Mercy and Memorial Hospitals
Bakersfield, Calif.

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The Community Wellness Program of Mercy and Memorial Hospitals in Bakersfield, California, takes health education, information, and related services directly to community members in need. Services are provided in the small towns and neighborhoods of the communities served by the hospitals — particularly those that struggle with poverty, homelessness, substance abuse, language and transportation barriers, a distrust of institutions and a shortage of health care services. Minorities served primarily include Latino and African American residents of Kern County.

The program began in 2000 by providing a small number of disadvantaged and high-risk individuals with in-home education for the prevention and management of diabetes, heart disease and asthma. Today, the Community Wellness Program has grown to include nine distinct programs offered in both English and Spanish.

Collectively, these programs focus on preventable health care and empower thousands of residents to become proactive in successfully managing existing health conditions and preventing chronic disease.