Our integrated healthcare model is rooted in the belief that true wellness extends beyond the doctor’s office. With our Social Change Model, we address the full spectrum of our patients’ needs, ensuring that they receive medical treatment and the resources required to build healthier lives. Two examples of this approach are our Facilitated Telemedicine and Perinatal Mental Health programs. By leveraging innovative solutions, Mary’s Center continues to break down barriers to care, leading the way in providing accessible, high-quality care to underserved communities in the Washington, DC metro area.
We understand that one of the most significant barriers to healthcare is simply getting there. That is why we pioneered the Facilitated Telemedicine program, which allows our patients to receive medical care from the comfort of their homes. Launched in 2017, well before the pandemic, this program has revolutionized access to healthcare for nearly 4,000 patients served at over 11,000 appointments. It has improved vaccination rates, increased routine check-ups, and made health screenings more accessible—particularly for individuals with chronic conditions and for expectant parents. This forward-thinking approach makes us the first Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Washington, DC, to implement telemedicine at this scale. We continue to push the boundaries of patient-centered care, ensuring that even our most vulnerable patients are not left behind.
Pregnancy brings emotional, mental, and physical challenges, which is why Mary’s Center ensures our perinatal patients receive comprehensive, wrap-around care including obstetric care coordination, therapy, psychiatry, home visits, centering groups, and more. In 2024, we launched the Perinatal Mental Health “Access to Care” pilot, an innovative program designed to break down barriers for perinatal patients with heightened mental health challenges. The program provides rapid, direct access to mental health services, removing typical delays in care and common bureaucratic roadblocks. Our methodology has been shared at the prestigious 37th Annual Postpartum Support International Conference, positioning Mary’s Center as a leader in perinatal mental health.