Family health centers, or centros de salud familiar, are healthcare hubs providing medical care for individuals and families of all ages. They’re vital to community health, offering affordable and accessible healthcare, including general medicine, specialized care, and preventative services.
Comprehensive medical services
At a centro de salud familiar, you can find a wide array of services, from vaccinations to prenatal care. Here are some of the primary services offered at most family health centers:
General and preventative care
- Primary care for children, teens, adults, and older adults, including physical exams, vaccinations, and care for ongoing conditions
- Well-child programs designed to support healthy development
- Family planning services
Specialized medical services
- Women’s health, including gynecological, prenatal, and postpartum care
- Chronic disease management for conditions like diabetes and hypertension
Specialized and Additional Services
Many centros de salud familiar offer a range of services beyond basic medical care.
Mental and Behavioral Health
You may be able to receive counseling for substance use and other mental health concerns.
Nutritional support is often available, including nutrition consultations and diabetes education.
Other Services
Some centers also provide diagnostic services like ultrasounds.
You may be able to fill prescriptions, reconcile medications, and get refills through the centro.
Focus on community
Family health centers often try to make healthcare accessible to everyone. Many offer services in multiple languages, like Spanish, Cantonese, and Mandarin.
Some centers let current patients walk in for appointments. They may also have multiple locations and stay open for longer hours.
Preguntas Frecuentes
¿Qué es el programa de salud familiar?
El programa de salud familiar es una estrategia de atención primaria diseñada para acercar los servicios de salud a las comunidades. Busca promover la salud, prevenir enfermedades, y brindar atención integral a las familias, considerando su contexto social y cultural.
¿Qué es la atención en salud familiar?
La atención en salud familiar es un enfoque de la atención médica que se centra en la familia como unidad. Los profesionales de la salud familiar consideran la salud de cada miembro de la familia en relación con los demás y con el entorno familiar en general.
¿Qué significa centro de salud familiar?
Un centro de salud familiar es un establecimiento de atención primaria que proporciona servicios de salud integrales a familias y comunidades. Ofrece atención médica, odontológica, psicológica, y social, con un enfoque preventivo y de promoción de la salud.
¿Qué son las unidades de salud familiar?
Las unidades de salud familiar son equipos multidisciplinarios de profesionales de la salud que trabajan en un centro de salud familiar o en la comunidad. Estos equipos están formados por médicos, enfermeras, trabajadores sociales, y otros profesionales que colaboran para brindar atención integral a las familias.
Wrapping Up
Family health centers can be a great option for people who want accessible, comprehensive, and culturally sensitive healthcare.
To find out more, contact a family health center in your area and ask about the services they offer. You can also schedule an appointment to discuss your healthcare needs.