To the Editor:

As a pastor and community leader, I hear from a growing number of persons who are making painful decisions between receiving much needed health care and feeding their family. For too many of us, our income has remained the same (or has decreased) while health care costs have increased.  And for those who have lost or can’t afford health insurance, access to care remains out of reach.  So what to do?

The Roanoke Chowan Community Health Center exists to serve northeastern North Carolinians by providing access to high-quality health care, regardless of person’s ability to pay or insurance status.  RCCHC is a locally-controlled non-profit organization directed by a board of directors (a majority of whom are also patients), ensuring that our health center is accountable and responsive to its local community.  We are a team of doctors, nurses, medical and office staff committed to serving the health needs of our region.

Many of our patients have private insurance and choose to receive their care at RCCHC because they enjoy the quality of care we provide and they appreciate the fact that every patient receives respect and dignity.  Other patients have public insurance like Medicaid.  Others still are uninsured and participate in a Sliding Fee Scale program where they pay according to their ability.

Community Health Centers, also known as Federally Qualified Health Centers, are regularly recognized for their ability to provide high-quality preventative and primary care while saving patients an average of $1,200 annually in total health care costs.  A long line of American Presidents and Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle have recognized the value of health centers and supported their expansion.

As a service provider, employer, and local business, RCCHC has a significant community and economic development role.  We are proud that RCCHC has a positive economic impact to our region of more than $10 Million annually.  With the growth we’ve achieved in the past year, that impact should grow exponentially.

National Health Center Week (August 5-11, 2012) is quickly approaching, so there is no better time to celebrate the work of Community Health Centers in reducing health disparities and improving the overall health status of our community.

On behalf of the staff and board of directors of RCCHC, I invite you to find out more about our center at www.rcchc.org or contact our Ahoskie (332-3548), Murfreesboro (398-3323) or Colerain (356-2404) locations to schedule an appointment.  If you do not currently have a health care provider, we encourage you to make RCCHC your health care home.

Rev. Dr. Daniel E. Glaze

Chair of the Board of Directors

Roanoke Chowan Community Health Center