HealthproMed is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit community-based organization that is operated by a eleven member governing board. The Center was originally organized in 1957 by the San Juan Municipal Government. Most of its operations are located within the Barrio Obrero Community, one of the poorest neighborhoods of San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico. In 1973, the Center was awarded grant funds under Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act for the establishment of a community health center. Until 1986 the grantee was the San Juan Department of Health. In 1986 the program was converted to a community-based project, with a self-governing board.
Since its origins, the Center has provided a wide range of health quality primary care and ancillary service, as well as a 24/7 Emergency Room, to the underserved population residing in the Santurce/ Barrio Obrero service area. According to last U.S.A. Census data, over 41,716 people reside in the area.
On September 1999, HealthproMed was awarded a federal grant under the Healthy Schools/ Healthy Communities program to establish a school-based health center. The program was organized to serve two junior high schools located in our community. A highly qualified staff was recruited and has provided comprehensive multidisciplinary health care services to the student population of both schools. Efforts have been directed to remove barriers to quality care, decrease school absenteeism, provide health education and health promotion activities to decrease high-risk lifestyles and ATOD use/abuse. Emphasis has also been given to mental and reproductive health as well as nutritional counseling.
In 2002, Healthpro Med was approved grant funds to expand the services for the provision of primary health care to the underserved and extremely isolated population residing in the island municipality of Culebra, which is located nineteen (19) nautical miles east of Puerto Rico.Since its origins, the Center has provided a wide range of health quality primary care and ancillary service, as well as a 24/7 Emergency Room, to the underserved population residing in the Santurce/ Barrio Obrero service area.
The services on Culebra were fragmented, and did offer an opportunity for comprehensive or continuous care. Although the permanent resident population of Cuelbra is 1,868 habitants, the transient population of visitors may increase to 30,000 during holidays and long weekends. Highly committed and well trained personnel provide primary medical care evaluation, including pharmacy, laboratory, nutritionist, health education and dental services. No other medical or ancillary services are provided on the island of Culebra today.
During the first quarter of 2007, the organization faced an enormous challenge caused by the forced relocation of our main Barrio Obrero site to temporary locations. This was the result of a court decision by which the Municipal Government, owner of the clinic building, forced the Healthpro Med to move out of the facility we occupied since 1973. After consulting with and receiving valuable orientation and technical assistance from consultants at the Bureau of Primary Health Care, Healthpro Med was able to identify a temporary location to reinitiate the provision of comprehensive primary care within five (5) days.
The Barrio Obrero community gave us great support and identified us as the main provider of quality health care. A large percentage of our former patients remained with us and consequently we have outgrown our current temporary facility. We recently bought a building nearby and we are planning to move within approximately two (2) years in order to expand our current services and give our staff and patients more space and comfort.
Our current services in Barrio Obrero include Primary Medical Services (Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, General Practitioners, OB-GYN), Nutritionist, Health Educator, Laboratory, Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Care Clinic, Optometrist, Disease Management Program and Immunization Clinic. We also coordinate and participate in several clinics and health fairs in our community and schools nearby. All programs are in full compliance with the corresponding federal and local laws, regulations and program expectations
Population income data shows that 63% of Barrio Obrero’s population lives below 100% of the poverty level. The poverty profile is exacerbated by the fact the community has a large population of undocumented immigrants from the Dominican Republic who may not attempt to obtain preventive medical care due to fear of deportation. Healthpro Med is the only primary care provider in the Barrio Obrero area that accepts uninsured individuals and provides health care to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.
The Governing Board, key staff and clinical staff are totally committed to the success of our organization in order to improve the quality of life and health outcomes of our community.
