West Valley Hospital Family Assistance Program provides vital resource for community

Contact: Larissa Spraker, 623-245-6723
08/08/2003

For many women, pregnancy is a welcome surprise. For others, the news isn't always what they want to here. Not being sure is even more frustrating. Knowing where to turn when in question is a need the Family Assistance Program at the West Valley Hospital is determined to meet.

West Valley Hospital has instituted the Family Assistance Program, a free service providing pregnancy testing, guidance on finding a physician and application assistance for AHCCCS, KidsCare and Baby Arizona. The Family Assistance Program (FAP) also provides links to the programs that are available through the Department of Economic Security such as food stamps, cash assistance, social security, and more. "We see the FAP as a much-needed resource in the Southwest Community and one that goes beyond the traditional services of providing pregnancy testing and physician referral," said John Domansky, chief financial officer at the West Valley Hospital Medical Center.

Open only one month and "we're already seeing patients," said Molly DeLeon, coordinator of the Family Assistance Program, a program that is funded and supported by the West Valley Hospital. The program is walking patients through the process from beginning to end. From the test, to determining eligibility in state-funded insurance, to finding a physician for prenatal care and the delivery, the FAP is a direct link to these services.

"We want to be out in the community, available to the community and seen as a resource for women who don't know where to go for pregnancy testing or finding a doctor to care for them in the event the test is positive," said DeLeon.

The FAP is located at the West Valley Emergency Center at 140 N. Litchfield Road in Goodyear. The hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am to 12pm and 1:30 to 4:30 pm. For information on the FAP call 623-245-6763. All tests are confidential and performed in a secure, safe environment. Walk-in's are welcome.