By Mary Zelazny, CEO, Finger Lakes Community Health, an independent organization with nine community health centers in the region.
Each year, we celebrate National Health Center Week (Aug. 4-10, 2024), so let’s talk about the importance of community health centers and what makes them different, at a national and local level. Finger Lakes Community Health is a part of the Community Health Center program that serves more than 32 million patients each year (2023 data), which means that currently, 1 in 11 Americans receive their care at community health centers across the United States. In New York State there are over 70 community health center programs across the state, serving more than 2.4 million patients. Every community health center program is governed by a community board made up of a minimum of 51% of patients.
Community health centers offer a model of care that is patient-centered, and that goes beyond the usual approach within the walls of a facility and reaches out to address the clinical and social care needs of the communities we serve. We are an economic engine bringing jobs into the counties where we are located, buying local goods and services to support our work, and offering our patients the opportunity to access great care from a compassionate team.
Finger Lakes Community Health (FLCH) has nine full-service health centers in the region and served 28,481 patients in 2023. We are an independent healthcare organization – not a hospital or urgent care center. We provide primary medical, dental, behavioral health, care management, and advocacy services for all in our communities. It’s really “one-stop shopping” for your health care needs.
What makes FLCH different?
We serve everyone. We are here for everyone regardless of whether or not you have health insurance. Our patients come from all walks of life, and circumstances. It’s not uncommon for us to treat whole families – from infants to great-grandparents. Our patients come to our health centers and represent all the wonderful parts that make up our towns, villages, and country settings. Our goal is to ensure that our patients have access to the healthcare they need. Finger Lakes Community Health has medical, dental, and behavioral health clinicians who live in the communities where we have health centers. They understand the challenges that rural communities often face in trying to provide for the healthcare needs of their members. Our team is prepared to meet the needs of those we serve with the approach of working alongside our patients to get the care they need, when they need it, and how they want it.
Educating our patients
Our tagline is “taking the time to care,” and reflects our commitment to spending quality time with our patients. We prioritize conversations and education, especially about health issues they may not be aware of. For example, maintaining good oral health is crucial for pregnant women, although it might not be top of mind for them. By educating and ensuring that Mom has addressed her own oral health needs, we’re not only benefiting the mother but
also promoting the baby’s health. Bacteria in the mother’s mouth can potentially affect the baby. Additionally, while caring for the mother’s dental health, we also educate her on how to keep her children’s teeth healthy. We discuss when babies should have their first dental visit and provide guidance on preventing the transmission of oral germs through pacifiers and utensils. We also work with our pregnant patients to ensure they receive comprehensive prenatal care, are encouraged to visit the dentist and receive any necessary therapeutic support. It’s all part of our commitment to caring for our patients.
Barriers to Care
We also talk to patients about some of the obstacles in their lives that prevent them from becoming or remaining well. Maybe they can’t get to their doctor’s appointments. That’s when we talk about telehealth or virtual visits where the patient can access their clinician or counselor at the health center from their home. Some patients are unable to get enough food for themselves and their families. Our team can make the connections so that our patients get access to services that will help them have better health outcomes.
We’re here to help everyone. During National Health Center week we are thankful for our patients and staff and all they do for us. If you still have questions about community health centers, just give us a call at 315.781.8448 or visit our website.
