Treasure Coast Community Health (TCCH) and We Care signed a memorandum of understanding establishing a partnership that enables the two organizations to work together to serve more uninsured and underinsured patients in Indian River County (IRC).
The two organizations have similar history. TCCH, for 29 years, and We Care, for 31 years, continue to remove barriers to healthcare for underinsured and uninsured populations within the county. Both utilize providers and staff that are committed to caring for a diverse patient population. And, each organization continues to ensure that no one is ever turned away from potentially lifesaving services.
Visit https://treasurecoast-fl.newsmemory.com/ to read the article.
According to statistics from the 2020 United Way ALICE report, 33% of households in IRC earn above the Federal Poverty Level, but not enough for afford basic necessities such as housing, child care, food, transportation and healthcare. It seems only natural that two would create a cooperative agreement to continuously work to reduce barriers to care through a shared belief in healthcare for all.
“A healthy community benefits everyone and having We Care services directly inside our 787 healthcare facility to help coordinate specialty care is an immense benefit to all patients. This strong alliance streamlines the process for those most in need and increases their ability to uphold their medical care plans,” Soulé said.
The We Care Program Office is operating within the TCCH 787 location, 37th Street, Suite E140, less than a mile from Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital. Angela Locascio-Kwong, BSN and We Care Patient Advocate and Eligibility and Referral Specialist is actively working with IRC residents and can be reached at 772-562-0123. Prospective We Care patients must first see a TCCH or Whole Family Health Center primary care provider who will then make a referral to Ms. Locascio-Kwong.
“Any organization can refer to We Care. We have an unwavering commitment to improve the overall health of our community and is only possible through the gift of service from our 98 specialty volunteer physicians and their staffs,” Robinson said. The organization is also grateful for the continued support of the IRC Health Department and IRC Hospital District.
About TCCH
TCCH is a nonprofit, providing comprehensive, high-quality health care to more than 26,000 insured, underinsured and uninsured patients. TCCH, Indian River County’s only Federally Qualified Health Center, has eight locations providing medical, vision, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services. TCCH offers a sliding fee discount based on household income and family size. For more information, visit tcchinc.org or call 772-257-8224.
About We Care
We Care is a nonprofit, 501 (C) 3 program, founded in 1991, that provides free medical services for uninsured, low income Indian River County residents 18 years and older. This is made possible through our network of dedicated volunteer physicians including cardiologists, gastroenterologists, urologists, oncologists, radiologists, surgeons, and other health care professionals. Vital services offered by physician volunteers are valued at more than $1 million annually. For more information visit wecareofirc.org.
