L.A. Care Health Plan has announced a $500,000 commitment to support staffing at JWCH Institute’s Wesley Community Health Center in Lancaster. The newly renovated 40,000 square foot facility is expected to serve an additional 1,920 patients in its first year and up to 6,000 in its second year.
“This greatly expanded facility is going to mean more services for the people in the Antelope Valley,” said John Baackes, L.A. Care CEO. “In addition to increasing staffing, the center will ensure care is consistent with the culture, language and values of the patients served. JWCH has a long-time commitment to hiring people from the area. When health professionals share a similar background with the people they serve, studies show outcomes improve.”
The funding will support three new clinical and support staff for the Lancaster center’s Primary Care and Behavioral Health Clinics. The center provides services including adult and pediatric medical care, diagnostic laboratory testing, dental care, mental health and substance abuse treatment and much more.
"JWCH Institute appreciates the longtime partnership between Wesley Health Centers and L.A. Care Health Plan. We have worked together to reach communities in need of comprehensive medical services,” said Al Ballesteros, President & CEO, Wesley Health Centers + JWCH Institute, Inc. “This generous grant will help us hire medical doctors and support staff so as to create immediate access for several thousand individuals and families in the Antelope Valley."
L.A. Care has invested a total of about $4 million to JWCH Institute’s health centers, aimed at increasing access to quality patient-centered care for L.A. Care members and other residents across L.A. County.
This investment is in alignment with L.A. Care’s commitment to advancing health equity, which means everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible.