Diabetes and heart disease are major health crises in Oregon. Risk for disease is increasing as a rising number of Oregonians are becoming overweight or obese (60% as of 2007). The cost is quality of life, mortality and over $1.8 billion every year in our state alone. The stress of the recession in Beaumont-Wilshire was also apparent in a recent community survey, which uncovered a need for more interaction with neighbors. A community health center can fill this need and strengthen our neighborhood. These centers are proven solutions that have already made a dramatic impact in many Oregon neighborhoods. They provide patient centered primary care; exercise, cooking, and nutrition classes along with a community garden; family and youth outreach programs; and they can partner with organizations such as Loaves and Fishes. The shift to delivering health care through community health centers cuts costs, builds social capital, and improves neighborhood livability. Beaumont-Wilshire, because of its dedicated community leaders and neighborhood involvement, is in a position to make positive changes in many neighbors’ lives. The ripples of healthy and interconnected living reach us all.
Two page paper, with references, on community health center benefits: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/6be8qz6g79ykybv/IooQZ1xshf?n=109605852
A project my OHSU nursing clinical group worked on last term that exemplifies the power of a community health center partnering with students: http://www.oregonlive.com/gresham/index.ssf/2013/06/ohsu_nursing_students_wallace.html