On April 9, 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Health Resources and Services Administration awarded more than $1.3 billion to 1,387 health centers across the U.S. as part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In Oregon, $23,256,870 will go to support 30 health centers to help communities detect, prevent and respond to the coronavirus pandemic. The importance of this investment to rural communities cannot be overstated. As HHS Secretary Alex Azar said in the award announcement, “HRSA-funded health centers are already playing a critical role by delivering essential services, serving as community testing and screening sites, and alleviating burdens on our nation’s emergency rooms and hospitals.”
SouthRiver Community Health Center will receive an award in the amount of $567,350 to continue to expand work underway to bring healthcare within reach of more people. “The funding comes at a time when we are expanding telehealth services, and launching Open Access scheduling at SouthRiver,” said Michelle Watson, SouthRiver’s Chief Operations Officer.
“Historically, it has taken weeks or, in some cases, months for new patients to get in to see a provider, and urgent appointments are often added to already full schedules. With Open Access —also known as same-day scheduling—new and existing patients are able to see their provider, often on the same day they call the clinic,” said Watson. Together, Telehealth and Open Access scheduling are expected to reduce delays in access to care, increase patient satisfaction, and take the pressure off of the emergency room and urgent care clinics. SouthRiver’s new Open Access hours are Monday through Thursday, 11am to 3pm. New and existing patients may call SouthRiver at 541-492-4550 or visit www.southriverhealth.org for more information.
Because of the increased risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus, SouthRiver is limiting clinic visits to only those who absolutely must see their care team in person. Patients who are ill with flu symptoms are asked to call ahead prior to coming into the clinic.
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About the Health Resources & Services Administration
HRSA funds nearly 1,400 health centers that operate in nearly 13,000 locations nationwide. Health centers deliver care to the nation’s most vulnerable individuals and families, including people experiencing homelessness, agricultural workers, residents of public housing, and our nation’s veterans. Led by patient-majority boards, these health centers provide affordable, accessible, and quality primary health care to over 28 million people a year, regardless of their ability to pay. Visit FindAHealthCenter.HRSA.Gov to locate the health center closest to you. For a list of award recipients, visit https://bphc.hrsa.gov/emergency-response/coronavirus-cares-FY2020-awards.
About SouthRiver Community Health Center
SouthRiver Community Health Center was established in 2006, and became a federally qualified health center in 2012. SouthRiver now operates as a Patient-Centered Primary Care Home, providing integrated physical and behavioral health services. SouthRiver is committed to providing timely and affordable care for residents in the Winston, Roseburg and surrounding communities. We operate three fully-integrated primary care and behavioral health clinics in Winston and Roseburg, Oregon. We serve over 5,000 patients annually, with the goal of providing access to the highest quality care to our community, regardless of ability to pay.