Rural communities are wonderful places to live and work, which is why nearly 62 million people – nearly “one in five” Americans – call them “home.” Small towns, farming communities and remote areas (like Catalina Island ) are places where neighbors know each other, listen to each other, respect each other and work together for the benefit of the community.
Rural settings also have unique healthcare needs. Today more than ever, rural communities must address accessibility issues, a lack of healthcare providers, the needs of an aging population suffering from a greater number of chronic conditions, and larger percentages of un-insured and medically under served citizens. And rural hospitals, often the economic foundation of their communities and primary providers of healthcare struggle financially as declining reimbursement rates and disproportionate funding levels make it challenging to provide valuable programs and new equipment serve their residents.
That is why the National Organization of State Rural Offices has set aside November 20, 2014 to celebrate National Rural Health Day. This day is an opportunity to honor the selfless, community-minded, “can do” spirit that prevails on Catalina Island and the rest of rural America. It also gives CIMC a chance to bring to light the unique healthcare challenges that rural citizens face and showcase the efforts of local healthcare providers.
Catalina Island Medical Center serves its residents and visitors faithfully. Although it is one of the smallest hospital in the state, due to its unique island location, it historically has provided many of the health services typically found only at larger facilities. It serves residents and visitors through a truly integrated healthcare delivery system consisting of physician offices, an acute care hospital, skilled nursing services along with extensive outpatient programs. Catalina Island Medical Center has completed the transformation to electronic medical records, creating a state-of-the-art comprehensive healthcare information system. Patients can go online to view their medical records through a “patient portal” system link provided by the Medical Group office.
With more than 70 full and part time employees, Catalina Island Medical Center is one of the largest employers on the island. Some healthcare workers have been with the hospital for over 30 years. The hospital’s motto of “CIMC CARES” extends its pursuit of excellence through staff training, motivational activities and a relentless drive to offer the best medical and professional services it can provide.
Catalina Island Medical Center’s Emergency Department evaluates and treats nearly 1,700 cases a year. The emergency room is staffed at all times and supported by the medical center’s laboratory and diagnostic imaging departments to meet the emergency medical needs of Catalina Island’s residents and visitors.
Catalina Island Medical Group, the doctors’ office component of the facility, provides primary medical care that includes prenatal care, well-child checks and immunizations and vaccinations. Procedures available include laceration repair, suture removal, pulmonary function testing, skin biopsy, mole and wart removal, pap smears and hearing and vision assessment. Diabetes and Chronic Disease Management counseling services are also available. Programs available for low-income individuals at the medical group office include CHDP, which provides free health screenings and immunizations to low-income, non-insured children; CPSP, a prenatal program for Medi-Cal eligible pregnant women, and PACT, which provides family planning services for low-income men and women.
CIMC’s Social Services department supports the island’s patients through counseling with a licensed clinical social worker, medical social services and referrals and Home Help for seniors. On-island counseling can be supported through tele-medicine visits with a psychiatrist.
Have you thanked a healthcare staff member lately? Doctors, nurses, technicians, counselors, clerical and reception services, facilities management and everyone at Catalina Island Medical Center does their job so that patients can have the quality of life they deserve.
For more information about the services CIMC offers or to make a medical appointment please call (310) 510-0096. Catalina Island Medical Center’s mission remains to provide quality healthcare to each individual and improve the overall health of our community.
