Forty years ago, a plan surfaced for affordable health care for the city of Newburgh, already in a downward spiral as a result of urban renewal and the loss of manufacturing jobs. From those humble beginnings, Greater Hudson Valley Family Health Care has grown and taken on a more inclusive mission: to become a “one stop center” for patients in Newburgh and across the region.
Ken Mackintosh, chief advancement officer, was enlisted by Linda Muller, Greater Hudson Valley Family Health Care”™s president and CEO since 1991, to help erect the health facility”™s new building, allowing it to move its offices on Newburgh”™s Lake Street to a new family health center across the street. Today, a $15 million building with 60,000 square feet on 16.2 acres is delivering health care to the more than 17,000 patients streaming through its doors each year, welcoming the insured and the uninsured, the self-payer and the Medicaid/Medicare patient.
Thanks to a $7 million capital campaign that has already raised more than $6 million, plus a $2.5 million donation from the Kaplan Foundation and smaller donations from businesses and individuals, the new health center officially opened in April.
Forty-nine examination rooms replaced the original 14 in its old building. There is a separate wing for children in its Bonura Family Pediatric Suite. Obstetrics and Gynecology are at another “pod,” along with a third section for internal medicine. ?“The ratio of doctor to patient is 3-1,” said Macintosh, who estimates the Center”™s population will grow with growing medical need. “Regardless of what comes down from Washington, we are seeing more patients already since the 2008 crash.”
The center now handles 105,000 patient visits per year, said Mackintosh, who expects that number eventually to hit the 300,000 mark ”“ “And we are ready with this building.”
The center offers a behavioral health suite with a separate entrance; the same for its HIV/AIDS suite. The methadone treatment center also has a separate entrance. “People want obscurity,” said Macintosh, “and because of the size of the building, we were able to make that happen. They can then go on to see their primary care physician, get a prescription filled, all in one location. Their personal business is their own.”
The center is holding a health fair on Saturday, August 14, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A center in motion
GHVFHC is working on bringing the following services to the community:
”¢Â   2,400-square-foot health and community center for use by residents and the city.
”¢Â   1,700-square-foot laboratory.
”¢Â   2,200-square-foot dental suite that will include dental surgery, in addition to its offsite location.
”¢Â   Switching to electronic medical records and building its mainframe from a $750,000 grant from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. .
”¢Â   Women”™s, Infants”™ and Children”™s wellness center, scheduled to open August 2010.
”¢Â   Sub-specialties to treat chronic illnesses.
”¢Â   Its walk-in center for patients without appointments will expand its current hours and include weekends. Ultimately, GHVFHC wants to make it available 24/7, 365 days a year to free up hospital emergency rooms for stroke, heart attack and other life-threatening treatment.
