How does a community health center support its patients beyond medical care? In times of crisis, communities rely on trusted institutions to provide essential services. But how can an association or nonprofit ensure they are prepared to meet the vast and varied needs of their members?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Eloisa Perard, President and CEO of Gracelight Community Health. Eloisa discusses:

• How Gracelight is a federally qualified community health center serving over 24,000 underserved, uninsured, and low-income patients in Los Angeles.
• The role of community health centers in providing care regardless of ability to pay or immigration status.
• The devastating impact of wildfires on their community and how Gracelight responded with a fire relief fund, mobile support units, and essential supplies like food, water, and masks.
• How their mobile health program ensures access to care, even for displaced individuals.
• The importance of community partnerships with food banks, shelters, and utility assistance programs to create a safety net for patients.
• Gracelight’s comprehensive care approach, including primary care, pediatrics, dentistry, optometry, OB-GYN, and pharmacy services—all within the same facility.
• The role of care coordinators in ensuring seamless, holistic healthcare and avoiding duplicate tests or unnecessary procedures.
• The expansion of Gracelight with a new health center in East Hollywood, funded through a capital campaign.
• How they address the challenges of homelessness and substance use disorders in Los Angeles, meeting people where they are to provide care and resources.
• The importance of proactive community outreach, including education campaigns, food demonstrations, and working with school officials to promote preventive care.

References:

• Gracelight Community Health Website