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  • About
    • COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
    • Who We Are
    • Leadership
    • Board of Directors
    • Foundation
    • Career Opportunities
  • Services
    • Medical Services
    • Dental Services
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    • Board of Directors
    • Foundation
    • Career Opportunities
  • Services
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    • Social Services
  • Get Involved
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by Imelda BuncabMay 26, 2021 Blog0 comments

Message From Our CEO

 

On the Anniversary of George Floyd’s Death

 

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” – James Baldwin

 

Yesterday marked a year since the murder of George Floyd under the knees of police brutality.

His death brought on a reckoning and imperative to practice critical and crucial conversations on the historical and continued racist harm experienced by the black community and an intense examination of our current systems, norms, and bias that perpetuate racism and inequities.

As part of a national collective of community health centers, our mission is our community. At Share Our Selves we are committed to equality, systemic change, compassionate and empathetic leadership. Through these principles we will continue to work against inequality, systemic injustices, racism, and abuse of power.

We leave our imagination of a world without racism into living what that anti-racist world would be like. It begins with you, me, all of us. We must because of George Floyd and many others before and after him. Black Live Matter. Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow.

Sincerely,

Christy Ward

Chief Executive Officer

 

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by Imelda BuncabJanuary 19, 2021 Blog0 comments

SOS COVID-19 Vaccine Planning

While the pandemic continues to affect all of us, there is light at the end of the tunnel. We are excited to share with you that SOS is working with the Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA) on securing COVID-19 vaccine inventory and best plans for the administration of the vaccine.

Our team is in the process of creating a safe dispersal plan for the inventory we receive in dedicated locations that maintain our low-COVID environment protocols. We are mapping out the best strategy for the administration of the vaccine with regards to eligibility, a patient-first emphasis, and a demographic focus on vulnerability in step with state and county guidelines. We will provide more information on how to schedule your vaccination appointment as soon as information is made available.

Obviously, you may have many questions. It goes without saying that the initial rollout of the vaccine nationwide has been less than smooth and the allotment of doses SOS receives is out of our control. We are navigating all obstacles in this unprecedented endeavor as we are in constant communication with OCHCA and other agencies to provide as clear a process as possible to our community with a focus on strategic and rapid dispersal of the doses we receive.

We recommend visiting OCHCA’s Vaccine Distribution page for detailed information on vaccination in Orange County.

This news brings great hope to our community, but we all must exhibit patience as news, inventory, and planning will be evolving day by day. We thank you for your diligence in continuing to wear masks, stay home, and practice social distancing. We look forward to keeping you up to date with the best information we have.

Sincerely,

Christy Ward

Chief Executive Officer

 

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by Imelda BuncabJanuary 15, 2021 Blog0 comments

Message From Our CEO

 

Reflections on the Violent Riot at our US Capitol and Our Commitment to Systemic Change

 

There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe nor politic nor popular, but he must take it because his conscience tells him it is right.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

It was deeply saddening yet not shocking witnessing, along with our entire country, the violence last week at our US capitol. At Share Our Selves, we believe in the right to free speech and to peaceful protest. And at the same time, we strongly condemn the violence committed and hate speech perpetuated in the name of our democracy.

That today we recognize and celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday is not lost on me. Dr. King took a moral position against injustice, armed with nonviolence to fight racism and white supremacy. We continue his legacy by standing against systemic injustices in the work we do as a community health center.

Share Our Selves was founded on the principles of service to fellow neighbors providing the most basic human needs. We stood up against racism and discrimination as we served migrants and people experiencing homelessness. We advocate for systemic change to ensure health equity for our communities and those we serve. Our work extends beyond our clinic four walls in our local, statewide, and national health care partnerships and collaboratives.

As one of our core values of JUSTICE, we have an ongoing commitment to advocate for change in those structures and systems that unjustly affect the vulnerable and disadvantaged. We will continue to build on this commitment in our long-term planning and partnerships because it is the right thing to do.

Sincerely,

Christy Ward

Chief Executive Officer

 

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by Imelda BuncabDecember 23, 2020 Blog0 comments

End of Year Message From our CEO

 

 

Season’s Greetings,

As the holidays approach and the year is winding down, I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you. Amidst all the struggle, loss, and heartache of the past year, we’ve been amazed at the solidarity and resiliency our community has shown when facing such unprecedented times. From continuing to provide quality Whole Person Care and addressing COVID-19 on the front lines to most recently completing a socially distant SOS Adopt A Family Program for the 51st time, it has been encouraging to see, and humbling to receive, your support.

While the New Year brings many uncertainties, I believe it also brings hope. My personal hope is that you are able to celebrate the holidays with those you love even if it might look and feel very different this year. But whether in person, by phone, or even via Zoom, it is important to seize the opportunity to share in the joy of the holidays together. For right now, it’s a time to take a deep breath, a step back, and enjoy the season.

Thank you again from all of us at SOS, and happy holidays!

 

Christy Ward

Chief Executive Officer

 

If you are interested, there is still time to make an impact before the end of the year.

 

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by Imelda BuncabAugust 25, 2020 Blog0 comments

Debut of New SOS Health Mobile Unit

Local leaders stand with SOS in bettering community access to care

On August 10, the focus of National Health Center Week was “Health Care for the Homeless Day”. It was most fitting that we celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for our new SOS Health Mobile Unit. As part of the celebration, SOS was accompanied by Congressman Harley Rouda, Costa Mesa City Mayor, Katrina Foley, and Liz McNabb from Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris’ office.

This mobile health center is initially providing medical and behavioral health services at several homeless shelters in Orange County. As one of 295 health centers across the nation that is a designated Health Care for the Homeless organization, we know that individuals that are homeless disproportionately experience poor health outcomes, higher incidents of mental health challenges, and higher mortality rates. SOS’ goal by bringing care to where homeless individuals are sheltered is to improve their overall health, and in partnership, work with other agencies to ultimately end homelessness.

The ceremony was an opportunity to share in the collaborative effort between organizations like SOS and local leaders who share in the mission of SOS. “When you think about health, you need to think outside of the four walls of a clinic,” states SOS Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jay W. Lee. “For some, you can help with a prescription pad, but for many, you need to partner with community leaders for solutions.”

Those in attendance had the honor of hearing from our elected officials. “Community providers like Share Our Selves are on the frontlines of the coronavirus crisis, working 24/7 to keep Orange County healthy,” said Congressman Rouda. “Their new mobile unit is an incredible step to ensure OC’s most vulnerable can access health services during COVID-19 and beyond.”

After the ribbon-cutting, representatives joined SOS Social Services staff and volunteers in the SOS Food Pantry to assist in the packing of bags for the day. Share Our Selves CEO, Christy Ward, expressed her gratitude for their participation. “We know that our elected officials are all incredibly busy with all of the work that they are doing to support our communities and the individuals that live and work in them, and we were grateful for their participation and support of the opening of this new mobile clinic.”

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by Imelda BuncabAugust 18, 2020 Media0 comments

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 18, 2020

 

Dr. Edwin K. Kwon joins Share Our Selves (SOS) as Medical Director Community Health Center Costa Mesa, Main Campus site

 Costa Mesa, CA –  Share Our Selves (SOS) welcomes Dr. Edwin K. Kwon, MD, MBA as Medical Director of the Community Health Center Costa Mesa, main campus site.

“Dr. Kwon brings with him deep experience working with vulnerable populations. Coupled with his affable nature and obvious love for humanity, I am confident he will be an outstanding addition to our leadership team and I look forward to the impact he will make for our patients and the Costa Mesa community,” comments Dr. Jay W. Lee, Chief Medical Officer at Share Our Selves.

Dr. Kwon arrives to Share Our Selves from Portland Oregon. His previous experiences include serving as Vice President of Clinical Operations and Strategy and Medical Director at CRM Physicians, Family Medicine Physician at Riverside Medical Clinic, and at Heal. Dr. Kwon received his MD from the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, and an MBA from the University of California, Irvine School of Business. He is board-certified in Family Medicine and completed his post-graduate training at UCLA Family Medicine Residency Program. He is an active member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, Oregon Medical Association, and AMDA: The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine.

“I am most excited about joining an incredible team at SOS. I am humbled by the countless team members who have dedicated their lives to serving their neighbors for decades—they are the warm heart and soul of this organization.” Dr. Kwon shares, “My hope is to follow their example and amplify our collective efforts to serve our community.”

For media inquiries, contact Imelda Buncab, Community Engagement Manager email: ibuncab@shareourselves.org. Phone: 949-270-2188.

For more information about Share Our Selves, visit www.shareourselves.org.

 

# # #

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by Imelda BuncabJuly 17, 2020 Blog0 comments

Should I wear a mask?

As we’ve reached a point in the quarantine phase where many are feeling fatigued with the stress of certain restrictions and recommendations, we wanted to address a relatively simple aspect of our current lives that has generated quite a bit of attention recently. Masks.

Polls show that the majority of Americans wear masks or face coverings in public in order to prevent the spread COVID-19; however, a vocal group of people have passionately turned masking into a divisive issue. Many of those who refuse to wear a mask have made many claims; among them:

  • It infringes on their freedom
  • They have medical issues that prevent them from wearing one
  • It makes them look weak
  • Find masks uncomfortable
  • Are dubious by its efficacy to mitigate COVID-19
  • It makes you more sick by trapping bacteria or carbon dioxide
  • Believe it is a part of a grand conspiracy against a particular political party

For the majority of Americans who have not had to wear masks on a regular basis, it can be an uncomfortable feeling at first as it shifts around the face, traps heat, fogs up glasses, and can make breathing a little more difficult. However, like most new activities, it takes a little bit of patience and practice to adapt. And it’s worth it–masks are scientifically and medically proven to mitigate COVID-19 spread and are increasingly critical as we continue to see surges in positive cases.

Masks do three important things:

  1. Reduce the total mass and volume of droplets put into the environment
  2. Reduce the distance that droplets travel
  3. Reduce the total droplet mass due to filtration and droplet evaporation

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) conducted a study on the efficacy of cloth masks in blocking droplet particles using a high-speed camera. NIST tested 26 types of cloth masks and had some significant, albeit unsurprising, conclusions:

  • The simplest face coverings such as a bandana or thin cotton fabric, stopped much of a cough from landing on another person
  • Not covering the nose removes the majority of protective features of wearing a face covering
  • There is significant reducing in airflow velocity while talking with all face coverings

The last point is particularly important because COVID-19 positive people can be asymptomatic yet transmit the virus to other people through infectious droplets and most people in public are talking more than coughing.

Another independent study found that droplets from a cough travel, on average, 8 feet and all types of face coverings reduced that distance. Bandanas reduced the average jet distance to 3 feet 7 inches, a folded handkerchief reduced it to 1 foot 3 inches, a stitched mask reduced it to 2.5 inches, and a drug store commercial mask reduced it to 8 inches.

The efficacy of masking can also be found in real-world scenarios and epidemiologic data. After comparing COVID-19 growth rates before and after masking mandates in 15 states and Washington D.C., a study found that daily growth rate slowed by 0.9% after the first five days and 2% after three weeks. Researchers also estimate that 230,000 to 450,000 COVID-19 cases were prevented in states that implemented mask mandates between April 8 and May 15.

Another study concluded that across 198 countries, those more willing to wear masks or had government mandated masking policies had lower COVID-19 related deaths.

On January 22, 2020 a man who flew from China to Toronto tested positive for COVID-19. He wore a mask on the flight and the all 25 people closest to him tested negative. In another case, two hair stylists in Missouri worked while positive with COVID-19 and had close contact with 140 customers. Everyone wore a mask and none of the customers tested were positive.

Wearing a mask has saved lives and will continue to save lives. The Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluations (IHME) suggests that 33,000 deaths can be prevented by October 1 if 95% of Americans wore a face mask in public or in high-risk situations including:

  • Inside of, or in line to enter, any indoor public space
  • Obtaining services from the healthcare sector
  • Waiting for or riding on public transportation or ride-sharing vehicle
  • Engaged in work and:
    • Interacting with members of the public
    • Working in spaces visited by members of the public regardless if they are present at the time
    • Working in any space where food is prepared or packaged for distribution
    • Working or walking through common areas
    • In any room or enclosed area where other people are present when unable to physically distance
  • While outdoors in public spaces when maintaining a physical distance of 6 feet from persons who are not members of the same household or residence is not feasible[i]

California has heavily encouraged that everyone continue to wear a mask while out in public. It might not be comfortable, it might feel like a nuisance on occasion, and you might not like how it looks, but take our word for it, deciding to wear a mask means that you are greatly helping in curbing the threat of COVID-19 in our community. Share Our Selves requires our patients and our entire team to wear masks while on our sites for this very reason. We strongly encourage you to continue wearing face coverings when you leave your house as this is a conscious choice to strengthen the health and safety of yourself and others. Stopping the spread requires all of us.

SO HOW CAN YOU HELP?

For starters, please, wear a mask.

Now let’s get others to do the same.

  1. Take a photo of yourself wearing your mask.
  2. Post it to social media.
  3. Tag @ShareOurSelves to let others know where they can learn more.
  4. Use the hashtag #WeCanRestoreOC

Together, we can spread knowledge and not COVID-19.

 

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A Model Community Health Center

Share Our Selves (SOS) is a nationally recognized health center providing high quality, comprehensive safety net services to the Orange County community. We are one of 300 health centers nationally to be designated as a Healthcare for the Homeless provider. SOS is a patient-centered medical home and values the concept of the right person, the right treatment, at the right time.

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SOS COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER
1550 Superior Avenue
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Main Number and After-Hours Line: 949.270.2100
Social Services Fax: 949.642.7885
Medical & Dental Fax: 949.650.6976
Medical Records Fax: 949.650.4458
Confidential Human Resources Fax: 949.263.4914

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