We are constantly testing new ideas to provide the most comprehensive care and best outcomes for our patients.
Learn more about DotHouse in our 2022 Annual Report below.
Technology Investments
In 2022 DHH began to implement a plan with funding support from the American Rescue Plan: Health Center Construction and Capital Improvements, an opportunity offered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to support updates and investments in new equipment
One of the key items in our capital plan included the installation of a 3-Dimensional (also known as digital tomosynthesis) mammography unit and associated equipment, replacing our current 2-Dimensional unit starting last summer.
HRSA Recognizes DotHouse as a Health Center Quality Leader
According to our 2021 Uniform Data System (UDS) performance report, DHH’s clinical quality measures ranked in the top 20% of all federally qualified health centers nationwide. Our 2021 performance was also recognized by HRSA for notable quality improvement achievements in access, health equity, and advancing health information technology.
For 2022, we proudly earned HCQL silver status for the second year in a row. From 2020 to 2021, DHH increased the total number of patients and number of patients who receive at least one comprehensive service by 7%. DHH was recognized as a Health Disparities Reducer for improvements in low birth weight and uncontrolled diabetes clinical quality measures for at least one racial/ethnic group, while maintaining or improving the health center’s overall performance from the previous reporting year.
Partnering to Bring Aquatics and Youth Development to Our Community
Since October 2022 the Swimming in Blue programming has been meeting twice a week with 32 youth participants. This initiative is structured to support two parallel cohorts of youth ages 11–14 and 15–17-year-olds engaging in a 3-phase curriculum providing classroom time and instruction on health and wellness, water safety, emergency training, lifeguard skills and CPR and First Aid certification.
When one cohort is in the swimming pool, the other cohort is participating in the Girls Reflecting Our World (GROW) program in the Teen Center space. GROW is a mentorship program that focuses on creating new experiences and building life skills through facilitated conversations on healthy youth development, relationships and negotiating conflict.
Creating A Balanced Approach To Meeting Needs
In 2022, DHH provided almost 10,000 COVID-19 tests with 53% of tests provided to patients and 47% provided to community members, indicating that DHH has established a level of trust in providing this service to our neighbors and patients. During our community vaccination clinics we also provided flu shots as well, simultaneously providing protection against COVID-19 and the flu.
A byproduct of our COVID-19 testing and vaccination clinics was that many community members who didn’t have a designated medical home found one with DHH. DHH distributes 200-300 self-testing kits a week to staff, patients, community members, and community-based organizations to disseminate among their members.