Topeka, Kansas – Shawnee County Health Agency-Community Health Center (SCHA –CHC) – the place “Where Access and Quality Care Begin” for people in our community – joins the rest of America’s more
than 1,200 Community Health Centers in kicking off National Health Center Week 2009 (August 9-15, 2009).

The theme of the week, “Where Access and Quality Care Begin,” highlights health centers’ roles as “health care homes” for some 18 million people in America, providing primary and preventive care and a
range of services. SCHA-CHC serves over 6,800 patients in our community each year – a number that is increasing due to layoffs and cutbacks during the economic downturn.

“Good health is so important to lead fulfilling and productive lives. The SCHA-CHC welcomes individuals and families who need a health care home, even if they don’t have health insurance coverage,” said Carol Ramirez, Director of Shawnee County Health Agency-Community Health Center.

“We provide high-quality services that emphasize primary care and wellness so that families can stay healthy and out
of hospitals. National Health Center Week is a time to spread the message that we need to invest in an accessible and affordable community health system that can reduce disparities, improve health and achieve cost savings.”

SCHA-CHC has recently been recognized as one of the top 25 community health centers in the nation for excellence in caring for patients with diabetes. This honor came from The Health Resources and
Services Administration (HRSA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in June 2009.

SCHA-CHC provides a wide range of services to members of the community from primary care and family planning to mental health services. Public insurance such as, Medicaid and HealthWave are
accepted, as well as many private insurance. 45 percent of patients who visit SCHA-CHC are uninsured.

Health center patients pay on an income-based sliding fee scale. For more information, please visit www.snco.us/ha.