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Welcome
to the County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency (HSA)!
This Internet web site is designed to provide you with information and access to health
information and resources within our Agency and throughout our community.
The Health Services Agency (HSA) exists to protect and improve the health of the people in Santa Cruz County.
The Agency provides programs in
Environmental Health, Public Health, Medical Care, Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment, and Mental Health.
The Health Services Agency:
- Collaborates with individuals and organizations in the community;
- Uses limited resources cost-effectively;
- Advocates for public health policy at all levels;
- Treats customers and clients with dignity and respect;
- Empowers the community to protect and improve personal and environmental health;
- Assures that services are responsive to the cultural diversity of the community;
- Supports and encourages staff in the development of their full potential in the
workplace so as to assure public service excellence.
STATEMENT OF MISSION AND
VALUES FOR HSA
The Santa Cruz County Health
Services Agency exists to protect the public health of Santa Cruz County
and to help assure residents access to medical care and treatment.
The ultimate goal of the
Health Services Agency (HSA) is healthy people living in healthy
communities. HSA is responsible for promoting community health in the
public and private sectors.
HSA will use its resources to
complement the services available in the community. Programs and services
provided or supported by HSA are designed to promote healthy people and
communities and incorporate these basic values:
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All people are treated
with dignity and respect irrespective of race, gender, ethnic
background, age, sexual orientation, marital status, economic status,
immigration status, physical appearance, medical or mental condition,
and religious or philosophical beliefs.
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Client confidentiality is
protected and respected.
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Clients are entitled to
receive services in a prompt and professional manner or clear reasons
are provided for exceptions.
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Clients are entitled to a
clear and responsive complaint process that is without barriers.
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Clients are entitled to be
apprised of their health status and participate in development of a
treatment plan to improve their health.
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Clients are entitled to
information on the costs of care and their options for getting health
insurance coverage through a variety of programs.
HSA is committed to protecting public
health in the following ways:
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The promotion of
immunizations against vaccine preventable diseases, water fluoridation
and dental disease prevention, vigorous communicable disease control,
monitoring food and water safety, health education to prevent
accidents and illness, and monitoring of key indicators of community
health.
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Promotion of universal
health coverage in health, mental health, dental and substance abuse
services to insure easy access to prevention and treatment services.
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Elimination of stigma for
persons with mental illness, HIV and other disease which create social
fear.
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Assuring availability of a
full continuum of mental health services to the most vulnerable
citizens suffering from severe and persistent mental disorders as well
as a safety net of emergency mental health services, disaster
services, and services needed by the citizens of the county affecting
their mental health.
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Assuring availability of
primary care services to children, prenatal care, and a full range of
family planning services including emergency contraception and
abortion.
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Prevention of substance
abuse and addiction of all kinds, utilizing a comprehensive,
community-based, holistic approach that incorporates public health
solutions and acknowledges the relapsing nature of addiction.
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Promotion of community
awareness and prevention of domestic violence, child and elder abuse,
and exploitation of vulnerable citizens.
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Advocacy for expanding
health coverage and environmental protection and securing the
resources for HSA and other health providers to carry out the mission.
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