Press Release

Release Date: July 15, 2010
HRCHC Contact: Communications Department
Telephone: (207) 861-3466
Email: Communications@HealthReach.org

HealthReach Joins the Nation in Celebrating National Health Center Week: 8/8 - 8/14

The 11 practices of HealthReach Community Health Centers are joining Maine and the nation in recognizing National Health Center Week – August 8-14. “Drawings, giveaways, children’s activities, refreshments, health tips and more - this is a time for our patients and staff to celebrate together,” shares Connie Coggins, President/CEO.

Located in Albion, Bingham, Belgrade, Bethel, Coopers Mills, Kingfield, Livermore Falls, Madison, Rangeley, Richmond and Strong, the HealthReach health centers are planning on-site events open to the public before, during and after National Health Center week. According to Coggins, “We offer family health care to everyone regardless of their insurance status and assist with applications for programs that help with the cost of health care and medications.”

According to the National Association of Community Health Centers, the second week of August each year is a time to recognize the service and contributions of Community Health Centers in providing access to affordable, high quality, health care to medically underserved people in the U.S. The theme for 2010, ‘Celebrating America's Health Centers: Turning the Vision into Reality,’ highlights the 45-year record of Health Centers in providing high quality, cost-effective health care to all people, regardless of ability to pay. National Health Center Week 2010 also provides an opportunity to focus on the progress we have made towards fulfilling the goal of our ‘Access for All America’ plan to provide a health care home to 30 million patients by 2015.

America's Health Centers now serve over 20 million people in 7,000 communities in all 50 states. Maine is home to 19 federally qualified health centers, which operate approximately 100 delivery sites across the state.  Collectively Maine’s health centers provide high-quality, comprehensive health care to over 200,000 patients (one-in-six residents) annually. The model of care at these health centers goes beyond traditional preventive medicine and acute care.  Instead the value of Maine’s health centers can be found in their comprehensive approach to care, including behavioral health, dental health, pharmacy services and outreach.  

As the nation marks the 45th Anniversary of the creation of the Health Center program, HealthReach proudly celebrates 35 years of providing medical care in central and western Maine. ”I personally invite area residents and visitors to stop by our health centers,” states Connie Coggins, HealthReach President/CEO. Pick up health tips, enter our drawings, and learn about programs that help defray the cost of health care and medications.” Because HealthReach has 11 health centers, we are sponsoring events before during and after Health Center Week. Contact Communcations@HealthReach.org or visit www.HealthReachCHC for specifics on the Health Center events in your location. Help us focus the public spotlight on America's Health Centers and our work to make sure that everyone who needs a health care home considers establishing one at a Community Health Center.