FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 12, 2013

Contact: Nikki Reen (267-295-3859 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

PHMC health network committed to high-quality, patient centered care

PHILADELPHIA, PA - This week the nation celebrates National Health Center Week in an effort to raise awareness about the mission and accomplishments of America's Health Centers as local solutions for affordable and accessible health care.

Health Center's costs of care are among the lowest and the quality of care is among the best of any providers. Health Centers now serve more than 22 million Americans in over 9,000 underserved communities in every state and territory, filling a unique and vital role in the health care system.

The importance of Community Health Centers cannot be emphasized enough. Over the years these centers, in neighborhoods where people live and work, have transformed from providing just primary care services to providing a wide range of services including behavioral health care, dental, pharmacy, translation services, transportation, insurance enrollment and education. These critical services are essential for a holistic healthcare system.

PHMC health network has also grown to provide access to a wide range of affordable, high-quality services including primary care, behavioral health, vision, family planning and social services and access to translation services for various communities in Philadelphia. They serve vulnerable populations including men, women, children, patients experiencing homelessness and also offer specialized health services for high-risk populations.

Among its expanding services, PHMC health centers will also take a lead role to promote the Health Insurance Marketplaces under the Affordable Care Act by providing education and information to help patients choose health insurance that best meets their family's needs.

PHMC is dedicated to expanding capacity to serve medically underserved communities in the region. This year, PHMC Health Connection and Rising Sun Health Center, both nurse-managed community health centers, will move to larger spaces to continue to serve homeless and public housing communities. The Rising Sun Health Center will celebrate its grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony on September 12 followed by center tours, free health screenings, fun family activities, including KYW Newsradio mobile studio.

As Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) with National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) designation as a Patient-Centered Medical Home, the PHMC health network is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care. The centers operate with the Beyond Care concept, a holistic, patient-centered approach to quality care provided by experts who organize care around the community's needs.

PHMC Health Network

Congreso Health Center – provides primary health care, health promotion and wellness services with a bilingual, bicultural staff – 216 West Somerset Street, Philadelphia, PA 19133

PHMC Care Clinic – provides specialized health care to adults for HIV and Hep C diseases and social services – 1200 Callowhill Street, Ste 101, Philadelphia, PA 19123

PHMC Health Connection – nurse-managed health care facility that provides a variety of services to children, teens and adults in the community – Norris Homes and Apartments at 11th and Berks Streets

Rising Sun Health Center – provides primary care services to patients of all ages – 5675 North Front Street, Philadelphia, PA 19120

Mary Howard Health Center – comprehensive primary health care center for patients experiencing homelessness – 125 South 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

For more information visit www.phmchealthnetwork.org or call 1.855.887.9229