The Women's Health Care Clinic (WHCC) is one of several community service programs operated by Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center (LA BioMed). The Clinic itself is located on the grounds of Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, in building N-28, and operates as part of the hospital's Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. WHCC provides uninsured individuals, regardless of income, with the necessary information and services to plan their families and to take care of their related reproductive health needs. The WHCC serves women, men and teens. WHCC is a highly confidential clinic, and focuses on prevention, early detection, as well as treatment. The clinic operates on the premise of informed choice and informed consent. Clinic services include: Female Health Exams (Pap test, pelvic exam, breast exam) Male Health Exams (testicular and prostate exam) Referrals for Mammograms Abnormal Pap test follow-up care and treatment Contraception (including condoms, pills, patch, ring, injection, implant, and IUD placement & removal) Emergency Contraception Preconception Health Counseling and Education Pregnancy Testing, Counseling and Referrals Screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) HIV screening Vasectomy Counseling, Education and Referrals Services are provided primarily to individuals who live within a five-mile radius of the Medical Center, though patients are so pleased with the services that they voluntarily travel great distances once care has been established. Care is delivered by a team of Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, Physicians, and Certified Health Workers. The WHCC Staff pays special attention to addressing the unique medical needs of individuals completing drug recovery programs, those residing in local homeless shelters, as well as patients with physical and mental disabilities that limit access to information and care. Approximately 79% of patients are Spanish speaking, 10% are African American, 8% are Caucasian, and 3% are Asian. Teens make up 11% of the clientele. More than 95% of the patients have incomes 100% below the federal poverty line and are therefore eligible for subsidized services. Services are free for those who qualify for the California state program, Family PACT. Eligibility is based on: income, family size, lack of medical insurance, age, California residency, and ability to reproduce. Patients who are pregnant, menopausal, or who have undergone sterilization or hysterectomy are not eligible for Family PACT. The Clinic serves over 18,000 visits each year. Community Outreach & Education: The WHCC has a very active and involved Outreach program, providing family planning and reproductive health education (in English and Spanish), and linking women and men in the community to clinic services. Outreach is provided throughout the South Bay of LA to community groups such as: substance abuse recovery homes, homeless shelters, adolescent programs, male programs, schools, women’s groups, parent centers, WIC centers, etc. Outreach staff also participates in health fairs. The Outreach Program provides over 200 health education events, reaching over 4,500 individuals each year. Please contact the Outreach Coordinator for more information at (310) 222 3703. Research: The WHCC participates in cutting-edge research every year studying contraceptive methods, gynecological treatments, best practice and trends in women’s health. Contract the Research Administrator for more information at (310) 222 3737. Education Program: The WHCC started as a training site for nurses to learn the modern Pap test, and become certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners. With the change in licensure for mid-level clinicians, the WHCC Nurse Practitioner Program has shifted into the Education Program. The Education program provides continuing education for advanced practice clinicians and physicians. The Education program holds between six and ten trainings per year, related to contraception, gynecology, and best practices. Contract the Education Program Manager for more information at (310) 222 3729. Satellite Clinic Locations: The WHCC operates two additional clinics off the Harbor-UCLA campus. Compton-WIC Site—This clinic site was established in 1996, and was designed to be a one-stop-shop for WIC clients to access non-medical family planning services. The Clinic is open every Tuesday between 8am and 5pm, and walk-ins are welcome. Call (310) 763 9344 for more information. Catalina Island Medical Center Site—This clinic site was established in 2008, to facilitate access to family planning services for island residents, as health services are limited. This Clinic operates within the Medical Center and is a full service clinic. The Catalina site is open every other Wednesday, between 8am and 3pm, subject to the boat schedule and weather. Call (310) 222 3723 for more information. Check out the WHCC website for more information on clinic services and programs. | 
