Medical Health Services      AIH&S's overall goal is to assist Santa Barbara area American Indians and their families in enjoying good health and well-being by providing access to affordable, culturally appropriate comprehensive health care. Comprehensive health care includes health education, outreach, preventive and therapeutic measures. A wide range of disciplines in health care, mental health and social services are represented on the AIH&S team.      The clinical staff includes a physician, nurse practitioner, public health nurse, dentist, dental assistant, hygienist, nurses, community health representatives, HIV counselors and phlebotomist.      The medical staff is committed to providing family health care. Clients are encouraged to participate in improving the health of their family.      AIH&S is a strong promoter of preventive and well care. On site diagnostic equipment facilitates regular health screening and prompt assessments. Substance use counseling, groups and diabetes classes are conducted to help clients improve and redirect their lives. Director of Health Promotion / Disease Prevention      The responsibility of directing all client services falls on the shoulders of the Director of HP/DP At some health facilities, the Director of HP/DP may be hidden away in some corner office, buried under stacks of printouts, schedules and reports. As many AIH&S clients know, this is not the way, things work at AIH&S. The Director of HP/DP is always right in the thick of operations, directing patients and staff, taking medical histories doing whatever the immediate need requires. Medical Records      AIH&S conforms to high quality assurance standards and charts the delivery of all medical, dental and human services. The chart records are electronically linked to the patient registration management system to facilitate prompt, accurate retrieval. Transportation      For clients who lack personal transportation and need a means to get to the facility, AIH&S provides door to door minivan service. Clients may call 24 hours in advance for a free ride to and from medical and dental appointments. Physician Services      AIH&S family practice physician provides pediatric, adult medicine, women's health, chronic disease management and HIV health care to the AIH&S diverse client population. Laboratory services      These services are provided through an outside lab. There is a reduced fee associated with this service. Nursing and CHR      Comprehensive assessments of client needs by nurses and community health representatives emphasize treating the whole person and being sensitive to the needs and concerns of the family. Patient assessments establish a diagnosis; a plan of care is developed to coordinate and complement the medical plan; and finally, the plan's effectiveness is evaluated and modified if appropriate.      Special attention is given to the patient's need for health education, preventive care and chronic disease management. Continuity of care is promoted by coordinating patient care and community health programs for preventing illness and maintaining good health. Health Education and Preventive Health Services      The goal of AIH&S's health education programs is to assist American Indian people to adopt health-promoting lifestyles. Education programs help clients better understand the nature of disease and how lifestyles and behaviors can reduce disease and injury. HIV/AIDS Programs      HIV (Human Immune Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) health conditions are a growing health concern among American Indians. AIH&S conducts anonymous HIV testing, counseling, health education, risk reduction and care. Diabetes Program      Diabetes is a significant cause of death among adult American Indians. AIH&S diabetes programs help patients better understand and manage their diabetes and to learn special care and nutrition requirements.      AIH&S diabetes support group meets monthly to provide health education and assist clients in making lifestyle adjustments.      AIH&S enhances the diabetes program through the addition of a diabetes nurse. The nurse provides in-home screening and prevention education as well as assist clients to maintain and manage their diabetes. Dental Services      Dental disease is more prevalent among American Indians and Alaska Natives than among the U.S. population as a whole. The AIH&S dental program places priority on providing prevention which reduces tooth loss. The prevention of tooth and gum problems is emphasized by promoting regular check-ups at the clinic before problems occur.      AIH&S dental clinic services include: cleaning, oral check-up and instruction, x-rays, fillings and single root canals. Other services are provided with a co-pay. Human Services      The pressures and stress of modern society take a toll on all of us - diagnoses of depression, anxiety, neuroses are becoming accepted as hazards of life. Yet for American Indians the challenges of modern life are compounded by conflicts between their traditional values and the values of contemporary life. This struggle has contributed greatly to an increase in emotional and physical health. Symptomatic of this struggle is the alarming rate of suicide, which is two to three times that of the rest of U.S.. Alcoholism, violence, homicide and family distress are all side effects of the frustration, depression, low self-esteem, and feeling of hopelessness experienced by many American Indians and Alaska Natives. Chemical Dependency      Problems with alcohol, substance and inhalant use are serious health issues. In addition to the cultural and social devastation it causes, alcohol contributes to a number of physical disabilities and accidental deaths. Although alcoholism is a grave issue, Indian people are demonstrating their resolve to address the issue of alcohol and chemical dependency in their lives.      AIH&S' chemical dependency program stresses healthy alternatives to chemical dependency by promoting self esteem, physical awareness and positive living practices. In keeping with the concept of wellness, emphasis is placed on healthful practices and lifestyle changes which promote sobriety, overall well being and family stability.      The chemical dependency program offers individual counseling, support groups, 12 step program, both AA and NA, and is known throughout Santa Barbara as the "spiritual meetings".