NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 12, 2013
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Nurse-managed health center moves to larger facility to better serve the growing needs of the community
PHILADELPHIA –Rising Sun Health Center, a program of Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC) and one of five nurse-managed federally qualified health centers in the PHMC health network, opened the doors of their new health center today at One & Olney Square. PHMC Management was joined by Representative Dwight Evans from the 203rd Legislative District; Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Regional Administrator, Pam Kania; and Health Center patient and advisory board member, Shellie Jackson, for the official ribbon cutting.
The 7,500 square foot facility is three times larger than their previous location, allowing for expanded services to the community including all-inclusive primary care and social services, along with elder-friendly facilities and 12 state-of-the-art exam rooms.
"We're excited to be able to better serve the health needs of the Olney community," said, Richard J. Cohen, president and CEO of PHMC. "This new facility gives us additional opportunities to fulfill our mission to improve the health of our communities, particularly for those who are uninsured or underinsured and in need of affordable health care options."
Data from PHMC's 2012 Pennsylvania Household Health Survey indicated that last year over 30,000 residents in the community surrounding Rising Sun Health Center utilized a community health center or public clinic. There is an estimated 35,500 uninsured in the neighborhood, 20,900 who don't have a regular source of care and 29,900 who in the last year chose not to seek needed health services due to cost. The expansion of Rising Sun Health Center will help provide accessible, affordable health services to those who need them most, particularly the residents of public housing. The center offers same day appointments and flexible payment options as well as patient advocacy, such as providing enrollment assistance with the upcoming Health Insurance Marketplace.
"Rising Sun Health Center will continue to provide high-quality, affordable health care to patients of all ages, regardless of insurance status and ability to pay," said Melissa Fox, Managing Director of Health, PHMC. "Our staff of nurse practitioners and other health professionals focus on patient-centered, convenient care designed to meet the diverse needs of our patients and their families."
Following remarks and the ribbon cutting ceremony attendees enjoyed activities including facility tours, a PHMC health fair with free health screenings and activities for the entire family including the KYW Newsradio Kidcast Mobile studio and give away prizes. The new facility was opened and will operate with support from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, HRSA, The Independence Foundation, Independence Blue Cross and The Pew Charitable Trusts. Rising Sun Health Center also has a special focus on providing care to public housing residents, and works closely with the Philadelphia Housing Authority to ensure residents have access to primary care. In addition, United Healthcare donated a children's reading corner to the center.
Rising Sun Health Center is open Monday and Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Wednesday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Multiple insurance plans are accepted, including Medicaid and Medicare. In addition to primary care services, patients benefit from chronic disease management, HIV prevention and case management, health education and family planning services.
About PHMC Health Network
Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC) is a nonprofit public health institute that creates and sustains healthier communities. The PHMC health network consists of five nurse-managed, federally qualified health centers offering affordable, high-quality, patient centered health services to communities throughout the Philadelphia area, including public housing populations and individuals experiencing homelessness. They share a simple mission: to provide comprehensive primary health care, family planning, disease management, social services and more to men, women and children. Nurse-managed health clinics are staffed by advanced practice nurses and an interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals working in collaboration with the community to serve as a medical home and safety-net provider for America's underserved communities, regardless of a patient's ability to pay. The PHMC health network is committed to their Beyond Care concept, a holistic, patient-centered approach to quality care provided by experts who organize care around the community's needs. Three locations have certification by the National Centers for Quality Assurance as a Patient Centered Medical Home. PHMC is also home to the National Nursing Centers Consortium, a network of over 250 nurse-managed health centers nationally. For more information visit www.phmc.org and www.phmchealthnetwork.org.
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