Open Arms Health Clinic (OAHC) offers free health-related services to more than 4,000 low-income workers annually in our local community. All are uninsured or underinsured. More than 85% have chronic diseases requiring ongoing care, such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease or asthma. Most have little to no savings, work low-paying jobs, or have recently lost jobs and are not eligible for government assistance. Without our clinic, many would seek help in local emergency rooms or put off care, a high-risk choice for those with chronic conditions.
Each year, OAHC provides more than 4,000 patient visits through a volunteer staff of 60+ medical professionals and others. A 501(C)(3) nonprofit funded by private grants and donations, clinic services include non-emergency acute and chronic general healthcare, social services, counseling, chronic health education, physical therapy, GYN, orthopedics, podiatry and dermatology.
But health is more than medical care. For most low-income patients, barriers to wellness (unstable housing, low income, unsafe neighborhoods, or substandard education) greatly impact their chronic health conditions. Our holistic health approach addresses these needs by helping connect them to other services we offer and those provided by others in our area.
Our data shows improved health numbers year after year in 80-90% of chronically ill patients who come through our doors. By helping patients gain long-term control of their health, we help improve the lives of family members in their care and our community as a whole. Past patients report reduced ER visits, better employment opportunities and happier lives.