| Primary Care Services |
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STRATEGIC AREAS OF FOCUS  Core Primary Medical Care Services * Primary Care* General Internal Medicine* Family Practice* Obstetrics & Gynecology* Pediatrics* Immunizations/Vaccinations * Health Education* Medication monitoring * Dental Screening and Referrals * STD/HIV/AIDS Services * Laboratory Services * Mobile Health Care for the Homeless, Shelter Outreach * School and Work Physicals * Eligibility Enrollment for WIC, All Kids and Head Start * Case Management & Counseling * Elder Care * Triage, walk-in, and 24-hour urgent care * In-patient hospital care * Managed Care Support Services
Mobile Health Unit Healthcare for the Homeless, Our Mobile Health Team is a multidisciplinary unit that offers free preventive and primary healthcare services for the homeless, the transient, and others who may be in need of medical assistance and who may have no income. Since 1989, Circle Family HealthCare Network’s Mobile Health Team has cared for people who have found themselves homeless, striving to enhance the quality of life of those individuals by providing positive medical, case management, and social support services that will maximize their chances of a stable lifestyle when they leave the shelter. Traveling by van to homeless shelters on Chicago’s West Side, the dedicated MHT staff of doctors, nurses, outreach workers, and volunteers create “clinics without walls,” at soup kitchens, in homeless shelters and at other places frequented by those who are homeless. The team provides critically needed preventive and urgent health care services, distributes hygiene and health supplies, does on-site medical care, mental health assessments, case management, and refers clients to its own health centers and mental health centers or specialty clinics for on-going care. Team members assess each patient’s medical and social needs. STD/HIV/AIDS Services We offer an HIV Early Intervention Program designed for the unique needs of those living with HIV/AIDS. HIV educational seminars are provided at churches and community centers. Programs are also given four times per year for clients by the mobile health team. Through collaboration with Heartland Health Outreach, our Mobile Health Homeless Team services thirteen shelters. Over a decade, epidemiological HIV/AIDS data has shown that Chicago’s Westside maintains some of the highest prevalence rates in Chicago (Silva, 1999). The African American Community suffers great disparities with a higher incidence of HIV and AIDS than other groups. As part of its strategic initiative, CFHCN is pursuing an innovative HIV/AIDS program, provide greater community access for testing and case management. We seek to increase awareness and resources to better address the HIV/AIDS dilemma on the Westside.
Maternal Child Health (MCH Program) w/Centering Pregnancy, Prenatal and Perinatal Healthcare To ensure a healthy life for newborns, we have sought to enhance our OB/GYN services. We have a family practitioner/OB provider. CFHCN also provides linkages for Women Infants Children Program (WIC) and family case management services that will increase the birth rate numbers. Our clients regard this service as crucial. Maternal Child Health Care includes collaborating with the University of Illinois/Chicago (UIC) for their midwifery program. While these services are well received by patients, the level of need is greater than we presently provide. The Maternal Child Health Program will continue enhancing this service as it is crucial to better meet the needs of the communities we serve.
Prostrate, Cervical, Colon and Breast Cancer Screenings are an essential component of CFHCN’s services, and critical to overall health. These tests are vital in detecting problems and promote preventive care. A yearly mammogram for women after the age of 35, prostrate check for men, and colon check up for each person, age 50+, will help clients maintain a healthy mindset of holistic care.  |