The Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP), on June 20, presented its14th annual Supporting the Safety Net Award to Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics (SBNC). The organization was nominated for the award by ACAP member plan CenCal Health, the community-accountable health plan in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.
At its multiple clinics throughout Santa Barbara County, SBNC provides quality, comprehensive, affordable healthcare to all, regardless of one’s ability to pay. It is a critical health safety net for the community and provides care to 22,000 patients a year, or 1 in 10 people in its coverage area. Of these, nearly 30 percent are children.
A recent study found that Santa Barbara County has the third highest poverty rate for residents in California; 23 percent of area residents live below the poverty line.
The Supporting the Safety Net Award recognizes a community-based organization or individual that exceeds expectations for care by implementing programs to meet the health needs of underserved populations. These role models exemplify best practices and represent an innovation in health care.
ACAP, the award presenter, is a national trade association which represents not-for-profit Safety Net Health Plans, like CenCal Health.
“Partnerships between community-based organizations and Safety Net Health Plans are an essential element of making sure that the health needs of everyone in a community is met, especially populations with the lowest incomes,” said ACAP CEO Margaret A. Murray. “SNBC is a vital part of the safety net in Santa Barbara County, and we couldn’t be prouder to recognize their commitment to their community.”
SBNC’s programs include the Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency Program, a partnership with NYU Langone Hospital aimed at addressing chronic tooth decay in children; and a Bridge Clinic program, which functions as a support and referral service for at-risk adults diagnosed with substance use disorder.
Additionally, wellness navigators identify children with adverse childhood experiences. Therapeutic interventions and social services are provided to their families through a resiliency program.
SBNC maintains a commitment to serving minority communities and delivering culturally competent care. About 63 percent of SBNC patients are Hispanic, about 2 in 3 SBNC employees are of Hispanic descent, and all of their medical assistants are bilingual.
SNBC is also committed to serving the transgender community and provides extensive proficiency training for all staff members to ensure the comfort of their trans patients.
“Our organization is delighted to be in a position to provide access to a larger number of patients, for a larger number of services,” said Dr. Charles C. Fenzi, CEO/Chief Medical Officer for SBNC. “Our providers are among the best in the nation and are assisted by an amazingly skilled and compassionate staff.”
The Supporting the Safety Net award was presented at ACAP’s annual CEO Summit in Washington, D.C. Dr. Fenzi accepted the award in person on behalf of SBNC.
“We are proud to have put forth SBNC for this prestigious national award,” said CenCal Health CEO Bob Freeman. “SBNC’s innovative and often unique programs and initiatives have well-served local residents, including our members. We are grateful that a national organization recognized this vital healthcare provider in our community.”
For more about Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics, visit sbclinics.org. To learn about ACAP, visit www.communityplans.net. Information on CenCal Health is at www.cencalhealth.org/.
— Sheri Mobley for CenCal Health.