National Health Center Week 2016 runs August 7-13. In this week, community heath centers and their supporters all over the country raise awareness about the mission and accomplishments of America’s health centers over the past five decades, such as producing $24 billion in annual health system savings, reducing unnecessary hospitalizations and unnecessary visits to the emergency room, generating $26.5 billion in economic activity and over 230,000 jobs, and reducing infant mortality rates.
Piedmont Health has scheduled a variety of activities to celebrate the week:
- Aug. 5, 9 a.m., Piedmont Health SeniorCare of Burlington & Burlington Community Health Center. Kickoff celebration. Invited guests include US Congressman Mark Walker; NC State Representatives Steve Ross & Dennis Riddell, NC State Senator Rick Gunn; Mike Fenley for Senator Burr, Burlington City Council, Alamance County Commissioners and local first responders. Local organizations partnering with Piedmont Health for an expansion include representatives of the Alamance Regional Medical Center and local organizations will also be in attendance.
- August 9, 9 a.m., Piedmont Health Corporate Office. Our leaders, Dr. Abigail DeVries, her team and the Community Outreach area that have partnered with the American Cancer Society will receive a certificate of appreciation for this work.
- Aug. 9, 2 p.m., Moncure Community Health Center: Event to thank Congresswoman Renee Ellmers for her support of community health centers during her time in Congress.
- Aug. 12, 10 a.m., Prospect Hill Community Health Center: Annual Back-to-School event. NC State Senator Mike Woodard and other elected and local officials will attend. Also, the Caswell County Fire Department, EMS and the Forestry Department will be there with a fire truck, ambulance, bulldozer and a blow up of Smokey the Bear, and the Fire Department will also be passing out information on home safety.
- Aug. 18, 10 a.m., Chapel Hill Community Health Center: Tour of Piedmont Health’s newest health center. Invited guests include US Congressman David Price and representatives of the Chapel Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Orange County Department on Aging.