August 6-12, 2023 is National Health Center Week
It's National Health Center Week, and Westside Family Health Center is proud to be
a part of the celebration. WFHC plays a vital role in promoting public health by providing equitable access to quality healthcare services for over 12,000 patients each year.
The far-reaching impact of Community Health Centers across the United States has garnered the attention of the White House:
“Every year, our Nation’s nearly 1,400 federally funded community health centers provide critical, accessible, and affordable medical, dental, and behavioral health care to over 30 million Americans. Spread across every State and territory, these vital health care centers help make real the promise that health care in this country should be a right, not a privilege. During National Health Center Week, we celebrate their dedicated staff and recommit to providing the resources these vital centers need to continue protecting the well-being of the American people.”
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Back-to-School-Ready with Westside Family Health Center
Summertime is flying by, and August means it's time to get your child ready for school. WFHC is here to help with pediatric physical exams and immunizations; some patients may even qualify for free vaccines.
Call (310) 450-2191 to schedule an appointment or for more information; WFHC’s vaccine clinic is open the second and fourth Saturday of every month from 8 am – 2 pm.
Keep reading for more tips on getting the whole family back-to-school ready!
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Transitioning from the carefree days of summer to the structured routine of school can be overwhelming for children and parents. Here are some tips to foster emotional readiness:
1. Encourage your child to express their feelings about going back to school.
- Listen attentively and validate their emotions, assuring them that it is natural to have a mix of excitement and nervousness. Let them know you are there to support them every step of the way.
2. Establish routines.
- Gradually reintroduce school routines a week or two before classes begin. Set consistent bedtimes, morning routines, and meal schedules. This helps children adjust to the structure and expectations of the school day, creating a much smoother transition.
3. Visit the school.
- If possible, take your child for a visit to their school before the first day. Familiarizing them with the environment can alleviate anxiety and provide a sense of comfort. If allowed, show them their classroom, meet their teacher, and explore the building.
4. Encourage independence.
- Help your child develop independence by involving them in back-to-school preparations. Allowing them to choose their school supplies, organize their backpack, and assisting with packing snacks/lunches, can empower them in building confidence for the upcoming academic journey.
5. Nurture positivity and support.
- Emphasize the positive aspects of returning to school. Talk about the exciting activities, new friends, and opportunities for growth that await them. Encourage discussions about their interests and goals for the upcoming school year, fostering a sense of enthusiasm and motivation. Remind them that they have a strong support system at home ready to assist them whenever needed.
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A Note from WFHC’s Chief Medical Officer
“Prioritizing your child's health is vital for a successful academic journey. Schedule a well-child check-up with their pediatrician to ensure they are in good physical condition. These check-ups offer an opportunity to address any health concerns, update immunizations, undergo vital screenings, including vision and hearing screens, and provide early detection of potential issues. Immunizations are one of our most powerful tools to prevent and/or reduce complications of preventable illnesses. A healthy body sets the stage for a healthy mind!”
Dr. Rebecca Rodriguez is WFHC’s Chief Medical Officer and pediatric specialist. Her board certifications include the American Board of Pediatrics and the American Board of Internal Medicine. She is bilingual in English and in Spanish.
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Meet the WFHC Pediatrics Team
WFHC is committed to serving our school-aged patients with comprehensive care provided by a team of pediatric specialists.
Along with Dr. Rodriguez, Elizabeth Hawkes M.D. joined the WFHC Pediatrics team in 2022. Certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, she has been in practice for more than 20 years serving communities in Los Angeles and Chicago.
WFHC takes immense pride in our "full person" healthcare model for adult patients. We are very excited to now offer this same care to our pediatric patients to achieve best health outcomes. Kendra Godfrey, AMFT, offers creative methods like play therapy to provide mental healthcare to our younger patients.
Support your child’s physical and mental health by scheduling an appointment at WFHC!
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Q&A With WFHC’s Community Outreach & Education Team
Did you know?
Youth ages 15-24 make up 25% of the sexually active population but 50% of the 26 million new sexually transmitted infections that occur in the U.S every year.
And we are not ok with that.
WFHC recognizes the barriers adolescents face to accessing crucial reproductive health services, making them vulnerable to unwanted pregnancies and STI’s.
But we’ve got good news!
WFHC’s medical mobile unit provides low barrier reproductive health services one day a month at Venice High School and Westchester Enriched Science Magnet High School.
WFHC’s medical mobile unit…
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Is available for free or for reduced fees on a sliding scale.
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Provides judgement-free risk-reduction counseling in a safe, private setting where all questions can be asked, answered, and discussed.
WFHC is committed to confidential, youth-centered reproductive care. By providing these health services on school campuses during school hours, the WFHC medical mobile unit is taking the fear out of accessing healthcare and creating an environment where preventive care is celebrated!
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Support Community Health at WFHC
As a safety net provider, WFHC's purpose is to address the health needs of anyone who walks through the doors. 100% of your donation supports the work WFHC is doing to provide high-quality care to the most vulnerable among us. Click here to donate.
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Make an Ongoing Impact
Streamline your giving and make an ongoing impact by becoming a monthly donor. It's easy to sign up online; enter your monthly donation amount and then scroll down to enter your contact and payment information.
Please contact Cindi Berns, Director of Development, if you need assistance or further information at (310) 450-4773 x 254. or cberns@wfhcenter.org
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In good health,
Your Friends at Westside Family Health Center
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