Message from the CEO:
Sustaining and Motivating a Resilient Workforce in Today’s Challenging Healthcare Environment
Reflecting on the past year, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for our La Clínica team. They navigated the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic with remarkable grace and continue to push boundaries with resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to our Mission.
Our workforce is the cornerstone of our organization, and workforce development remains central to our mission. Amidst the U.S. healthcare worker shortages, we have made significant strides, especially through our internship programs in behavioral health. With the increasing demand for behavioral health services, we have connected with universities and community colleges to expose students to our communities, fostering a deeper understanding and acceptance of the diverse backgrounds that define us.
Our workforce is the cornerstone of our organization, and workforce development remains central to our mission.
We are also actively advocating for a future workforce equipped to meet the substantial needs of the communities we serve. We have emphasized the need for more doctors, the importance of nurse practitioners working independently, and support for nursing school costs. The initiatives detailed in this year’s annual report underscore our commitment to retaining dedicated professionals and shaping the future healthcare workforce.
Our vision for the future includes not only expanding the number of doctors and nurses but also integrating and recognizing community health workers (CHWs) as essential members of the medical team. These CHWs, often community peers, play a crucial role in bridging the gap between healthcare providers and the communities served, leading to improved health outcomes and reduced inpatient utilization. This initiative reflects our dedication to transforming the delivery system to be more inclusive and focused on frontline workers.
dedication
Our efforts to secure reimbursement for CHWs and nurse practitioners highlight our commitment to supporting and retaining our dedicated staff. One of our major achievements has been our active involvement in the statewide movement toward value-based care and advocacy for Medicaid reimbursement of CHW services.
Despite our successes, we acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead. We must continue to actively advocate for a future workforce that can meet the significant needs of the communities we serve and work diligently to recruit primary care physicians.
Looking ahead, we are committed to building a sustainable and resilient workforce capable of delivering high-quality care. We remain dedicated to overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities to enhance the health and well-being of our community.
Thank you for your continued support and belief in our mission. Together, we can build a healthier, more equitable future for all.
¡Sí se puede!
Jane García, La Clínica CEO