Page 12 - Impact Report 2022

HEALTH AND WELLNESS PROGRAMS SUPPORT HOSPITAL AND COMMUNITY
Helping Patients
with Drug Addiction
Drug overdose deaths in California have almost doubled in the past three years. This increase may be due to the alarming rise in fentanyl abuse compounded by the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, these behavioral health conditions present unique challenges as patients experiencing both mental illness and substance use disorders are especially vulnerable to falling through the cracks of our complex health care delivery system. Hospital emergency departments (ED) are the ultimate safety net. EDs offer wrap-around services to address social determinants of health, acute psychiatric stabilization,
case management, and same-
day treatment for addiction.
Our Substance Abuse Navigator
in the ED educates individuals about treatment options, including Medicated Assisted Treatment (MAT) and connects them to treatment providers outside of
the ED. Patients who are admitted for substance use disorder are
seen by the Pain Management Team. In FY22, 713 patients were seen for substance abuse disorder.
Medical Safe Haven Program
The Medical Safe Haven (MSH) is the only program of its kind in Los Angeles County that provides integrated medical and mental health to human trafficking victims with critically needed medical services. Located at Dignity Health Medical Group - Northridge Family Medicine, our physicians have been extensively trained in victim-centered and trauma-centered informed care. They often treat victims with multiple injuries and burns and who also often suffer from malnutrition
and poor dental health.
In addition, a Patient Advocate makes referrals to our partner agency, Journey Out, to provide intensive case management and trauma informed care as victims of human trafficking often have serious psychological trauma and psychiatric disorders. The Patient Advocate also helps victims enroll in Medi-Cal and provides community referrals for housing, legal services, victim advocacy
court accompaniment, job training, childcare, and food pantries.
In FY22, a $14,500 grant from the Sisters of St. Francis and Christian Charity provided financial assistance to human trafficking victims. Funding covered 104 medical visits for uninsured victims. Also, 55 clients recieved free labs, tests, and medications. In addition, 22 clients were enrolled in Medi-Cal, and 287 were referred to mental health services. Because transportation can be a challenge for many needing services, we also provided 21 clients with rides to these services. Northridge Hospital Foundation provided the funding for salaries and other services.
Supporting for the Center for Assault
Treatment Services (C·A·T·S)
The Northridge Hospital Foundation received
a $25,000 gift from the Mark Hughes Foundation,
a $20,000 gift from Lon V. Smith Foundation,
and a $20,000 gift from In-N-Out Burger
to support the Center for Assault Treatment
Services (C·A·T·S) In FY22, these gifts allowed
C·A·T·S to serve 870 clients. Victims of sexual
assault and domestic violence are referred to
C·A·T·S by law enforcement, the LA County
Department of Child and Family Services,
our hospital and partner agencies, mandated
reporters, or self-referrals. C·A·T·S provides
these victims with forensic interviews, medical
examinations, the highest level of evidence collection and assessment of injuries, medical referrals, and follow-up examinations, as medically necessary. All services are provided free of charge to victims 24/7/365 days a year.
In addition, C·A·T·S is a team member of the local designated Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) and Domestic Assault Response Team (DART). Our
trained staff was able to attend 32 community outreach events where 1,253 people received education on how to identify and report suspected cases of abuse.
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