UCHC Case Statement:
Expansion Plan 2021
Founded in 2009 by Dr. Edgar Chavez, UCHC is a 501c3 non-profit, Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), and a Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) serving families in South LA.
UCHC clinics use the latest technology to provide better care and access to health information in order to empower families towards wellness.
Dr. Edgar Chavez, MD
Addressing Urgent Needs: Our Service Area
UCHC serves the South Los Angeles area, one of the largest and most densely populated pockets of poverty in the U.S.
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Due to low income, many households are uninsured or underinsured.
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The uninsured are less likely to receive medical services that early-detect chronic conditions such as asthma or diabetes, making them more likely to develop severe yet preventable health conditions.
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Once diagnosed, the uninsured receive less and often inadequate medical care and are more likely to experience premature death. The COVID-19 pandemic spotlighted this truth.
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In addition to low-income, residents also experience cultural insensitivity in medical settings, creating an extra barrier to regular care.
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UCHC focuses on recruiting providers that reflect the demographics in our service area. Almost all of our staff speak both Spanish and English.
COVID-19 Response: Meeting the New Normal
Before the COVID Pandemic, our patient population growth trajectory was trending upward.
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Although the COVID pandemic jump-started the need for local healthcare services, UCHC managed the patient surge by leveraging technology tools already a part of our day-to-day operations.
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In 24 hours, we pivoted from in-person to telehealth visits. We provided care to almost 7,000 unique patients more than the year before (nearly 20% patient population growth.)
Expansion with Intention: Our New Medical Home
UCHC currently operates 3 locations in South LA and a mobile clinic. Our 4th location is a comprehensive medical home providing:
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Primary Medical Care
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Dental Care*
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Mental Health Services
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Nutrition Counseling
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Free parking (large lot)
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Community events
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Drive-thru COVID testing & vaccinations
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Overflow space in case of future health emergencies
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Food Pantry (distributing free nutritionist procured groceries)
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Kitchen (preparing free healthy meals & cooking classes)
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State-of-the-art medical & dental equipment, IT tools & software
South LA Location: 1919 S. San Pedro St. | 15k square foot • 10 year lease confirmed (with first right of refusal to purchase)
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*New Dental Care Service: A recent Health Resources and Services Agency (HRSA) audit noted that dental care was missing from UCHC’s suite of high-quality services. Currently, UCHC refers patients out to dental service providers. We estimate that 5k - 6k residents and current patients will utilize dental services immediately.
Budget Breakdown
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As a Federally Qualified Health Center, UCHC receives reimbursement funds from the federal government, meaning initial investments from philanthropic partners support a self-sustaining revenue model.
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All expenses covered after 28 months in operations (estimate).
Investment Impact
Economic Impact
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Increase of 1,500 new patients in the 1st year (estimate).
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20,000 more patient visits (estimate).
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30 new full-time positions in the community (most employees live in area)
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Redevelopment of the intersection (close proximity to LATTC)
Interior Construction
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Lobby Clinician training room
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Private offices
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16 private exam rooms with offices for provider safety
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4 dental chairs
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Conference room (for staff and community members)
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State-of-the-art wiring and cabling for technology tools
Urgent Needs
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Investments support the urgent needs of community members most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic (Blacks and Latinos).
This project is essential, as are all of the services offered by UCHC. I am personally supportive of this project and recommended UCHC for Community Project Funding from the House Appropriations Committee because we urgently need to expand services in the medically underserved communities of South LA and East LA.
- Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, CA 40th Congressional District
About UCHC: Our Service Delivery Model
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Our model meets the specific healthcare needs of South LA. We empower patients to take charge of their health. We provide comprehensive services across all life cycles, including primary medical care, nutrition, perinatal care, and behavioral health care.
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UCHC helps patients coordinate support services, including transportation, translation, referrals for specialty care, case management, remote patient monitoring, and assistance with following provider-recommended care plans.
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UCHC is an authorized provider of public programs such as the Child Health and Disability Program (CHDP), Comprehensive Perinatal Service Program (CPSP), Family Pact for family planning. UCHC also collaborates with health plans such as L.A. Care Health Plan and other Independent Practice Associations (IPAs).
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UCHC also employs Certified Enrollment Counselors, who specialize in patient enrollment and navigating the health insurance system.
I’ve been a patient with UCHC for over 10 years now. I was raised in this community and growing up I never went to see a doctor because my mother did not have the money or insurance to take us. The service you receive here is excellent and it got even better now that UCHC is growing. I am thankful for Dr. Chavez and his clinics because now my community is well taken care of.
- Ruth Catalan, UCHC patient and Board member