Recent media coverage has highlighted the debate between the Governor of California and the Turlock City Council. While the governor focuses on advocating for individuals experiencing homelessness, the council emphasizes a broader sense of community responsibility.
Turlock's City Council has a history of implementing solutions to support its residents. While initiatives have been directed toward the homeless, particularly families, they prioritize inclusivity by supporting the broader community. The council collaborates with Stanislaus County, as well as nonprofit and for-profit organizations, to develop sustainable programs that benefit families in various circumstances. This approach integrates the needs of the homeless into a comprehensive community strategy.
From former Mayor John Lazar to current Mayor Amy Bublak, Turlock's leadership embodies the principle of "I am my brother's keeper." Each administration may have different methods, yet all strive to empower residents and foster community, compassion, and collaboration.
Collaborative efforts include partnerships with Legacy Health Endowment and Covenant Care Home and Hospice to provide care for homeless individuals upon hospital discharge. The City Council, in conjunction with Community Health Centers of America and Legacy Health Endowment, also had offered free doctor visits for those in need, ensuring coverage for otherwise unaffordable costs.
Addressing housing challenges requires bipartisan efforts from leaders past and present to discuss, debate, and deliberate on addressing the needs of the greater Turlock community, not just one segment. It requires acknowledging that low- and middle-income families face economic difficulties due to rising gas and food prices, as well as significant challenges in maintaining family well-being.
As leaders, attributing blame is ineffective; we all share responsibility, regardless of our political party affiliation. Regardless, Turlock has implemented programs that other California communities would envy if they knew what we are doing and why. Mayoral and City Council involvement has increased access to healthcare and mental health services for all Turlock residents.
For example, Turlock has partnered with Legacy Health Endowment to ensure that elderly residents and their families have access to respite care services, alleviating fears of premature nursing home placement. Through Covenant Care at Home, older adults discharged from hospitals can access Bridge to Home, which provides free home care, food, and medications to help prevent readmissions.
Through the EMC Health Foundation, uninsured and commercially insured residents receive eye and dental care if unable to afford these services. Working families and uninsured residents in Turlock can access more than 1,000 generic medications for $2 at Tower Pharmacy, including insulin.
The EMC Health Foundation is relaunching its free hearing aid program in collaboration with Costco and the Turlock Chamber Foundation, helping retirees address hearing loss. Legacy Health Endowment has partnered with Lavender, a telepsych program managed by psychiatric nurse practitioners, to offer free mental health care to those 18 and older. In collaboration with the Kind Clinic, Legacy Health Endowment will soon provide a free total care program for individuals with diabetes.
These programs -- designed specifically for Turlock residents and surrounding communities -- help middle-income families access necessary medical care, affordable prescription medications, and combat chronic diseases.
Turlock may face criticism for its approach to addressing homelessness. Still, perhaps the naysayers should recognize the value and importance of Turlock Proud, which involves creating local solutions for all residents, not just a few.
— Jeffrey Lewis is the President and CEO of Legacy Health Endowment and EMC Health Foundation. The words expressed are his own.
