Crider Health Center Celebrates National Health Center Week 2013

Crider Health Center is marking National Health Center Week 2013 (NHCW) as part of a weeklong campaign (August 11-17) to raise awareness about the mission and accomplishments of America’s Health Centers as local solutions for affordable and accessible health care.

One of the bright spots in America’s health care system, Community Health Centers have been in existence for over 45 years and have compiled a significant record of success by: 

·          Reducing income and ethnic health disparities nationwide, even in the poorest and most challenged communities

·          Producing $24 billion in annual health system savings

·          Reducing unnecessary hospitalizations and unnecessary visits to the ER

·          Generating a system of preventive medicine that patients use regularly to stay healthy, thus saving lives.

Health centers serve more than 22 million people nationwide, and are increasingly becoming the trusted provider of choice for many families, whether they are insured or not.  Evidence shows patients choose health centers because they are convenient, affordable, and offer a range of services from a team of caring professionals. Studies also show the quality of care at a health center is as good or even better than private practices. 

“Every day in our waiting rooms I witness the value of having a patient-centered health care home,” said Nancy Gongaware, senior vice president of medical and dental services at Crider Health Center. “When people have a place to go for regular care, they use it and stay healthier. We provide a range of services onsite – primary care services, pediatrics, pharmacy, dentistry, and a full range of office-based and community-based health services.  Our patients not only get the care they need under one roof, but they are treated as individuals, with dignity and respect. This is what health care should be, and what we celebrate during National Health Center Week.”

Starting on October 1, 2013, Crider Health Center will be a site where those in the community who do not have health insurance can come and learn about their options.  As part of the Affordable Care Act, Missouri is offering affordable health insurance through the “Marketplace”.  We will have a Certified Application Counselor on site to assist with providing education regarding health insurance options and to give assistance with enrolling in a plan.  The health insurance coverage will then be effective on January 1, 2014.  To learn more about the Marketplace, visit www.healthcare.gov.

To learn more about the mission and accomplishments of Community Health Centers please visit the web site of the National Association of Community Health Centers at www.nachc.org.

About Crider Health Center

Established in 1979, Crider Health Center is a not-for-profit organization that provides behavioral, primary and dental health services to individuals who are uninsured, underinsured or have an income level at or below poverty.  Crider Center has provided hope to almost half a million children, youth and adults in the St. Charles, Lincoln, Franklin and Warren Counties.  Crider’s vision is Full, Productive, Healthy Lives for Everyone.  To make a donation or for more information on Crider Health Center, please visit www.cridercenter.org.