 ope Community Health Center exists to provide primary care medical services to those without insurance in the East Valley. According to census data over 18% of the population near Chandler Blvd. between McQueen and Hwy 101 is significantly below poverty level. Most families cannot afford the average health costs of $13,000 per year for a family of four. However, working families often make too much money to qualify for state aid through AHCCCS (Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System). The uninsured have nowhere to obtain affordable health care.
AHCCCS is the state's medical coverage for the poorest of poor. Enrollment in AHCCCS soared in 2004, as 35,000 Arizonans found themselves without employer sponsored insurance. But many more do not have access to any health insurance. HCHC not only helps fill the gap of needed health care for the uninsured working poor, but also helps families register for AHCCCS if they qualify.
Because of poor access to health care and under-utilization, the health needs along Chandler Blvd are growing. The death rate from influenza is two times the state average.
In 2004, asthma, hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease were the most prevalent chronic conditions found in the Chandler area.  While the reasons for these illnesses are attributed to multiple factors, certainly basic preventative care and patient education could reduce these chronic conditions. A health fair hosted by HCHC in Sept. 2004 screened 200 patients for blood pressure and blood sugar, and found 10 percent had abnormalities that required follow-up.
A medical visit at Hope Community Health Center costs a patient $15. The remainder of the cost of the visit comes from grants and private donations. Hope Community Health Center is a non-profit entity and depends upon the generosity of sponsors to meet the uninsured's needs..
Hope Community Health Center seeks to model the love of Jesus Christ by helping the sick and addressing spiritual needs. Hope Community Health Center is a Christian ministry to aid the uninsured in the East Valley. For more information, see the Ministry and Outreach page.
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