7-30-14 Feature Story:
Governor Deval Patrick toured the Brockton Neighborhood Health Center (BHNC) on Tuesday, July 29 and met with staff to discuss strategic investments his Administration has made to support access to quality, affordable health care in local communities. Joined by Health and Human Services Secretary John Polanowicz, Governor Patrick toured BHNC's insurance enrollment center, Adult Care and Pediatrics where the Governor read Five Little Monkeys to young patients as part of the Center’s Reach Out and Read Program (pictured).
As one of 49 health centers across the Commonwealth working with state partners to provide innovative patient care, BHNC has partnered with the Administration to connect to the MassHIway, advance substance abuse treatment, implement patient-centered medical care models, enhance HIV client health and prevention services, support more than 15 Certified Application Counselors, and strengthen diabetes education and referral as one of three statewide pilot sites.
"As we work to transform health care on the state and national levels, Community Health Centers play unique and critical role within our Commonwealth’s health care mix and the communities they serve," said Secretary Polanowicz. "By taking an inclusive approach to health care, many Community Health Centers are enhancing coordinated patient care practices that help contain costs, addressing not just physical health, but also the mental, nutritional, fitness and public health needs of patients."
Following the tour, the Governor participated in roundtable discussion with local officials, BNHC leadership, Brockton area health care providers including Brockton Hospital, and Good Samaritan Medical Center and Representatives from the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers, to discuss how to better collaborate with state agencies and connect to Administration supports that can advance public health and wellness in Brockton and communities across the Commonwealth.
"Governor Patrick and Secretary Polanowicz have been major partners in supporting primary care innovation at health centers," said James W. Hunt, Jr., President
and CEO of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers. "By providing wide-ranging investments in community-based care, including support for workforce
development, information technology and clinical initiatives, the Patrick Administration continues to recognize the distinct and comprehensive approach health
centers take in promoting the health and well-being of their patients."
