In 1972, a vineyard laborer named Plácido Garc’a asked a question that changed life in Napa Valley. He wondered, “Why don’t the farmworkers have healthcare?” Community leaders responded to that question by creating Community Health Clinic Ole. With an outpouring of community support and from a small office above La Luna Market in Rutherford, the Clinic has grown over the last forty years into a respected health center helping families from Calistoga to Carneros. Patients of Clinic Ole are often employed in low-wage jobs. If their employer provides health insurance, it is often too expensive for the employee to include their family on the plan. To make matters worse, they may earn just a little too much to qualify for Medi-Cal coverage. This leaves thousands of uninsured individuals who rely on Clinic Ole to get the care they need, when they need it, at a price they can afford. A SOLUTION IN Low-Cost, High-Quality CARE Clinic Ole is the only nonprofit community clinic in Napa County. Perhaps more importantly, Clinic Ole is the only nonprofit primary care provider in the valley that will not turn away uninsured patients. The Clinic is also a Federally Qualified Health Center, which means that it must conform to strict guidelines for quality of care. It not only accepts most kinds of insurance, but it also serves patients who, for reasons beyond their control, have no health insurance at all. For these people, the Clinic offers services on a sliding scale, based on family income and ability to pay. Because Clinic Ole charges less for a visit than it costs to provide medical services, donations make up the difference and help the Clinic do what it does best: help keep Napa Valley families healthy. Caring for FAMILIES Today, Community Health Clinic Ole has the monumentally important task of providing medical care for more than 10,000 local children. Clinic pediatricians and caregivers provide these kids with everything from vaccines to health check-ups. From birth through adolescence, Clinic Ole gives kids high-quality care that keeps them healthy and active. Taking preventive care a step further, Clinic Ole offers classes and counseling that can help address conditions like obesity, asthma, and diabetes. 70 www. n A PAVA L L E Y L I F E magaz ine . c o m Clinic Ole also offers screenings for potentially life-threatening conditions for adults too, like colon, prostate, and breast cancer. In addition to these services, Clinic Ole offers: Behavioral health counseling, Cancer screenings, Dental care, Diabetes support and education, Hypertension screenings, Nutritional counseling, OB/GYN services, and pre-natal case management A DEDICATED, PROFESSIONAL STAFF Clinic Ole physicians, nurses, and caregivers are all paid staff—and highly qualified professionals who devote their skills to helping families at the community level. Coming from leading universities with top credentials, Clinic doctors, physician assistants, family nurse practitioners, nurses, dentists, and managers are tireless in their pursuit of quality care and quality health outcomes. The Clinic is governed by an all-volunteer board of directors that represents a cross-section of vintners, growers, business professionals, community leaders, and patients. Their job is to help assure that Clinic Ole is able to flourish, grow, and ensure long-term sustainability for future generations of Napa Valley families. Clinic Ole’s mission is to provide high-quality primary healthcare to our entire community, today and tomorrow. by Cynthia Gregory Healthcare provider Clinic Ole Foundation raises funds with zest Given its heritage, it seems only right that the Clinic’s biggest fundraiser of the year is its famously family-friendly Chili Bal, which is scheduled this year for Satu rday , August 24, 4–9 pm on the beautiful grounds of the Charles Krug Winery in St. Helena. Each year, 600 or so Chili Ball guests sample some of the finest wines in the Valley and chow down on some of the zestiest chili this side of the Rio Grande, prepared by a handful of Napa Valley’s most celebrated chefs. Kids are welcome with their parents. All proceeds from the event benefit Clinic Ole. To get in on the fun, order tickets, or obtain more information about the Clinic, go to www. chiliball.ticketleap.com or www.clinicole.org. of the
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