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Carmen J Munoz
English 101
27 April 2017
In a world of ever-increasing healthcare costs, imagine what life would be like if you could
have affordable health care services here in Arizona for your loved ones and yourself. Well now,
thanks to the Native Health Community Health Center, affordable health care in the Phoenix
insurance status or social economies limitations; all will receive care. Despite budget cuts,
funding gaps, and an ever more challenging task of providing quality healthcare for the poor and
working class, Native Health has successfully continued to provide adequate and affordable care.
Native Health Community Health Center was established since 1978. The Community Health
Center started off small as a community nursing program. However, Native Health has made
history since then and is a far cry from its humble beginnings. In 1983, the agencys name was
changed to Indian Community Health Service, INC. Throughout the years, Native Health added
more and more programs. WIC, a program specifically for Woman Infant and Children, was
added in 1984. This program helps with nutritional benefits as well as breastfeeding support and
education. In 1989, the HIV/Aids prevention services were also integrated thanks to the funding
from IHS, Indian Health Services. In the 1990s more services were available such as Alcohol
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and Substance Abuse, Mental Health Services, Family Medical practices, Long Term Care Case
Management, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment Services (AHCCCS), as well as Dental. In
1996, the agency had another name change, to the Native American Community Health Center.
In the 2000s more programs were integrated, Diabetes Program, Prenatal Services, Health Start,
as well as Domestic and Sexual assault. So many services opened the doors to families in the
Metropolitan area. Both locations are easily accessible using whatever transportation one desires,
driving, carpooling, bus, or even the light rail, however, if one does not have transportation
Native Health will gladly offer transportation. Each location has their designated drivers and
picks up patients from their home, brings them to their appointment, and once they are done with
their appointment, they are returned home. This service has improved the no-show rates of the
So much growth has taken place since Native Health Center opened its doors to the
community. Although there are many benefits and healthy changes this community center has
provided to the community, Native Health is facing the fear of the main budget cuts. Although
Native Health does not solely depend on the government's funding, this can have a major impact
on both the center and the community. If the upcoming state budget cuts continue as planned,
Native Health will not financially be able to continue serving all the community nor offer their
discount program rates without another major funding source. Native Health receives funding
from the government, community, local businesses, casinos, and Native American tribes.
According to the article, Trump's Budget Cuts HHS Spending by $15 Billion, Rolls AHRQ into
the NIH, just last year, $600 million dollars were taken out of the pot, and future cuts threaten to
do the same yet they were expected to see nearly 23 million dollars worth of funds cut and $40
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million plus more within the next five years (Smith 2017). Based on this article, millions of
dollars have already been cut, and funds are still threatened to be cut even more.
Native Health is not giving up on its community, and these community health centers are
looking for solutions to continue helping the community live longer and healthier lives. They
currently do numerous of outreach events to bring awareness to the community of the importance
of Health Care. They highly encourage those who currently do have an insurance plan to take
advantage of it while it last, and use their benefits. With this action, they also hope to bring
awareness as well as hope for funds to continue flowing through from their local businesses and
tribes. Native Health also hosts fundraisers, silent auctions, and other money opportunity events.
Year after year they have been a huge success and help to contribute to the organization to
continue providing services for all. They plan to keep these events moving forward and growing
yearly.
While researching these topics online, I was very surprised to find out that many other non-
profit community centers were facing the same issues. Numerous of organizations do not have
the luxury of receiving funds from outside sources. Therefore, they did not have another
alternative but closing their doors. Hoping that the closing of the community centers is the last
resort for Native Health, the CEO of a Community Health Center, Smitherman, is setting the
example and is looking for positivity. He states that We may not have all the resources wanted,
but we have already started down the road toward change, moving from a model of volume to a
model of volume and outcomes. (Levine 2011) Therefore all community centers should have
the same vision, and that is to continue moving forward and providing services to the
community.
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One can support Native Health by donating in person or online. One can either donate time or
money or both. Donations can be tax credited, and the administration staff is available to help fill
out the required forms for that option. Volunteering at the center is another way to help the
community. Volunteers are gladly accepted and welcomed by Native Health. With the High
School located down the street, their students take advantage of giving back and help distribute
meals to kids, read stories to the children in the lobby, or assist the staff in any department with
basic needs.
Despite the budget cuts Native Health Community Health Center has had, they continue to
strive for the well-being of all individuals. Native Health may have to struggle if there are more
cuts from government funding, but they will continue to rise to the challenge and seek other
sources of funds. In the meantime, Native Health continues to be a savior to the poor and
working class. Regardless of ones schedule, Native Health is a one-stop shop to take care of the
needs of oneself and our families. With all the health conditions and diseases spreading in
todays world, it is important to stay current and monitor one's health. After all, we only have one
Works Cited
Levine, David. "Will Community Health Centers Survive Budget Cuts?" Governing.com. N.P., 1
"Trump's Budget Cuts HHS Spending by $15 Billion, Rolls AHRQ into the NIH/authors/Smith."