In 1974 a group of women were working on a VD Awareness
Program for the community when they learned that there were
no county health department services in the Conejo Valley
and no plans for a county health department. There also was
no adequate public transportation to the surrounding communities
that did have services. In 1976 the Conejo Community Services
Center opened its doors as a not-for-profit organization with
an all volunteer staff offering medical, legal and counseling
services to those who could not afford private care.
The Center has been an active part of the community ever
since, growing and adapting to the community needs. Over the
years the Center changed locations several times and changed
the services offered. As other local organizations began providing
services such as counseling, then the Center would drop that
service and start another needed service.
In the early 1980s the first part time administrator was
hired, and in 1990 another paid staff person was added. The
Clinic currently still has one full time paid administrator
and one ¾ time paid assistant. Also in 1990 the name
was changed to Conejo Free Clinic.
In 1994 a monthly pediatric Clinic was added and that was
expanded to two monthly clinics in 1999. A divorce Class,
Custody/support Class and Bankruptcy Class were added to the
legal program. In 1996 the Clinic added a Teen Clinic and
STD clinics to deal with sexually transmitted disease including
AIDS. In 1997 Nutrition Counseling was introduced with a local
dietitian providing counseling on high blood pressure, overweight,
high cholesterol, diabetes and maintaining good nutrition.
In 1998 the Clinic moved into its current “Under One
Roof” building.
In 2001 the Clinic joined with all of the local Rotary Clubs
on a “Bears for Mammograms” project. The proceeds
of the project provide mammograms for women who cannot afford
them. The tragedy of 9-11 resulted in lay-offs and in an increase
in non-insured people. So in 2001 and 2002 the Clinic expanded
our offices. Although the major remodeling costs have negatively
impacted the Clinic’s budget, the extra space has allowed
for many more services to be provided. In 2003 the Clinic
established the Patient Assistance Program to qualify patients
to receive free medications from pharmaceutical companies.
Also the first annual Women’s Health Fair was offered
that provided a day for women to receive blood pressure screening,
cholesterol and glucose screening, breast exams, mammograms
referrals and information on women’s health issues.
In 2004 we added mammograms on site and PAP tests on site.
The increase in needed services and clinics continues today.
2004 saw the quick expansion of 52 clinics resulting in over
500 more patient visits. This was due to a partnership with
Kaiser Permanente who sends volunteer physicians weekly to
provide afternoon medical clinics. This caused another impact
on the Clinic’s budget. Last year volunteers gave over
5000 hours to serve over 5500 people. The Clinic receives
referrals from school nurses, teachers and administrators,
county health agencies, local churches and other social service
agencies. Even with the increased number of clinics, each
night is full and there can be a 4 to 6 week waiting period
for routine services.
The 2005 and 2006 challenge for the Clinic has been to continue
to provide an ever increasing number of critical services
and also to increase the income to the Clinic so as to protect
its Reserves. With all of the expenses growing rapidly, budget
concerns have become paramount.
The Conejo Free Clinic is proud to be the recipient of the
following prestigious awards:
- 1992 J.C. Penney “Golden Rule Regional” award
- 1992 Los Angeles Times Partnership award
- 1998 recognized as a Point of Light by the Points of Light
Foundation
- Received commendations from President Reagan, President
Clinton, President Bush, the City of Thousand Oaks, Ventura
county Board of Supervisors, Congressman Elton Gallegly,
Senator Ed Davis, the State Bar Associations, and many local
organizations
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