Women’s Health – A Very Specific Need
By Cathy Hall
What Do All These Statistics Have in Common? 
30,946 women
650 babies
9,435 children
2,355 clinic visits
7,020 children
Of the 54,634 Community Health Care patients, 30,946 of them are women. Women have a very specific set of healthcare requirements. Community Health Care has a team of healthcare professionals that focus on women’s health. Annual exams are critical for preventative care, such as early detection of diseases, and the management of chronic conditions. Annual exams include screenings for cervical or breast cancer, access to contraception, and menopause management. For any condition, early detection is the best weapon. Whether or a not a woman decides to have a family, a healthy woman has a better chance of bearing a healthy child. Community Health Care offers free pregnancy tests!
Last year, Community Health Care providers delivered 650 babies. Depending on which database you use, that is close to 20% of all the babies born in Pierce County. If a woman decides she wants to start a family, she can rely on Community Health Care to monitor her pregnancy and guide her along the way. Our Obstetrics and Maternity Support Services teams (through 2,355 obstetric visits last year) offer care to expectant mothers by taking them through the pregnancy process and providing services like dietitians, behavioral health, and community health workers. The goal is a healthy journey for both mother and baby.
So what happens after a baby is born? Fully 33% of Community Health Care patients are aged 17 and under. We are focused on providing comprehensive pediatric care for our 9,435 patients in that age bracket. Our Prompt Care Clinic at the Hilltop location is adding a pediatrician for walk-in child visits. Our Key Center location has a dedicated pediatrician. All seven of our clinics are taking new pediatric patients.
Our dental team served 7,020 patients aged 17 and under last year. A very important part of overall child health includes dental. American Dental Association recommends that a child’s first dental visit occur by their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth pushing through. All children under the age of 19 in the State of Washington qualify for dental care either through Apple Health or other plans. Community Health Care’s dental staff are ABCD trained, meaning they are certified to offer specialized, preventive, and restorative care for Apple Health-enrolled children from birth through age 5. We offer dental services for the entire family at five of our seven clinic locations.
Community Health Care is ready to provide medical, dental, behavioral health, and low-cost pharmacy services for the whole family no matter your income or insurance status. No one is ever turned away for inability to pay. If you have questions about insurance availability, the CHC Insurance Enrollment Assistance line is available Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm. They can be reached at (253) 722-2154.
Community Health Care is the healthcare provider for 54,626 people in Pierce County which is 9% of the population. Join the crowd! Call us at (253) 722-2161 to make an appointment.
