Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park hosts Colonoscopy Day

March is Colorectal (Colon) Cancer Awareness Month and serves as a reminder of the importance of getting screenings for early detection of colon cancer. It is the most common cancer among men and women, but also one of the most treatable when detected early. The Gastroenterology Department at Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park Medical Center in partnership with East Valley Community Health Center (EVCHV) in West Covina hosted Colonoscopy Day on March 10. Since the program began in 2010, 137 uninsured, low-income individuals from the community have received colonoscopies leading to early detection of colon cancer in some and expedited treatment.

Through the leadership of Rody Yoshinaka, MD, Chief, Gastroenterology Department, at the Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park Medical Center, a team of physicians and support staff volunteered their time to provide colonoscopies to uninsured individuals from the local community. All patients were identified and referred by East Valley Community Health Center.

“Colonoscopy is a procedure used to see inside the colon and rectum to look for early signs of colorectal cancer. The procedure enables us to detect inflamed tissue, ulcers, and abnormal growths. It can also help diagnose unexplained changes in bowel habits, and determine causes of abdominal pain and rectal bleeding,” explains Dr. Yoshinaka. “This special day enables us to help improve the health of people living and working in the communities that we serve, and that includes those without access to health care.”

“Our collaboration with the Gastroenterology Department at Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park provides access to care for individuals who would otherwise be placed on a waiting list at county facilities,” explains Alicia Mardini, Chief Executive Officer, East Valley Community Health Center. “Unfortunately, wait lists can often take several months, which can leave life-threatening conditions undiagnosed if earlier care is not provided. We are fortunate to have this partnership with Kaiser Permanente that provides this valuable service for our patients that improves their health and quality of life.”

About East Valley Community Health Center

EVCHC provides comprehensive health care and health education services to low-income and underserved populations of the East San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys. Founded in 1970, EVCHC has evolved from a free clinic that focused on family planning and counseling services into a comprehensive health care provider and, since 2002, a Federally Qualified Health Center. The clinic provides over 59,000 medical visits to more than 22,000 individuals every year.

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, our mission is to provide high-quality, affordable health care services to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 11.8 million members in eight states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information about Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park Medical Center, visit kp.org/baldwinpark and follow us on twitter: @KPBaldwinPark.