As September came to an end, the beginning of a new era for Sadler Health Center began. The chilly morning set the stage as the community gathered to break ground at Sadler Health’s newest planned center at 5210 E. Trindle Road in Mechanicsburg.
“As we continue to serve patients at our health centers in Perry County and Carlisle, the new site in Mechanicsburg will offer those in need on the West Shore an option to obtain affordable, high quality care while meeting additional need in our region,” Manal El Harrak, Chief Executive Officer of Sadler Health Center, said.
Dr. Wendy Braund, Deputy Secretary, Health Preparedness and Community Protection, spoke on the importance and role of Federally Qualified Health Centers in the community and how they serve those in medically underserved areas.
Research revealed that low-income residents of the West Shore, account for 18% of the total amount of people who live there. More than 88% of these individuals were underserved or had no access to care. About 1,000 Sadler patients currently travel to Carlisle for care.
The new community health center offers 21,800 square feet of space that will be renovated to serve approximately 4,000 patients in the first year and 8,000 patients in subsequent years. Anticipated services include primary care for pediatric and adult patients, dental care, behavioral health services, Women’s Health, an in-house pharmacy, vision center, a lab, insurance enrollment assistance and a Medication Opioid Use Disorder for substance use program. The health center will also include a separate entrance for emergent healthcare needs and will serve as a COVID-19 response site providing accessible testing, treatment and immunizations. The site is projected to be operational and receiving patients by early summer of 2023.
The resources necessary to expand into Mechanicsburg will come from a combination of federal, state and county grant opportunities as well as support from the community. Sadler Health Center launched a capital campaign in 2021 to generate the contributions necessary to open the center. To date, over $1.9 million has been committed toward a $4 million goal. This expansion project will be designed to meet community expectations for affordability, access, quality, and patient-centered healthcare services.