This week is special not only because it is National Health Center Week, but also because it marks the 35th anniversary of Michigan’s East Jordan Family Health Center.
“For 35 years, residents of Antrim and Charlevoix Counties have had access to high quality, affordable primary and preventive health care at East Jordan Family Health Center,” said Dan McKinnon, the Health Center’s executive director.
In celebration of this milestone, the organization is hosting a Patient Appreciation Festival on Thursday, August 11 from 4 to 7 pm. This community event will bring patients, staff and board members together to recognize this year’s achievements, with the highlight being the opening of 6,256 square feet of additional space.
The facility expansion has provided additional space to relocate the Health Center-owned East Jordan Family Pharmacy on-site, improve access for laboratory services, centralize patient registration, and add nine patient exam rooms. The renovation project was funded in part by a federal grant through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
During the celebration East Jordan Family Health Center’s Board of Directors will also announce the recipient of the Community Health Champion Award. This award recognizes outstanding contributions by an individual or group to improve health services, education and outcomes, or advocacy for community-based health care.
President Obama and Michigan Governor Snyder have designated August 7 – 13, 2011, as National Health Center Week. This week celebrates the mission and accomplishments of America’s Community Health Centers. East Jordan Family Health Center serves over 10,000 residents of Antrim and Charlevoix Counties and provided nearly 36,000 office visits in 2010. Nationally, Community Health Centers provide affordable access to comprehensive primary care services to over 20 million people.
To learn about other National Health Center Week events taking place in Michigan, go to www.healthcenterweek.org.
Michigan Primary Care Association 