Santa Clara County, home to the third highest case rate for tuberculosis (TB) among California jurisdictions, has recently made a significant investment in public health by opening a state-of-the-art primary care facility, focusing on treating and preventing TB as well as catering to the needs of its growing refugee and immigrant populations. The new Valley Health Center (VHC) Lundy clinic is set to become the hub for the Tuberculosis Clinic & Refugee Health Assessment Program (RHAP), a unique initiative tailored to address the challenges faced by the region's diverse communities, especially in East San José.
According to the official announcement, the facility's launch comes at a critical time as the county witnesses not only a rise in TB cases but also the highest number of incoming refugees in California. The new clinic will provide expert evaluation, treatment, and preventive therapy for both active and latent forms of TB. This innovative airborne isolation center ensures reduced transmission of TB and other airborne diseases, creating a safe and welcoming environment for patients and healthcare professionals alike.
Investing in such a facility sends a strong message about the values and priorities of the county. As County Supervisor Otto Lee expressed gratitude for the decision to open the clinic, he emphasized the importance of maintaining principles of “language, cultural humility, and competence, reflecting the values that we hold dear in Santa Clara County.”
Given the mandatory federal screening requirements for refugees in regard to communicable diseases like TB, hepatitis, and parasitic infections, the RHAP is a timely and essential initiative. Beyond medical screening, the program offers primary care, urgent care referrals, immigration vaccinations, and crucial mental health assessments - the latter being a result of a partnership with the Asian Americans for Community Involvement (AACI)/Center for Survivors of Torture (CST).
Healthcare providers are acutely aware of the dangers posed by TB, a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease. Delayed screening and undiagnosed patients can inadvertently spread the disease within the community. Dr. Phuong H. Nguyen, SCVH Chief Medical Officer, emphasizes that, “Completing our screening and latent TB infection (LTBI) treatment is critical to preventing transmissions and protecting the health of the entire community.”
Serving as the only outpatient facility focusing on TB in the county, the new clinic will provide care to over 60 percent of all active cases locally. This state-of-the-art facility offers more consistent support and follow-up with vulnerable populations, many of whom are refugees themselves. Around 50 percent of the clinic's staff hold certifications as interpreters in a second language, further solidifying the facility's commitment to inclusivity.
The County of Santa Clara hasn't stopped there. Recognizing the importance of early detection and prevention, Santa Clara Valley Healthcare has implemented an expanded LTBI testing initiative as part of the standard patient Health Maintenance Plan across all VHC primary care clinic locations. This measure aims to boost identification of persons with LTBI, followed by quick referral to the TB clinic for preventative treatment. Since August 2022, the testing rates have surged to more than double, and referrals to the TB clinic have tripled. LTBI services are now accessible in various locations, including VHC Downtown, VHC Gilroy, VHC San José, VHC Milpitas, and Vietnamese American Services Center (VASC) Clinic.
Through this initiative, the county seeks to provide long-term care and lay the foundation for a healthier and more inclusive community. County Supervisor Joe Simitian, Chair of the County Health and Hospital Committee, praised the new clinic, stating, “We’re really working to provide a warm environment, a safe space, to help these families navigate our healthcare system.”
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