WILLIAMSPORT - Susquehanna Community Health and Dental Center announces it recently received Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) status.
An FQHC is a Community Health Center facility that has been designated by the federal government by adhering to regulations pertaining to the scope and quality of health services provided to anyone, regardless of ability to pay. FQHCs serve 20 million people across the country.
Susquehanna Community Health and Dental Center began as part of Divine Providence Hospital within Susquehanna Health in the fall of 2000. As the need for services grew and the center developed, it relocated to 469-471 Hepburn St., Williamsport, in the Hepburn Street Plaza. Susquehanna Community Health and Dental Center is an inclusive, faith-based, nonprofit corporation with a mission to serve the community and operate using best clinical and business practices that will enable increased wellness and financial sustainability. The Community Health Center is staffed by five primary care physicians, two nurse practitioners and a physician assistant. The Dental Center has three dentists and three dental hygienists.
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Ellen Krajewski
Leaders at the Susquehanna Community Health and Dental Center acknowledge the investments and ongoing support that Susquehanna Health has made that allow it to remain a facility for quality medical and dental care for Lycoming County residents.
"We are sincerely grateful to Susquehanna Health. These facilities were established because Susquehanna Health was responding to an unmet need in the community," said Ellen Krajewski, president and CEO of Susquehanna Community Health and Dental Center. "Today, their support continues as we transition it to an FQHC.
"Our goal is to provide a broad continuum of primary care and dental services to our patients. As an independent entity working with our community partners, we can grow to meet our patients' needs more effectively and efficiently, while continuing to provide quality care," she added.
The center has been an independent entity since Jan. 1, 2011, and is governed by a community-based board of directors that includes area business and community leaders, as well as consumers of the center's services.
In efforts to better serve the community, Susquehanna Community Health and Dental Center has partnered with area organizations. Local partners include Susquehanna Health, the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania, Transitional Living Center, Albright LIFE, Community Services Group, Family Center for Reproductive Health, Lycoming County Health Improvement Coalition, Lycoming County United Way, Aids Resource, St. Anthony's Volunteer Clinic, West Branch Drug & Alcohol, Consumer-focused, Behavioral Health Managed Care Company and Delta Dental.
Susquehanna Community Health and Dental Center is open to new patients who do not have a primary care physician or general dentist and accepts Medical Assistance, Medicare and multiple private insurances. An income-based sliding fee scale is available for those who qualify. To schedule a dental appointment, call 567-5430. Dental care is available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For a medical appointment, call 567-5400. Medical services are available on Monday and Tuesday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Wednesday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
