Southwest Family Care Clinic of Pueblo to Kick-Off its Health Care Partners Program

Southwest Family Care Clinic, located at 1320 Fortino Blvd., Suite C, will be kicking off its Health Care Partners Program on Saturday, February 3, 2007, at 10:00 a.m. The Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce will conduct the ribbon cutting ceremony. Free blood pressure checks and free blood sugar screenings will be offered, as well as cholesterol-free burrito snacks will be served at the kick-off. The ceremonies will also include live entertainment.

Dignitaries including Senator Abel Tapia, Representative Rafael Gallegos, and former Speaker of the House, Lola Spradley will be joining the kick-off to emphasize the importance of providing health care services at affordable rates to the uninsured and underinsured; specifically the working population in our communities.

Health Care Partners is a community-based program designed to provide affordable health care access to the uninsured and underinsured populations in Pueblo County and the surrounding areas. According to data published by the Colorado Health Institute, Profile of the Uninsured in Colorado, “Individuals who lack health insurance are likely to experience delays in needed health care, diminished access to health care services, and higher risks for adverse health outcomes.” It is estimated that 16.8% of Coloradoans are uninsured; whereas, 18.9% of Puebloans do not have any health insurance. The Health Care Partners uninsured program has been in the making for five years inclusive of State legislation passed in 2004 opening doors for partnerships with the State and national corporations such as CMHIP, Quest Labs, CPS Rx, and Sam’s Club. The national partnerships have already allowed expansion into New Mexico and interest in other parts of the country.

According to Mr. Lawrence Medina, the new CEO of Southwest Family Care, “with the uninsured being the fastest growing population in the nation, many individuals and families do not know where to turn to when it comes to affordable health care. Small businesses are being impacted by high insurance premium costs and are forced to drop insurance coverage which only contributes to the growing number of uninsured workers.”

“We are coming from the private sector with the goal to provide health care services at affordable rates. For example, members of the program can access health care services at our clinic and receive a simple office visit, with lab test and medication, for a total cost as low as $54.” A 24-hour live nurse triage program is also provided to members for access after-hours when their primary care provider is not available. In addition, the Health Care Partners program provides members with benefits of health, wellness, and nutritional programs. These benefits will ultimately provide “peace of mind” to the uninsured in Pueblo and surrounding area.

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