Recent News
Economic Impact of OHL's FQHC
The Louisiana Primary Care Association and Capital Link recently compiled the economic numbers outlining the economic impact and community impact that OHL's Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) contributed to its community. The following represents 2015 data, and as our FQHC has only grown since then, we are excited to watch the economic impact continue to increase.
As reported directly from Capital Link's "The Economic Impact of Odyssey House Louisiana":
For more than 50 years, U.S. health centers have delivered comprehensive, high-quality preventive and primary health care to patients regardless of their ability to pay, becoming one of the largest safety net systems in the country.
Odyssey House Louisiana has been no exception. In 2015, Odyssey House Louisiana provided care to many of the most underserved members of its community. In addition to providing quality care, Odyssey House Louisiana generated positive economic impacts, including jobs, tax revenues and savings to the health care system.
Community health centers provide high quality, cost-effective, patient centered care to vulnerable populations. Health centers serve 1 in 7 Medicaid beneficiaries, almost 1 in 3 individuals in poverty, and 1 in 5 low-income, uninsured persons. Nationally, two-thirds of health center patients are members of racial or ethnic minorities, which places health centers at the center of the national effort to reduce racial disparities in health care.
Recent studies show that, on average, each patient receiving care at a health center saved the health care system 24% annually. With 998 patients served by Odyssey House Louisiana in 2015, the estimated annual savings is $1.3 million at $1,263 saved per patient.
As health centers expand, their expenditures and corresponding economic impact also grow. In 2015 alone, Odyssey House Louisiana contributed about $15.4 million dollars.
To access the full report, click here or on the graphic above.