NEVHC Impact Report 2022

Northeast Valley Health Corporation

OUR VISION

Northeast Valley Health Corporation will be an integral part of a system of health care that provides access to all

MISSION STATEMENT

To provide quality, safe and comprehensive healthcare to the medically underserved residents of Los Angeles County, particularly in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys, in a manner that is sensitive to the economic, social, cultural and linguistic needs of the community.

JEDI (JUSTICE, EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION) STATEMENT

Northeast Valley Health Corporation values justice, equity, diversity and inclusion and is committed to advancing an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Through our principles, policies and practices, we are creating a safe and inclusive environment that empowers a diverse workforce and the communities we serve. We will break down barriers and uplift each other to improve healthcare services, health outcomes and strengthen a culture of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion that continues to grow and evolve.

NEVHC’S SERVICES & PROGRAMS

- Pediatrics

- Adult Medicine

- Women’s Health (Family Planning, OB/GYN)

- STD testing & treatment

- HIV testing & treatment and Hepatitis C virus screening and treatment

- Cancer detection program

- Chronic disease management

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

- Behavioral health/social services

- Substance use disorder services/medication assisted treatment for opioid abuse

- Dentistry

- Health education and medical nutrition therapy

- Pharmacy, lab and X-ray

- Health insurance enrollment assistance

NEVHC ALSO ADMINISTERS

- The Women Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition program for the San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys

- The Cooperative Health Care for the Homeless Network, a coalition of 11 healthcare agencies that provide healthcare for homeless patients throughout Los Angeles County

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Theresa (Missy) Nitescu Chief Operations Officer

Dr. Christine Park Chief Medical Officer

Patricia Moraga Chief Financial Officer

Richard Galvan Secretary

Ted Bradpiece Treasurer

Dr. Juan Vargas Vice Chairperson

Stella Mendoza Chairperson

Sheldon Cabrera-Miller

Dr. Michael Cousineau Cynthia Guerrero Sonia Mariscal-Navarro

Diane J. Morey

Maria Angie Pacheco

Mark Stokes Cittlaly Vasquez Mashica Winslow

Kimberly Wyard Chief Executive Officer

Kimberly Wyard Chief Executive Officer

Dear friends of Northeast Valley Health Corporation (NEVHC),

We are excited to share our 2022 Impact Report with you. This past year was one of resilience and growth as we continued to provide essential health services to our patients amidst the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, launching capital campaigns for our upcoming two new health centers and ramping up work for our 50th-anniversary celebration.

From our humble beginnings as a single health center in San Fernando in 1973, we have grown to include 16 health centers, with two more opening in 2023. Today, we serve over 81,000 patients annually across the San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys and are proud to continue championing health and innovation for those who need it most.

As we reflect on our legacy of care, we are excited about the next 50 years as a community health center. Our commitment to providing and continually innovating programs and services is evident in this annual report as we look back into some of our longest-serving initiatives and their impact on individuals and the community. Programs like our ever-growing substance use disorder programs or life-saving perinatal services show how our care goes beyond our clinic walls.

Stella Mendoza Board Chair

Despite looming financial challenges and changes to federal funding, we continue to innovate and adapt to ensure we can provide our patients with the highest quality of care. Institutionally, we have firmly committed to diversity and equity as we continue investing and implementing our Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion initiative. We continue to partner with elected officials and community partners to find ways to continue advancing our mission and strengthen our Legacy of Care. Our signature programs, such as our mobile health clinic serving people experiencing homelessness, remote patient monitoring and telehealth services, are just some examples of how we are leading the way in advancing community health.

We want to thank our incredible staff and board, who have shown unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of our patients. Their dedication has inspired us all, and we are proud to have such an exceptional team of healthcare professionals.

We are committed to building on our Legacy of Care as we embark on our next 50 years, and we hope you will join us in the effort to celebrate our past triumphs and help us build all that is to come. We are grateful for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Kimberly Wyard, Chief Executive Officer Board Chair

Map of Health Centers and WIC Sites

By the Numbers

3,390

1,072 NEVHC employees by end of 2022

272 total group wellness education classes

275 participants in Enhanced Care Management Program

116,141 pharmacy prescriptions filled

44,964 lbs. of food distributed by CalFresh

9,200 COVID tests administered

10,721 over the counter COVID kits distributed

Covid-19 vaccines

14,380

12,786 total patients vaccinated total doses administered

25,928 total cancer screenings comprehensive care visits by patients experiencing homelessness via the Cooperative Health Care for the Homeless Network

19,374 patients in the Cooperative Health Care for the Homeless Network

95,789

Moving Community Health Forward

NEVHC Health Education staff members attend the Autumn Community Resource Fair at Pacoima Charter School to provide resources and information for upcoming community wellness events.

NEVHC staff and volunteers at San Fernando Health Center for the 25th annual Holiday Toy Drive.

Assemblymember Luz Rivas presents NEVHC with a grant that she successfully secured in the state budget to support staff recruitment, retention and workforce training.

NEVHC organizes Garden Workdays and invites staff and community members to help create and maintain community garden spaces.

Congressmember Tony Cárdenas visits Maclay Wellness Center to meet with CEO Kim Wyard during National Health Center Week.

NEVHC’s CalFresh team hosts a produce giveaway at San Fernando Health Center.

NEVHC attends the Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber of Commerce’s 111th birthday celebration, where they were honored with the Captains of Industry Award for the healthcare industry.

NEVHC Managed Care team hosts in-person enrollment events for community members to help answer questions and meet with health plan representatives.

NEVHC’s Health Education team provides resources at Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez’s Dia de los Muertos event at Pacoima City Hall.

NEVHC’s E6 Street Outreach Team provides health services to individuals in homeless encampments.

EXPANDING ACCESS TO

CARE: NEVHC’S COVID PLUS CLINICS

Author: Rachel Schranck | Contributor: Jeanette Rosales

When the demand for COVID-19 vaccines in NEVHC’s vaccination clinics decreased in early 2022, NEVHC saw an opportunity to address unmet needs and provide more health services to patients, specifically those with hypertension and a missing blood pressure reading on their medical chart. Always seeking ways to better serve patients, NEVHC established COVID Plus Clinics and expanded access to care.

In 2021, with the mass production and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines, NEVHC held reoccurring vaccination clinics at health centers with the goal of vaccinating patients. These clinics operated at an extremely rapid pace, only open for three hours at a time with approximately 120 slots. Despite NEVHC opening their vaccination slots to the wider community, clinic staff witnessed a decline in individuals seeking vaccines in early 2022. The need for vaccines had decreased, and patients were mostly coming to the clinics to receive their boosters. NEVHC administered 3,648

vaccines in December 2021, but dropped to 1,311 vaccines by March 2022.

As vaccination demand decreased, NEVHC staff sought to provide additional primary care services that could meet the unique needs of our community. Thus, COVID Plus Clinics were created as temporary pop-up style clinics in health centers to serve a high number of patients with hypertension.

In 2022, NEVHC had over 9,000 patients with hypertension. Due to increased virtual visits during the COVID-19 pandemic, patients were missing blood pressure readings on their medical charts. Although many patients were monitoring their blood pressure at home during this time, NEVHC did not have access to those blood pressure readings. This data was vital to determining the best care for patients. NEVHC’s COVID Plus Clinic staff sent text messages to patients advising them that their doctor recommended a blood pressure check and how they could visit our COVID Plus Clinics at the provided range of times.

The first COVID Plus Clinic held at the Pacoima Health Center in April 2022 was a great success, with over 60 patients showing up! Clinic staff checked blood pressure and if it was high, scheduled an appointment for the patient to see their provider. They also offered relevant health education classes on topics like nutrition and diabetes. Patients appreciated a medical professional taking their blood pressure because it reassured them that they were correctly monitoring it at home. Many were also seeking in-person connections that were universally missed during the height of the pandemic. The clinic staff provided patients with support and health care face-to-face during an uncertain, isolating time.

“The biggest thing in the beginning was the patients saying that they were thankful that we were seeing

“The biggest thing in the beginning was the patients saying that they were thankful that we were seeing them in-person.”

- Jeanette Rosales, Program Manager

Access to Care: COVID Plus Clinics

them in-person,” said, Jeanette Rosales, COVID-19 Vaccines Program Manager, when discussing the patients’ response.

With the success of the first COVID Plus clinic, NEVHC set up reoccurring COVID Plus Clinics in the Pacoima Health Center, as well as the San Fernando, Sun Valley and Newhall health centers. NEVHC served over 2,000 patients at the COVID Plus Clinics from April through the end of 2022. Along with blood pressure checks, the clinics offered a range of medical services to fill common needs. If a patient was diabetic, clinic staff scheduled necessary appointments for a retinal screening and/or a foot exam. If a patient was due for a colorectal cancer screening, NEVHC would provide a screening kit.

NEVHC has continually added services at the COVID Plus Clinics as needs arise. When the flu season started, flu shots were offered to patients, and some clinics have started offering pediatric immunizations.

By creating COVID Plus Clinics, NEVHC has expanded access to care for patients. These smaller, rapid clinics give NEVHC the capacity to see an additional 100 patients in a three-hour window. Additionally, they allow NEVHC to provide quick but necessary services until patients can see their doctor for a scheduled appointment and more in-depth medical services. COVID Plus Clinic staff have been able to screen patients for multiple needs at once and set them up for a range of medical appointments.

Rosales says creating the COVID Plus Clinics has been an innovative way to get patients in for care. She hopes NEVHC can continue to provide patients with rapid clinics like these, but it will also depend on funding. “If we can help to make sure that the patients have more access to their screenings, that’s something that I would definitely want to see in the future.”

A patient having their blood pressure tested.

Perinatal Program Journey

NEVHC has a dedicated team of staff who provide individualized and comprehensive perinatal care, along with a supportive atmosphere for patients. 21 Women’s Health medical providers, including 10 OB/GYN medical doctors, care for 2,150 patients per year at seven health centers. NEVHC case managers, registered dietitians, behavioral health professionals, health educators and women’s healthcare coordinators are also available to help patients with their various needs.

EMPOWERING

MOTHERS THROUGH THEIR PERINATAL JOURNEY

Author: Rachel Schranck |

Contributors: Yanira Valencia, Gabriela Santiaguillo, Dr. Mark Fan

Having the support of a care team during and after pregnancy is incredibly vital, yet not discussed enough. NEVHC’s perinatal program gives patients the tools and care for a healthy pregnancy.

NEVHC provides extensive perinatal care services to pregnant and postpartum women across the San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys through the Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program (CPSP). As a CPSP provider, NEVHC gives patients support beyond standard obstetric services. CPSP is an evidence-based, statewide program for Medi-Cal eligible pregnant women that offers services in the areas of nutrition, psychosocial and health education to reduce health disparities in underserved communities.

Perinatal patients can receive most of their care under one roof, including in-house ultrasound and dental services. This one-stop shop approach allows patients to become comfortable and familiar with their care team.

When a patient comes in looking for prenatal care, a case manager conducts thorough assessments that identify needs and risks. The case manager then provides the patient with services, classes, counseling and referrals spanning the areas of nutrition, health education and psychosocial to help patients improve their health. Health educators lead classes in breastfeeding, family planning and anatomy to teach patients important information for a healthy pregnancy and delivery. Women’s healthcare coordinators guide patients in managing conditions like diabetes and hypertension, especially patients who are diagnosed during pregnancy.

NEVHC also partners with local hospitals to provide delivery services for patients, including Valley Presbyterian Hospital, Providence Holy Cross Medical Center, Dignity Health Northridge Hospital Medical Center, Olive View Medical Center and Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital. After delivery, patients return to NEVHC health centers for postpartum care. NEVHC staff ensure patients are recovering well and offer resources like breastfeeding support and supplemental nutrition assistance from the WIC program. Furthermore, the newborn babies will often become patients of NEVHC and begin receiving Well-Child exams for long term developmental growth. In 2022, NEVHC had over 34,000 pediatric patients (ages 0 -17), comprising 42% of NEVHC’s patient population.

Women’s Health medical providers ensure mothers and their babies are progressing and developing in a healthy manner.

Care Through the Years

Since NEVHC perinatal patients come from different levels of awareness and readiness about the healthcare system, staff provide guidance to support patients in accessing resources they need throughout pregnancy and postpartum. Bi-monthly baby showers are a great example of NEVHC’s commitment to patients. NEVHC raffles items during baby showers like strollers, car seats and diapers that are donated by the nonprofit Baby2Baby. Baby showers also serve as important information sessions for expectant mothers. Representatives from WIC, pediatric and dental services, as well as from partner hospitals, all attend the baby showers to answer questions and talk about specific services.

Over the years, NEVHC’s perinatal program has become an essential part of the community, with many patients returning for future pregnancies, and continuing to receive care at NEVHC for themselves and their families. Several patients who come in for prenatal care are new to NEVHC, so staff make them aware of the full extent of the services offered, and how NEVHC can continue to provide quality care for them, as well as their babies.

NEVHC’s commitment to providing personalized care, hiring a dedicated team and offering extensive resources have all contributed to the success and impact of the perinatal program. NEVHC looks forward to expanding perinatal services when the new Van Nuys Women’s and Reproductive Health Center opens in 2023.

34,000

pediatric patients (ages 0 -17), comprising 42% of NEVHC’s patient population.

In 2022, NEVHC had over

A nurse provides care for a young pediatric patient during their Well-Child exam.

Prenatal care is most effective when it starts early and continues throughout pregnancy.

NEVHC staff make sure that mothers and their newborns receive care, resources and support postpartum.

NEVHC’s first Executive Director, Louis Garcia.

Director of Pediatrics Dr. Gina Johnson listens to a patient’s heart rhythm during a well-child exam.

NEVHC WIC participants receiving one-on-one nutrition education.

Former NEVHC Executive Director Louis Garcia, with former President of the United States Jimmy Carter.

Dental providers conduct a routine exam for a patient.

Community members read about the new San Fernando Health Center circa 1971.

Grand opening of the San Fernando Health Center in 1973.

Youth in front of the San Fernando High School Teen Health Center.

NEVHC staff and guests at the San Fernando Health Center expansion circa 1998.

Former Chief Executive Officer (second from right) is presented with a key to the city.

Chief Executive Officer Kimberly Wyard and former WIC Director Gayle Schachne welcome Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger during his visit to WIC North Hollywood in 2006.

A health education staff member provides nutrition guidance to a mother and child..

A pediatric patient receives an inhaler through NEVHC’s Breathe Easy Asthma Program.

A provider checks a student’s heart rhythm during a physical exam at the San Fernando High School Teen Health Center.

The groundbreaking of the San Fernando Health Center expansion.

Chief Executive Officer Kimberly Wyard providing opening remarks for the grand opening of the Santa Clarita Health Center.

Director of Pediatrics Dr. Johnson and Cedars Sinai resident Dr. Courtney Gelberman ensures a pediatric patient is up to date on vaccines

Former NEVHC executives and guests at the grand opening of NEVHC’s Maclay Corporate Office in San Fernando.

A NEVHC provider is interviewed regarding the Safe Surrender program across Los Angeles County.

NEVHC staff at the Affordable Care Act rally in Los Angeles circa 2017.

NEVHC’s 10-year anniversary circa 1983.

NEVHC provider, Dr. Mandrick, reviews an x-ray.

NEVHC’s first Executive Director, Louis Garcia, discusses mortality rates in the United States.

A pediatric provider conducts a well-child exam.

CARE AT THE MARGINS:

MEETING HOMELESS PATIENTS WHERE THEY ARE

homelessness (PEH) are disproportionately affected by health issues, the rise in homelessness created significant challenges for local policymakers and health care providers. Subsequently, policymakers developed a range of healthcare initiatives specifically designed for the health and well-being of the homeless population.

Author: Selena Sierra |

Contributors: Eddie Sanders and Eder Avellaneda

NEVHC has long asserted that access to healthcare is a fundamental human right, regardless of socioeconomic conditions. Since NEVHC began its Health Care for the Homeless (HCH) efforts nearly 40 years ago, continual progress and innovation have characterized its evolution.

Los Angeles County experienced an increase in the rate of homelessness because of several economic trends and legislative actions in the early 1980s. As persons experiencing

In 1987, NEVHC utilized grant funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to begin providing health care to PEH at a North Hollywood motel room that L.A. Family Housing (LAFH) repurposed as a homeless shelter. The partnership with LAFH progressed as NEVHC eventually operated a clinic at LAFH’s Sydney M. Irmas Transitional Living Center, which was later relocated to NEVHC’s current Transitions to Wellness (TTW) Van Nuys Health Center.

The HRSA grant further bolstered HCH efforts by funding the Cooperative Health Care for the Homeless Network (CHCHN) in 1987. The original grant named NEVHC as the lead agency that would pass through federal funding

NEVHC E6 Outreach Team attends to a patient.

Health Care for the homeless

to six organizations serving homeless populations. Still as the lead agency, NEVHC now collaborates with and provides pass-through funds to 10 external organizations. These funds help increase access to medical, dental, case management and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment for 15,642 PEH. The CHCHN is comprised of the following:

• Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Division of Adolescent Medicine

• CHAPCare (Community Health Alliance of Pasadena)

• Eisner Health

• East Valley Community Health Center

• JWCH Institute, Inc.

• USC School of Dentistry

• Venice Family Clinic

• Saban Community Clinic

• The Children’s Clinic of Long Beach

• Clínica Monseñor Oscar A. Romero

NEVHC currently has three health centers dedicated to providing high-quality health care for PEH: TTW Van Nuys, TTW North Hollywood and the Mobile Clinic.

The TTW sites provide specialized services to treat the needs of NEVHC’s most at-risk patients. Many PEH face barriers in finding reliable transportation to health centers, but NEVHC is able to reach these patients with its 36-foot Mobile Clinic and the Street Medicine Outreach Team. NEVHC’s Mobile Clinic is equipped with one exam room, a nursing and blood drawing station, a bathroom and a medication dispensary. The Street Medicine Team is a small group comprised of providers and case managers who drive and walk to homeless encampments. They provide general health services and behavioral health counseling, deliver medication to PEH experiencing SUD and perform COVID tests. In total, NEVHC serves 3,732 patients experiencing homelessness annually.

Access to healthcare is critical for PEH to manage health problems, and NEVHC will continue to work to mitigate barriers that prevent them from accessing healthcare.

“Without access to comprehensive services, these patients are more likely to have poorer outcomes and shorter life expectancy. Outreach, street medicine, nonjudgmental providers, integrated behavioral health, the Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) program and case management are critical to help keep them stable.” - TTW Clinic Administrator Kathy Proctor

A member of NEVHC’s E6 Outreach Team provides health care at a homeless encampment.

HIV Prevention & Care

NEVHC’S COMMITMENT TO HIV PREVENTION & CARE

Author: Rachel Schranck | Contributor: Herberth Osorio

The HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) epidemic started in the early 1980s, primarily affecting gay men in the United States. Initially, the virus was known as “GRID” (Gay-Related Immune Deficiency), and it was not until years later that it was recognized as a disease that impacted more than just gay men. In the early years of the epidemic, there was a great deal of confusion and fear surrounding HIV. The virus was highly stigmatized, and many people were afraid to come forward and seek medical treatment.

As the epidemic continued to spread, the government began to take notice. In 1987, the U.S. Congress passed the AIDS Education and Prevention Act, providing funding for HIV education and prevention programs. The federal government also passed the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act of 1990, which supplied funding for medical care and support services for those living with HIV. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, medical and government efforts helped to bring attention to the HIV epidemic and provided much-needed support

and resources for people living with the virus. This precipitated the establishment of HIV services and dedicated clinics in healthcare centers and hospitals across the country, including NEVHC.

NEVHC established its HIV Division in August 1991 in response to the increased need for HIV care in the San Fernando Valley. The first office consisted of a small staff with one medical provider, Dr. Jesse Sanders, who still serves NEVHC patients as the HIV Division Medical Director. Today, NEVHC offers HIV services at all health centers, and the Van Nuys Adult Health Center provides additional specialty services, such as Hepatitis C treatment.

The HIV Division has continually improved and expanded services, always aiming to give patients the best care possible. During the division’s initial stages, NEVHC only offered medical services, case management and health education because of limited funding and the general lack of understanding of HIV at the time. When it was discovered that other factors, such as mental health and housing access, affect people’s ability to adhere to HIV medical treatment, NEVHC secured more funding for services and programs to assist in adherence.

Today, NEVHC has extensive resources and services for HIV-positive patients to help them succeed in treatment, including transportation assistance, housing opportunities and aid in accessing health benefits. NEVHC also provides outpatient HIV medical services, nutritional education, dental care and behavioral health care. These services are all vital in helping patients bring the virus down to an undetectable level, allowing them to stay healthy and limit HIV transmission.

Huge advancements in treatment have made HIV a more manageable disease. Medications continue to evolve and patients can currently take one pill a day

In 2022, NEVHC provided HIV services that included testing and treatment through approximately 22,000 visits

that has a combination of the different HIV medicines they need.

“It’s not like the early 90’s when you were diagnosed with HIV. You knew you had maybe a couple of years left or for some, weeks. It was very, very tragic,” said Herberth Osorio, HIV Program Administrator.

HIV prevention services have greatly improved since the HIV Division first opened. Initially, HIV prevention focused on condom usage. In 2020, NEVHC began participating in a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) initiative called “Ending the HIV Epidemic.” The initiative supports community health centers in identifying at-risk individuals and engaging them in preventive services, testing for HIV, and prescribing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), when appropriate. NEVHC offers two forms of HIV prevention medication: PrEP and PEP. PrEP is for individuals at high-risk of contracting HIV, and when taken as prescribed, is up to 99% effective in helping patients stay HIV negative. NEVHC has expanded the community’s access to important HIV prevention services by providing free or low-cost PrEP and HIV testing at all health centers. PEP, a medication taken to prevent HIV after potential exposure, is available at the Van Nuys Adult Health Center. NEVHC’s HIV prevention services focus on Latino and African American men who have sex with men (MSM) because these groups tend to face additional barriers getting access to HIV services and are disproportionately impacted by HIV.

HIV outreach has also evolved. Before COVID-19, the NEVHC HIV Division would promote HIV services at community events, health fairs, bars, and coffee shops. When the pandemic happened, the HIV Division shifted outreach tactics and began conducting digital campaigns on dating apps and social media. Digital campaigns allowed NEVHC to reach more people and offered privacy for those worried about confidentiality. The HIV

Division now uses both in-person and digital outreach tactics to reach even more people in need and spread awareness about HIV care.

Despite advancements in HIV services and outreach, HIV assistance is still greatly needed in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys and NEVHC’s HIV Division plays an important part in providing access. Osorio says the HIV Division staff is always learning from patients so that NEVHC can continually improve services and tailor them to the specific needs of each patient.

Osorio remembers not long ago a patient came into the HIV Division, very frail and in a wheelchair, and received an AIDS diagnosis. The HIV Division, medical team and benefits specialist all worked together to tailor treatment and assist the patient with their needs, which included mobility and speech assistance. Three years later, Osorio was happy to see the patient walk into the HIV Division with a completely different outlook, employed and with a full life ahead of him. This was a direct result of the patient adhering to his medication and the continued dedication of the HIV Division.

NEVHC staff preparing to draw blood from patient.

30 YEARS OF NEVHC WIC BUILDING HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES

Author: Selena Sierra | Contributors: Joy Ahrens and Gayle Schachne

The WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Program is a vital resource for many families and children experiencing food insecurity. In addition to ensuring that children have access to healthy food, it also provides education on nutrition and health, referrals to health care and community services, as well as support for pregnant women and new mothers. Through innovation and steadfast commitment, WIC supports better health outcomes for new and existing WIC participants.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) piloted the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for WIC in 1972 when national concerns arose about the nutrition and health of low-income pregnant women and

their children; three years later, it became a permanent program. Granada Hills Hospital held the WIC agency contract for the San Fernando Valley. Under the direction of Gayle Schachne, NEVHC’s former WIC Director, the program quickly outgrew the hospital’s capacity. NEVHC acquired the WIC contract in 1987, bringing 8,000 participants and 30 WIC employees to NEVHC. To date, NEVHC WIC has 101 staff members and serves 37,547 participants per month.

During the program’s early days, WIC resembled a mobile office – staff loaded their cars with files, tables and chairs to meet with participants in public places such as churches, recreation centers, meeting halls and parks. This direct involvement in the community helped increase participant enrollment, eventually necessitating physical office locations. NEVHC WIC now has nine locations, two of which are co-located with NEVHC health centers to provide ease of access for existing patients.

Apart from WIC’s office expansion, it has also undergone several technological advancements to improve services. From utilizing electronic health records, to the shift from physical checks to electronic food benefits cards, to telehealth and mobile applications, advances have helped WIC to provide more efficient, effective and accessible services to

37,547

participants per month

NEVHC’s former WIC Director, Gayle Schachne, receives recognition from Nonprofits United.

NEVHC WIC has 101 staff members and serves

participants. NEVHC WIC Director Joy Ahrens states, “We serve a high-risk population, and at the minimum, we must ensure that this population is nourished.”

Innovation is crucial as WIC strengthens its service delivery to focus on connecting more families to the program. Recently reopened in 2023, NEVHC’s WIC

WIC site to be located on a California university campus. By facilitating WIC on campus, NEVHC addresses the health inequities that many student parents face.

As a testament to WIC’s effectiveness, the program has been widely recognized for its success in improving the health and well-being of its participants. Research shows that WIC plays an important role in improving birth outcomes and has positively affected children’s diet-related outcomes and mother’s breastfeeding rates. Of the seven WIC agencies in Los Angeles County, NEVHC WIC is ranked within the top three for breastfeeding rates.

NEVHC WIC is confident that its services will continue to be a valuable source of support by providing a foundation for healthy futures.

Director of NEVHC’s WIC Program, Joy Ahrens, with a box of donated food for WIC participants.

“We serve a high-risk population, and at the minimum, we must ensure that this population is nourished.”

- NEVHC WIC Director Joy Ahrens

Substance Use Disorder Treatment

DRIVING RECOVERY:

NEVHC’S APPROACH TO SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER TREATMENT

Author: Selena Sierra | Contributors: Ronn Geitheim, Dr. Christine Park, Victor Zeladita and Eddie Sanders

Providing access to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment is essential in promoting health equity. NEVHC ensures that everyone has the opportunity to receive treatment to overcome addiction and improve their overall well-being.

At the onset of the California Vehicle Code regulation in 1911, “driving under the influence” concerned driver’s licensing, vehicle registration, emissions and highway design. However, in the 1960s and 1970s, a shift occurred as scientific, federal and medical communities began to weigh in on the case of drunk driving. The “Wet Reckless Law” passed legislation in 1976, allowing drivers who were initially charged with DUI to plead guilty to a lesser offense if they completed a stateapproved alcohol education program. This new law paved the way for NEVHC to begin one of its longest-standing programs, the DUI (Driving Under the Influence) Program, in the late 1970s.

NEVHC’s DUI Program involves bilingual education and counseling aimed at helping individuals understand the dangers and consequences of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. By building trust with counselors and participating in group therapy and individual counseling, participants address the underlying issues contributing to their substance use. DUI Counselor, Emily Peirano, states, “Making a client feel comfortable and not feel like they are being judged is an important first step. One way I like to

approach it is by telling my clients a story about myself. I have seen that it helps clients open up and makes them feel understood.”

While NEVHC has responded to increased SUD rates through the years, a few of the most notable changes have occurred within the past five years.

As deaths caused by overdose dramatically increased, the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) invested in efforts to lower barriers to SUD treatment. In 2018, NEVHC was awarded funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to combat the opioid which helped launch the Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) Program at Transitions to Wellness (TTW) Van Nuys. Concurrently, NEVHC was awarded state funding through a subcontract from Tarzana Treatment Centers, Inc., funded by a DHCS grant, to serve as a Regional “Hub” under SOR1 (State Opioid Response): Hub & Spoke System Project.

NEVHC’s MAT Program is a SUD treatment that combines medication with behavioral therapies to assist recovery from an addiction to opioids or alcohol. These FDA-approved medications reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, helping patients stay in treatment and reduce their use of drugs or alcohol. According to a MAT study published in the Journal of

The DUI and MAT programs served a combined total of individuals in 2022

Substance Abuse Treatment, 60-day retention rates are only 38%. Retention rate refers to the extent to which individuals continue to engage in and receive treatment for a specified period. NEVHC’s 60-day retention rate surpasses it with a 46% rate.

NEVHC introduced a DUI MAT Integration Outreach Project in 2019, which was made possible by the SOR Grant Program. The DUI MAT Integration Outreach Project creates a treatment access point through NEVHC’s DUI Program; the DUI Program conducts SUD prescreen assessments especially for

those with more than one DUI offense, and facilitates MAT services for clients participating voluntarily in the MAT program.

When implemented together, the DUI and MAT programs provide a more comprehensive and effective approach. By addressing both the behavioral and physiological aspects of addiction, individuals may be more likely to successfully achieve and maintain sobriety, reducing their risk of future DUI incidents. The DUI and MAT programs served a combined total of 551 individuals in 2022.

To continue making strides against SUD, NEVHC will expand MAT services to a third health center in 2023. NEVHC will also dedicate resources to learning about health equity in SUD treatment to ensure it remains culturally competent for all. SUD is a complex and widespread issue that can impact anyone, and NEVHC believes that anyone experiencing SUD must have equal access to care and early intervention.

DUI Counselor, Emily Peirano, gives client an overview of programs available.

“Making a client feel comfortable and not feel like they are being judged is an important first step.”

- DUI Counselor Emily Peirano

Grants and Gifts Received

GRANTS & CONTRACTS RECEIVED

Assemblywoman Luz Rivas

Becton Dickinson Foundation

CA Department of Health Care Services

California Colorectal Cancer Coalition

California Department of Public Health

Cardinal Health Foundation

Cedars-Sinai

Center for Care Innovations

City of Santa Clarita

Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County

Delta Dental Community Care Foundation

Direct Relief

Essential Access Health

CORPORATE, FOUNDATION AND INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS

Access Control Security

Alejandra Isabel Villanueva

Anna Marie Harrison

Artashes Rubik Khachatryan

Arthur Stickgold

Blue Shield of California Promise

BMI Mechanical, Inc.

Brenda Nava

Dr. Buenaflor R. Uy

Californians Allied for Patient Protection

Celeste Vasquez

Christine S. Goulet

Dr. Christine Park

Cindy Tarassoly

City of San Fernando

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Donna Willett

E-Central Credit Union

Dr. Elisha Featherstone

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Express Employment Professionals

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Health Net, Inc.

Hernan Aguirre

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ITV Entertainment

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Federal Communications Commission

Health Net

Health Resources and Services Administration

Johnson & Johnson

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Lon V. Smith Foundation

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

National Association of Community Health Centers – Henry

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Zero to Three

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Landegger Verano & Davis, ALC

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Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation

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My Connect Solutions

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Dr. Richard Seidman

RJ Imaging

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Sandra Luna

San Fernando Oddfellows

Southern CA Gas Co.

Southern CA IBEW - NECA

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Target - Pacoima

Tina Marie Fierro

Valdelice Johnson

Valencia Acura

Valley Industry & Commerce Association

Valley Presbyterian Hospital

Van Nuys Airport

Vasquez & Company, LLP

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West Coast University Foundation

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The Skirball Cultural Center

Los Angeles, CA