Peninsula Community Health Services

Peninsula Community Health Services (PCHS) is a highly established and comprehensive non-profit organization serving the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsula areas of Western Washington, particularly Kitsap and Mason Counties. Founded in 1987 as Kitsap Community Clinic, it achieved Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) status in 1993, signifying its commitment to providing care to underserved populations. PCHS operates as a multi-site clinic, offering an integrated and patient-centered approach to healthcare. Their services are extensive and include primary medical care, preventative and restorative dental services, a full range of behavioral health counseling (including mental health and substance use disorder treatment), and pharmacy services. They also provide referrals to specialty providers and engage in health education and promotion activities. A core tenet of PCHS is accessibility and affordability. They welcome patients with various insurance plans, including Washington Apple Health (Medicaid), Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Tricare, and are dedicated to serving uninsured or under-insured individuals. For those without insurance, PCHS offers a sliding fee discount program based on household income and family size, ensuring that no one is turned away due to inability to pay. PCHS has demonstrated a strong commitment to community well-being through its expanding services, including mobile treatment services for primary medical and behavioral health to reach vulnerable and isolated individuals. They also have school-based health centers to provide direct care to students, aiming to reduce barriers like transportation and time constraints. In recent years, PCHS has even ventured into housing initiatives, providing project-based housing for low-income families and workforce housing for their staff, further illustrating their holistic approach to community health. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, PCHS relies on a combination of federal funding (as an FQHC), patient fees, and community donations to support its mission. They are accredited as a Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) by the Accreditation for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), emphasizing their collaborative and coordinated care model.