Project Access
History
In 2006, local physicians affiliated with the Pierce County Medical Society had a dream to improve access to healthcare for the low-income, uninsured in Pierce County. These compassionate doctors approached local hospital systems and free clinics to create a robust nDonated Care Network of primary, speciality, and ancillary providers willing to donate their care. PCPA grew from that vision and was registered as a 501(c)(3) in 2009. Ttoday, PCPA maintained is a robust network of physicians and ancillary providers who volunteered and partnered with our staff to provide coordinated care to the underserved in our community. Today, PCPA has expanded our programming to include over 650 Donated Care providers, Community Health Worker partnerships, and, with the support of the local health systems, now offers a Premium Assistance program subsidizing the cost of premiums for those purchasing insurance on the Washington Health Benefits Exchange.
Improving Health in Oour Ccommunity.
We are a small staff who work closely with health system leadership, our referral partners, and our program providers.
We are a small staff who work diligently and compassionately to link those with barriers to access with quality care. Working closely with health system leadership, community clinics, referral partners, and providers, we provide linguistically and culturally appropriate care to those in need, irrespective of race, ethnicity, creed, orientation, or documentation status.
Our dedicatedWe have a robust Bboard of Ddirectors includes with representation from Virginia Mason Franciscan Health System, MultiCare Health System, Community Health Care, Pierce County Medical Society, and the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department.
Strong community support stems from many additional community agencies including Community Health Care, Consejo, SeaMar Community Health Centers, Neighborhood Clinic,the free clinic network, and independent physicians, and compassionate community members.
Our Programs
The Donated Care program partners with over 700 healthcare providers and other community-based organizations who donate a controlled number of appointments to our patients each year.
Donated CareThe Premium Assistance program provides financial assistance by paying the monthly premiums for silver-level Qualified Health Plans found on the Washington HealthPlanFinder website.
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Our Values
Equity, Trustworthiness, Confidentiality, Stewardship, and Inclusion.
We commit to pursuing teamwork that practices excellence, teaches accountability, is sustainable and performed with dignity and respect.
We honor the life, health, and dignity of all who we serve. We are committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment that allows individuals of all cultures, traditions, and dispositions to thrive and succeed in their health outcomes.
PCPA Board of Directors
Greer Todhunter
Salvation Army
Ryan Gowin
OneDigital Health and Benefits
Nancy Grubb, MD
Sound Family Medicine
Mary Eversole
Pierce County Medical Society
Bonnie Corns
Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department
Alex Marquez
Logic Staffing, photo coming soon
Amy Bond
MultiCare Health System, photo coming soon
Michael Cox
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, photo coming soon
Kimberly Sales, ARNP
Community Health Care
Paul Schneider, MD
Emeritus Observer
Diamatris Winston
Puget Sound Partnership
How it works
PCPA works with over 700 medical providers across Pierce County who donate a controlled number of appointments per year. Patients are enrolled for six month time periods. Primary care and specialty care are available through the PCPA network.
By spreading the workload fairly, Project Access ensures that no single practice or physician is overburdened. Project Access helps take the hassle away from physicians and their staff by ensuring appropriate referrals, and reminding patients to arrive on time to appointments. In the end, physicians have the satisfaction of taking a leadership role in improving the health of their communities and their profession.
To quantify and measure the amount of volunteer healthcare provided, First Choice Health Network provides mock billing. This data documents the value of donated services which provides important information to lawmakers, healthcare organizations, and the community.
Implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) changed the landscape of health insurance and healthcare delivery. Prior to the ACA, there were an estimated 100,000 individuals without insurance in Pierce County. Today, the estimate is nearly 45,000. PCPA is the avenue to healthcare for those who find themselves still in the gap. Our Premium Assistance program sponsors a Silver-Level plan of eligible patients through the Washington State Health Benefits Exchange.
We are honored to continue serving the community and stewarding the generosity and compassion of our physicians.
Need Some Help?
Apply NowContact Us
For provider and partner opportunities, contact Michael Swenson
Michael@pcprojectaccess.org
(253) 292-9732
For charitable giving, contact Stacy Van Wagoner
stacy@pcprojectaccess.org
(503) 423-7348For program inquiries, contact Us.
(253)572-7265