Short Essay #1

Answer the following questions in entirety in less than 14 sentences for each question
(two paragraphs or less). The essay must be written in your own words. You will receive
20 points total for answering both questions correctly and in entirety (10 points for each
question) and 5 points for clear, organized writing (see rubric).

1. Describe what community health organizations are and are not to someone
who does not know anything about them.
2. Select one community health organization and explain how it contributes to
the community that it serves. You can select from the list here (Links to an
external site.) or locate your own organization that you are interested in
learning more about.

For those who aren't familiar with community health organizations could also be known
as non-profit organizations, faith based organizations, voluntary organizations, or mental health
organizations. An example of local community health organizations are non-profit community
health organizations like Clinicas Del Camino Real Inc. and Community Memorial Health
System Clinics. Both clinics fees are based on the patient's income status, insurance if they
have one, and other factors they provide. Another example is community mental health
organizations like Casa Pacifica. Casa Pacifica offers a center for children and families who
offer safe alternatives for treating the youth. They also are able to connect children to fast
in-home support and services to stop inpatient hospitalization. Community Health Organizations
are formal organizations that are non-profit that are voluntary. When it is voluntary it doesn't
have to exist, but they exist to make a difference for the best of everyone's health. The way
Community Health Organization may receive money is by funding from the governments via
grants. They also may employ paid staff and pay their staff, CEO, and Executive Directions
competitive salaries. Community Health Organizations have many roles they provide. One role
is to give highly valued programs and services to be able to respond to the communities needs.
The groups that often get provided services are those who are marginalized, disadvantaged,
and stigmatized groups. ¼ of those who seek help at Community Health Organizations are
those with HIV/AIDS.
The one community health organization I selected is First 5 Ventura County. First 5
Ventura County is an early childhood preparation to enter school. They are largely funded
through Proposition 10, the California Children and Families Act. What they do is invest,
advocate, and convene. They are committed to make decisions to honor their core values that
are integrity and equity, family, strategic, accountable, and informed. Something they offer is
parent and child classes called Parent and Child Together (PACT) for children ages 0-5. Despite
the pandemic they are able to host weekly online classes through Zoom and Facebook. Another
thing provided directly by First 5 Ventura County is Neighborhoods for Learning (NfLs).
Neighborhoods for Learning are resource centers that are able to get developed screenings,
make connections with their parents, and get the support they need to raise their children in a
nurturing environment. Talk! Read! Sing! is an offered campaign that reminds families the
importance to talk, read, and sing with their child from the very start. This is something
beneficial for children's brains to be able to understand words, sounds, and their emotions. The
practice is a lifelong effect that will help them communicate well with others and learn language.
These are just a couple of the resources that are being offered at the moment that could be
beneficial. There are currently no ways to get involved through volunteering opportunities.