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Taking
extra steps to make quality healthcare accessible to everyone.
At SMHC we are proud of our ability
to respond to the needs of a culturally and ethnically
diverse group of families and individuals. Delivering
care that is sensitive to these differences is an integral
part of our overall mission.
The majority of our patients are new immigrants, senior
citizens, homeless men and women, families and neighborhood
residents with special physical, social or cultural needs.
We examine the needs of each individual in determining
what services to provide and how to deliver those services—with
the hope of ensuring the greatest amount of health access
to the greatest number of people.
Even in San Francisco, a city known for its progressive
politics and social consciousness, the poor and medically
underserved tend to be sicker and die earlier. SMHC is
committed to changing this trend.
SMHC’s diverse staff is representative of the population
groups we serve. The community’s most commonly used
languages and dialects are all spoken here. We have staff
available to interpret in Spanish, Tagalog, Farsi, and
Chinese and staff members at all levels trained to recognize
the cultural differences among our patients. The organization
reviews written patient materials to ensure language and
cultural appropriateness and provides periodic training
for staff in cultural and ethnic diversity. SMHC is also
fully ADA compliant and handicapped accessible. |
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Building on our success: In
Spring 2008, we’re expanding to our new Westbrook
Plaza building. This joint project with Mercy Housing
California will include 48 units of affordable housing
and a new health center. |
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Treating the whole person: Our
range of medical, dental and support services have
been designed around the specific needs of our clients.
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Beulah's story:
Beulah began coming
to the clinic when she was homeless. She is now
living on her own with plans to return to school
and become a foster parent. Beulah credits her “nosy”
doctor at SMHC with saving her life, “I didn’t
know how important it was to take my medication.
I used to skip it. If it wasn’t for my nosy
doctor, I wouldn’t be here today.” |
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