Crescent Community Health Center is a 2017 recipient of the Health Center Quality Leader award, given by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Health center quality leaders represent the top 30 percent of all health centers who achieved the best overall clinical outcomes. Health centers qualify for this award based on critical national benchmarks including chronic disease management, preventive care, prenatal care, and an annual increase in patients served.
In 2017, Crescent served a record number of patients at 6,437. This was a 2.7 percent increase from 2016 and the highest number of patients seen since opening in 2006. Of the 6,437 patients seen 1,699 were children, 2,448 were women, and 1,880 were men. These patients comprised a total of 18,764 clinic visits, breaking down evenly between the medical and dental departments.
Preventive care benchmarks met include:
• 57 percent of eligible patients received colorectal cancer screenings, a 12 percent increase when compared to 2016.
• 92 percent of tobacco users participated in counseling to reduce use, 6.81 percent higher than HRSA award requirements.
• 73.86 percent of patients participated in depression screening and follow-up, 13.5 percent higher than HRSA award requirements.
Revenue for Crescent patients comes from a variety of sources with Medicaid being the highest at 65 percent, followed by out-of-pocket payments based on a discounted sliding fee schedule. The need for health center support is as strong as ever. Last year, 49 percent of adult patients were uninsured and 50 percent of children were uninsured.
“Crescent has always been about quality, affordability, and access. This award from the Health Resources and Services Administration, demonstrates that our providers and staff continue to strive for the best patient outcomes while remaining affordable and accessible to all,” said Julie Woodyard, Executive Director. “We are proud of our accomplishments and remain dedicated to our mission.”
Crescent Community Health Center first opened its doors in October of 2006. Crescent was founded by a group of dedicated board members made up of community stakeholders who identified the need for primary medical and dental care for underserved populations. Since then, Crescent has been providing high-quality primary and preventive medical and dental care to members of the community.