This month we celebrated National Health Center Week to raise awareness of the important role health centers play in our communities.
But, why just celebrate one week? Let’s spread awareness year-round about the positive impact health centers have.
Health centers serve 23 million patients in the United States, which is about one in fifteen people who utilize health centers as their health care home. As a Patient-Centered Medical Home, DFD meets and exceeds the healthcare needs of its patients through innovative, patient–centered primary care services.
Through our system focused on care coordination, patient education, and medication management, DFD Russell has seen a:
- 20% decrease in non-preventative medical provider visits
- 50% decrease in patient visits to the ER
- 38% decrease in patients requiring hospital stays
Health Centers across the United States perform just as well or better than private physicians on 94% of quality measures and save an average of $1,263 per patient per year.
DFD is the highest-ranking community health center in Maine and the nation for its commitment to quality care. Each year DFD serves more than 8,000 local patients with 25,000 encounters.
But what makes DFD different from other providers?
- More night and weekend hours
- More likely to accept new patients
- Community-governed
- More services under one roof
Health Centers make a tremendous impact in our communities. DFD alone employs 54 individuals, providing over $3,900,000 in salaries and benefits that go back into our community each year.
Together, let’s raise awareness about the positive impacts health centers have on our communities, Share with friends and family on how DFD is supporting our neighborhoods and can help support them.