Open AccessThe Vital Role of a Federally Qualified Community Health Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Author(s) -
Jason Halperin,
Katherine Conner,
Christian Telleria,
Bruce Agins,
Isolde Butler
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
the journal of ambulatory care management/journal of ambulatory care management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.639
H-Index - 39
eISSN - 1550-3267
pISSN - 0148-9917
DOI - 10.1097/jac.0000000000000362
Subject(s) - pandemic , covid-19 , public health , medicine , medical emergency , health care , center (category theory) , personal protective equipment , nursing , family medicine , gerontology , political science , virology , chemistry , disease , pathology , outbreak , infectious disease (medical specialty) , law , crystallography
Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) are on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their mission of providing essential medical care to underserved populations is now even more vital. CrescentCare, an FQHC in New Orleans, evaluated and tested 3366 patients between March 16 and July 2, with an overall rate of 12% SARS-CoV-2 positivity. The clinic's experience demonstrates how to effectively and rapidly integrate COVID-19 programing, while preserving essential health services. Strategies include developing a walk-in COVID-19 testing site, ensuring appropriate clinical evaluation, providing accurate public health information, and advocating for job safety on behalf of our patients.