10 Secrets Your Family Health Center Wants You to Know

Your family health center provides many services that can improve your life and the lives of your family members, but it’s hard to know all of them at first. Here are ten secrets that every family health center wants you to know about how they can benefit you, as well as some hidden benefits you probably didn’t even know, existed until now.

1) They're overworked and understaffed

The family health center is often the first stop for anyone looking for a family healthcare provider. But they're overworked and understaffed, so they might not have time to sit down and hear your story like they would if you were their only patient. So here are 10 secrets your family health center wants you to know:

1. Family health centers offer a broad range of services, so there's likely a service that can meet your needs. 

2. They might not have time to give you all the attention you need, but often it's better than nothing at all. 

3. If you feel comfortable, ask about what else is going on with them or share something about yourself (it will show them that you care). 

2) Your child's health is their number one priority

Every child must have access to their family healthcare team and the care they need. That's why we offer pediatric services at UF Health Family Medicine—part of your local, family healthcare team. Here are 10 secrets your family health center wants you to know

3) They're not always up-to-date on the latest research

Even though they do a lot of great work and often provide life-saving information, family health centers are not always up-to-date on the latest research. It's not easy for them to stay on top of all the latest studies, because there is so much new research being published each day. But fortunately for you, I have boiled it down into this list of 10 secrets your family care center wants you to know about!

- Family health centers are often understaffed. The staff at your family care center are amazing people who have chosen careers that can be emotionally draining and physically demanding.

4) They make mistakes

 That's how it feels when you have the misfortune of running into one of our providers at an Erie family health center, family health clinic, or health family medicine. If you don't like what you see and tell them off, they'll try to give it one more shot. Well, tough luck because they're wrong again. They all share the same delusions and if they're wrong again they'll pounce on anyone who defends them (because clearly, no sane person would). I know this because I've had to deal with all of their mistakes in the past.

5) They're human

There are 10 secrets your family health center wants you to know. This includes: *We care about the well-being of our patients, and strive for a team approach.* *Erie Family Health Centers is an open-door family medical center with free health screenings on Mondays. Call us at 814-833-3383.* *There is no time limit on wellness checkups with us!* *We offer free pregnancy tests.* *We accept most major insurance plans and many of our providers are also federally qualified healthcare providers that can help you receive financial assistance.* We want all our patients to leave feeling like they got their money's worth. Our doctors and staff work hard because we know there are many other clinics in town that would love your business! Come visit us today!

6) They're fighting an uphill battle

Family medicine centers often do more than just provide medical care - they are key members of their community, acting as a center for family health. Whether it be an annual flu shot, coaching someone through a self-care plan, or providing education on substance abuse, these professionals work tirelessly to improve the well-being of their community. Yet despite the critical role these providers play in our communities and despite all of this progress, family medicine centers are still fighting an uphill battle against insufficient resources. There simply isn't enough funding in our healthcare system for every family medicine center to meet every patient's need when it comes to primary and preventative healthcare.

7) They want to help you, but they can't do everything

Your family health center is great at what they do and they want to help you as much as possible. But your family health center can't do everything. They want you to know that other places can also help you in your journey toward better health. If you're feeling like things are getting out of control or if you need more support, check out these organizations in your area: 

- UF Health Family Medicine 

- Erie Family Health Centers - Westside Family Healthcare

8) They're not always right

There's no way around it- your family health center probably knows more about you than anyone else. They can see all the ins and outs of your life, and they're a great resource when you need someone to talk to. The doctors and nurses who work there are trained professionals, but that doesn't mean they're always right. Here are 10 secrets we've gathered from our friends at Coast Family Health Centers that will show you how much your family health center wants you to know: 

- If the doctor or nurse is asking too many questions about something, then it's time for a new doctor or nurse.

9) They're doing the best they can

Family health centers are often one of the only sources of affordable medical care in many areas, and they want families to know how important they are. Here are 10 secrets your family health center wants you to know: 

1. We want people to know that we're doing the best we can with limited resources.

2. We don't turn anyone away, no matter how much money they have (or don't have). 3. Family health clinics may be the only place for prenatal care for many women. 4. Family care centers are often just one of many places where you can go for a variety of medical needs, from pediatric care to dental services and mental health counseling.

10) Thank them

Thank you for choosing Familycare Medical Centre. We are honored that you have chosen us to be your family's healthcare provider. It is our goal as a family health center to provide the best care possible for every person who enters our doors. As part of this commitment, we take pride in providing excellent service and being transparent about what we do, why we do it, and what it means for you as a patient.