Redifining Community Health Care

By Cindi Berns

Director of Development, Westside Family Health Center

When 17-year-old Victor came to Westside Family Health Center (WFHC) for what should have been a routine check-up, he had no idea his life was about to change. During his visit, his doctor discovered a mass on his thigh. An urgent referral to a specialist was made, but it was initially denied, leaving Victor without the care he needed.

Victor’s provider recognized the risk of him falling through the cracks and stepped in—advocating, coordinating care, and ensuring he received the preoperative labs and support needed to move forward.

Victor is not just a patient, but a young person with a future ahead of him. His experience reflects how access to care can shape outcomes and provide a path forward.

By combining accessibility, cultural sensitivity, linguistic appropriateness, and clinical excellence, WFHC addresses the unique needs of patients with complex histories and challenges. This holistic approach to care recognizes that health concerns are often intertwined with other dimensions of a person’s well-being and support network.

WFHC offers core services together in one location, enabling providers to collaborate and refer patients to additional specialists as needed, supporting a more coordinated approach to care.

About Westside Family Health Center

For 52 years, Westside Family Health Center has been committed to helping patients receive comprehensive, high-quality healthcare regardless of their ability to pay. 

In early 2025, Westside Family Health Center was confronted with new federal policies, executive orders, and pauses/losses in government funding. Despite these challenges, WFHC continues to provide the safety net for the marginalized communities we serve.

Whether guiding a patient through routine medical care or helping them to navigate a serious diagnosis, they are supported by a dedicated care team that includes a medical provider, medical assistant, registered nurse, patient care coordinator, dentist, and mental health provider—all working in close coordination. WFHC’s team-based approach makes sure that a patient is never alone on their healthcare journey and that financial barriers do not get in the way of care.