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InterCare locations are shown in blue. WIC only locations are shown in gray.
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Contact: Velma Hendershott National Health Center Week Promotes Access to Health CareNEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 6, 2009 Bangor , Mich. - InterCare Community Health Network, headquartered in Bangor, is joining community health centers across the county to celebrate National Health Center Week 2009 (August 9 - 15). This annual event recognizes the contributions of health centers in providing affordable, high quality, cost-effective health care for populations who are often left outside the mainstream of America 's health care system. Today, millions of people lack access to basic health care due to a shortage of primary care doctors, according to the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). America 's health centers serve 18 million people in 7,000 communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia , Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam . It is estimated that by 2015, community health centers will provide care to more than 30 million people per year. "Community health centers help people stay healthy and out of emergency rooms," said Velma Hendershott, President/CEO of InterCare. "Community health centers currently save the health care system nearly $18 billion a year and consistently earn high marks as one of the most effective federal programs." It is estimated those savings will more than double in the next 6 years thanks to the expansion of the community health center movement. Founded in 1973, InterCare Community Health Network operates six health care sites throughout southwest Michigan . Federally funded and nonprofit, InterCare serves residents and farm workers in six counties: Allegan, Berrien, Cass , Kent , Ottawa and Van Buren. Two counties Berrien and Van Buren - rank first and second in the state's census of seasonal agricultural workers. "Migrant farmworkers are an important part of our patient population at InterCare," said Hendershott. "For that reason we offer bi-lingual services and other support to help workers and their families stay in good health while they are here with us in Michigan ." InterCare health centers will provide free health screenings at various times throughout the week. Screenings will include blood pressure, diabetes screening and education, depression screening, immunizations, and infection control education. Screenings will vary by site. Earlier, State Senator Wayne Kuipers of Michigan 's 30 th District paid a visit to InterCare's Holland health center to promote the Reach Out and Read program, an outreach program to promote literacy among children. InterCare is a member of the National Association of Community Health Centers and of the Michigan Primary Care Association, working together to achieve expanded access to an outstanding model of high quality health care for those in need. For more information about National Health Center Week visit www.healthcenterweek.org . For more information about InterCare Community Health Network visit www.intercare.org . |
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