community

As Dr. Bensky notes, there are few direct services in Willow Creek. “It’s a great place to live, but you

to be the “family doctor” for our friends and neighbors.”

“This clinic is an essential part of the community,” says Tamara Jenkinson, the coordinator of the Willow Creek Community Resource Center. The Resource Center, operated by St. Joseph Health System – Humboldt County, is not part of the community health center, but it is located in the same building. “We work with a lot of the same people, providing different services while focusing on the same goals.”

“Having Tamara and the resource center next door is awesome,” says Erika Dykehouse, registered nurse and RN Coordinator of the Willow Creek Community Health Center. “There is a door between the resource center and the clinic. We send patients to Tamara’s offi ce and she sends community members to the clinic. We provide health care and the resource center provides the support services so

For those people who are established patients of the clinic,

we’re on call 24/7. It’s a real benefi t of being a WCCHC patient.

- Erika Dykehouse

"

"

WCCHC also has a comprehensive dental clinic open to children and adults. Above left, Dr. Jung examines Willow Creek resident Jan Joki. Above right, the WCCHC dental team (from left): Heather Callagan, July Gallamore, Paul Jung, Teresa Allen and Laura Borden. The October 27th North Coast Journal Special Section will highlight Open Door dental services.

OPEN DOOR COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS SPECIAL SECTION • THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011 5

have to accept the fact that it is a small isolated town. Even grocery shopping can require a ‘trip down the mountain’ to the stores on the coast. It is diffi cult for a lot of our patients to get the full range of care they need. Our population is getting older and the need for care is increasing at the same time the resources and patients’ ability to travel is decreasing.” In response, the Willow Creek Community Health Center is making more use of telemedicine, the linking of patients in Willow Creek with providers in other parts of the state using real-time video connections. “Telemedicine is so necessary here,” says Laura Earls, medical assistant and telehealth coordinator at the clinic. “We can connect our patients to services in Eureka just as easily as San Francisco or San Diego. We can access a wide range of specialty care, and our patients never have

to leave the clinic.” Available telehealth services routinely include behavioral health, diabetic

education and care, and specialists at UC-Davis and other medical centers in California. “We have several patients who participate in the buprenorphine treatment groups at NorthCountry Clinic in Arcata. They don’t have to spend the time and money to get to Arcata, they can connect from our clinic,” explains Laura. A busy medical assistant most of the time, Laura and the team at Willow Creek recognize the value of telemedicine. “My role goes beyond scheduling and

making the video connection. I make sure to keep communications fl owing between the patient and the specialist, the specialist and our providers, and our providers and the patient. We often take on the responsibility for following through with the specialists' recommendations, so

understanding and communication is critical. I want to make sure the patient is informed, comfortable and part of the process. Our team is constantly looking for ways to connect our patients to available resources using telemedicine.”

Healthy Teens; Healthy Community

“Patients are always happy to hear that I am a member of the community,” says Kara Zartuche, nurse practitioner and coordinator of the recently launched Teen Clinic at the Willow Creek Community Health Center. Raised in Arcata and a former patient at one of Open Door’s clinics, Kara moved to Willow Creek when she took her job at the clinic there. “I’ve been here about six months. This is the community I want to live and work in.” Kara joined the staff at WCCHC after completing the FNP program at Samuel Merritt University in December. “I am really happy to be here,” she beams. “I wanted to work in a family practice clinic. I see babies, teenagers, and older adults. I’m always learning something new, and I sincerely enjoy getting to know the people around here. With a small tight-knit community it is

vital that I connect to the people who use this clinic, they are really my neighbors. Dr. Bensky introduces me to patients and that helps break the ice. It’s up to me to create the special relationships that make for partnerships with my patients.”

“I am passionate about teen choices and education,” states Kara. “Educated and informed young people make better choices about their behavior and about their health. I am concerned about the health and future of our teens. And healthy young people help keep our community healthy.” With experience in school-based clinics, Kara has a head start in this area. Modeled after successful Teen Clinics at other Open Door clinics in Arcata, Crescent City and

McKinleyville, Kara eagerly volunteered to spearhead the development of this new program for Willow Creek. In establishing the Teen Clinic, Kara has consulted extensively with medical assistant Jackie Singletary, who will help staff the new clinic service, and the other providers and staff at the clinic. “I’ve also talked with people in

the community, my neighbors and my family. We want to understand the need and the community and

continued from last pageWillow Creek Community Health Center

Norman Bensky, MD, Medical Director

Kara Zartuche, FNP, family practice provider and coordinator of the new WCCHC Teen Clinic

What we are doing here is What we are doing here is providing absolutely personal care. We’ve been here a long

time and this is our community.- Norman Bensky, MD

"

"

6 OPEN DOOR COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS SPECIAL SECTION • THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011

The Community in the Clinic

“I fi lled in here briefl y in 1985,” says Jane Manning, PA-C, “and said that if there was ever a regular job opening, I wanted it.” A short while later Jane got her wish and has been with the clinic since 1986. “I felt instantly connected and knew this was the spot for me.” While Jane has a busy family practice from pediatrics to geriatrics, “I’m especially committed to serving the health needs of women in our community. Having been here for 25 years, I’ve grown right along with the women I serve, working through the changes that come with the various stages of life.” Jane hasn’t just worked in Willow Creek for 25 years, she lives here and that “helps me understand our community and our patients.” Jane notes, "I have patients who were brought to me for their 2-month well-child check and now I’m doing the 2-month well-child checks for their kids.”

Erica Dykehouse, RN was fi rst introduced to the clinic when she worked with Tamara Jenkinson in the resource center in 2002. “Then I started volunteering at the clinic doing fi ling and helping out anyway I could. I just loved the environment.” Motivated by what she saw happening in the clinic, Erica enrolled in the nursing program at HSU. “When I fi rst graduated, I took a nursing job in Chico, but when a job became available at the clinic, I moved right back.” Originally from Indiana, Erica proudly claims 10 years as a Willow Creek resident. “The best part of my job here is seeing what we can do for the patients. The providers, nurses, medical assistants, front desk – everyone – works as a team. We forge some unique connections with our patients. We all live here together.”

“Dr. Bensky sets the pace and the attitude and the rest of us follow his lead,” says Erica. “Dr. Bensky makes sure that all patients have what they need, even

if it means staying late. I know there are days when he’d rather be on the river – he does love to fi sh – but he also cares for his community.” Having lived here for more than 20 years, Dr. Bensky is indeed a recognizable member of the community. According to Erica, “Dr. Bensky encourages us to treat each and every patient with the same kindness and concern that we would want for our own family members. One of Dr. Bensky’s favorite questions is ‘If that was your mother or grandfather, what course of action would you take?’ That really puts things in perspective.”

Many other employees of the clinic are also residents of the Willow Creek area. “We bring our connections, our experiences, and our knowledge to work with us every day,” explains Kat Napier, Site Administrator. “I believe that makes us better prepared and more responsive to the needs of our patients.”

On a concluding note, Tamara Jenkinson adds, “I work for the resource center, so I see what the clinic does every day. I’m also a patient at the clinic, so I know what they have done for me. I am struck by how much they care about the community. I have really loved working with the people here. It is a real joy.”

�

respond accordingly. Teens are going through so much change and growth. We support the choice of abstinence and we also need to provide medically accurate information about reproductive health.” The Willow Creek Teen Clinic provides a safe and confi dential place to ask questions, discuss health issues and build confi dence. “Maintaining reproductive health is important; however, we want to offer a service that addresses overall health for teens, including resources to make informed decisions and strategies to help alleviate the pressures that come with young adulthood.”

“First we need to establish a foundation of trust and privacy. And we want to create a warm, welcoming and informal atmosphere. Health care is important, but we want a fun place where teenagers can feel safe,” says Kara with a smile. Trained teen advocates, teenagers themselves, will serve as receptionists and resources at the Teen Clinic. Walk-in Teen Clinics are offered every Tuesday from 2:00pm until 5:00pm at the Willow Creek Community Health Center. Services are available at other times by appointment.

Kara invites dialogue. "Community members are welcome to stop by the Willow Creek clinic and talk to us. We welcome your questions and comments." For more information, please visit www.opendoorteenclinic.com. �

The staff of the Willow Creek Community Health Center

OPEN DOOR COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS SPECIAL SECTION • THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011 7

continued from page 1 ➤

• Arcata HUMBOLDT OPEN DOOR CLINIC 770 Tenth Street, Arcata, CA 95521

707-826-8610

NORTHCOUNTRY CLINIC 785 18th Street, Arcata, CA 95521 707-822-2481

NORTHCOUNTRY PRENATAL SERVICES 3800 Janes Road, Suite 101,

Arcata, CA 95521 (in the Shaw Pavilion of Mad River

Community Hospital) 707-822-1385

• Crescent City DEL NORTE COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER 550 East Washington Blvd,

Crescent City, CA 95531 707-465-6925 - Medical 707-465-4636 - Dental

• Eureka BURRE DENTAL CENTER 959 Myrtle Avenue, Eureka, CA 95501 707-442-7078

EUREKA COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER 2412 Buhne Street, Eureka, CA 95501 707-441-1624

TELEHEALTH & VISITING SPECIALIST CENTER 2426 Buhne Street, Eureka, CA 95501 707-442-4038

• McKinleyville McKINLEYVILLE COMMUNITY

HEALTH CENTER 1644 Central Avenue,

McKinleyville, CA 95519 707-839-3068 - Medical 707-839-2677 - Pediatrics

• Willow Creek WILLOW CREEK COMMUNITY

HEALTH CENTER 38883 Route 299,

Willow Creek, CA 95573 530-629-3111 - Medical

530-629-1941 - Dental

All clinics will do their best to accommodate your immediate needs; however, there may be a waiting list at some clinics to establish care for new patients at this time. Open Door clinics offer either family practice/primary care medical services or dental services for children and adults. Several clinics offer both medical and dental services. While not available at all sites, other services provided to patients of Open Door Community Health Centers include:

• Behavioral Health and Counseling Services• Evening and Saturday Hours• HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C Care• Nutritional Counseling• Opiate Dependency Treatment• Pediatric Services• Psychiatry• Specialty Medical Care• Teen Health Clinics• Transgender Health Clinic• Urgent Care (Walk-In Services)• Wellness and Health Maintenance

from the knowledge, perspectives and availability of a group of skilled and talented health care professionals who work together, communicate and seek the best possible ways to address your needs and goals as a person, not just a patient. This approach expands greatly our abilities to provide preventive care, education, help you establish wellness activities and make informed decisions. We are concerned about where and how you live. We want you to be involved in making decisions about your health and health care. This requires information, involvement and communication.

We can use the speed of our electronic health records to better manage your care and contact you for necessary exams and follow-ups. Our medical assistants will help make sure your immunizations and health screenings are up to date. Our nurses can help adjust your medications and answer questions about your prescriptions. Our receptionists will let you know when you are due for services, including lab tests and follow-up exams. Our behavioral health team can address your lifestyle and emotional needs. And we can connect you with social services folk who can help with housing, benefi t eligibility, and other supports. We’ve added “MyChart” so you can see parts of your medical record with a secure online connection and communicate with your provider using secure email. Together we can prevent many future health issues, improve your ability to manage your health, and achieve better outcomes from our work together. When we talk about team care, we very much include you on the team.

In practice, we want the clinic – not just your primary care provider – to be the fi rst place you think of when you need health care. We don’t want you to wait or go to the emergency room unnecessarily. Team care allows us to see you more rapidly when you are ill and to schedule regular check-ups as a way to help you maintain your health.

This is a long-term process that involves everyone in the Open Door system – including our patients. We’re not yet where we want to be, but I’ve already seen the benefi ts in the health of our patients and the quality of our communication. For more information please visit www.opendoorhealth.com. �

continued from page 1 ➤

Articles by Breanne Sorrells, Development Associate, and Julianne Barnum, Advancement Assistant, Open Door Community Health Centers; editorial contributions by Christopher Peters, Chief Advancement Offi cer, Open Door Community Health Centers

Most Photography by Paul Swenson Photography, www.paulphoto.comLayout and graphic design by Siobhan Calderwood, North Coast Journal

Please visit www.opendoorhealth.com to read expanded versions of these stories and discover more about Open Door. Comments may be addressed to: editor@opendoorhealth.com.

This health center is a Health Center Program grantee under 42 U.S.C. 254(b), and a deemed Public Health Service employee under 42 U.S.C. 233(g)-(n)

OPEN DOOR COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERSAdministrative Offi ces: 670 Ninth Street, Suite 203 • Arcata, CA 95521 • 707-826-8633

www.opendoorhealth.com

8 OPEN DOOR COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS SPECIAL SECTION • THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011