Sequoia Healthcare District approves $1,650,000 grant to the Fair Oaks Clinic in Redwood City

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Sequoia Healthcare District approved funding for the Fair Oaks Community Clinic for the fiscal year 2008-2009. The District's Board of Directors approved the $1.650 million grant which helps pay for the Clinic, operated by San Mateo Medical Center and part of the County's Health Services, at the regular public board meeting on Wednesday, June 4, 2008.

The District has funded the community clinic for three years. The clinic serves residents of the District by providing more than 21,000 adult visits. 40% of those who are served by the Clinic have no health insurance and rely on the County and the District for their care. Patients funded by the District get basic medical care, diagnostic studies, lab tests, medications, chronic care and hospital and specialty care through the Clinic.

Dr. Sang-Ik Chang, Chief Executive Officer of San Mateo Medical Center, made a presentation on the activities of the Clinic during the last year. Dr. Chang said "San Mateo County and the San Mateo Medical Center are extremely grateful for the partnership and support of the Sequoia Health Care District. This support allows both partners to fulfill our shared mission of improving the health of our community. The Fair Oaks Clinic serves the poorest members of the District, whose ongoing support is vital to our ability to continue to provide medical care to those most in need."

The Fair Oaks Clinic Manager, Jonathan Mesinger and Dr. Jeannette Aviles, Medical Director of the Clinic, also spoke on the Clinic activities and introduced two patients who expressed their appreciation for the Clinic's services and explained how their lives had been dramatically changed for the better by the services provided.

The Clinic works collaboratively with other providers to provide long term care. One example of the chronic care provided is the SEED program, which improved foot care by increasing the percentage of patients evaluated from 33% to just under 90% between May 2007 and February 2008.

About Sequoia Healthcare District
Headquartered in Redwood City, Sequoia Healthcare District has been providing healthcare through Sequoia Hospital since the early 1950s. In 1996, the District transferred operation of the Hospital to a non-profit organization in partnership with Catholic Healthcare West. In December 2007, the District entered into an agreement with its partner CHW to rebuild Sequoia Hospital. The District works collaboratively with local organizations to provide for the health care needs of the District's residents. District tax revenues are used for innovative programs and activities to achieve health, wellness and disease prevention in Southern San Mateo County. Communities in the District include Redwood City, San Carlos, Belmont, Menlo Park, Woodside, Atherton and Portola Valley.

Media Contact:
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