April 14, 2020 9:50 a.m. 
SouthRiver Community Health Center is one of 30 Oregon Health Centers to receive federal funding to address the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last week the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Health Resources and Services Administration awarded more than $1.3 billion to 1,387 health centers across the country.
The Oregon centers will share among just over $23 million to help communities detect, prevent and respond to the pandemic. SouthRiver has been awarded just over $567,000 to continue to expand work already underway to bring healthcare within reach of more people. Chief Operations Officer Michelle Watson said the funding comes at a time when they are expanding telehealth services and launching Open Access scheduling at SouthRiver.
Watson said historically it has taken weeks, or in some cases, months for new patients to get in to see a provider and urgent appointments are often added to already full schedules. She said with Open Access, new and existing patients are able to see their provider, often on the same day they call the clinic. She said together, Telehealth and Open Access scheduling are expected to reduce delays in access to care, increase patient satisfaction, and take the pressure off of the emergency room and urgent care clinics.  SouthRivers new Open Access hours are Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Call 492-4550 or go to www.southriverhealth.org for more information.
Due to increased risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus, SouthRiver is limiting clinic access to those who absolutely must see their care team in person. Patients who are ill with flu symptoms are asked to call ahead prior to coming to the clinic.