In just a few short months, the much-needed extra space has enabled the health center to dramatically expand access to affordable primary and dental care services for Near Eastside residents:

• Three doctors have joined the health center’s staff. Dr. Devonne Mullis (internal medicine/pediatrics), Dr. Amanda Beach (pediatrics), and Dr. Matthew Overley (family practice) are now accepting new patients.
• Rachel Hawkins, DDS, joined the dental team. Dental hygiene care is also offered five days a week.
• As a part of HealthNet’s integrated care model, Behavioral Health Services at People’s expanded to include two patient navigators, adolescent/pediatric psychiatrist Gina Laite, adult psychiatrist Dr. Cathy Herod, and child psychologist Dr. Robin Kohli, in addition to therapists Scott Kahler and Dr. Yvonne Oropeza. They are at People’s at least 1-2 days a week, as well as serving at other HealthNet locations.

It’s amazing the difference a year can make! The health center had outgrown its space nearly five years ago, in response to the needs of this community. Thanks to capital campaign donors and $5.3 million in federal stimulus funds, the new, environmentally “green” health center is expected to serve 11,000 patients and delivering 46,000 patient visits per year at capacity.

Congratulations to the People’s staff on a successful first year in your new home. Best wishes for many more to come!

Relive the moment…Check out photos from the health center’s grand opening celebration!

Did you know? Many community health centers like People’s desperately need to expand, but can’t. The Health Centers program faces real threats to its future as a result of actions already taken by, and proposals being considered, in Congress. Read more about the issue and how you can make a difference for the future health of our city.

One year ago tomorrow, President Obama signed into law the Affordable Care Act.

Community Health Centers now serve 23 million patients and provide care for one-fourth of all primary care visits for low-income citizens in our country.  The Affordable Care Act has been one more step towards health centers throughout the nation caring for 40 million patients by 2015.  The two greatest statistics that show the effectiveness of community health centers are

1. Cost per patient per day is nearly a dollar lower than all physician settings ($1.67 v. $2.64)
2. Medicaid beneficiaries who choose health centers for primary care are 19% less likely to use the ER for unnecessary visits and 11% less likely to be hospitalized.

The expansion of HealthNet’s Southwest Health & Dental Center, People’s Health & Dental Center, and the soon-to-be Barrington Health & Dental Center has benefited the Indianapolis area greatly.  These expansions will allow HealthNet to reach a greater number of underserved areas and provide services to more patients who otherwise would go without primary and preventative health care or unnecessarily use the ER.

However, there are still areas of HealthNet (not supported under ACA) that need expansion.  Areas such as

• Homeless Initiative Program – serving more than 3,200 homeless persons in Indianapolis
• Better Indy Babies/Healthy Families – making more than 14,720 visits to families in at-risk homes in Marion County
• Social Services – providing support to families living below the poverty level which is one in every 16 people in Marion County
• Radiology/Mammography Assistance – helping uninsured women who are less likely to be screened for breast cancer
• School-based Services – assisting more than 3,320 students in receiving health care and health education in 8 public and charter schools in Marion County
• Health Promotions – a free service that includes a dietitian, tobacco cessation counselor, and childbirth specialist

In light of the one-year anniversary of the signing of the ACA into law, we want to highlight the successful expansion of our community health centers throughout Indianapolis, but also ask for our COMMUNITY’S help in expanding our outreach services to reach further and build a healthier neighborhood for everyone.

You can help us reach those in need by making a quick donation online or by mail.  Visit our donation page to learn more about these programs and ways to assist HealthNet