Tag: community health
We’re honored to be featured in a recent TechTarget article, which showcases how Neighborhood Healthcare is leveraging ambient AI technology to reduce clinician burnout and enhance patient care.
As a federally qualified health center serving nearly 100,000 patients annually, we are committed to exploring solutions that enable our teams to focus on what matters most—caring for individuals and families. In 2024, we piloted Nabla’s ambient AI assistant, an innovative tool that automatically generates clinical notes from patient visits. The success of this pilot led us to expand the technology to over 200 clinicians across San Diego and Riverside counties.
“It was our hope, and now our belief, that the system could streamline our administrative record-keeping process while empowering providers to capture more information about their patient interactions and focus their time where it belongs: caring for individuals and their families,” shared Prudence August, Chief Information Officer.
Our Nurse Practitioner, Reyna Reynaga-Vargas, was also featured in the article for her role in piloting and adopting the system. She shared her perspective on how the technology has helped her complete same-day documentation, reduce after-hours work, and connect more meaningfully with patients during appointments.
Implementing this system required thoughtful planning, training, and collaboration to ensure a smooth transition and build confidence among staff. Thanks to the dedication of our clinicians and teams, we’ve already seen meaningful improvements in efficiency and overall satisfaction.
We’re proud to be recognized for these efforts and remain committed to using innovation to support our mission of providing high-quality, compassionate care to everyone in our communities.
If you’d like to read the full article, please click here.
On Saturday, March 22, eleven of Neighborhood’s East County clinicians participated in an Unlocking Observation Skills through Art workshop at the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park. Ray Williams, our workshop facilitator, has a vast knowledge of museum-based medical education and is the director of education at the Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas at Austin. Ray also co-authored Activating the Art Museum: Designing Experiences for the Health Professions, which demonstrates the value of art museums in supporting humanism in healthcare for the benefit of both practitioners and their patients.
Clinicians must observe their patients closely and synthesize various types of information daily. During their time at the museum, clinicians participated in activities designed to sharpen their ability to observe, interpret, and empathize through the lens of art. Ray guided participants through visual thinking strategies and engaging exploration of images to encourage multiple observations and interpretive comments grounded in visual evidence.
“The Art Museum is a logical setting to enhance critical observation skills for health professionals,” states Dr. Edgar Bulloch, Associate Chief Medical Officer. “Everyone involved had the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations and enhance their awareness of nonverbal cues in a unique setting. This is particularly important in East County, where our patients speak more than 20 languages.”
This engaging and highly participatory workshop helped participants build community with their peers and improve interprofessional communication and team dynamics. They were challenged to see through one another’s eyes, collaboratively search for meaning, and build upon each other’s ideas. The museum provided an environment that encouraged reflection and respite from the typical caseload of a busy clinician.
Art can also facilitate storytelling, which enhances understanding across cultures and improves communication with patients and their families. Utilizing cultural legends stimulated by art found in the museum, Ray encouraged participants in their stories, leading to professional reflection, affirmation, affiliation with colleagues, and the potential for increased compassion for patients and their families.
This workshop was generously supported by grant funding through the Conrad Prebys Foundation.
At Neighborhood Healthcare, many patients arrive carrying deep emotional wounds, especially those with complex PTSD. This condition, often rooted in repeated trauma during childhood, manifests in a range of debilitating symptoms—depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and difficulty functioning in daily life. It’s a heavy burden, but one that is met with compassion, expert care, and a path forward.
One provider recalls a patient whose journey serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of quality mental health care. “She had been through so much—serious trauma growing up, and then a major health scare that landed her in the ICU at a young age. When she came to me, she could barely function,” they shared.
Together, they began Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a therapy known for its effectiveness in treating trauma. Through weekly sessions over the course of a year, the patient gradually transformed. “Today, she owns her own business. She had to relearn how to walk, and now she’s running 10 to 15 miles a week. She’s active, social, in a healthy relationship—and she hasn’t had a panic attack in over two years.”
This story is just one example of how Neighborhood Healthcare helps patients overcome barriers, including financial ones, to access high-quality care. The emphasis isn’t just on survival—it’s about helping people thrive. “Why not learn more about yourself? Why not improve your relationships and gain confidence? Therapy offers that,” the provider adds.
Neighborhood Healthcare believes everyone deserves the chance to heal, grow, and live a fuller life. Through dedicated mental health services, they’re guiding patients out of fear and into confidence—one success story at a time.
If you or someone you know is struggling and needs support, visit our Behavioral Health page to learn more and take the first step toward healing.
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the United States, yet it is also highly preventable. Through early screening, the chances of detecting the disease before it advances are significantly higher, allowing for more effective treatments and better outcomes.
Health experts recommend that individuals at average risk begin colorectal cancer screenings at age 45. For those with a family history or other risk factors, screening may need to start earlier. Methods like colonoscopies and at-home stool tests can help identify precancerous polyps or cancer in its early stages, leading to life-saving interventions.
Despite the proven effectiveness of screenings, many people delay or skip them due to fear, misconceptions, or a lack of awareness. The reality is that colorectal cancer often develops without noticeable symptoms, which is why regular screening is essential—even if you feel healthy.
Watch the video below to learn more about the importance of early screening. Don’t wait—take control of your health and make screening a priority today.
We had so much fun at our Spring Fling that we couldn’t wait to host another fantastic fundraising event! If you missed the Spring Fling, you can read all about it here.
We are thrilled to announce the Neighborhood’s Fun Under The Sun Gala this summer! This event promises to be even bigger and better, filled with exciting activities, delicious food, and great company. Mark your calendars and prepare for a day of fun in the sun, all for a wonderful cause.
Why Are We Raising Money?
We are raising funds to sustain the growth of Neighborhood Healthcare as a whole, with an expanding need for health services in San Diego and Riverside counties. The goal is to improve the overall well-being of our community by ensuring access to quality healthcare and supportive services. To learn more about one of the many areas of need, click here to see our Lakeside Capital Campaign.
What to Expect
The Neighborhood Healthcare Fun Under the Sun Gala is an annual fundraising event to support various healthcare initiatives in the community. This year’s gala will occur on Saturday, August 31, from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM at Harrah’s Resort Southern California in Valley Center. The event will feature various activities, including a cocktail hour, signature drinks, appetizers, pre-dinner entertainment, and exclusive swag for VIP ticket holders.
Additionally, we have partnered with Harrah’s Resort Southern California to offer discounted rooms for attendees. Enjoy a comfortable stay at a reduced rate, making it easier to attend this exciting event. Click here to see our discounted rooms while supplies last!
How You Can Help
Your participation and support are crucial to the success of our event and the realization of our Lakeside Capital Campaign. Here’s how you can help:
- Attend the Event: Bring your family and friends for a fun-filled day.
- Donate: Contributions of any size are greatly appreciated.
- Spread the Word: Share this event with your network to help us reach more people.
For more information about the event and how you can contribute, visit Neighborhood Fun Under the Sun Gala.
Stay Updated
You can find all updates about our event on social media. Follow us to stay informed:
Join us for a day of fun and community. Together, we can make a difference and create lasting memories. See you there!
For more information about the event and how you can contribute, visit Neighborhood Fun Under the Sun Gala.
Neighborhood Healthcare hosted its highly anticipated Spring Fling at the scenic Ponte Winery in Temecula. This charity event was crucial for funding our mission to improve healthcare accessibility, achieving remarkable success thanks to all participants’ overwhelming generosity and community spirit.
Celebrating Together for a Great Cause
The festivities commenced at 4:00 PM, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening of community engagement and fundraising in Temecula. The attendees were treated to a variety of engaging activities that enhanced their experience. These activities included a Paint & Sip session, a wine tasting, and a guided tour through Ponte Winery’s vineyards.
The silent auction sparked excitement as the evening progressed. It featured unique items generously donated by local businesses and community members. Auction highlights included a helicopter ride-along, an all-inclusive resort stay in Mexico, and a relaxing spa package at Pechanga Resort.
The dinner and spirited live auction were the night’s main attractions, and they significantly boosted our fundraising efforts.
Impact and Appreciation
This philanthropic event successfully raised $100,000. The funds will support the Neighborhood’s innovative health programs, which focus on removing barriers to healthcare. These initiatives ensure that vital services reach the most vulnerable populations throughout Southern California.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all the donors, volunteers, and guests who made this event a cornerstone of advancing healthcare equity. Furthermore, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to Ponte Winery for graciously hosting our event and providing an idyllic setting that enhanced our evening dedicated to such an important cause. Your support played a pivotal role in the success of this memorable night. The success of this event underscores the power of community support and its impact on healthcare accessibility.
Looking Forward
Inspired by the success of this year’s event, we eagerly anticipate the next gathering for our Fun Under the Sun fundraising event. Comparatively, we plan to continue growing this tradition, broadening our impact, and welcoming new and familiar faces this summer. Your continued support is appreciated and crucial to our mission, and we invite you to stay engaged with Neighborhood Healthcare as we strive to make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
For more information on how you can support or participate in future charity events, please visit our website or contact our Philanthropy Office. Together, we can continue providing quality, compassionate healthcare to everyone, regardless of their situation.
Learn more about our community events and how you can get involved.
Neighborhood Healthcare offers a free tattoo removal service, a gift of renewal that, in other circumstances, could cost individuals thousands of dollars. Importantly, this transformative initiative is not just about removing ink; it’s about offering a new beginning to those who are desperate to leave their troubled pasts behind.
A Journey of Renewal Begins
Initially launched in 2016, the tattoo removal program at Neighborhood Healthcare embarked on its mission to change lives. However, like many great initiatives, it faced a temporary halt during the pandemic. Fortunately, thanks to generous grants from the Parker Foundation and the county, this vital service is once again available, bringing life-changing opportunities to many. Among these, Jesse Ramirez’s story stands out as a testament to the profound impact of this program. Once covered with a neck tattoo that boldly declared “trust no one,” Ramirez’s ink was a stark reminder of a life filled with mistrust, drug addiction, and crime. Today, however, he stands as a symbol of transformation, his tattoo barely visible, thanks to the program.
A Path to Redemption
Moreover, Ramirez’s journey to a new life began with the unwavering support of his family and his enrollment in Victory Home, a local recovery program. His discovery of the tattoo removal service at Neighborhood Healthcare marked the start of a significant physical and emotional renewal. Over a year and more than a dozen sessions later, the tattoo that once defined him has almost vanished, allowing him to look forward to a brighter future.
The Healing Touch of Neighborhood Healthcare
Additionally, Dr. James Schultz, Chief Medical Officer at Neighborhood Healthcare, and his team have dedicated themselves to assisting former gang members and victims of human trafficking. The program requires applicants to undergo comprehensive vocational rehab and job interview training, ensuring they are ready to reintegrate into society successfully. This preparation reflects the program’s holistic approach to healing, acknowledging that removing tattoos is just one step in a much larger journey toward rehabilitation.
A Second Chance for Many
Consequently, the demand for this life-altering service has grown, with a waitlist forming as more individuals seek to shed the physical reminders of their pasts. The program’s success stories underscore the critical role it plays in helping participants forge new paths, secure employment, and rebuild relationships with their families. For human trafficking survivors, the removal of tattoos linked to their trauma is especially poignant, offering a daily reprieve from painful memories.
Looking Forward
For individuals like Ramirez, the program represents more than just the removal of ink; it signifies hope, transformation, and the unwavering belief in second chances. “No more turning back. Gotta keep going forward,” Ramirez asserts, embodying the spirit of resilience that the program seeks to foster.
In summary, Neighborhood Healthcare’s tattoo removal program is a beacon of hope, proving that with the right support, individuals can leave their pasts behind and embrace a future filled with possibility. It’s a powerful reminder that everyone deserves a chance at redemption and a new beginning.
In revising this blog post, I’ve integrated transition words and phrases such as “importantly,” “moreover,” “additionally,” “consequently,” and “in summary” to enhance readability and flow. These transitions help to guide the reader through the narrative, emphasizing the program’s impact and the journey of transformation experienced by its participants.
To view the news story click here.
