GRASS VALLEY, Calif. – Western Sierra Medical Clinic has received two grants totaling more than $173,000 to help provide much-needed health care services connected to the COVID-19 pandemic and offset some of the related costs.
In March, Western Sierra Medical Clinic quickly adapted its health care efforts to slow and stop the spread of COVID-19 in Nevada, Sierra and central Placer counties. Western Sierra, one of the largest outpatient providers in the region, has been assessing patients before they enter its health clinics, conducting COVID tests when necessary and determining the next steps for those with symptoms of the potentially deadly virus.
“We’ve had to dramatically change how we care for patients in order to meet the needs of the community during this pandemic, and we continue to play a critical role in combating the spread of the virus,” said Dr. Christina Lasich, Chief Medical Officer of Western Sierra. “Both of these grants will ease with the financial challenges of our extraordinary efforts to help the region and its residents.”
Health Net, the largest Medi-Cal managed care plan in California, has awarded $123,5000 to Western Sierra to help expand telehealth services for Medi-Cal patients. Western Sierra also received $50,000 from Direct Relief, a nonprofit organization that improves the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergency situations.
The Health Net grant assists Western Sierra with telehealth service-related costs, including live video visits, electronic-consultations with specialists – extremely important ways to connect with patients during the COVID pandemic, said Brian Ternan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Health Net of California and California Health and Wellness. Health Net awarded 138 grants totaling $13.4 million to Medi-Cal providers in the state. The funding can also be used for hardware, such as laptops and smartphones, Internet service and training or technical assistance.
“We know doctors, nurses and clinicians serving our vulnerable population are struggling right now,” Ternan said. “Our goal was to think creatively and support providers funding quickly to help them build their telehealth capacity as soon as possible and care for those most in need.”
Western Sierra has embraced telehealth, a fast-growing health care tool that connects patients with providers.
Direct Relief issued a $50,000 grant to help Western Sierra with COVID-related expenses, from ensuring supplies to staffing.
“Access to primary care is what keeps people healthy and out of the hospital, and the frontline work of Western Sierra and other nonprofit community health centers across the U.S. is more critical than ever with the onset of COVID-19,” said Thomas Tighe, President and CEO of Direct Relief. “Direct Relief is doing everything possible to bolster the work and support the staffs at the safety-net health facilities on which so many patients and their families rely for excellent care and trust for advice in this public health emergency.”
Western Sierra was among 518 federally qualified health centers to receive funding from Direct Health’s $25 million COVID-19 Fund for Community Health. About one of every 12 residents rely on federally qualified health centers in the U.S.
“The COVID pandemic has created many challenges to how we deliver care,” said Andrew Harris, acting Chief Executive Officer of Western Sierra. “We are extremely grateful for Health Net and Direct Relief to help with the financial costs of serving our community during the pandemic.”
About Western Sierra Medical Clinic
Western Sierra Medical Clinic provides comprehensive medical, dental and behavioral health care in Nevada, Sierra and Placer counties. Founded in 1975, Western Sierra emphasizes preventive care, education and empowering patients to make informed decisions. You can learn more about Western Sierra Medical Clinic at www.wsmcmed.org and on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/WesternSierraMedicalClinic.
