Introduction healthcare - Research Paper Example

The American Red Cross The American National Red Cross and the National Association of Community Health Centers are two health care organizations that bridge the gap between primary care providers, health delivery systems, and disaster relief organizations. They vary somewhat in their approach to providing assistance, with the National Association of Community Health Care Centers providing more direct health care. The American National Red Cross is committed to alleviating human suffering across the world through collaboration with its international branches.

They have both seen a great deal of change throughout their history. The largest impact on change within these organizations has been the constantly advancing technology; it has expanded services tremendously. The greatest challenge they both face now is the continuance of funding and personnel support in order to be able to continue their outreach services. The American National Red Cross The American National Red Cross is a branch of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. It was founded in May, 1881, by Clara Barton, a pioneer in American nursing.

It is a neutral, independent organization to promote life, peace, and communication in order to alleviate human suffering worldwide. It is a health care and humanitarian organization that today still serves Americans nationwide with particular emphasis on disaster relief and service to military families. Its blood drives supply more than half of the nation’s needed blood supply. Their overall aim is to feed, shelter, and provide comfort and emotional support as well as access to health care during times of disaster and crisis.

(American National Red Cross, 2011) The original vision for the American National Red Cross was to provide quick and accurate communication of information during emergencies, as well as service for ill and wounded military personnel and their families. This vision has remained unchanged today, although it has expanded greatly. The mission of this organization is to be a volunteer led humanitarian organization that co-operates worldwide with the International Red Cross and the Red Crescent Movement providing disaster relief, as well as helping people to prepare for, respond to and prevent emergencies through training programs.

(American National Red Cross, 2011) Technology has played a crucial role in their commitment to prevent and alleviate suffering. They offer many kinds of services and therapies to wounded vets, including pet therapy, art therapy, gardening, DVDs and interactional games to help increase morale. They also provide many training classes aimed at preventing disaster, such as Babysitting, CPR, Water Safety, and Disaster Preparedness training. They also provide liaison assistance between deployed service personnel and their families; offering classes in transitional issues.

(American National Red Cross, 2011) The greatest challenge the American National Red Cross faces is that its ability to operate is funded solely through donations and volunteerism. It is not in any way associated with the Federal government. With the economic crisis of today, volunteerism is down, as well as donations. Hopefully, they will be able to continue serving as in the past, yet it remains to be seen. (American National Red Cross, 2011) The National Association of Community Health Centers The first Community Health Center opened in 1965, however it wasn’t until 1971 that the National Association of Community Health Centers became organized.

The vision of the NACHC is to provide high quality affordable and comprehensive health care that crosses all cultural barriers to serve the medically underserved populations within the community of location. It depends on public funding, bridging the gap between state funded health care centers and primary care organizations. There are 1,250 health care centers nationwide; the projected goal is to have 1,600 centers by 2015. (National Association of Community Health Centers, nd) Over time it has served indigent and migrant populations, as well a public housing residents providing comprehensive, mental, physical, and dental care; nearly 30% were Medicaid patients.

More than 70% of the clients are at poverty levels, including 20% of low income families. The annual savings to the U.S. government is between $9.9 billion and $17.6 billion. By providing comprehensive preventive care, this saves trips to the ER. The focus of this care has been providing education, research based advocacy, and training of the public and staff regarding preventive care and technical advances in treatment. Advancing technology has been a crucial component of what it has been able to accomplish.

In addition to screening and comprehensive care for chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, heart and lung conditions, depression, cancer, and HIV/AIDS, it has decreased infant mortality by 40% by early screening and prevention of low birth weight. It has developed collaboration between key stakeholders and private partners to help assist with execution of primary health care services to communities in need. (National Association of Community Health Centers, nd) The challenges it faces is that now there is more than a 62% increase in demand for services since 2000; the economic downturn has resulted in senior workers losing their health benefits at a time when they need them the most.

More than one seventh of the population is uninsured; this is projected to rise to one fifth by 2015. There is an increasing disparity of ethnic groups receiving the services they need. There is also a critical shortage of primary care physicians. Their Access for All America plan will be implemented by 2015; this would save the government $67 billion annually. (National Association of Community Health Care Centers, nd) References American National Red Cross. (2011) About us, history, vision, mission, values, changes.

The American National Red Cross. 2011. Web. April 16, 2011. http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.d8aaecf214c576bf971e4cfe43181aa0/?vgnextoid=477859f392ce8110VgnVCM10000030f3870aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default National Association of Community Health Centers. (nd). About NACHC, the needs, the challenges, how you can help. NACHC.org. nd. Web. April 16, 2011. http://www.nachc.org/issues.cfm