U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Grant
Marking National Health Center Week, SFCHC Announces Federal Funding to Expand Critical Health Services to Children in Underserved Communities
(San Fernando, Calif. – August 10, 2023) – San Fernando Community Health Center (SFCHC), a non-profit federally qualified health center, has been awarded $200,000 to expand developmental screening for children and help ensure they have the strongest possible start in life.
Marking National Health Center Week (August 6-12), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded $30 million to 151 Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)-funded health centers across the nation. SFCHC is one of 29 community clinics in California receiving a total of $5,792,165 in federal funding to improve developmental outcomes among children up to age 5 through increased screenings and follow-up services.
Federally-funded health centers are a vital source of primary and preventive care for more than 30 million people across the country, especially those living in underserved areas, regardless of their patients’ ability to pay. SFCHC will use the funding to strengthen and expand the availability of early childhood services that are vital for reducing gaps in school readiness and improving children’s ability to succeed.
Dr. Anastasia Williams, a pediatrician at SFCHC, emphasizes: "Amidst the pandemic, the family’s medical home plays a vital role in identifying developmental, behavioral and social delays in children. The pandemic’s exacerbation of these challenges makes early evaluations and referrals even more critical. By addressing these issues promptly, children are better equipped to excel in kindergarten, perform well in school and ultimately lead thriving, healthier lives. The dedicated efforts of our team focus on delivering these essential services and support to families without delay.”
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), one in six children aged 3-17 have developmental disabilities that affect how they play, learn, speak, act or move. As they grow older, these conditions may become more severe when they go undetected. In addition, children may be at higher risk of developmental delays based on their medical history or adverse experiences, such as poverty, social inequities, abuse and neglect.
The APA recommends comprehensive screenings to identify any problem areas or missed milestones early in life. These include a developmental surveillance at every well-child visit; general developmental screenings at age 9, 18 and 30 months; autism-specific screenings at age 18 and 24 months; and referral for evaluations and early intervention services when a risk is identified.
The Biden administration has called for renewing and growing the federal investment in health centers to support critical work like meeting the developmental needs of young children. Currently, approximately 1,400 HRSA-funded health centers operate nearly 15,000 service sites in the U.S.
About SFCHC
SFCHC has been a trusted, patient-centered medical home for the community since 1924. SFCHC’s designation as a federally qualified health center allows it to provide state-of-the art health care services, prevention and education regardless of an individual’s income, insurance status or ability to pay. Dedicated to providing quality care to every person, particularly the most vulnerable and underserved, SFCHC operates at two locations. Its main 17,100-square-foot facility in San Fernando provides primary, dental and behavioral health care, as well as case management and health education. Its additional 1,500-square-foot facility in Mission Hills is co-located with Harbor Recuperative Care Center (HRCC) that provides housing for homeless community members recently released from local acute care hospitals. For more information, visit www.sfchealthcenter.org.
Media Contact
Stacy Geere at 661.253.1059 or stacy@thegeeregroup.com
