Nationwide, health centers provide preventive and primary care services to almost 30 million people and have continued to do so while facing a global pandemic. In 2019, Oak Orchard Health served over 23,339 patients and that number continues to grow as it added three new locations in 2020 – Batavia, Pembroke, and Alexander.
Community health centers are not just healers, they are innovators who look beyond medical charts to address the factors that may cause poor health such as poverty, homelessness, substance use, mental illness, lack of nutrition, and unemployment.
Over the past year, Oak Orchard has cared for the community during the pandemic. Oak Orchard was one of the first to do drive-through COVID-19 testing in its health center parking lots for people with symptoms and without. “We have done over 6,800 COVID tests and 5,600 vaccinations. And consultations with patients throughout the pandemic to advise them on how to care for themselves and their loved ones,” said Dr. Obear, Chief Clinical Officer.
Oak Orchard used telehealth technology to communicate with patients who needed to “see” their providers. And as soon as vaccines were available, Oak Orchard created vaccine events where people could get vaccinated. All while ensuring that farmworkers had the healthcare they needed since they are essential workers.
“We are proud to employ 275 people and have contributed significantly to the economies of Monroe, Orleans, Steuben, Wyoming, and Genesee counties,” said Mary Ann Pettibon, CEO, Oak Orchard Health.
Originally founded in 1966, Oak Orchard has grown from a migrant health project into an integrated health center with multiple locations providing health care services for everyone located in the communities it serves. For information, visit www.oakorchardhealth.org.
Provided information and photo
