Mission Area Health Associates Dba Mission Neighborhood Health Center

Since 1967, Mission Neighborhood Health Center has provided comprehensive primary healthcare to the underserved Latino immigrant community. MNHC provides prenatal services, pediatrics, teen services, GYN, adult medicine, a homeless resource center, and an HIV/AIDS clinic (Clinica Esperanza) for patients in the eastern part of San Francisco (e.g. the Mission, Excelsior, and Bayview neighborhoods) and northern San Mateo County. Many of the adults in the health center service area work two jobs, receive poor pay, face language barriers and worry more about making ends meet than paying for healthcare that they greatly need.

 

MNHC has successfully used the life cycle approach in primary care, which promotes comprehensive care appropriate to the patient’s age. A great example is MNHC’s approach to Diabetes, a chronic disease that affects our target population greatly. At the health center we provide individual support and group classes to help patients and their families discuss the effects of Diabetes in their lives, how to control their glucose, and nutrition. In addition, classes specific to  women’s health, teen services and HIV/AIDS services are also provided to encourage patients to have an active role in discussing their health and experiences. 

 

Other examples of our community programs are:

1. Chronic Care Program- The chronic care program offers a monthly group class on diabetes education, a peer-to-peer (promotores) diabetes program, which encourages patients to educate other patients on diabetic health and weight management through healthy eating.

2. Latinos en Extasis- Our youth development program inspires youth and teaches them the skills they need to be positive leaders among their peers and within their community. The program educates youth in sexual health and personal well-being. In turn, the participants educate their peers and community with the knowledge they have learned.   

3. Centering Pregnancy- Centering Pregnancy is a unique program that provides women pre-natal care in groups  that helps them discuss and prepare for their pregnancies  with other expecting mothers due around the same month. The group is facilitated by a MNHC social worker, mid-wife, and health educator. The women also participate in casting their bellies and other engaging activities.

4. Covered CA Enrollment- MNHC has 14 trained designated Covered California Enrollment counselors to help enroll members of the community in Medi-Cal and private insurance. In the last year they assisted over 10,000 community members.

5. Patient Advisory Council- a group of 9 patients who discuss the emerging needs of patients in the health center and collaborate with MNHC staff to get patient feedback.

6.  Alero Project- a program that provides mental health counseling to unaccompanied minors who are fleeing escalating violence in Central America. The program also recently reached out to unaccompanied minors and their families by hosting an event that welcomed these families with a care package and linkage to resources.