BOYNTON BEACH — DeAnna Warren, chief executive officer of Genesis Community Health, announced that the nonprofit organization has received two grants that will enable it to expand its healthcare services — a state grant for $423,000 from the Florida Department of Health and a federal grant for $64,918 from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
The state’s Expanding Access to Primary Care grant will finance Genesis’ ER Diversion program, to provide care to patients diverted from the emergency room of Bethesda Hospital in Boynton Beach. The ER diversion program will include the integration of mental health services, as well as a formal disease management program managed by Genesis’ nurse case manager.
The support for the ER Diversion program will allow Genesis to expand its operating hours to include Monday evenings 5:30 – 9 p.m., Wednesday evenings 6:30 – 9 p.m., Thursday evenings 5:30 – 9 p.m. and Saturdays 2 – 7 p.m.
The grant will also pay for additional medical personnel, support staff and equipment required to operate the after hours and expanded weekend health center operations.
The federal grant will finance the addition of personnel to assist with community outreach and enrollment assistance into medical aid programs. Warren said Genesis plans to hire staff to train assistance workers who will help residents enroll in the plans or programs that best meet their healthcare needs.
“Both grants demonstrate recognition at the federal and state levels of the kind of medical assistance people need in Palm Beach County,” said Warren. “Health centers and clinics are playing a larger role in being a conduit and resource for the community, thanks to increased funding and support. We encourage residents to learn more about how we can help them during National Health Center Week, Aug. 11-17, when Genesis will be offering free screenings and examinations every day.”
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