News

Symba Center: A free clinic for homeless and uninsured populations of the High Desert

Published by Healthy High Desert Initiative on March 14, 2023

The Symba Center in Victorville, California provides a number of benefits for the underserved medical community in the area. Some of the ways that this clinic benefits this community include:
  1. Providing access to medical care for those who cannot afford it: Many residents of the High Desert region struggle to afford healthcare due to high levels of poverty and limited access to insurance. Symba Center provides these individuals with access to medical care, including preventative services, diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, and referrals to specialists when needed.
  2. Offering services to uninsured individuals: Many residents of the High Desert region do not have health insurance, either because they cannot afford it or because they are not eligible for coverage. Symba Center provides these individuals with access to medical care, regardless of their insurance status.
  3. Reducing the burden on emergency departments: When individuals do not have access to primary care, they may seek care in emergency departments for non-emergency conditions. This can lead to overcrowding and longer wait times for those with true emergencies. Symba Center reduces the burden on emergency departments by providing care for non-emergency conditions, thereby freeing up emergency departments to focus on more serious cases.
  4. Providing a source of care for those with chronic conditions: Many residents of the High Desert region suffer from chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and asthma. Symba Center provides ongoing care for these individuals, helping them to manage their conditions and prevent complications.
  5. Promoting overall health and wellness: By providing access to medical care, education about healthy behaviors, and resources for improving overall health and wellness, a free clinic could help to improve the health and well-being of the underserved medical community in the High Desert region.
Overall, Symba Center is regarded as a valuable resource for the underserved medical community, helping to provide access to care, reduce the burden on emergency departments, and promote overall health and wellness.

Health Disparities of the High Desert Region

Published by Healthy High Desert Initiative on October 29, 2022.

The High Desert region of San Bernardino, California is an area that has long struggled with significant health disparities compared to other parts of the state. This area, which encompasses the towns of Victorville, Hesperia, and Adelanto, is characterized by high levels of poverty, limited access to healthcare, and a range of other social and economic challenges that have contributed to these disparities.
One major factor contributing to the health disparities in the High Desert is the lack of funding in the region. Many residents of the High Desert are struggling to make ends meet and may not have the resources to afford healthcare or healthy food. This can lead to a range of negative health outcomes, some of the most common including higher rates of chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
In addition to this issue, the High Desert is also plagued by a range of other social and economic challenges that contribute to health disparities. For example, the region has high rates of unemployment and a large number of residents who lack a high school education. These challenges can lead to stress and other negative health outcomes.
Another factor contributing to the health disparities in the High Desert is limited access to healthcare. Many residents of the region live in rural areas that are a large distance away from the closest hospitals and clinics, making it difficult for them to access the medical care they need. In addition, the High Desert has a shortage of primary care providers, meaning that even when residents are able to access care, they may have difficulty finding a provider who can meet their needs. 
The lack of access to healthcare is compounded by a lack of access to other resources that are essential for good health, such as healthy food. Many residents of the High Desert live in “food deserts,” areas where it is difficult to find fresh, healthy food. This can lead to poor nutrition and increased risk for chronic conditions.
Overall, the health disparities in the High Desert are the result of a complex interplay of social, economic, and environmental factors. Addressing these disparities will require a multi-faceted approach that addresses the root causes of these problems, including poverty, limited access to healthcare and other resources, and other social and economic challenges. This will require the efforts of health centers, community organizations, and individual residents working together to create a healthier, more equitable future for the people of the High Desert.