Carson: New East Side Community Health Center Can Be a National Model
August 19, 2009
August 19, 2009
INDIANAPOLIS – Congressman André Carson issued the following statement today after joining Community Health Network CEO Bryan Mills, Superintendent of Warren Township Schools Peggy Hinkley and dozens of east side community leaders to launch the Jane Pauley Community Health Center, a unique collaboration between Community Health Network and the Metropolitan School District of Warren Township. The new center will provide quality health services to residents, regardless of insurance or income, with an emphasis on integrating medical, dental and behavioral health, along with access to various other social services.
"Health care is front and center on the minds of Indianapolis residents and people across this nation. Unfortunately, the debate on health-care reform too often centers on the political winds blowing in Washington. The focus needs to be on real people and real stories in communities.
"The fact is a large part of the remedy to the ills of our nation's health care system can be found by looking at community efforts like the Jane Pauley Community Health Center.
"No matter how you feel about health care reform, everyone can agree that too many people go without access to quality, affordable health care—including tens of thousands people in Indianapolis. And sadly, children are a significant part of this underserved population.
"Thankfully, families and children on the east side, who simply have gone without much-needed medical care, will find new hope at the Jane Pauley Community Health Center
"This center has the opportunity to become a national model for improving community health. Its focus on prevention and proactive care ensures we're promoting wellness and achieving better health outcomes, rather than merely treating disease and addressing illness after the fact. And the center's emphasis on holistic care—combining medical, dental and mental health services under one roof—means underserved populations can count on one convenient location for all of their wellness needs.
"I'll return to Washington in a few weeks as Congress resumes the debate on health care reform. Rest assured, one message I will be taking back with me is the story of a model program getting ready to blossom right here on Indianapolis' east side."
###