COMPUTER
KIOSK HELPS HOMELESS FIND HEALTHCARE
Computer
Stations Unveiled at Six Skid Row Locations
(Los Angeles
California) --- June 19, 2003
Carlos
Suarez wasn’t feeling well, but didn’t
think he was sick enough to go to the doctor because
he had no health insurance. So he decided he’d
try out the new computer health station at the Los
Angeles Mission. He sat at the station, followed
the directions on the screen, and found that his
blood pressure was up. After answering the other
questions the computer asked, he was urged to go
to the free Los Angeles Mission Community Clinic,
so he accepted the appointment the machine offered.
Suarez now thanks God for the machine – the
subsequent doctor visit found some serious problems,
and after a short hospital stay for a surgical procedure,
Suarez is feeling much better.
The
machine Suarez and dozens of others are now using
is part of a program led by the JWCH Institute and
dedicated on Thursday June 19, 2003 at the Los Angeles
Mission. Computerized Screening Inc.’s (CSI)
patented health kiosk is being piloted at six locations
in the Central Los Angeles area known as Skid Row.
Bringing
this innovative technology to the underserved population
furthers the mission of Service Planning Area 4,
Coordinated Prevention Network (SPA 4, CPN), which
is to reduce the incidence of preventable diseases.
Led by JWCH Institute, SPA 4, CPN is a coalition
of 20 organizations committed to reducing the incidence
of HIV, sexually transmitted diseases, tuberculosis
and substance abuse among at-risk members of the
downtown LA community.
The
CSI Health Station is a freestanding kiosk, which
provides individuals with health screening tools,
preventive education and access to local health resources.
The Health Station is a highly effective means to
strengthen SPA 4, CPN’s ability to reach the
underserved population of the community with alternative
healthcare access points.
“With
a disproportionately high number of residents in
this area diagnosed with HIV and other preventable
diseases per year, our goal is to use creative outreach
strategies to improve awareness of all of the valuable
health resources that are available,” says Jill
Rotenberg, Program Manager, JWCH Institute, Inc. “The
Health Stations are a user-friendly, easily accessible
tool that provide vital links to healthcare resources
and education in community-based settings that are
familiar and comfortable amongst our target populations.”
According
to estimates, as many as 53% of Central Los Angeles
residents are without health insurance and at increased
risk for serious health issues and preventable diseases.
The JWCH Institute led network is designed to improve
service coordination and healthcare service delivery.
The network receives funding through a grant from
the County of Los Angeles, Department of Health Services,
Office of AIDS Programs and Policy (OAPP).
“CSI
is extremely proud that the Health Stations are part
of SPA 4, CPN’s innovative strategy and we are
confident that they will expand the awareness of
the myriad of healthcare services available in the
area,” says Charles Bluth, Founder and CEO of
Computerized Screening Inc. “The CSI Health
Station is a valuable tool to meet the challenge
of reaching the thousands of at-risk community members.”
The
Health Stations offer comprehensive screenings that
include patented blood pressure and heart rate monitoring
and other preventive healthcare tools and features.
Each Health Station includes a customized resource
directory with referral information for health and
social service resources in Central LA. The Health
Station also employs sophisticated telemedicine technology
that allows individuals to immediately schedule appointments
with JWCH-affiliated providers. The initiative provides
incentives for users to keep appointments by issuing
vouchers at the Health Station that may be redeemed
for food, health supplies or transportation once
the individual’s visit is complete.
About
Computerized Screening Inc.
Computerized Screening Inc. (CSI) is a privately held medical device manufacturer,
healthcare technology and marketing company. The centerpiece of CSI’s
health complement is the CSI Health Station, one-stop health information, and
screening technology that feature four patents. Included in these is a patent
for the most accurate, non-invasive automated blood pressure measurement device
in existence today. CSI was founded in 1978, with a mission to offer affordable,
accurate blood pressure and heart rate testing in non-clinical settings. One
billion tests have been performed in CSI’s twenty-five years and CSI continues
to achieve its founding corporate mission to provide individuals with access
to accurate, affordable health assessment tools and information that encourage
wellness and disease prevention. CSI is based in Sparks, Nevada. Their website
is http://www.computerized-screening.com.
About
JWCH Institute
JWCH Institute, Inc. is a private, non-profit health agency. The mission of
JWCH Institute is to improve the health and wellness of under-served segments
of the population of Los Angeles County through the direct provision or coordination
of health care, health education services and research. The mission is being
accomplished through a variety of programs and activities, such as: medical
outreach and referrals for medical care, HIV counseling and testing; health
education; case management and intervention; primary medical care; family planning
services; and research. Their website is http://www.jwchinstitute.org.
About
SPA 4, Coordinated Prevention Network
The SPA 4, Coordinated Prevention Network is a coalition of 20 health and social
service providers in Central Los Angeles who have joined together to reduce
the health outcome disparities for HIV, tuberculosis, sexually transmitted
diseases and substance abuse among homeless, uninsured and underserved members
of the Central Los Angeles community. The SPA 4, CPN, led by the JWCH Institute,
was initiated in January 2002 with funding from a three-year grant from the
Centers for Disease Control, through the Los Angeles County, Department of
Health Services, Office of AIDS Programs and Policy (OAPP).
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