Neighborhood Healthcare Opens New Health Center in Poway

Neighborhood Healthcare; a private, non-profit 501(C) (3) community health organization that provides quality healthcare to those most in need regardless of the ability to pay; held an invitation-only open house on Thursday, March 29, 2018, at its new Gold Family Health Center in Poway.

The state-of-the-art, one-story, 8,500 square-foot building is located at 13010 Poway Road next to the Salvation Army. With 15 exam rooms, the Gold Family Health Center will provide a medical home for 7,500 people in need. Through the efforts of Neighborhood Healthcare, patients will also be educated on how to manage acute and chronic illnesses and maintain healthy lifestyles.

According to Rakesh Patel, MD, FAAFP, CPE, CEO of Neighborhood Healthcare, there is an increasing number of uninsured or underinsured people living and working in Poway and surrounding communities. Without a community health center, patients in need of care must travel to Neighborhood Healthcare’s centers outside the Poway area.

“Last year, 1,200 patient visits to our Escondido centers were from Poway residents,” said Dr. Patel. “Since many of our patients rely on public transportation, this can translate to as many as three bus transfers and up to two hours of travel time. As a result, many people delay routine healthcare, which can lead to more serious health problems.

Within the Poway school district,5,300 people live with incomes of less than two times the federal poverty level; 12,250 residents between the ages of 19 and 64 are uninsured. In addition, 4,677 children qualify for free or reduced lunch while 328 households receive food stamps. The Gold Family Health Center will help meet the healthcare needs of this population.

“The Gold Family Health Center fills an imperative need for this community to assure the health and well-being of our neighbors,” said Johnny Watson, President of Neighborhood Healthcare’s Board of Directors.

The Health Center was made possible due to a successful $3 million capital campaign and through generous gifts from local residents and individuals with deep ties to the Poway community. Key among these are Alan and Debbie Gold, longtime Neighborhood Healthcare supporters. Their gift was made in honor of Mr. Gold’s late parents, Martin and Delia Gold, who lived in Poway then 50 years and firmly believed in the importance of giving back to the community.

“Alan and I are committed to making sure that every child in Poway and its surrounding communities will be able to see a doctor regardless of their parents’ ability to pay for care, said Debbie Gold. “We have had a successful relationship with Neighborhood Healthcare for almost two decades. This is our opportunity to reshape our community for decades to come and create a true legacy in honor of Martin and Delia.”

Founded in 1969 by community volunteers and physicians, Neighborhood Healthcare has grown from a one-site health center with seven staff members to a 12-site, two-county health system with more than 650 employees. Last year, Neighborhood Healthcare served 67,000 patients.

In spite of its rapid growth, Neighborhood Healthcare’s mission remains the same: to provide quality healthcare and wellness promotion to all members of its communities, focusing on those most in need regardless of the ability to pay. As a result of its dedication, Neighborhood Healthcare has earned a reputation for providing innovative, long-term solutions that address emerging and urgent community needs.

The Health Center will open to see patients on April 16, 2018. To schedule an appointment, please call (858) 218-3000.