The Optum-Hemet Clinic and Community Center – a full-service clinic, pharmacy and community center – was created to address a clinician shortage in Hemet and make it easier for people to get the health care services they need in one location.
The integrated facility provides a full range of primary care services for children and adults, an on-site pharmacy, radiology imaging services, access to an adjacent community center and, new this June, an on-site laboratory. The community center includes a free full-service gym, a multipurpose room for healthy lifestyle classes and community rooms for small group gatherings. There is also a social worker who helps people connect with food banks, transportation and other community support services.
In building this facility, Optum’s objective was to make it easier for people to access the health care and social support they need. Optum has brought together multiple health care services under one roof with the goal of improving the health and wellness of the underserved Hemet community.
Riverside County has health care access challenges. The Health Resources and Services Administration has designated Hemet as a “Health Professional Shortage Area.” In addition, according to the California Healthcare Foundation, the Inland Empire has fewer primary care and specialty physicians per 100,000 residents than other California regions.
Open to the general public, the new community center offers educational and entertaining programs and classes for all ages, including fitness for all ability levels, arts and crafts, and health and wellness topics. The center hosts in-person classes and programs in compliance with state and local COVID-19 guidelines.
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