FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE National Public Health Week April 7 - 13

APRIL 8, 2014 POCATELLO, IDAHO – The first full week of April each year is designated as National Public Health Week (NPHW). For nearly 20 years, NPHW has been organized and championed by the American Public Health Association in coordination with health care professionals around the country as a time to recognize the contributions of public health issues that are important to our nation and Health West is proud to be participating.

“As a leading Community Health Center, we at Health West want to recognize and bring to the forefront the health issues most important to our country today,” said Dr. Elizabeth Mahoney, CEO. “National Public Health Week is a great way to raise awareness about public health and prevention.”

The American Public Health Association (APHA) champions the health of all people and communities. Strengthening the profession of public health, the APHA strives to foster understanding, engagement and support for vital public health issues and influence civic policy to improve global health. The APHA is active in more than 40 countries and is in virtually every public health discipline. Along with leading public awareness campaigns such as Get Ready and National Public Health Week, the APHA publishes the American Journal of Public Health and The Nation’s Health. More information can be found at www.nphw.org or www.apha.org.

“We’re inviting the general public to visit the Health West Facebook page every day for tips and information on where to start when considering the role of public health at home,” said Dr. Mahoney. “Remember to like us and share the information with your friends and family.”

Since 1976, Health West has provided primary health care services in Bannock, Bingham, and Power Counties. With eight locations throughout Southeast Idaho, Health West served approximately 17,000 patients in 2013 with about 50,000 patient visits. “Health West is proud to serve people in Pocatello, Chubbuck, Aberdeen, American Falls, Lava Hot Springs, McCammon and Downey, who in the past may have had little or no access to medical or behavioral health care,” according to Mahoney. Health West services include primary care, physicals, mental health services, dental, and urgent care for fevers, cuts, broken bones, and other minor issues. They also specialize in immunizations, flu shots, prenatal, preventative care and more. Like other medical providers Health West can bill Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance for the cost of care. Health West also has a sliding fee schedule for uninsured persons or insured patients with high deductibles, with the fee based upon income and family size. The minimum charge is $20 due at the time of visit; but if that presents a hardship, patients are allowed to make payments. The Medicare annual deductible is waived for patients at Health West so Medicare begins paying with the first visit of each year. Health West also has contracts with local pharmacies for reduced prescription costs.

Health West offers health and behavioral care services in Pocatello, Aberdeen, American Falls, Downey, Lava Hot Springs and McCammon. For more information, please visit www.healthwestinc.org, or call 208-238-2000. CONTACT INFORMATION: Amanda Wood Community Outreach Manager 208-232-7862 ext. 1015 [email protected]