FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 27, 2011

Contact: Nikki Reen (267.295.3859 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

 City’s Only Primary Health Care Center Devoted to the Homeless Expands Facilities

 PHILADELPHIA—On Tuesday, June 21, Public Health Management Corporation commemorated 25 years of providing healthcare for the homeless in Philadelphia with a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the expansion of its Mary Howard Health Center facilities and services. Through funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and support from Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Independence Blue Cross and Independence Foundation, as well as donations from churches, individuals and businesses, the center has expanded to accommodate more clients than ever. The city’s only primary care health center exclusively serving the homeless population, Mary Howard Health Center, located at 125 South 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, expanded its physical examination rooms from four to 10 and added four behavioral health rooms – increasing the total square footage by 3400 feet.

 “We are thrilled that Mary Howard Health Center can offer more resources to the homeless community,” says Elaine Fox, vice president of Specialized Health Services at PHMC. “The expansion helps us better accommodate a growing homeless population.” Mary Howard Health Center, a nurse-managed primary care center, opened in Center City in 1995, recognizing a crucial need for integrated, holistic, comprehensive primary care, including behavioral health and social support services, for people experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia. Named after a woman known for her vibrant personality who died due to health conditions exacerbated by homelessness, Mary Howard Health Center now serves 2,100 patients and receives 7,000 visits each year.

 The evening began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Michael Howard and Florita Howard, the children of Mary Howard, and included facility tours, remarks from city officials and homeless advocates and more. Event speakers included Dainette Mintz, director of the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Supportive Housing; Lorina L. Marshall-Blake, vice president of Community Affairs, Independence Blue Cross; Henry Lopez, director, Office of Special Population Health, Health Resources and Services Administration; Susan Sherman, president and CEO of Independence Foundation; and Sheila M. Hess, manager of social mission, Independence Blue Cross. 

 About PHMC

 Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC) is a nonprofit public health institute that creates and sustains healthier communities. PHMC uses best practices to improve community health through direct service, partnership, innovation, policy, research, technical assistance and a prepared workforce. PHMC has served the region since 1972. For more information on PHMC, visit www.phmc.org.

###