A Bridge to the Future

2010 was a year filled with challenges and opportunities.  The friendly faces of PCHS staff offered a warm welcome to every patient – dental, medical, pharmacy and behavioral health.  Many patients found their personal circumstances were changing---looking for help this year, when in previous years they might have offered a helping hand to others.  Local homeless numbers rose at alarming rates.  Through federal stimulus (ARRA) funds, we were able to reach out and assist.

During 2010, the numbers tell the stories best.  PCHS clinical teams delivered care to 22,554 patients (unduplicated) for 72,307 visits a greater than 9% increase in services from 2009.  But these aren’t just faceless numbers---PCHS welcomes patients from across Kitsap and neighboring counties to our clinics in Poulsbo, Bremerton and Port Orchard. 

We have heard a lot about economic recovery---but PCHS patients don’t see that just yet.  PCHS patients crossed our threshold as uninsured in numbers that astounded.  41.98% of PCHS patients were uninsured in 2010 compared to 26% in 2009.  As this uncompensated care continues to grow, we wonder how we can sustain services.  We see the likelihood of termination of many state funded programs.  The outlook for thousands in our community to become newly uninsured or see improvement in their health care status seems remote.  But for them---and for all who come to our doors, we continue to accept new patients.  We hope we can continue to do so in 2011, but that is yet to be determined.  Cuts are looming for community health centers at both the state and federal level. 

Partners across the county are the primary bridge for patients seeking care at PCHS.  Our close relationship with public health, mental health, and local hospitals allows for a smooth transition from one system of care to another. 

PCHS Board and Staff are committed to sustaining our services to the community.  The Board of Directors and Staff of PCHS have focused our efforts during 2010 on building bridges to the new opportunities that all these changes represent.

 Many of you have contributed time, talent and dollars to support PCHS programs and services in 2010.  We thank you for all you have done and hope you will continue to be partners in building bridges to the future for PCHS programs and services here in Kitsap County.

If you are interested in joining us in building the bridges to the future, and could contribute with time on our Board and committees, with financial support, or with volunteering to assist in the clinics, please call me 360-478-2366.  I’ll look forward to hearing from you!

Barbara Malich, CEO