Willis-Knighton Health System — NeighborHealth

Overview

Project NeighborHealth is a multifaceted program of Willis-Knighton Health System. It is composed of four health care clinics in medically underserved neighborhoods, including a children’s dental clinic, support and empowerment programs for residents of those communities, and a mobile childhood immunization program. The NeighborHealth program is funded through the health system’s “Tithe the Bottom Line” philosophy of giving, which dedicates a minimum of 10 percent of its bottom line annually to projects aimed at improving health care and quality of life. NeighborHealth programs are not supported by government grants or community contributions. Parcels of property have been contributed to the system with the understanding that they would be used for the benefit of the community. Most of the medical services are provided on a sliding-fee scale, based on income.

A children’s dental clinic, staffed by volunteer dentists and their assistants, is also operated by Willis-Knighton. General dental services are provided including cleanings, fillings, X-rays, extractions, stainless steel crowns, sealants, root canals, and minor oral surgery. Dental education, for both children and their parents, is also incorporated into routine appointments. Parents must accompany their children to appointments, and a minimal fee of $5 per visit is charged. More than 11,000 individuals receive care and services each year from NeighborHealth programs.

“Shots for Tots,” another NeighborHealth program, provides youngsters with the immunizations required by schools. This project uses a mobile unit that has increased the immunization rates for the community’s school children by more than 40 percent. This was made possible because the mobile unit is set up at places located for women and their children, such as parking lots at Walmart and McDonald’s, places frequented by moms and their children. The convenience factor is a major component of Shots for Tots. A card containing each child’s immunization record is given to parents. The other major component is the cost. These immunizations are free. The unit uses free vaccine provided by the state’s health department. Some insurance plans do not cover childhood immunizations, and the cost of a round of immunizations may be as much as $200. This program has no income qualifications. Immunizations are free to all who need them.

Impact

NeighborHealth opened the first of its four community health centers in 1995 in a medically underserved neighborhood in Shreveport. It has since opened four additional clinics and continues to evaluate the need in other neighborhoods. In addition to providing excellent health care services, these centers also provide seminars on health and other issues that contribute to quality of life, i.e., seminars on Stroke Awareness, Coronary Heart Disease, How to Improve Self-Esteem, Puberty for Girls, Healthy Eating Tips, plus many more. There are also classes held for First Time Homebuyers. One of the centers even includes a wellness and fitness center. If referred by a physician, community residents may join the community wellness center for a low monthly rate of $10 to help improve their overall health. There are currently approximately 300 members.

During the last fiscal year, multiple immunizations were administered to 1,478 children. This program has received recognition throughout the state, and the director of the program has served as an advisor to others establishing programs.

Challenges/success factors

Willis-Knighton advertises the availability of each health center in the neighborhood it serves, working with groups such as churches and civic associations to increase residents’ awareness of the medical, dental, and services available to them in their own neighborhoods.

Future direction/sustainability

Willis-Knighton Health System's leaders believe that it has been blessed; therefore, they want to give back to the community by providing services to the underserved members of its community. It has pledged to provide 10 percent of its bottom line to support projects related to health, education, and humanitarian services in the communities served by the health system. Project NeighborHealth is an important element in the health system’s outreach. The health system does not seek nor has it received any government grants. All programs are fully sustained by Willis-Knighton’s earnings.

Contact: Marilyn S. Joiner
Director, Marketing & Public Relations
Telephone: 318-212-8965
E-mail: mjoiner@wkhs.com