SMCS celebrates National Health Center Week

Springfield Medical Care Systems (SMCS) launched National Health Center Week 2010 (NHCW) with a series of free health clinic days, educational events and an open house, as part of a weeklong campaign (August 8-14) to raise awareness about the mission and accomplishments of America’s Health Centers.

Coast-to-coast events at local health centers included health fairs, press conferences and tours. These events highlighted the goal to strengthen primary care through the expansion of Community Health Centers.

One of the bright spots in America’s health care system, Community Health Centers are the family doctor to over 20 million people at 8,000 sites nationwide. Their critical role in providing quality primary care has been widely praised by bipartisan Congressional leaders and the last two Presidential Administrations. Health centers have also been in the public spotlight because now, more than ever, the uninsured and casualties of the economic recession are seeking their services. That is why funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act have made it possible for health centers to serve over two million patients, and over one million uninsured patients. And with health reform, the U.S. health care system is expected to save up to $122 billion in total health care costs between 2011 and 2015 with the expansion of health centers, according to an analysis by the Geiger Gibson/RCHN Community Health Foundation Research Collaborative at the George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services.

“Every day in our health centers, I am reminded of the value of having a medical home,” said Glenn Cordner, Chief Executive Officer of SMCS. “When people have a place to go for regular care, they use it and stay healthy. We provide a range of services – primary care, pediatric, and mental health services, and access to low cost prescription drugs. We will soon be offering primary dental care as well. Our patients get the care they need under one roof and, most importantly, are treated as individuals, with dignity and respect. This is what health care should be, and what we celebrate during National Health Center Week.”

The theme “Celebrating America's Health Centers: Turning the Vision into Reality” highlights the program’s 45-year record of providing high quality, cost-effective health care, as well as the future of health care for our region and across the nation. Health centers are transforming healthcare services by treating people before they get sick and require costlier care at a hospital.

SMCS offers comprehensive primary and preventive care through it’s nine-site community health center network with locations in Springfield, Bellows Falls, Chester, Ludlow, VT, and Charlestown, NH. To learn more about how you can access health care through SMCS, or for additional information on financial assistance programs that are available, please call 802-885-7604 or visit www.springfieldmed.org