Letter: Concerns About New West County Health Center

Dear Editor:

I am excited to hear about the new West County Health Center opening in San Pablo at the end of the month. However, I also have some concerns about it.

In the article about the new health center Supervisor John Gioia stated that the new health center will be “…symbolic of making quality health care more accessible to the community,” but I am concerned that it may not serve the same community as the old Richmond Health Center. It will be located almost two miles from the old health center and may be harder for current clients to reach. In addition, there is no doubt that its costs of operation will increase to match its larger size. I am curious to find out how Contra Costa Health Services plans to deal with the increased costs of operating a facility with 58 exam rooms. Perhaps patient costs could be kept down by using a capitation or episode of care fee structure to encourage efficiency and cooperation between health care providers.

At the same time, I hope that the new health center will focus on breaking down barriers to health care access by employing interpreters, physicians, and other health care providers who focus on minority health care. I also hope that that the health center will find a balance providing care to those with Medicaid and Medicare, as well as other insurance plans.

I look forward to seeing how the new West County Health Center handles its growth and supports our community.

– Laura Blum
   Richmond 

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