A TVHC Patient Success Story: How Patient Care Coordinators Helped a Family of Seven Overcome Enrollment Challenges and Health Care Gaps

In 2018, a family of seven migrated from Guatemala to the United States. The children's ages are as follows: Gerry (9 years old), Mario (7 years old), Eliot (5 years old), Dave (2 years old), and Maria (1-year-old).

The names of patients in this story have been changed to protect the patient's identities.

In 2018, a family of seven migrated from Guatemala to the United States. The children's ages are as follows: Gerry (9 years old), Mario (7 years old), Eliot (5 years old), Dave (2 years old), and Maria (1-year-old). The family recently became TVHC patients after seeking Dental care.

During a dental appointment with?TVHC Dentist?Dr.?Ellen Nguyen, the mom?disclosed that she had not yet enrolled her 7-year-old child, Mario, in school due to difficulties navigating the school system and the overwhelming paperwork required for enrollment.

Despite expressing a desire to enroll her children in school, the mom?was unsure how to proceed. Dr. Nguyen then explained to her?that TVHC had a?program that could help her with enrolling her children in school. Dr. Nguyen then referred her?to TVHC's Patient Care Coordination (PCC) team.

To assist with school enrollment, the PCC team reviewed the necessary documents and met with the mother at the Family Resource Center. Although the mom?had attempted to enroll Eliot?and Mario previously, she was overwhelmed by the paperwork and felt too shy to ask for help due to her limited English proficiency. She shared that?Gerry?had?been in the country with his dad since 2017 and has been attending school.

With the PCC team's?assistance, both children were able to start school the following week. Additionally, the PCC team connected the mom?to the Newcomer's Program and provided her with clothing, toiletries, and counseling services.

The PCC team also identified various healthcare gaps and social determinants of health affecting the family, such as food insecurity and financial strain. The Social Determinants Of Health screener confirmed these issues, and the PCC team provided resources and scheduled appointments for dental, medical, and lab services. The family was also provided with school backpacks and supplies, a TVHC Food Resource Guide, and Alameda County General Resources.

During this month's check-in, the mom reported that she now?attends weekly?food distributions at TVHC and the children were thriving in their new school environment!