Eastern Kentucky University Bluegrass Community Health Center

The Bluegrass Community Health Center, a sponsored program of Eastern Kentucky University, is dedicated to contributing to the lives of patients through the compassionate provision of comprehensive primary healthcare. The BCHC was originally established in 2001, with a federal 330 health center grant to serve local farm workers. In 2007, additional grant funding awards allowed an expansion to serve the greater community, including low income families, the homeless, the uninsured, and Medicaid and KCHIP recipients.

From just over 900 patients in its first year, BCHC grew to serve over 6,000 patients in 2008 and projects further growth in the coming years. BCHC is currently welcoming new patients. As many of Kentucky’s migrant and seasonal workers are Spanish speakers, the BCHC employees bilingual staff who speak English and Spanish and utilizes language line interpretation to ensure that all patients have access to clinic services. Additional services that embrace the farmworker community include extended clinic hours, outreach services, and culturally responsive programming.

Services

BCHC provides preventative and primary healthcare for pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients at two Lexington clinics. Services include acute care, chronic disease management, adult and pediatric physicals, well-child exams, immunizations and counseling. Case management is available to facilitate patients’ connection with social services and specialist referrals, including diagnostic procedures, dental care and radiology.

BCHC’s dedication to serving a diverse population encouraged the employment of many Spanish/English bilingual employees to supplement Language Line interpreting service. 24 hour emergency on-call, Asthma treatment, Basic Needs, Behavioral/Mental Health Care Services, Blood Pressure Monitoring, Cancer Screening, Case Management/Social Services, Chronic Bronchitis/Emphysema, Contraceptives (issued w/counseling), Diabetes Testing/Care, Domestic Violence services, Electronic Medical Records, Family Planning, Financial counseling, Flu Vaccinations, Health/Nutritional Education, HIV/AIDS screening/education, Immunizations, Interpretation services, Labs, Medications/Prescription, Mental Health Counseling, Outreach, Pediatrics, Physical Exams, Primary Health Care, Referrals for Specialty Care, STD Testing, Substance Abuse Treatment, TB screening/education, Transportation Services, Well Child Check-ups

Statistics

Estimated homeless population: 1,551

Patients served: 919