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North Olympic Healthcare Network: Community Access and CareWhen you look for accessible healthcare on the Olympic Peninsula, you want more than just appointments—you expect real support, services that fit your life, and a provider who listens. North Olympic Healthcare Network works to bridge gaps in care, making sure you get resources, technology, and community connections that address your needs. Curious how they overcome common barriers and make healthcare work for everyone? There's more to discover about how they bring care closer to you. Organization Mission and ValuesNorth Olympic Healthcare Network (NOHN) operates with a mission to provide patient-focused healthcare that is accessible to all individuals in the Port Angeles area and surrounding regions. The organization employs a diverse group of healthcare professionals, including MDs, ARNPs, and other Providers, who deliver integrated healthcare services at its Front Street location. NOHN is guided by core values that emphasize coordinated care, support, and the promotion of community health. This approach encompasses both medical and non-medical needs of patients. Key programs include the Transparency Sliding Fee Program, which aims to enhance financial accessibility, as well as services for addiction treatment, annual wellness visits, and pharmacy assistance. These initiatives are designed to ensure that comprehensive support is available to all patients. For individuals seeking assistance or wishing to schedule an appointment, NOHN offers multiple contact options, including phone calls and text messaging. This flexibility aids in accommodating the varying needs of the community they serve. Comprehensive Medical Team and ProvidersAt the center of the organization’s patient care model is a comprehensive team of healthcare professionals, including Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners (ARNPs), Medical Doctors (MDs), Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs), and Physician Assistants (PA-Cs). Notable providers such as Kate Ballou and Dr. Samone Blunk exemplify the coordinated medical care available to meet the diverse needs of patients at the North Olympic Healthcare Network in Port Angeles, located near Front Street. This network is supported by additional professionals, including Resident Physicians, pharmacy experts such as PharmD Eva Law, and Behavioral Health specialists. Together, these providers work collaboratively to manage a range of health services, which encompass Annual Wellness Visits, Addiction Treatment, Tobacco Cessation, and other necessary interventions. For scheduling assistance, patients can utilize various methods, including text communication and phone calls, to arrange appointments efficiently. This structured approach to patient care enhances accessibility and ensures that individuals can receive appropriate medical attention in a timely manner. Full-Spectrum Services OfferedThe North Olympic Healthcare Network provides a range of integrated services designed to address various health needs within the community. Its offerings encompass Medical, Dental, Pharmacy, and Behavioral Health services, coordinated by a team of healthcare professionals that includes MDs, ARNPs, Resident Physicians, and FNPs, primarily located at the Front Street Center in Port Angeles. Available services include Addiction Treatment, Annual Wellness Visits, Pediatric and Obstetric care, Tobacco Cessation programs, Chronic Care Management, and laboratory services. For individuals requiring immediate attention, same-day services are accessible to effectively manage urgent healthcare needs. The Network emphasizes community-based care and operates mobile clinics to increase accessibility. It also features a specialized team comprising professionals such as Jessica Colwell, MPH, Ned Hammar, and DMD Stephen Canale, who contribute their expertise to enhance service delivery. Appointments can be scheduled via text or phone call. For further assistance, patients are encouraged to reach out directly to the clinic. Patient Resources and Support ProgramsThe North Olympic Healthcare Network offers various patient resources and assistance programs designed to address the intersection of medical care and daily life challenges. Community Resource Navigators are available at the Downtown and Eastside Health Centers to provide support. They facilitate access to essential services for individuals facing barriers to care. The coordinated efforts of medical doctors, advanced registered nurse practitioners, and other providers aim to assist patients with health insurance enrollment, transportation needs, housing support, and referrals to emergency services. These resources are critical for individuals seeking help with specific issues such as Addiction Treatment and Pediatric Behavioral Services. Additionally, sliding fee support is available for those who qualify. For individuals interested in utilizing these services, reaching out to the Center on Front Street in Port Angeles is recommended for scheduling appointments or initiating the process of becoming a new patient. This structured support system underscores the Network's commitment to addressing the comprehensive needs of its community members. Utilizing Technology for Enhanced HealthcareTechnology serves a significant function in the operations of the North Olympic Healthcare Network, contributing to a patient-centered approach to care. Through MyChart, patients can conveniently access their electronic health records, communicate with healthcare providers, and request non-urgent medical assistance. The presence of Community Resource Navigators facilitates connections to various support services, including addiction treatment and annual wellness visits. Additionally, the use of digital tools aids in providing insurance estimates, enhancing price transparency, and managing pharmacy refills. These resources enable patients to make informed decisions regarding their health. The healthcare team is trained to coordinate care and offer guidance, accessible by text or phone call. For appointment scheduling or new patient enrollment, the Network has streamlined processes designed to improve overall efficiency and accessibility for patients. This integration of technology enhances both the delivery and management of healthcare services. Clinic Locations and Operating HoursThe clinic locations in Port Angeles are designed to offer appropriate healthcare access to the community. The Downtown Health Center operates Monday through Friday from 7 am to 6 pm, which allows for standard business hour accessibility. In contrast, the Eastside Health Center provides extended hours, including evenings and Saturdays, to cater to patients with varying schedules. The Expanded Services Building's medical team is available weekdays from 8 am to 5 pm, ensuring that patients can receive medical assistance during traditional daytime hours. Additionally, ancillary services such as laboratory tests, X-ray services, and pharmacy support are available at each health center, further enhancing the overall care provided. A diverse team of healthcare providers—including Medical Doctors (MDs), Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners (ARNPs), and Resident Physicians—works collaboratively to address a range of health concerns, from addiction treatment to annual wellness check-ups. Patients seeking appointments or requiring assistance can contact the clinics via phone, text, or the Appointment Text service. The North Olympic network also provides an additional layer of support for patient care, ensuring that healthcare services are accessible and coordinated effectively across the different locations. Role of Community Resource NavigatorsCommunity Resource Navigators play an important role in assisting patients in addressing non-medical barriers that may affect their overall health and well-being. At North Olympic Healthcare Network, Navigators are available at both the Downtown Health Center and the Eastside Health Center. They work collaboratively with healthcare providers—including MDs and ARNPs—as well as the broader care team to facilitate access to coordinated community services. These services can include various forms of support such as parenting resources, clothing, and housing assistance. The Navigators also collaborate with specialized teams, including the Pharmacy, Clinic Obstetrics Pediatrics, and Behavioral Health, to ensure that all patients receive comprehensive support tailored to their specific needs. For those seeking assistance or wishing to schedule an appointment, contact options include phone calls, text messages, or the Appointment Text service. Additionally, in-person visits can be made at the Front Street location in Port Angeles. Addressing Health Insurance and Transportation BarriersAccessing healthcare can be significantly hindered by two primary factors: health insurance coverage and reliable transportation. The North Olympic Healthcare Network addresses these barriers through the work of Community Resource Navigators, who assist individuals in navigating the health insurance landscape via the Washington Healthplanfinder. These navigators provide support in determining eligibility for various health coverage options and facilitate the submission of necessary documentation, which is vital for accessing a range of medical services. This includes Medical and Pharmacy Services, Addiction Treatment, and Annual Wellness Visits available at the Center on Front Street in Port Angeles. In addition to assistance with health insurance, the program recognizes the importance of transportation in healthcare access. To this end, they offer practical solutions such as bus tickets, gas cards, and taxi vouchers. This support aims to mitigate transportation challenges that patients may face in attending essential medical appointments. For those seeking help with these issues, contacting the North Olympic Healthcare Network through a phone call or text message is recommended. This resource can provide the necessary guidance to improve access to healthcare services. Patient-Centered Medical Home ModelThe Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model is a foundational approach to healthcare delivery within the North Olympic Healthcare Network. This model emphasizes a coordinated team-based care methodology, involving physicians, advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs), and various healthcare providers, such as Kate Ballou and Kimber Guinn Chadwick. In a PCMH setting, the focus is on addressing the comprehensive health needs of patients. The provider-led team collaborates to coordinate a wide array of services, including medical care, addiction treatment, pharmacy services, pediatric care, behavioral health, obstetrics, wellness visits, and laboratory management. For patients requiring assistance, navigators and support staff are readily available to facilitate care access and coordination. Individuals seeking to schedule an appointment or who wish to enroll as new patients can contact the network via text or phone. The North Olympic Healthcare Network is located on Front Street in Port Angeles, providing a centralized hub for these services. Evidence-Based Care and Quality ImprovementClinical excellence is significantly influenced by informed decision-making, and North Olympic Healthcare Network adheres to evidence-based protocols in its approach to patient care. The healthcare team, which includes MDs, ARNPs, and other professionals, employs coordinated, patient-centered strategies that are supported by research findings. As a designated Patient-Centered Medical Home, the Network places emphasis on continuously evaluating outcomes and quality of care. This systematic analysis ensures that the individual health needs of patients are effectively addressed. Services provided include Annual Wellness Visits, Addiction Treatment, Tobacco Cessation, and Pediatric Behavioral Services, all available at the Center on Front Street in Port Angeles. Patients benefit from integrated support systems, accessible pharmacy services, and care that is driven by empirical data. To schedule an appointment, individuals may call or text the facility for further assistance. ConclusionAt North Olympic Healthcare Network, you’ll find care that’s accessible, comprehensive, and focused on your needs. The team is committed to removing barriers—whether it’s transportation, language, or affordability—so you can get the care you deserve. With a wide range of services, strong community partnerships, and a drive for continuous improvement, you’re supported every step of the way. Your health and well-being truly matter here, making it easier to access quality care close to home. ![]() |
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