Indianapolis, Aug. 13, 2017 – Listed among the largest federally qualified health center systems in the country, Eskenazi Health Center eagerly anticipates recognizing and celebrating National Health Center Week, Aug. 13-19, 2017.
Health centers serve 25 million people annually, which include 300,000 veterans, 1.2 million homeless patients and 7.5 million children. There are more than 9,000 delivery sites in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and U.S. territories. Health centers save an average of 24 percent per Medicaid patient when compared to other providers.
Eskenazi Health Center is a network of 15 federally qualified health center sites and three urgent visit centers across Indianapolis. These sites provide cost-effective, high-quality and convenient care with an emphasis on wellness. Eskenazi Health Center in Marion County served a quarter million patient visits in 2016.
“Health centers can be the key to healthier communities. By making health care convenient and affordable and promoting wellness, community health centers help patients avoid or improve chronic conditions and they reduce the number of health care emergencies,” said Dr. Dawn Haut, interim chief executive officer, Eskenazi Health Center.
In exhibiting a strong emphasis on primary care, wellness and prevention, Eskenazi Health Center has established itself as an important part of the community. Eskenazi Health Center believes that many chronic conditions can be improved, avoided or even cured by adopting a healthier lifestyle.
Many of the Eskenazi Health Center locations offer the convenience of “one-stop shopping” with medical care, mental health services and social workers paired with an onsite pharmacy, dental services, optical center and family planning services. Some sites have a WIC office, food pantry and a clothing bank. Eskenazi Health Center comprehensive services also include financial counseling and assistance with navigating coverage options.
In conjunction with National Health Center Week, Eskenazi Health Center hosted a Community Health Fair on Aug. 5, at Eskenazi Health W. 38th Street in Indianapolis. Participants received free health screenings including blood pressure, BMI, diabetes, vision, oral health screenings and more. In addition, free sports physicals were available for everyone ages 10-21.
Eskenazi Health Center has invited city leaders to experience one of two Eskenazi Health Center sites strategically located to serve special populations on Wednesday, Aug 16. Eskenazi Health Pedigo at Horizon House brings both mental health and primary care services together at a day center that serves the homeless. The leaders will have lunch with Horizon House neighbors and then tour Eskenazi Health Pedigo to learn how this center focuses on the specific needs of individuals who are homeless.
Note: Media interested in speaking with Dr. Dawn Haut, a pediatrician and interim chief executive officer of Eskenazi Health Center, about Eskenazi Health Center and the growing trend of health care centers serving patients across the country may contact Tom Surber at 317.880.4793 or thomas.surber@eskenazihealth.edu to arrange an interview.
In addition, media may visit Growing Strong Cooking Matters Classes in Indianapolis as part of National Health Center Week:
Tuesday, Aug. 15, 1-2 p.m.: Eskenazi Health Center Forest Manor at 3840 N. Sherman Dr.
Cooking class using ingredients grown at The Sky Farm at Eskenazi Health.
Thursday, Aug. 17, 5-6 p.m.: Eskenazi Health Center Pecar at 6940 N. Michigan Rd.
Family cooking class and exercise.
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For nearly 160 years, Eskenazi Health has provided high-quality, cost-effective, patient-centered health care to the residents of Marion County and Central Indiana. Accredited by The Joint Commission, nationally recognized programs include a Level I trauma center, regional burn center, comprehensive senior care program, women’s and children’s services, teen and adolescent care programs, Eskenazi Health Midtown Community Mental Health, and a network of primary care sites located throughout the neighborhoods of Indianapolis known as Eskenazi Health Center. In partnership with the Regenstrief Institute, Eskenazi Health conducts groundbreaking work that informs health information technology around the globe. Eskenazi Health also serves as the sponsoring hospital for Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services. As the public hospital division of the Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County (HHC), Eskenazi Health partners with the Indiana University School of Medicine whose physicians provide a comprehensive range of primary and specialty care services. In December 2013, Eskenazi Health moved to its new main campus and opened the brand new Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital. The new modern and efficient facility is Central Indiana’s first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Gold health care campus and offers unique features like a one-of-a-kind sky farm and extensive art collection. The Eskenazi Health Foundation was the recipient of $40 million gift from Indianapolis couple Sidney and Lois Eskenazi to assist with building the brand new hospital facilities. HHC recognized this generous gift by naming the new hospital and health system in the Eskenazis’ honor.
CONTACT: Tom Surber
Phone: 317.880.4793
Cell: 317.402.9327
Pager: 317.310.5972
Email: thomas.surber@eskenazihealth.edu