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Medical center opening Portage facility aids underserved

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David O'Brien

December 5, 2008

By Dave O'Brien

Record-Courier staff writer

The new Portage County Community Health Center, a federally-qualified clinic that will provide medical care to all county residents regardless of medical insurance, is open for business.

Local and state officials gathered with health care workers Thursday to celebrate the opening with an open house, refreshments and comments from speakers on the center's steering committee.

The center took over the former Robinson Memorial Hospital MedCenter One at 1993 S.R. 59 in Franklin Township. Planning was conducted by a committee made up of officials from Robinson Memorial Hospital in Ravenna, the Northeastern Ohio Universities Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy in Rootstown, Family & Community Services and Portage County commissioners.

"We serve anyone who comes in the doors," said John Sniezek, CEO of Akron Community Health Resources Inc., which is operating and staffing the center.

"It's great to come to a facility that is just helping people and reflects our values as a community," said U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, who presented the center with a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol.

"There are people out there who aren't as lucky as we are, and we have a moral obligation to help them. This program just makes too much sense. Portage County gets a big bang for their buck," he said.

Portage County Commissioner Chuck Keiper, a steering committee member, said the affordability of healthcare is a distinct concern in Portage County.

"The number of folks likely to be served will test the capacity of our planning," he said.

A $1.1 million gift to the NEOUCOM Foundation from an anonymous donor aided in the rehabilitation of the building, said Jay Williamson, associate dean of clinical sciences at NEOUCOM and a steering committee member. NEOUCOM students will train and learn at the center to continue the institution's mission of education, research and service, he said.

Robinson Memorial President and CEO Stephen Colecchi was given a surprise by Family & Community Services Executive Director Mark Frisone when he learned the clinic's board room will be named in his honor. Frisone praised Colecchi's "dogged determination" in making the clinic a reality.

"Steve would not let this die," he said. Both men also are steering committee members.

The center has 16 employees, including doctors and nurses. About half are full-time and half part-time employees, Sniezek said, and the majority are former employees of Robinson Health Affiliates who decided to stay on after MedCenter One closed.

Sniezek said the center is open six days a week. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. The phone number is 33-673-1016.

E-mail: dobrien@recordpub.com

Phone: (330) 298-1123

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5.	Posted by meg324 December 6, 2008
	The center has a group of providers that you could see and choose from. If you prefered a specific physician you could continue to see that one. Although if you ever get sick and want to come right in any of them would gladly see you!

4.	Posted by windhammom December 5, 2008
	If I were to come to this clinic, would I see the same physician all the time or is it going to change like with the medcenter?

3.	Posted by ange05 December 5, 2008
	Portage Community Health Center; located at 1993 State Route 59 (330-673-1016), has taken a number of steps to enhance the health care in the Portage Community. PCHC is a Family Practice Clinic, which provides preventive health services within Family Care, Pediatrics, Dental and Gynecological Care. In addition, PCHC is dedicated to helping patients with Chronic Care Management, Prescription Assistance, Vaccinations, Diabetes Care and Nutrition, as well as access to a social worker. PCHC accepts all insurance and for those who have no insurance, health care is available on a sliding scale based on income. Anyone in need of establishing medical care is invited to Portage Community Health Center. Portage Community Health Center is a dedicated group of professionals whose number one purpose here is delivering top quality service to you. To improve your knowledge and understanding of Portage Community Health Center we strongly encourage you to call 330-673-1016. The Clinic's hours are Mon-Fri 7:30AM to 6:00PM, and Saturdays 7:30AM to 3:00PM. PCHC is located at 1993 State Route 59 in Kent, at the corner of SR 261 and SR 59.

2.	Posted by meg324 December 5, 2008
	Gary Townhall II has a waiting list of at least a month to see a doctor where as the new center will see you the same day if not the next. They work with their patients to give them medications on the $4 list or will work to help them find low cost prescriptions. This center is just what this community needs at a time when we need it most. They are there for the community as a whole which means for people that can or cant afford health care.

1.	Posted by Gary December 5, 2008
	This new medical center is a farce--the commissioners shouldn't have their hands in this matter at all. This clinic is for people who can afford health care. Townhall II serves anyone who does not have health care and it is free. Townhall II also gives free medication to it patients which I am sure the new place does not.