Free Health Center Helps the Entire Community

A 2011 study found more than 12,000 uninsured people lived in the Price Hill area. They waited up to six months for a health clinic appointment, or visited an emergency room for basic care. 

That’s why we helped start the Good Samaritan Free Health Center. The Center provides services such as physician examinations, mammograms, dentistry and physical therapy from its newSt. Lawrence Avenue location in Price Hill. 

Today, you’ll find Price Hill residents at the Center—but you’ll also find people from Fairfield, White Oak, Walnut Hills and Mt. Carmel. You’ll find working people whose jobs don’t offer health insurance or who can’t afford it, and others who don’t currently qualify for Medicaid. For more information:
Joe Kelley
513 569 6703

About 500 people a month receive care at the Center from an armyof volunteer doctors, nurses, dentists, hygienists, nurses, interpreters and physical therapists—although more are needed. 

Better care, better outcomes, lower cost 

In this column, I’ve talked about our “triple aim” goals of lower costs, better patient satisfaction and better outcomes. So how does a free health center do this? 

• We improve outcomes because we see cases earlier, which improves treatment and effectiveness. And, a community health worker helps patients receive proper follow-up care after their visit. 
• The Center lowers costs by offering regular care and preventative services on-site rather than at a more expensive hospital emergency room. 
• Patient satisfaction improves because they now have a regular “medical home” in a setting much like a private doctor’s office.And care providers know their patients’ entire social andmedical histories. 

This is all possible because of the generous donors, dedicated volunteers and strong collaboration with numerouscommunity agencies.