NEVADA CITY, CA April 20, 2020 – Sierra Family Health Center, a rural clinic based on the San Juan Ridge, remains open for telemedicine and phone appointments during the state shutdown order due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The nonprofit center, which has offices in Nevada City and Oregon House, is even accepting new patients. Those interested in treatment need to call to schedule a telemedicine appointment over Zoom, an Internet video conference platform. Telephone visits are also available.
“There’s a lot you can do via video or telephone conference,” said Jenny Lawson, the clinic’s operations manager. The clinic’s medical doctors and family nurse practitioners can diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication and offer advice to patients. “It’s a good way to keep healthy,” she said. Assistance is also available for behavioral health issues.
“We want to serve our community in the best ways possible,” said Dr. Peter Van Houten, Chief Medical Officer. “During COVID-19 we can help patients stay healthy and get treatment for problems that arise, without risking their health and safety.”
The clinic is not offering any in-person visits except in very limited situations. While face-to-face dental services are unavailable during the pandemic, the clinics are offering tele-dentistry advice.
Founded more than 35 years ago, Sierra Family Health Center serves 2,900 patients mainly from Nevada and Yuba counties with some from Sierra and Placer counties. The center is available to the entire community, including the indigent and medically underserved population, and strives to be a center of healing, learning and caring.
For more information, visit www.sierraclinic.org or call 530-292-3478 (Nevada City) or 530-692-9073 (Oregon House).