Health care provider chosen as partner for new community health and wellness center planned for Lebanon
Family First Health, a Federally Qualified Health Center with six sites in Lancaster, York and Adams counties, was chosen as the primary care partner for the WellSpan Dixon Foundation community health and wellness center, which will expand access to primary care services in Lebanon County.
As a Federally Qualified Health Center, Family First Health is equipped to help patients address barriers to care that are often experienced by the 30 percent of Lebanon County residents living in poverty.
WellSpan
is establishing the center after receiving a $2 million gift from the Francis
J. Dixon Foundation. The center will improve access to primary care, behavioral health and
other essential health and social services in the county. It is planning to open in the WellSpan Dixon Foundation Health
Center, at Fourth and Willow streets in Lebanon, in late 2018 or early 2019.
“Family First understands the social and financial challenges in an urban community and has a solid plan in place to accomplish their goal of providing a foundation of health. Health does not start in a doctor’s office and Family First looks forward to becoming a valuable part of the Lebanon community,” said Lebanon Mayor Sherry Capello, who is one of the 14 members of the community advisory group that is guiding the development of the health and wellness center. The group endorsed the selection of Family First Health as the primary care partner.
Family First Health takes a “beyond healthy” approach, which seeks to go beyond the doctor’s office for its patients. In addition to primary care, the organization provides dental care, substance abuse treatment, HIV care and social services.
“The board and leadership of Family First Health is excited about the opportunity to expand our impact into Lebanon County,” said Jenny Englerth, president and chief executive officer of Family First Health. “By prioritizing the unique needs and strengths of the community and building on existing efforts, we plan to leverage our nearly 50-year history of delivering comprehensive primary care to improve the health of individuals and families who need it most. The intentional and thoughtful work of many, including the Francis J. Dixon Foundation, will help us to accomplish that in Lebanon County.”
Founded in 1970, Family First Health serves over 25,000 residents at six sites in Columbia, Gettysburg, Hanover, Lewisberry and York. The organization cares for all, regardless of ability to pay.
Family First will collaborate with others serving vulnerable populations including, Federally Qualified Health Centers in the area as well as the providers at WellSpan Family Medicine – North Fourth Street, with the shared goal of improving the health of Lebanon County residents.The
selection of Family First Health as the primary care anchor partner is a key
step in the planning of the community health and wellness center. The community
advisory group and focus groups with Lebanon County residents will continue to
help shape the easy-to-navigate, one-stop center for community members who need
social and health services.
