The Arlington Pediatric Center (APC) provides outpatient medical care to children of low income families in Arlington County. Arlington Pediatric Center opened its doors in January 2001 to provide a medical home to medically under-served children in Arlington County. Through December 2004, APC has enrolled nearly 4,300 children and provided more than 30,000 clinical visits.

The center provides regular check-ups, immunizations and health care for illnesses and injuries, and a physician is on call around-the-clock. Services include: well-child and preventive care, acute care, lab and radiology services, limited pharmacy, limited mental health services, assistance with Medicaid/FAMIS applications for APC patients, case management, and interpreters.

APC actively supports literacy through its books for children program. Every child, every visit, receives a book to take home with them. The patient, as well as the siblings, all choose a book from our library of donated books.

More than 85% of APC children live in families who have recently immigrated to our community. While they represent countries from around the world (Mongolia, Turkey, Ethiopia), the majority are from Central and South America. The English speaking skill of parents, and children, is limited.

A key APC goal is to provide care in an atmosphere that respects this diverse backgrounds.

• For example, the facility was designed with extra large examining rooms to accommodate immediate and extended families as well as a translator.
• Being able to converse in a family's native language is a goal of the center staff. Half the staff is fluent in Spanish, and two pediatricians speak Indian dialects. One of the APC interpreters is fluent in Spanish, French, Arabic and English. Since between 80% and 90% of the center's families are Latino, Spanish lessons are conducted at the clinic for staff members.
• The center also subscribes to a telephone language line, and volunteer translators come in each week.

The APC is located at 3045-A Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA 22204. View map.

How you can help:

• Donations of time and money are welcomed. You can also volunteer to serve as a Spanish-language interpreter or part-time librarian. For other volunteer opportunities contact Judy Fox, Executive Director, (703) 271-8195. APC also welcomes donations of medical supplies including the following: nebulizers, glucose meters, holding chambers (spacers) for children with asthma, and rectal thermometers (digital or non-mercury containing). In addition, also accepts certain "over the counter" medications (within one year or more of expiration date), such as: diphenhydramene ("Benadryl"), hydrocortisone cream, acetaminophen drops (elixir or chewable tablets).
• Join us on 26 February at 6:30 PM at Little Falls Church for a SPAGHETTI DINNER to benefit this wonderful organization!

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