Northwest Human Services began in 1970 with the establishment of the Crisis & Information Hotline. The Hotline began as a temporary information line for those planning to attend the Vortex concert, organized by Governor Tom McCall as a response to a planned protest. When volunteers answering the line realized that the majority of calls were from local citizens who just wanted to talk to someone, the 'Hotline' was formally established as a 24/7 crisis line serving the local community.
The following year in the summer of 1971, two UCLA medical students arrived on the scene as part of an internship with Marion County Health Department. Appalled by the lack of health care services available to the low-income and homeless, the students, Phil Yule and Paul Kaplan, requested the assistance of the health department in opening a clinic to serve disadvantaged populations. With the departments support and assistance,The Cry of Love Free Clinicwas opened, named after a popular Jimi Hendrix album of the day.
In 1979, The Cry of Love Free Clinic became the West Bank Health Network, and later the West Salem Clinic, as it is currently known. In 1982 the agency as a whole took on the name'Northwest Human Services'in an effort to move with the times and away from its counter-culture image- though the original mission to serve underprivileged citizens with respect and compassion remained, and remains, as strong as ever.
America has a long history of racism and injustice towards people of color. Northwest Human Services is committed to taking a stand denouncing all violence or oppression towards people of color. We stand in solidarity with the movement calling for justice and an end to violence against black communities. We support the action steps needed to ensure racism no longer exists in our health care systems, our communities, and our country.
Northwest Human Services is a federally qualified health center and a local social service provider who recognizes that organizational and/or systemic biases lead to inequitable access to care and must be abolished to ensure optimal health for all people regardless of ones identified color, gender, culture, age or socioeconomic status.
Our programs are safe and inclusive and focus on addressing the Social Determinants of Health. Our goal is to remove barriers that prevent individuals and families from receiving care in our community. We have a diverse workforce, which enables us to build strong, trusting and long-term relationships with individuals that we serve.
Our pledge as an organization is to lead with compassion for social justice, make bold decisions and changes to break down barriers for people of color, and work together to build a community that ensures all voices are heard, validated, and respected, and that the humanity of all people is upheld.
We support the Black Lives Matter movement and believe that the lives of all people of color in our community have value. It is time to learn from our history and break the systemic cycles of oppression and violence so all people have the ability to live prosperous, healthy and fulfilling lives.
Reviews
Rating 2.3 out of 5 based on 15 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestsherry Freels
2 years ago
I'd like to give the Dental hygienist Wendy Riggi a great rating because for the last few years she's been very helpful and educational about any concerns considering my teeth. Kudos to Wendy, so far at 58 years old I have all my teeth in my head and she has a lot to do with it because she goes over and above. Thank you.
Joan Freeman
2 years ago
How I wish I'd read the reviews prior to my thinking: I like my PCP @ WSC, so the dentist is gonna be good, too. WRONG! I'd say "Mr. Grandiggity" sums it up best when he mentioned the low quality work, done by an EXTREMELY rude, and disrespectful dentist. I'd never been treated so poorly by a professional, much less a medical professional, in my life! I probably shouldn't say anything, as I have to return there next week to get the ("temporary"?) filling I went there today to have done. But it appears these reviewers, 8 out of ten, now 9 of 11 aren't being heard, or read by northwest human services staff, anyway. Only 2 positive reviews, and one of them sounds like it came from a can, the other was a non dentist cleaning visit. Rated 2 out of 10 isn't very good.
MrGrandriggity
2 years ago
This place needs to be investigated! Between the extremely poor quality of work and the unprofessionalism I'm amazed they're still in business. The dentist may be one of the rudest most unapologetic people I've ever encountered. The lack of care/concern for her patients really shows and carries over to her assistants. Avoid this place at all cost if you value yourself or your smile!!
Maureen Gallagher
2 years ago
I had a major infection and in a lot of pain. Gave antibiotics but refused to offer anything else. The swelling was so bad on my face that I actually got a black eye. Told me there was nothing they could do and I would feel better soon. Told me if I was worried to go the emergency room or call my primary doctor. Which I did call my primary doctor. Then for the follow up appointment I was scheduled for 1 pm but was told I had to be there at 12: 45. Arrived at 12:45 and the office is closed til 1 pm for thir lunch. Are you kidding me???? Not professional at all!!!
Kat Mac
2 years ago
I have been a patient here for a few years. They put in two crowns and both chipped at different times. I was charged each time for them to tell me there was nothing they could do about the poor quality of the crowns they were using. Recently I broke a tooth and went in for an exam and X-rays. The dentist told me there were three options for that tooth. Crown it with stainless steel as that is the only material they are now using for crowns. Howevrer stanless steel does not fit tight which can result in decay so I passeed on that option. Next option was to put in a tempory filling or just keep it clean and don't do anything. So I now have two chipped crowns and on broken in half tooth so I am looking for another dentist. This place is fine if you are low income and have basic dental needs only.
Tiffany Richardson
3 years ago
Been trying to see a dentist there and calling in as I was told on Thursday's at 7:00 only to be told they are all booked up....the only 1 time in 3-4 years I even got in she wanted to cap a rotten tooth that had been dead for many years....and do nothing to help the other painful rotten teeth.. Had to pay another dentist 300 to pull the abscess they wanted to cap
Kate B
3 years ago
Horrible!!! About a year ago I had a cleaning and check up there and I cloud not even image that nursed can do such a horrible and unprofessional job! Then I had an emergency filling done there, and my tooth still hurts, and very rough and uncomfortable feeling! Now my sis went there to get simple filling done and she left with tears on that's how much it hurt! Even tho she said it hurts during the process they comply continued on going.
Shawn Barrios
3 years ago
Came in for a cleaning with Wendy and she did a Great job very professional, patient and kind. I appreciated how thorough she was with her cleaning and her willingness to take the time to answer my questions. THANKS Wendy
Tiffany Richardson
3 years ago
Been trying to see a dentist there and calling in as I was told on Thursday's at 7:00 only to be told they are all booked up....the only 1 time in 3-4 years I even got in she wanted to cap a rotten tooth that had been dead for many years....and do nothing to help the other painful rotten teeth.. Had to pay another dentist 300 to pull the abscess they wanted to cap
Kate B
4 years ago
Horrible!!! About a year ago I had a cleaning and check up there and I cloud not even image that nursed can do such a horrible and unprofessional job! Then I had an emergency filling done there, and my tooth still hurts, and very rough and uncomfortable feeling! Now my sis went there to get simple filling done and she left with tears on that's how much it hurt! Even tho she said it hurts during the process they comply continued on going.
Charles Fong
4 years ago
The dental services at Northwest Human Services / West Salem Dental Clinic @ 190 Kingwood Ave NW Salem, Oregon 97304 are top notch and affordable. The staff is always professional and super helpful. I volunteered as a medical / dental advocate for Seniors in California for over 15 years before moving to Salem in 2005 - so I have witnessed the standard of care in numerous clinics and have a good perspective on the range of outcomes that are delivered in large high volume medical / dental facilities. West Salem Dental is simply outstanding and consistently provides top notch dental care resources for the residents Salem and the Willamette Valley. I have a friend who has accessed resources here too and she is equally complimentary about her experiences. We are privileged to have such an amazing team of health care professions in our community and grateful to every staff person at the West Salem Dental Clinic. *****FIVE STARS*****
Shawn Barrios
4 years ago
Came in for a cleaning with Wendy and she did a Great job very professional, patient and kind. I appreciated how thorough she was with her cleaning and her willingness to take the time to answer my questions. THANKS Wendy
Charles Fong
4 years ago
The dental services at Northwest Human Services / West Salem Dental Clinic @ 190 Kingwood Ave NW Salem, Oregon 97304 are top notch and affordable. The staff is always professional and super helpful. I volunteered as a medical / dental advocate for Seniors in California for over 15 years before moving to Salem in 2005 - so I have witnessed the standard of care in numerous clinics and have a good perspective on the range of outcomes that are delivered in large high volume medical / dental facilities. West Salem Dental is simply outstanding and consistently provides top notch dental care resources for the residents Salem and the Willamette Valley. I have a friend who has accessed resources here too and she is equally complimentary about her experiences. We are privileged to have such an amazing team of health care professions in our community and grateful to every staff person at the West Salem Dental Clinic. *****FIVE STARS*****
Matthew Cartmill
4 years ago
Having dental problems after years of help.
Matthew Cartmill
5 years ago
Having dental problems after years of help.
Jefferson J Waddell
5 years ago
Went in with a broken tooth that didn't hurt for almost the year and a half it was broken I had a filling put in it hasn't stopped throbbing or hurting since.
mariah harris
5 years ago
Worst customer service ever. Can't even get established as a patient there unless you call on Thursdays at 7:30 am and wait on the phone for 15-20 mins just to be told that all new patient appts are taken and to call back next Thursday at 7:30. I'd rather search for a new dentist who takes new patients all week long. Don't waste your time or money on these people.
Jefferson J Waddell
5 years ago
Went in with a broken tooth that didn't hurt for almost the year and a half it was broken I had a filling put in it hasn't stopped throbbing or hurting since.
mariah harris
6 years ago
Worst customer service ever. Can't even get established as a patient there unless you call on Thursdays at 7:30 am and wait on the phone for 15-20 mins just to be told that all new patient appts are taken and to call back next Thursday at 7:30. I'd rather search for a new dentist who takes new patients all week long. Don't waste your time or money on these people.
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