Fiscal year 2025 expanded hours. - expanding the operational hours of LA red health center's federally qualified health center (fqhc) services is proposed to immediately enhance patient access to…

Fiscal year 2025 expanded hours. - expanding the operational hours of LA red health center's federally qualified health center (fqhc) services is proposed to immediately enhance patient access to healthcare services. To support these extended hours, two providers will be hired as well as the support staff of one registered nurse (RN) and two medical assistants (MA). The initiative includes extending evening hours at LA red's seaford and milford locations as well as opening one saturday per month at those sites, resulting in an increase of 8 hours per week. Additionally, telehealth services will be available until 7:30 PM, tuesday through friday, across all locations. These measures are designed to serve the primary care needs of patients across all age groups, thereby improving healthcare accessibility and continuity for the community. This expansion aims to support patient access to health center services at the maximum number of sites possible. This initiative addresses issues that contribute to health disparities among current patients and other residents in the service area. The team will emphasize cultural and clinical competence to effectively serve our diverse patient population of hispanic, haitian, aging/retiree, and rural agricultural families. By expanding hours, the center aims to mitigate scheduling barriers that impede patients' ability to access care during current operating hours at our smaller sites, including accommodating nontraditional work schedules, lack of sick leave, and childcare needs. The project also considers other barriers to care, such as transportation issues, language assistance, and the need for other non-clinical services that support access to healthcare and improved health outcomes. The well-being and safety of the workforce are prioritized to ensure a sustainable expansion. Furthermore, establishing or enhancing partnerships to support referring patients who can benefit from increased hours of operation is a key component of the INI tiative. This project aligns with the goals of healthy people 2030 by increasing access to timely and effective healthcare services, enhancing health outcomes, and reducing health disparities within the community.