You can turn to Community Health Centers during COVID-19 or anytime.
By Mary Zelazny, CEO, Finger Lakes Community Health, an independent healthcare organization with eight health centers in the region.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a stressful, confusing time for all of us. Trying to understand the nature of the virus and how it impacts us is an on-going challenge. There is also a lot of confusion around testing for COVID-19. Who should get tested, and when? What about my other health needs? How can I get access to my provider if I get sick? Community health centers can assist you with these questions and so much more.
Our mission
Finger Lakes Community Health (FLCH), a Community Health Center program, has sites located across the Finger Lakes region. Our mission is to provide access to medical, dental, and behavioral health care in the communities we serve. Our model of care is to provide “one-stop shopping” for our patients, focusing on quality healthcare by culturally competent staff. It is also our mission to provide these services in a cost-effective manner, accepting all insurances, but also offering a generous sliding fee scale based on income for those that are uninsured or underinsured.
We are testing for COVID-19
FLCH can test for COVID-19. All of our sites are set up for “drive-up” testing. This service is a great way to isolate patients who may have symptoms of COVID-19 and need to be tested. We also strive to be a good community partner by working with other healthcare organizations to ensure that our patients are able to get the care they need. We have worked very closely with several Public Health departments in counties where we have health centers, to provide them with a means of getting community members tested as well as offering other services, including offering testing events for first responders, police, and other frontline workers as requested. We strive to ensure the safety of our patients, our staff while offering our communities the services they need.
Testing for those without symptoms
We are now offering COVID-19 testing for people who need a test to go back to work or simply want to be tested. Click here for more information.
Excess stress during the Coronavirus
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased stress levels for all of us. Our children are now home due to schools closing, too many have lost their jobs. Fear around the virus creates stress that we may not realize. To help our patients, we have a behavioral health team with licensed clinical social workers, mental health counselors, and a psychiatrist on staff. To make this service even more convenient, we can schedule a virtual visit, so patients don’t have to leave home or work. Video consultations can be delivered directly using a smartphone, tablet, or computer.
Community Health Centers are here for everyone.
We are open for business as we believe our communities rely on us to be open for them. Our health centers serve a wide spectrum of patients, including entire families, students, working professionals, and retirees. We serve everyone, whether insured or uninsured. We want to provide care to you and your family when, where and how you would like that care. We are in this together.
Quality healthcare with our team of medical professionals
Our medical director, Dr. Jose Canario, leads our medical team of Physicians, Physician Assistants, and Family Nurse Practitioners. In addition, we also have a full complement of dentists and dental hygienists led by our Dental Director, Dr. Tony Mendicino. Our Behavioral Health team is led by Amanda Felice, MS, LMHC, with a team of counselors providing a full range of services.