2023 IMPACT REPORT

FROM Bethany Blackburn, Chief Executive Officer

When the health emergency was lifted this past May, there was a collective sigh of relief that the pandemic was finally over. Although it may be true that the world has moved on from Covid, its impact is still felt by those who lost someone, are still experiencing health impacts of the virus, missed significant education opportunities, and by those who lost their job and are still trying to find their footing. Many who were eligible for Medicaid during the pandemic, may find that they have been un-enrolled and no longer qualify. Others may have lost their insurance coverage when they became unemployed. North Side Christian Health Center (NSCHC) is ready to care for anyone who needs medical, dental or behavioral health care, regardless of ability to pay or life circumstances.

Supporting our neighbors and our patients on the Northside and the surrounding communities is not new for NSCHC. The Center was founded 30 years ago to fill a health care gap for those who had no access to insurance because they were unemployed or did not qualify (remember when pre-existing conditions excluded people from health insurance when they were most in need?(. In 1993, three young physicians, Dr. Holt, Dr. Guy, and Dr. Wahrenberger created a health center for everyone, regardless of ability to pay, where whole-person care was provided with compassion and without judgement. Their vision became a reality and has touched thousands of lives. NSCHC’s focus is and will always be on caring and supporting our patients. For nearly two years, we have provided a satisfaction survey to every patient completing an appointment. While we love hearing how we have made a positive impact, we also take patient feedback to heart and are continuously working to improve access to services. For patients, this means less wait time to get an appointment and better continuity of care.

This year, NSCHC received recognition for its focus on patient care: NSCHC was certified by the National Committee on Quality Assurance as a Patient-Centered Medical Home. Recognition confirms that NSCHC has the tools and resources to provide its patients with the high-quality care at the right time. Michelle Saldutte, a therapist at NSCHC since 2020, was also recognized by the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers with a “Patient Choice” award for her excellent patient care.

This fall, NSCHC celebrated 30 years of serving patients on the Northside. Regardless if you were able to attend the annual gala, we thank you for your engagement, your encouragement and your on-going partnership. Our mission, our facilities, and our services would not be possible without you.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9.

Bethany Blackburn, MBA
Chief Executive Officer