Preventive care

What are Community Health Worker Services?

Community Health Workers (CHWs) are here to help our members stay healthy and informed. CHWs offer preventive health services, such as education on managing chronic conditions, referrals to community resources, and support in accessing care. They work closely with health care providers to create care plans tailored to each member’s needs. CHWs can assist with health system navigation. This ensures that members receive the services they need. These can range from health education to preventive screenings. The goal is to improve the overall quality of care for our members.

Who is eligible for CHW Services?

CHW services require a written recommendation by a doctor or other licensed health care provider. This will ensure that a member meets the criteria for CHW services. Members must have one of the following risk factors:

• A diagnosis of one or more chronic health conditions or a mental/substance use disorder
• Presence of medical signs of rising risk of chronic disease. Signs can include high blood pressure, blood glucose levels, blood lead levels or childhood lead exposure
• Positive Adverse Childhood Events (ACEs) screening
• The presence of known risk factors. These include domestic or intimate partner violence, tobacco use, heavy alcohol use, and/or drug misuse
• Positive results of a social drivers of health screening that indicate unmet health-related social needs, such as housing or food insecurity
• One or more visits to a hospital emergency department in the last 6 months
• One or more hospitalizations, including at a psychiatric clinic, in the last 6 months
• One or more stays at a detox clinic in the last year
• Being at risk of being admitted to mental health facility
• Expressed need for support in health system navigation or resource coordination service by the member
• Two or more missed medical appointments in the last 6 months
• A confirmed need for recommended preventive services

How can members request CHW services and be referred to a provider?

Members can request CHW services by calling KFHC at (661) 632-1590 or 1 (800) 391-2000. When speaking with Member Services, they can request CHW services. KFHC staff will call members back to assess their eligibility. Then they can refer them to a CHW provider.

Community Health Worker Flyer

Screenings can help your medical team find certain diseases early, sometimes before symptoms appear. Today, screenings are an important part of wellness visits for people of all ages. Find out what screenings are suggested for you and your family:

Cholesterol screening (age 20 & older)

• Measures the amount of lipids (fat) in your blood. High cholesterol increases your risk for heart disease.

Colorectal cancer screening (ages 50 – 75)

• Colon cancer happens when cells that are not normal grow in your colon. Screenings can find growths in the colon and rectum before they turn into cancer.
• Depression screening (PHQ-9)
• The PHQ-9 is a health questionnaire that can assess the degree and severity of depression.

Diabetes screening (ages 35 –70)

• Measures the amount of sugar in your blood. Living an active life and eating healthy can decrease your risk of getting diabetes.

Hypertension (age 18 & over)

• Blood pressure is measured by using a blood pressure monitor. It has an inflatable cuff that usually gets wrapped around the upper arm.

Lung cancer screening (ages 50 – 80)

• Yearly screening is recommended for those who have a history of heavy smoking, smoke now or quit within the last 15 years.

Sexually transmitted infection screenings (STIs)

• People who are sexually active should get regular screenings for sexually transmitted infections such as: chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, trichomonas, HIV, hepatitis b and hepatitis c.

Although screenings may not give you the information you want to hear, they can help you get treated early and can save your life.

Blood lead screening (before 2 years of age)

• Lead is a harmful toxin, especially among young children. A blood lead test can help detect the toxin and start care if needed.

Wellness visits (birth – 21 years of age)

• Regular wellness visits help keep us healthy and strong. These visits can help prevent and manage chronic health conditions.

Online Resources

• Developmental Journey (English) (Spanish)
• Getting Your Child Mental Health Support and Accommodations in School
• Find Support for Teens and Young Adults

Health Screenings for Men

Prostate cancer screening (ages over 50)

Health Screenings for Women

Breast cancer screening (mammogram) (ages 54-74)

Cervical cancer screening (Pap test and HPV test) (ages 21-64)

Chlamydia screening (ages 18-24)

Children and Adolescent Vaccine Schedule

Your child needs vaccines as they grow! | Vaccines & Immunizations | CDC

Adult Vaccine Schedule

Recommended Vaccinations for Adults | Vaccines & Immunizations | CDC

Vaccines commonly recommended:

HPV (ages over 9)

• 2 doses, 2 to 12 months apart

Influenza (flu) (ages over 6 months)

• 1 dose each year

Pneumococcal (ages over 65)

• 1 dose

Tdap/Td (all ages)

• 1 dose every 10 years

Zoster (Shingles) (ages over 50)

• 2 doses, 2 to 6 months apart

See a dentist for regular check‑ups and cleanings. Dental visits help your keep your teeth healthy. Visit the page below to find out more about on how to care for your smile.

• Smile California | Medi-Cal Dental Program

• Health Education Classes
  • Health education is important because it teaches healthy habits for all ages. The goal of health education is to help people live longer and healthier.
  • KFHC offers health education classes on:
    • Asthma Education.
    • Diabetes Education.
    • Nutrition and Weight Management.
    • Prediabetes Education.
    • Tobacco Cessation.
  • Click here to reach our Education Programs webpage.
• Mental Health
  • Click here to reach our Behavioral Health webpage.
  • CalHOPE – Support for youth, young adults, and families
  • Never a Bother – Get Help Now