Living in the U.S., you often hear the term "public healthcare," which is somewhat different from the concept of municipal hospitals being available in every neighborhood like in Korea.

In West Covina, emergency services and major surgeries are handled by general hospitals, while vaccinations, affordable care, and public health services are managed by county and community health centers.

The most frequently used public healthcare facility by West Covina residents is the East Valley Community Health Center - West Covina. It operates as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) supported by the federal government, allowing residents without insurance or those using Medi-Cal or Medicare to receive care with relatively low costs.

Here, you can access family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, women's health, dental care, and mental health counseling all in one place, along with HIV and STD testing and prevention services. While both appointment-based and walk-in services are available, it's advisable to call ahead for tests or specialized care.

West Covina also has the AltaMed Medical and Dental Group - West Covina. It is one of the larger nonprofit community healthcare organizations in Southern California, frequently used by low-income individuals, seniors, and children. In addition to general care, it offers a variety of services including dental, pharmacy, vaccinations, and health screenings, making it a popular choice among the Korean community as well.

The LA County Public Health Department also operates an office in West Covina. Unlike a typical hospital that treats patients, the LA County Public Health Department is an administrative agency responsible for restaurant health inspections, environmental health, infectious disease management, food safety, and handling public inquiries. Those in the food service or food industry may find themselves visiting this office at some point.

Public health services such as vaccinations, tuberculosis (TB) tests, and STD testing are provided through the LA County Public Health Center. However, due to recent budget adjustments, general clinic services at the Pomona Public Health Center have been discontinued, and some functions are now integrated with nearby facilities like the Monrovia Health Center. It's advisable to check operational status before visiting.

Personally, what I've felt while living in the U.S. is that public healthcare facilities are not just places to go "when you don't have insurance."

Services like vaccinations, health consultations, affordable screenings, and various health programs are more accessible than you might think.

Especially for those who are new to the U.S. or using Medicare after retirement, knowing about these facilities can greatly help in saving on medical expenses.

In West Covina, emergency situations are handled by general hospitals, while routine health management and preventive services are provided by community health centers and public health agencies, making it much easier to navigate the U.S. healthcare system.