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San Fernando Community Health Center Blog View all posts
young new mom to be shows sonogram of her healthy baby

Healthy Babies Need Healthy Moms
What would a baby registry look like if it included the future mom’s needs, too? Would you see regular ultrasounds? Nutritional advice? Mental and emotional counseling? SFCHC offers all these services because healthy babies actually do need healthy moms.
Mar 27th, 2025
A man struggles with stress and should call SFCHC for support and treatment from a team of caring Behavioral Health specialis

Feeling Stressed? Tips for a Healthier Mind and Body 
Life can be difficult, and it’s natural to sometimes feel stressed or anxious. You may feel concerned about finances, work, housing, a major life change or even a natural disaster such as the recent wildfires.
Mar 3rd, 2025
Happy middle-age man riding his bike, caring for his heart, with help from the San Fernando Community Health Center team.

Show Your Heart Some Love
Our hearts do their job without being asked, supporting our whole body, and often get taken for granted. So how can you help your heart help you? Get to know your heart and protect it from high blood pressure, sometimes called hypertension, with SFCHC.
Feb 20th, 2025
A graphic image showing San Fernando Community Health Center's Love for Los Angeles after the devastating Wildfires

Congresswoman Luz Rivas Shares A Wildfire Resource Guide

The recent fires in Los Angeles have impacted many lives and left a mark on our community. While we are grateful that our health center was not directly affected, our hearts go out to all those who have experienced loss, displacement or distress.
Jan 15th, 2025
Happy and healthy multi-generation family who take regular visits to their SFCHC doctor's office

Annual Benefits – Use Them Before the End of 2024
For all our valued patients, be aware that your earned benefits end in December. Then, everything resets in January with your annual insurance coverage enrollment. Need assistance with your coverage status? We can help.
Nov 5th, 2024
A young man experiencing sadness or depression will seek help from the care team at SFCHC

Behavior Healthcare: First Aid for Your Feelings
Sometimes, no matter how fit our bodies, shiny our hair, or clear our skin, we still feel off. Negative news and thoughts can trigger feelings that present as physical symptoms. That’s why mental health and physical health are part of our whole-person care
Oct 8th, 2024
doctor treating young hispanic patient

Prop 35 Campaign Update: Protect Our HealthCare
Join us in supporting Prop 35 to protect and expand patient access to healthcare. This measure on the November ballot will help deliver California’s promise of quality, timely and affordable care for all, especially those most in need.
Sep 24th, 2024
A happy family at the park after getting their updated Covid and Flu vaccines in Fall 2024

Fall Vaccinations: The Same but Different
If it feels like everyone you know is coming down with Covid, you're not wrong. Reported cases doubled this summer in Southern California, as did positive tests and hospitalizations. Don't let it stop you going to work or school. Update your vaccinations!
Sep 18th, 2024
A grandmother cuddles her grandchild, happy for the care received at San Fernando Community Health Center - SFCHC

Many Things Can Affect Your Health, So We Have Many Ways to Help
Is the flu going around your elementary schooler’s classroom? Has your father been getting up more often at night? And how about you - could you use someone to talk to about feeling anxious? At SFCHC, everyone under your roof is covered under ours.
Aug 12th, 2024
The LaVida Care team

HIV Prevention Program
SFCHC proudly supports the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s national campaign called “Let’s Stop HIV Together.” This initiative empowers communities, partners, and healthcare providers to reduce HIV stigma and promote HIV testing and prevention.
Jul 22nd, 2024
Mom holding baby while talking to doctor

Yes on Prop 35: Protect Access to Care
This November, California voters will have the chance to decide on a historic proposition that will address our most urgent healthcare priorities and expand access to healthcare for all, especially the most vulnerable.
Jul 21st, 2024
Homeless person living in tent

SFCHC's Street Medicine Program: Progress Report
Through May 2024, our SFCHC street medicine team has completed 540 visits, served 250 unique patients and partnered with North Valley Caring Services, Volunteers of America and Saint Borromeo Catholic Church.
Jul 18th, 2024
Young, happy, and healthy friends out for the day. They feel secure on their sexual health from being tested for STDs at LaVi

Take Pride in Your Health
The LaVida Care program at SFCHC wants to be a light in this world. Here you can get access to free HIV, STD, and STI testing in a safe, supportive space. Need more privacy? We’ve partnered with the LA County DPH to provide free in-home HIV test kits.
Jun 5th, 2024
A young mother works from home and realizes she needs to practice self care to manage her own health

You Manage Everything. You Can Manage Your Health, Too
You do it all.  You find sneakers and fill prescriptions, pack lunches and prep for job interviews.  You juggle the world and make it look easy.  And with SFCHC here to back you up, you can manage your health, too, throughout your lifetime.
May 13th, 2024
HRSA awards San Fernando Community Health Center Gold Badge for quality healthcare improvements

SFCHC is Bursting With Pride
We know it would be rude to sing our praises, but what if someone else already is? San Fernando Community Health Center is being celebrated by the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) for improvements in healthcare.
Feb 28th, 2024
A family is happy that they are keeping up with staying healthy and getting vaccinated to protect themselves

Vaccinations: Protection for Everyone
You love your family and want to keep them healthy. Shopping for fresh food, staying active, and scheduling annual checkups are priorities. The list should include vaccinations against contagious viruses like flu, RSV, Covid that can cause severe illness.
Jan 5th, 2024
Hispanic woman receiving ECS services at home

California Awards SFCHC $382,000 to Break Down Barriers To Care
The California Department of Health Care Services has awarded San Fernando Community Health Center (SFCHC) $382,000 to increase the number of patients receiving enhanced care management services (ECM) and help improve health outcomes for Medi-Cal members.
Dec 4th, 2023
Hispanic grandmother hugging granddaughter

10 Ways to Have a Healthy Holiday Season
For many, the holiday season is time to attend special gatherings and travel to see family and friends. It’s also a time to make your health and safety top priorities. Here are 10 ways to keep you and your loved ones well, so you can enjoy the celebrations
Dec 3rd, 2023
Doctors working together to help the community

Program Spotlight: Community Public Health Teams
CPHTs consist of partnerships between community-based organizations and non-profit healthcare partners who work to identify local health priorities, reduce gaps in health outcomes and improve the community’s overall health and well-being.
Nov 3rd, 2023
Dental hygienist cleans a young patients teeth and talks about good teeth health

SFCHC Receives $275,000 in Funding from the L.A. Care Health Plan
San Fernando Community Health Center (SFCHC) proudly announces two grants totaling $275,000 from the L.A. Care Health Plan, an organization providing the most vulnerable residents and communities of Los Angeles County access to quality health coverage.
Sep 16th, 2023
Assemblywoman Luz Rivas (third from left) is pictured with (from left) Aaron Dejuan Morris, board vice chair of the San Fern

SFCHC Receives $2 Million to Open Satellite Clinic
Thanks to the vision and leadership of Assemblywoman Luz Rivas (D-San Fernando Valley), San Fernando Community Health Center (SFCHC) has been awarded $2 million in state funding to open a satellite healthcare clinic in Panorama City serving those in need.
Sep 6th, 2023
SFCHC Mobile Medicine Sprinter Van

Program Spotlight: Mobile Medical Services
Thanks to funding provided by Providence Health Services, SFCHC is launching a new Mobile Medical Services program this fall to directly serve unhoused individuals in our service area.
Aug 10th, 2023
Patients at San Fernando Community Health Center appreciate the care and attention they receive from the staff

National Health Center Week 2023
AUGUST 6–12, 2023 -- Community Health Centers are not just healers, we are innovators who look beyond medical charts to address the factors that may cause poor health
Aug 7th, 2023
Young girl learning how to keep her teeth healthy with SFCHC

L.A. CARE GRANT HELPS KIDS FIND A DENTAL HOME
To help increase access to dental care in underserved communities, L.A. Care Health Plan is granting $1.5 million to 15 facilities that can help. SFCHC will use its share of the funding to help kindergarten students receive important oral health screenings
Mar 29th, 2023
Happy and healthy dad and child swimming in pool

Health for the Whole Family
Your family: you love them, you’d do anything for them (even on days when they take too long in the bathroom), and if they were in trouble, you’d drop everything to help them.  At SFCHC, there’s a way to make caring for them even easier: with checkups.
Mar 28th, 2023
Happy and healthy couple glad they tested free of colorectal cancer

You Can Beat a Common Cancer – and SFCHC Can Help
You have plans for the future and people who need you. Don’t let cancer get in the way. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States, but it can be prevented. The earlier you take action, the more effective treatment will be.
Feb 27th, 2023
Take charge of your health with SFCHCs LaVida Care Pogram

SFCHC’s LaVida Care Program

Our program provides access to free STI, STD, HIV testing and prevention in a safe and supportive environment. Patients receive medications that protect or fight against HIV infection, which can allow them to stay healthy for many years.
Jan 17th, 2023
A medical technician manages a mammogram exam on a female patient

Five Great Reasons to Schedule Your Next Mammogram Today
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women. Yet a third of women over forty haven’t had a screening in the past two years. If one of these women is you, you can visit San Fernando Community Health Center to change that.
Nov 22nd, 2022
Mom enjoys time in the kitchen with skills learned at SFCHC education classes

Better to Prevent Now, Than to Cure Later
When it comes to improving the health of individuals and communities, education is key. Health education is more than improving people’s access to information. It empowers them to actively manage their own health and well-being. 
Oct 19th, 2022
San Fernando Valley Mile Event Oct 28 and 29

Fun Local Events: Fri Oct 28th & Sat Oct 29th
The team at SFCHC is focused on the health and well-being of the whole community. So we're getting the word out to everyone to attend a fun local multi-day event in the City of San Fernando. Run/Walk. Vendors. Entertainment. Plan to attend! 
Oct 16th, 2022

SFCHC's Diabetes Self-Management Education Program
SFCHC’s diabetes self-management education (DSME) programs provide individuals and families the tools and information they need to recognize the symptoms of diabetes, make healthy lifestyle changes and manage their care from home.
Sep 30th, 2022
A group of friends celebrating a holiday and having fun together

Sexual Health: The Risk Is Not Knowing
Most people, when asked to name methods of HIV prevention, might only be able to come up with one: “Use a condom.”  But there are several ways someone can protect themselves.  This year, San Fernando Community Health Centers are expanding our care services
Aug 30th, 2022
Woman drinking coffee and contemplating her life, while looking out window

SFCHC's Behavioral Health Program
Loneliness, underlying trauma, substance dependence, food and housing insecurity, and financial worries are all stressors that may lead to anxiety and depression. Too often, mental health issues go untreated and individuals struggling with these conditions
Jul 9th, 2022
A woman smiles after her visit with the dentist

Dental Checkups: Because a Great Smile Needs Strong Teeth
You use your teeth for everything: to chew food, to finish thread, to say the letter “t”.  Doesn’t it make sense to take care of them? The risk of Covid-19 may have gotten you off-track with dental checkups, yet it’s safe to come back to our dental clinic.
Jul 2nd, 2022
A young man contemplates life after the global pandemic and easing back into normal life

Anxious About Post-Pandemic Life? Take Things at Your Own Pace
COVID-19 and other concerns have caused children and adults to experience a record level of stress. While anxiety, fear, sadness and exhaustion are responses when living through a major threat or trauma, mental health issues should never be taken lightly.
Apr 30th, 2022
Young girl inside her school building being safe by wearing a good quality mask

Keep Your Kids Healthy and in School

With the highly transmissible Omicron variant disrupting classrooms across the nation, the COVID-19 vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect children against severe disease and hospitalization. However, pediatric vaccination rates are alarmingly low
Feb 20th, 2022
A healthcare professional advises and comforts a patient during a postponed visit during COVID-19 resurgence in 2021

Seek the Care You Need, Even in the Pandemic's Latest Surge
With COVID-19 cases surging across the nation, the number of intensive care unit and emergency room beds is diminishing at many hospitals. A high level of virus-related admissions is causing certain elective surgeries to be canceled or delayed.
Sep 20th, 2021
middle school student, with her backpack, returns to school in San Fernando, CA

Without Immunizations, Their Backpacks Might as Well Be Empty
Kids’ needs are like their clothes: as soon as they have what fits, they grow and need something different.  This is also true for immunizations, but SFCHC can help keep your child on schedule and protected from illness – and you from missing work.
Sep 19th, 2021
Team from Providence Holly Cross presents $150,000 grant check to Audrey Simons and Heidi Lennartz for San Fernando Community

Holy Cross Medical Center awards $150,000 grant to SFCHC
Providence Holy Cross Medical Center presented a $150,000 grant to the San Fernando Community Health Center (SFCHC) to provide state-of-the-art healthcare services, prevention, and education to patients in its under-served San Fernando Valley service area.
Sep 13th, 2021
SFCHC Patient Appreciation Day - Hand holding out a read heart

How Do We Love Our Patients?  Let Us Count the Ways
National Health Center Week is an annual event spreading awareness about the mission and achievements of health centers across the country.  San Fernando Community Health Center participates this August with a Patient Appreciation Day on Wednesday the 11th
Aug 11th, 2021
Elementary School children in classroom wearing protective masks back-to-school 2021

Fall 2021: Getting Students Back to School Safely
As California schools plan to reopen in August, many are concerned about how to best protect the health and safety of students and their families. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers in-person learning a high priority...
Jul 28th, 2021

Team Member Spotlight: Cinthya Islas, LCSW
This month, we are proud to introduce Cinthya Islas, Director of Care Management, who has over a decade of leadership experience in the social services and mental health fields.
Mar 20th, 2025

Meet Our Board of Directors: Patricia Ochoa
Patricia Ochoa is the Grant Management and Development Section Chief for the California Department of Health. She has been a valued member of the SFCHC Board of Directors since 2017.
Nov 18th, 2024
Solar project participants at August 8, 2024 event

SFCHC Switches on Solar Power
The 247-panel, $298,000 solar installation will support SFCHC’s mission to provide comprehensive, compassionate healthcare to the most vulnerable while reducing its carbon footprint.
Nov 15th, 2024
José Bolaños

Team Member Spotlight: José Bolaños
At SFCHC, José helps maintain an environment that ensures an optimal experience for both patients and staff. He collaborates closely with department managers to maintain inventory, ensure equipment upkeep and oversee maintenance of the premises.
Jul 22nd, 2024

Telehealth: The Advantages of Telemedicine
Struggles to get to the clinic? Trying to reduce your exposure to COVID-19, as well as other contagious illnesses, and still need to see your doctor? Telehealth is safe and easy — receive quality care from anywhere.
Feb 20th, 2024
Gabriela Davila

Team Member Spotlight: Gabriela Davila
Gabriela's responsibilities include providing enrollment assistance to those who are eligible for no- or low-cost health coverage through My Health LA, Covered California, Medi-Cal and Medi-Care.
Nov 3rd, 2023

Meet Our Board of Directors: Dr. Annette Besnilian
Dr. Annette Besnilian is Executive Director of the Marilyn Magaram Center at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). She has been a valued member of the SFCHC Board of Directors since 2019.
Aug 10th, 2023

Team Member Spotlight: Christian Orellana
When it comes to going the extra mile, Christian Orellana leads the way. In 2017, he joined SFCHC as a student intern and, within a year, was promoted to the position of medical coder and revenue cycle specialist with the Revenue Cycle Management team.
Apr 7th, 2023

Team Member Spotlight: Erika Castro
Erika Castro, Payroll and Human Resources Assistant, joined SFCHC in 2018 as a dental receptionist and is deeply passionate about helping patients with financial hardships receive the care they need.
Jan 17th, 2023

Meet Our Board of Directors: Martin L. Adams
Martin L. Adams, General Manager and Chief Engineer of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), is dedicated to delivering essential utility services to the residents of Los Angeles.
Jan 17th, 2023

Team Member Spotlight: Andre Basmadzyhan
Dr. Andre Basmadzyhan, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, joined SFCHC as a board-eligible Family Medicine Physician in 2020 and was appointed Chief Medical Officer last May.
Sep 30th, 2022

Team Member Spotlight: Anastasia Williams
Dr. Williams is a Board-Certified Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and specializes in diagnosing and treating a broad range of childhood illnesses, from minor health problems to serious diseases.
Jul 9th, 2022

Team Member Spotlight: Armen Okunyan
Armen specializes in providing a wide range of services to patients of all ages, including pediatrics, geriatrics, wound care, chronic care and hospital discharge.
Jul 8th, 2022

Meet Our Board of Directors: Louise Oliver
Louise Oliver, Valley Operations Officer for Goodwill Southern California, has dedicated her life and career to serving the community through her strong support of numerous non-profit organizations.
Jul 8th, 2022
Woman happy to be managing her diabetes and hypertension at San Fernando Community Health Center (SFCHC)

The Party Crashers: Hypertension and Diabetes
On its own, diabetes is a treatable, manageable disease.  Like an uninvited guest at a dinner party, it’s an unwelcome surprise, but not one you can’t handle.  It’s when that uninvited guest brings all of its hard-partying friends that you have a problem.
Feb 4th, 2022

FCC grant information:
San Fernando Community Health Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving the Northeast San Fernando Valley is pleased to announce that we have received notice on July 21, 2020 that the Health Center was awarded an FCC grant of $112,244.00.
Aug 10th, 2020

Breast Cancer Awareness

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month El mes de octubre es el mes de concientización sobre el cáncer de mama
Oct 17th, 2019

Smile, It is Time to Shine
October is oral health month. Here are some simple things you can do to make your smile shine. Octubre es el mes de la salud buccal. Estas son unas cosas que puedes hacer para que tu sonrisa brille.
Oct 7th, 2019

Reducing Obesity Rates in Children

Healthy eating and plenty of exercise can ensure that a child has a long, healthy life. Una alimentación saludable y mucho ejercicio pueden garantizar que un niño tenga una vida larga y saludable.
Oct 2nd, 2019
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