HEALTH CENTER CELEBRATES ANNIVERSARY AND MULTIMILLION DOLLAR RENOVATION

Judith Watson, center, at ribbon-cutting event for the new Westchester Community Health Center.

On Wednesday, April 19, elected officials, dignitaries, community leaders and guests gathered to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Mount Vernon Neighborhood Health Center (MVNHC) and break ground for a $12 million renovation of the facility and its new name and brand.

The center will now be known as Westchester Community Health Center to reflect its broader geographic service area. “Because we operate centers in Greenburgh/White Plains and Yonkers, we are changing our name to Westchester Community Health Center to more accurately reflect the larger community we care for,” said CEO Judith Watson.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer who spoke at the ceremony said, “The Center offers much more than health care, it offers hope.”

County Legislator Tyrae Woodson-Samuels said the “The Center provides vital services to the community and Westchester County is committed to supporting it.”

Former Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson recounted the history of the center, recalling the activists who worked to find funding for the opening in 1980. She spoke of the need that the center filled, giving the citizens of Mount Vernon a place to obtain quality health care.

As they broke ground, Watson said, “We welcome everyone here, regardless of their ability to pay or their immigration status. We want to take care of everyone who needs our services.”

Watson earned her Bachelor of Science and Registered Nurse degrees from Pace University and her Master of Public Health degree from New York Medical College.