MOUNT VERNON – An affiliation with Nationwide Children’s Hospital will improve Knox County’s access to pediatric care.
The Knox County Community Health Center has joined Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) Affiliate Network. The network is a collaboration focused on advancing access to pediatric care and improving health outcomes for families across Ohio.
The partnership provides access to Nationwide Children’s pediatric expertise, professional development opportunities and operational support. These opportunities strengthen community-based care and ensure that every child receives quality, family centered care regardless of circumstances.
“We are dedicated to strengthening families and supporting a healthier community for everyone in Knox County,” said Anthony Bowersock, health center project director.
“This partnership with Nationwide Children’s will bolster our ability to provide care that addresses the unique health needs of our community, making sure every person has the ability to live well.”
Reducing barriers, expanding care
Knox County’s community health center is a federally qualified center that provides quality health care accessible to all. The center delivers medical, dental and behavioral health care services in Mount Vernon. It served patients through 27,155 visits last year.
As part of the FQHC Affiliate Network, Nationwide Children’s provides participating health centers with opportunities for clinical and nonclinical collaboration. Opportunities include tailored pediatric education, connections to other physicians and support for clinical trial enrollment. It also includes consultation to implement behavioral health services in the primary care setting.
“Nationwide Children’s is dedicated to the transformation of children’s health to achieve best outcomes for every family in Ohio, regardless of ZIP code or ability to pay. Partnerships like the FQHC Affiliate Network are essential to that mission,” said Cydney Bertke, manager of network development at Nationwide Children’s.
“Through our collaboration with Knox County Community Health Center, we can help reduce barriers to care and expand access to health services, advancing their goal of a healthier community.”
FQHCs are in over 8,000 rural and urban communities across America and deliver affordable quality care to more than 20 million people. FQHCs play a significant role in lowering health care costs and producing savings for the nation’s health care system.