August 13, 2018
Franklin County National Health Center Week
The Franklin County Board of Commissioners proclaimed the week of August 12-18, 2018 as National Health Center Week.
The Franklin County Board of Commissioners proclaimed the week of August 12 – 18, 2018 as National Health Center Week. At Thursday’s board meeting, Keystone Health representatives shared the importance of health centers as providers of high quality, cost effective services, accessible to all people, regardless of their financial status.
“Health centers are vital to every community and we are fortunate to have Keystone Health as part of ours,” said Commissioner Chairman Dave Keller.
Keystone Health President and CEO Joanne Cochran informed the Commissioners that in 2017, Keystone served over 50,000 patients and had over 250,000 visits. The center was established in 1986 to provide health care to migrant farmworkers in Franklin County and was funded by a $60K grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Today, Keystone is one of the largest Federally Qualified Health Centers in the nation with an operating budget of about $50M.
Commissioner Bob Ziobrowski commented, “The symbiotic relationship between Keystone Health, Chambersburg Hospital and Summit Health serves our community well.”
Keystone Health partners with Franklin County in the Jail To Community Treatment program—a medication assisted treatment program to help incarcerated individuals overcome opioid and alcohol use issues. The program focuses more on counseling than on medication with success measured by how many participants stay out of jail. “Keystone works closely with our jail to ensure that individuals with substance use and mental health issues have the support they need for successful reentry into the community. At 81%, their success rate is among the best in the country,” said Commissioner Bob Thomas. A typical success rate for this type of program is around 60%.
In recognition of National Health Center Week 2018, Keystone Health is providing several free health services at their Keystone Community Outreach location at 455 Lincoln Way East, Chambersburg. The event will take place August 13th- August 17th from 9 am-5 pm, with extended hours on Tuesday until 6 pm. Appointments are suggested, but not required, and can be made by calling (717) 709-7908. More information can be found at www.keystonecommunityoutreach.org.
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