Bay Area Community Health

2023 Annual Report

United for a stronger, healthier community

Nurturing Health and Well-being Together: A Message from Our CEO Dr. Zettie D. Page III

It is an honor to share the remarkable journey we collectively embarked upon in 2023 at Bay Area Community Health. The challenges we faced have been significant, but our collective resilience and commitment to community health have propelled us forward.

In the face of a global health crisis, Bay Area Community Health stood as a beacon of hope and support for all. Our dedicated team of healthcare professionals, staff, and volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure the well-being of every individual in our community. Their unwavering dedication has been nothing short of inspiring.

One of the highlights of this year has been our community’s response to adversity. The collaborative efforts to promote health education, vaccination campaigns, and the implementation of preventive measures have been pivotal in safeguarding the health of our neighbors. Through these endeavors, we have not only faced challenges head-on but also emerged stronger as a united community.

I am proud to report that our commitment to innovation has played a crucial role in enhancing the quality of care we provide. We have embraced technology to improve accessibility, streamline processes, and ensure that our community receives the best possible healthcare services. Telemedicine, online health resources, and virtual support groups have become integral parts of our comprehensive approach to healthcare.

The heart of our success lies in the trust you place in us. Your continued support, whether through participation in community health initiatives, volunteering, or simply choosing Bay Area Community Health as your healthcare provider, empowers us to strive for excellence. Together, we have created a nurturing environment where health extends beyond the individual to encompass the entire community.

Looking ahead, we remain committed to evolving and adapting to meet the ever-changing needs of our community.

In health and with gratitude,

Zettie D. Page III
MD, Ph.D., MBA, MSW, MS Chief Executive Officer

Our Mission

To deliver exceptional health and social services that improve quality of life for the individuals, families, and communities we serve

Our Vision

For everyone in our community to have access to high quality, comprehensive, and affordable healthcare

Our Values

Equality: Everyone deserves to enjoy quality healthcare, no matter their ability to pay

Commitment: We are dedicated to FQHCs, and will seek opportunities to advocate and strengthen this service model

Community: By listening to our community with humility, we gain strength, partnership, and purpose

Respect: All who enter our doors—patients, staff, community, and partners—are heard with an open mind, valued for their unique strengths, and treated with respect and kindness

Excellence: We constantly strive to perform at the highest level while learning new ways to improve our work

DENTAL

MEDICAL

VISION

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

SPECIALTY CARE: Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Dermatology, Podiatry

Navigating Health Together: Leadership Message

As we reflect on the past year and chart our course for the future, the Bay Area Community Health Board of Directors is grateful for the collective dedication that defines our community.

At the heart of our success lies a shared commitment to health, well-being, and the vitality of our community. The challenges of the past year have underscored the importance of a resilient healthcare system, and it is with great admiration that we commend the efforts of our healthcare professionals, staff, and volunteers, who have been unwavering in their commitment to our mission.

As stewards of community health, we recognize the fundamental role Bay Area Community Health plays in the lives of our neighbors. Our focus on accessibility, affordability, and inclusivity ensures that healthcare is not just a service but a right for every member of our community. The health and prosperity of our community are interwoven, and we are dedicated to addressing the social determinants of health to create a foundation for thriving individuals and families.

The Board is committed to providing strategic leadership, fostering innovation, and supporting the tireless efforts of our healthcare team. In the coming year, we will continue to advocate for policies that promote health equity, invest in cutting-edge technologies, and enhance the overall patient experience.

In the spirit of collaboration, let us continue to forge a path toward a healthier, stronger future. Our community is defined by its collective spirit, and together, we can overcome any challenges that may arise.

Thank you for entrusting Bay Area Community Health with your care and for being an essential part of our community.

In community spirit,

Carlos Rosario

Board Chair

Executive Leadership Team

Chief Executive Officer, Interim COO
Zettie D. Page III
MD, Ph.D., MBA, MSW, MS

Chief Medical Officer
Harsha Ramchandani, MD

Chief of Strategic Development, Interim CFO
Wilfredo Lacro, EMHA

Chief Administrative Services
Hipolito Garza, MBA

Chief of Information Systems
Gaurav Tyagi, MBA

Board of Directors

Carlos Rosario
Board Chair

Robert Wyckoff
Board Vice Chair

Stephanie Reddell
Secretary

Kanahl Kendrick
Treasurer

Zettie D. Page III
MD, Ph.D., MBA, MSW, MS, Ex-officio Officer

Beny Jain

Brendan John

Carol Thompson

Dyanne Headley

Joseph Davalos

Karen Levine

Kobin Lee

Liz Guerrero

Upender Malae Reddy

Who are we?

Bay Area Community Health (BACH) is a nonprofit, Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) committed to delivering excellent healthcare services in a caring, nurturing, and respectful atmosphere to improve the quality of life for every individual and family in our care. BACH promotes optimal health, chronic disease management, and access to healthcare services for every individual and family in southern Alameda County and Santa Clara County.

With a dedicated team of 585 staff members, we care for over 65,000 patients in the greater San Francisco Bay Area, spanning from Union City to Gilroy, regardless of their ability to pay.

Our target population includes the working poor, individuals experiencing homelessness, people with HIV/AIDS, transgender individuals, and other medically underserved populations.

Improving Behavioral Health Access: Bay Area Community Health's Pandemic Response and Future Plans

Recognizing the significant behavioral health challenges that emerged within our community during the pandemic, Bay Area Community Health proactively enhanced access to care through several strategic initiatives. These included the implementation of telehealth services, extended operational hours, and expanded language offerings to address the needs of our community better and serve diverse populations. While the pandemic highlighted these pressing needs, BACH's initiatives are part of a sustained commitment to improving behavioral health services within the community.

During the pandemic, the demand for mental health services surged, prompting BACH to implement telehealth services via phone and video platforms, including within our Behavioral Health Department. "This expansion helped us reach more patients and increased access to care for those previously unable to come to a clinic due to certain barriers," explains BACH Behavioral Health Director Marjorie Huang.

Huang explains that transitioning to telehealth and video consultations, along with extended hours of operation, was crucial in overcoming barriers like transportation limitations, childcare responsibilities, and work commitments that could otherwise impede patients from seeking help.

BACH's commitment to overcoming barriers and dispelling stereotypes rooted in individuals' backgrounds and cultures is exemplified by programs like Arise. Arise provides free mental health prevention services to the East Asian community in southern Alameda County, regardless of income or insurance, and serves all ages. Huang explains that programs like Arise play a crucial role in helping Asian patients feel more comfortable seeking care by addressing the skepticism due to prevailing stigmas, lack of mental health awareness, negative stereotypes, and language barriers.

To further address these challenges, BACH hires staff proficient in a range of languages. "By resembling and sounding like our patients, we enhance our ability to understand any barriers they might have that could hinder their access to mental health care. This approach enables us to tailor our interactions and approaches to each patient's unique circumstances," Haung adds.

Currently, BACH offers services in multiple languages, including Mandarin, English, and Spanish, reinforcing the organization's mission to provide inclusive and comprehensive care to all community members. For group services offered at City of Fremont Age Well Center such as our Arise program, services are provided in Chinese and English.

Beyond providing services in various languages and ensuring cultural sensitivity, BACH goes the extra mile to ensure mental health accessibility for all. This includes implementing school-based mental health programs and deploying mobile clinics to areas in need, such as the Senior Wellness Program in the city of San Jose.

While the pandemic served as a catalyst for recognizing these essential needs, BACH’s enduring commitment ensures that efforts to address the community’s needs persist beyond the crisis, demonstrating a steadfast devotion to serving the community.

BACH's Food Farmacy Reaches New Heights in 2023

Bay Area Community Health's Food Farmacy achieved a significant milestone in 2023 by serving 270 participants through 250 referrals and distributing over 6,500 pounds of nourishing food to those facing economic challenges.

Since its launch in 2018, Food Farmacy has made significant strides in addressing food insecurity by providing fresh produce and food parcels to low-income families. A generous grant from the Alameda County Community Food Bank, along with additional community donations have significantly enhanced the program's capabilities. The acquisition of a storage unit has played a pivotal role in expanding the program's reach, increasing the monthly food capacity from 2,000 to 3,000 pounds to an impressive 3,000 to 6,500 pounds of food.

We were fortunate to secure a storage unit through grant funding," said BACH Senior Patient Wellness Program Manager Trushna Nagindas. "This has allowed us to safely store supplies, equipment, and additional food. Increased volunteer support this year has helped our staff better serve clients and manage the heavy labor demands of the Food Farmacy. Additionally, we've experienced a significant rise in our distribution numbers."

BACH Community Health Worker Gloria Payne emphasized that the impact of Food Farmacy goes beyond merely providing food; it fosters a healthier lifestyle within the community and has significantly benefited the distribution team by easing storage challenges.

"The urgent need for programs like these in our community is clear, as good health begins with proper nutrition," Payne said. "Food Farmacy understands the importance of providing access to healthy foods for everyone, regardless of their financial situation. The program has become a beacon of hope for those facing challenges in putting nutritious meals on their tables."

During the monthly food distribution, participants receive essential items like fresh fruits and vegetables, canned goods, milk and dry staples such as rice. They also receive a voucher for the next distribution, along with valuable resources like healthy recipes. Additionally, Food Farmacy provides a list of local food pantries that operate throughout the month to ensure ongoing support.

Providing the community with recipes related to the distributed foods helps participants cook and eat healthier meals. "This helps patients make better food choices, which can improve health and prevent chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, heart issues, and high cholesterol," Payne explained.

Nagindas further commented on how the success of Food Farmacy underscores the positive impact that community-driven initiatives can have in addressing food insecurity. "Food Farmacy is not just feeding families; it is nourishing the spirit of our community, proving that everyone deserves access to fresh, healthy, and wholesome food."

She also noted the program's success is indebted to its volunteers, many of whom are community members and former patients who chose to contribute to this noble cause. "Their dedication is invaluable, and we express immense gratitude for their support."

We also appreciate our wellness team and colleagues from various departments for their support and their unwavering assistance. “Despite the demanding nature of our work, filled with meticulous planning and unforeseen challenges such as inclement weather or delayed food deliveries, we remain undeterred and committed to providing this service. Thank you to all who made the program a success this year.”

BACH's Mobile Health Outreach: Bridging Gaps in Care Across Communities

In the bustling landscape of the Bay Area, where diversity thrives and communities intersect, Bay Area Community Health has emerged as a beacon of healthcare innovation. Rooted in its mission is a dedication to reaching those often overlooked by traditional healthcare systems. Through its mobile health initiatives, BACH not only transforms care delivery but also embodies hope and resilience for underserved populations.

BACH's mobile health units go beyond being just vehicles; they are lifelines connecting communities to vital healthcare. These units navigate the Bay Area's urban landscape, reaching individuals where they live, work, and gather. Whether parked near community centers, schools, or local events, these mobile clinics provide crucial support to those in need.

At the core of BACH's success lies its strong commitment to cultural understanding and language skills. The staff operating these units are not just healthcare providers but also cultural ambassadors, fluent in the languages and customs of the communities they serve. This cultural awareness fosters trust and removes barriers to healthcare access.

Moreover, BACH's mobile health efforts go beyond traditional medical services, recognizing the impact of social, economic, and environmental factors on health. From screenings and vaccinations to nutritional guidance and wellness education, BACH's mobile units comprehensively address a wide range of community needs.

Partnerships are integral to BACH's impact and collaboration with local organizations, schools, and community leaders to amplify outreach efforts. These alliances broaden the reach of mobile health services and ensure they meet each community member's unique needs.

The impact of BACH's mobile health initiatives is profound, evident in the smiles of children receiving dental check-ups, the gratitude of elders accessing medications, and the hope of individuals managing chronic illnesses. For these individuals and families, BACH's mobile units symbolize compassion, dignity, and the promise of a healthier future.

BACH Program Manager for Mobile Services Desrie Campbell at BACH, underscores the importance of cultural sensitivity among staff, creating an inclusive environment where individuals feel confident articulating their needs. Dispatching appropriate personnel to initiatives like those at the Mexican Consulate in South San Jose and the Afghan Coalition in the Fremont Resource Center demonstrates BACH's dedication to serving diverse communities.

Looking ahead, Campbell announced the expansion of the mobile clinic fleet, aiming to enhance outreach capabilities and serve even more community members. Despite numerous achievements, Campbell emphasized the critical role these units play in addressing diverse community needs, underscoring BACH's commitment to inclusive, impactful healthcare.

Empowering Communities: The Vital Role of Community Health Workers in BACH

Bay Area Community Health (BACH) stands as a beacon of community-driven healthcare, where staff members not only serve but intimately understand the needs of the diverse populations they support. At the heart of our approach are our invaluable Community Health Workers (CHWs), who navigate the intricate web of community health needs with finesse and compassion.

In our diverse team at BACH, it's common to find individuals whose life journeys mirror those of the patients we serve. This shared background fosters a profound understanding of the challenges our community faces, allowing us to tailor our programs and services effectively. Moreover, our commitment to community empowerment extends beyond the confines of our organization. We actively engage with community-based and faith-based organizations, recognizing them as invaluable allies in our mission to democratize healthcare access. Through these partnerships, we identify areas of need and cultivate trust within the community, ensuring that everyone feels heard and supported.

Central to our outreach efforts are the CHWs, whose deep-rooted connections within the community enable them to seamlessly bridge gaps in healthcare provision. They serve as cultural ambassadors, easily navigating linguistic and cultural barriers and ensuring that no one is left behind in accessing essential healthcare services.

An exemplary instance of our advocacy and partnership-driven approach is the Day at The Capitol, an event where community health stakeholders converge to advocate for policies that prioritize the needs of underserved populations. During the event held in April 2023, our CHWs took center stage, sharing compelling patient testimonies that underscored the real-world impact of proposed policies. Through these efforts, we not only shed light on our community's challenges but also advocate for solutions that address them effectively.

Looking ahead, as we navigate an ever-evolving healthcare landscape, the role of CHWs and strategic partnerships will only become more pivotal. By leveraging shared experiences, fostering collaboration, and advocating tirelessly for policy change, Bay Area Community Health remains committed to ensuring accessible healthcare and empowerment for all. Together, we stand as champions of health equity, working tirelessly to build a healthier, more resilient community for generations to come.