Being able to rely on quality health care is critical for every American. Think about the last time you saw a doctor or one of your family members was hospitalized. Knowing you can access medical services when they’re needed ensures peace of mind.
The people who live in Los Angeles are no different, and it’s their good fortune to have the Cedars-Sinai healthcare organization in their backyard. Read on to learn about the stellar reputation of this nonprofit and the excellent services it provides.
Driven to make a difference
Cedars-Sinai is certainly not new to health care. In one form or another, the enterprise has been bringing important medical services to Los Angeles inhabitants for well over a century. In 1902 it opened with a modest 12-bed hospital in the Angelino Heights neighborhood.
Impressively, Cedars-Sinai currently has a staff of some 4,500 doctors and nurses that administer health care to over 1 million individuals in Los Angeles and beyond. In addition, the institution leads about 1,500 separate research projects.
What distinguishes this nonprofit from others is its pioneering medical research, future-forward healthcare courses, and many community-focused programs and activities. With its unique and innovative endeavors, the organization is having a far-reaching positive impact on patients and their families.
Cedars-Sinai is on a mission to improve the overall health status of the communities within their catchment area. They accomplish this by focusing on biomedical research that increases medical knowledge, training and educating a range of healthcare professionals, and leading the way with quality clinical services.
The nonprofit aims to be a model of how medical care can and should be delivered, including engaging patients fully in wellness initiatives and care plans.
Crucial community building
Central to the mission of Cedars-Sinai is a commitment to the neighborhoods it serves. The enterprise has and continues to build invaluable linkages with a cross-section of groups at the local government and community level.
This means working closely with elected officials, schools, senior centers, and other healthcare providers. The resulting collaboration, and investment by Cedars-Sinai, is the mechanism for providing necessary medical services to the most vulnerable citizens in the Los Angeles district.
This improves lives and outcomes, reducing the likelihood of more serious illness and difficulties for many people. Here are some services this incredible organization offers:
- Community health programs – Free immunizations, screenings, and health education made available at community centers, senior centers, and schools
- Provision of grants – Funds given to endeavors that focus on addressing care access, social determinants of health, and related issues
- Health education – Teaching children, parents, and caregivers how to improve their health with good nutrition and adequate physical activity
Diversity of services
Let’s delve further into the diversity of services Cedars-Sinai has to see what makes them stand out. To begin with, this nonprofit knows that families and communities need to be in sync when it comes to practicing healthy habits and understanding how to meet nutritional needs. That’s why they target teaching to both children and their parents.
Plus, Cedars-Sinai appreciates the necessity of a supportive neighborhood collective that’s armed with sufficient resources and research to address the health requirements of its residents. Here are some of the initiatives people living in low-income and underserviced parts of Los Angeles are benefiting from, thanks to Cedars-Sinai:
- COACH for Kids – This is a forward-thinking mobile service staffed with healthcare providers and social workers. It brings free medical and case management services to children and families, including both preventative and primary health care.
- Healthy Habits – The range of programs developed under this banner are delivered through the school system. Certain lessons are created for children, others are for parents and caregivers, and some are targeted toward teachers. Subjects cover more than simply how to eat properly and stay active. Critical thinking and decision-making are part of the curriculum too.
- Share & Care – At-risk adolescents and children receive assistance in handling stress and trauma from professional counselors working at Cedars-Sinai. The Share & Care program offers additional help via a group structure that promotes positive self-image and coping skills.
- Community Connect – This program connects vulnerable individuals with the resources they require. Assistance is available at any healthcare point, from the emergency department to outpatient clinics. Assessment tools identify specific social issues impacting the health of the patient.
- Team HEAL (Helping Enrich Athletes’ Lives) – This novel initiative ensures that high school athletes have the resources necessary to participate safely in sport. Amazingly, this program has been assisting teenagers for 25 years and has awarded over $130,000 in college scholarships.
A last word Cedars-Sinai is one institution that’s making a demonstrable difference to the health and well-being of Los Angeles citizens in low-income neighborhoods. This account of their outstanding work is only the beginning.