Healthcare, No Matter What Life Hands You

This fall, as families settle back into their routines, and we make plans to enjoy our favorite autumn traditions, many families are settling into a very different reality.

43% of Idahoans are working poor

ALICE*, a term the United Way coined as a way to discuss America's working poor, refers to Americans who are living above the poverty line, hardworking and employed, but still limited in assets and income to the point of compromising basic needs for their families.

The ALICE population in Idaho is at 43%, and it represents a large percentage of the patients served by Idaho Free and Charitable Clinics.

What is often misunderstood about free and charitable clinics is that most of our patients are employed and hardworking.

However, when choosing between food, housing, transportation, child care, basic household necessities, and healthcare, in a working poor household, something will be compromised.

So often, due to cost, those without insurance will end up compromising their health and Idaho's Free and Charitable Clinics are here to make sure that doesn't have to happen.

We aren't just providing healthcare, we are the reason people can keep their jobs, and afford to support their families.

*Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed

September Newsletter - Catch up with Idaho's Free Clinics

https://conta.cc/47HG2Sc

May Is Mental Health Month

May is Mental Health Month, a designation meant to increase awareness and understanding of mental health resources, and Idaho’s free and charitable clinics are here to support this effort. Did you know that one in four Idahoans experience mental illness? Here at Idaho’s network of free and charitable clinics, we know more than ever how important taking care of mental health is, and how connected it is to our overall well-being.

This month, and every month, we want to encourage our fellow Idahoans to reach out to us if they need support for their mental health, and we want to spread the word that Idaho’s free and charitable clinics are here. It can be daunting to address mental health issues, especially without insurance, but the good news is that treatments can really help. With the right care, support, and medication patients can manage their mental health.

Idaho’s free and charitable clinics address mental health by providing access to behavioral health services and improving access to quality healthcare, alleviating the stress associated with access and cost of healthcare for the uninsured.

Many of Idaho’s free and charitable clinics provide patients with care directed at improving and managing mental health. From counselors and spiritual counselors who volunteer their time, to social workers who are integrated into a whole health primary care visit, Idaho’s free and charitable clinics are improving access to mental health care for Idahoans who lack insurance. 

Access to healthcare can be a challenge to some in Idaho and, unfortunately, many of our friends and neighbors experience barriers to care. An increased burden to both access and afford healthcare creates additional mental stress on top of the health issue an individual is dealing with. Idaho’s Free and Charitable Clinics provide free quality healthcare to patients who could otherwise not afford to be treated. 

So this May, and every month, remember to connect with Idaho’s free and charitable clinics if you are in need and share our services with others so we can continue to contribute to improving mental health care across the state.