ST. LUKE’S: Launches Awareness Campaign For Women’s Center

      San Francisco's St. Luke's Hospital has launched a three-month campaign to educate local residents about the availability of comprehensive health services for women of all ages and economic means at its Women's Center. The Women's Center was founded by a group of physicians in 1979 and purchased by the hospital three years ago when the doctors retired. While the center provides care for more than 500 women a week at three locations, a recent survey of area residents showed that many of them were not aware of the services available at the center. Duane Oshinomi, director of community relations for the hospital, said, "Nearly 30% of women surveyed said they didn't realize that as a privately insured Medi-Cal or Medicare patient, they can use our services." In order to educate residents about St. Luke's Women's Center, the hospital has launched a television and radio advertising campaign targeted primarily to the Hispanic community. St. Luke's Health Center Acting CEO Vince Oliver said, "We believe that St. Luke's Women's Center is an incredible community resource that more women should know about. We currently provide a full menu of services for teens through senior citizens, including annual check-ups, Pap smears, family planning, pregnancy testing and complete OB/GYN care." In addition, he said, "If someone walks into our clinic and has no money or insurance, one of our community health aides will work with them to help qualify them for Medi-Cal or one of many other programs offered," including the State Only Family Planning Program, which provides comprehensive family planning services (St. Luke's release, 3/18).