Celebration of National Health Center Week

Celebration of National Health Center week was a great success due to the number of people participating, months of planning, support and donations from community businesses. An article in the July, 2015 issue of "Now & Then" magazine featured Ohio Hills Health Services.  It gave details of the 4 clinic locations and the services offered.    

The week-long celebration was a success in raising awareness about the mission and accomplishments of America's Community Health Centers as local solutions for affordable and accessible health care. 

Tuesday August 11, was well attended with the managed care organizations for Ohio Medicaid.  In attendance were Melvin Harris with United Healthcare, Natalie Hicks, Paramount; Angie Calderon-Irizarry, Molina and Joan Alexander, Care source. In addition, Linda Kinter from Belmont County Department of Job and Family Services was there and Pat Lake with AAA, Area Agency on Aging.  Many folks were able to get assistance and answers to their questions. 

Wednesday August 12th began with Ohio Hills Health Services hosting the Barnesville Chamber of Commerce breakfast.  Jeff Britton, Executive Director thanked everyone for coming and spoke about Ohio Hills Health Services role within the community.  Brandy Stephens and Barb Smith gave some information about the Certified Application Counselors, what assistance they can provide to anyone for education and application for Ohio Medicaid, Marketplace and Medicare insurance.  They also thanked the community for their generous donations.

Wednesday afternoon was successful with Bill Knox, CPA in attendance to assist with questions and information regarding the Marketplace Affordable Health Care.   

Thursday afternoon Mary Leep-Pichert of OSHIIP, Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program, along with Jeff Arnold with AAA, Area Agency on Aging, were able to assist a few people with questions regarding Medicare and other programs available.

Friday was the highlight of the week with a daylong celebration with many in attendance for the Immunization Clinic. Many children and families were assisted.

In attendance for our final celebration Scott Gallagher Barnesville council member, Cathryn Stanley of the Barnesville Enterprise.  Also attending were Joan Alexander, Care source; Michele Shirer, Molina; Representing United Healthcare were Melvin Harris, Michele Nash, Dolly Warden and Ellen Henderson.  "The Healthy Hound" made an appearance and was a hit with children and adults alike. In addition were Cindy Phillips, Help Me Grow; and Janice Thatcher of Freeport Dental clinic who educated children about proper dental care.  Bean bag toss and face painting were a couple of the activities for the kids.

Senator Lou Gentile visited the clinic, enjoyed the festivities and went on a tour of the facility.

Each day refreshments were provided and drawings for different prizes, such as: gift certificates as well as girl's and boy's bicycle with helmets. 

Ohio Hills would like to thank everyone involved in making this a success and their donors who without their help, this week could not have been possible. We would like to thank the following sponsors:  Barnesville Hutton Memorial Library, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post-2792, Flag Floors, Convenient Food Mart, Avenues of Barnesville, Barnesville Senior Center, Elite Heating and Cooling, Belmont Savings Bank, Woodsfield Savings Bank, Corner Fitness, Walmart, Blossoms, Bless Your Heart Folk Art, Riesbeck’s, Hissom’s Car Care, Sam’s Club , WesBanco, Buckeye and Paramount Advantage, Care Source, United Health Care, Molina Health Care, Barnesville Pumpkin Festival Committee.

For more information about OHHS, please visit our website – www.ohiohillshealthservices.com. or like us on FaceBook.

To learn more about the mission and accomplishments of community Health Centers please visit the website of the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHE) at www.nachc.org.

To find out more about National Health Center Week, visit www.healthcenterweek.org.