Big Bear Lake, CA, December 23, 2012 – The California State Rural Health Association (CSRHA) has recognized Renee Marquez as a Rural Health Champion for 2012. Marquez is Director of Outpatient Clinical Services at the Bear Valley Community Healthcare District rural health clinics.
CSRHA Executive Director Steve Barrow said, “This award was one of just 5 awarded statewide this year, and was extremely well deserved. Renee received a standing ovation from the 340+ rural health leaders attending the award luncheon. We are very proud of her and what she brings to rural health and her rural community.”
Marquez was also recognized by her peers for her leadership skills and distinguished service that are rooted in a deep desire to provide quality healthcare to Big Bear Valley residents.
Joanne Merrill, Certified Telemedicine Coordinator at the Family Health Center stated, “Renee is truly a champion for our patients as well as her staff… I am blessed to have her has a friend as well as my boss. She is an inspiration with what she has accomplished and what she has overcome!”
Mom and Dad Project Director Megan Meadors added, “She reminds me of that old saying, when the going gets tough, the tough get going, She has a unique strength that she is able to face challenges and address them.”
The Family Health Center and the Rural Health Clinic have experienced a 26% growth in patient volume over the last two years, and now consistently see 1,100 to 1,500 combined visits per month. The staff of 2 RN.s, 3 LVN’s, 6 Medical Assistants and 9 clerical support staff provide services ranging from prenatal to geriatrics.
The clinic’s future plans include Telehealth to deliver health-related services and information via telecommunications technologies to better serve the communities health needs. The Comprehensive Perinatal Services (CPSP) program has been integrated by the collaborative efforts of the Rural Health Clinics (RHC) program and the Mom and Dad Project. The RHC provides obstetric services to Medi-Cal eligible expectant women, from conception through 60 days postpartum. The Mom and Dad project also assists in providing educational support along with resources through CPSP. Both facilities also provide enhanced services in the areas of nutrition, psycho-social and health education.
Both the Family Health Center in Big Bear Lake and the Rural Health Clinic in Big Bear City have a satisfaction rate of 4.5 out 5 on their collected patient services, as tracked by Quality Improvement reporting data retrieved from patient surveys available at both clinics.
