Special week proclaimed

Van Wert Mayor Don Farmer has proclaimed August 11-17 as Health Care Center Week for the city on behalf of Family Health Care of Northwest Ohio. Health Care Centers are nonprofit, community-owned and operated health providers serving uninsured and medically underserved people in the community. Community health centers deliver comprehensive, high-quality preventive and primary health care to patients, regardless of their ability to pay. The large network of community health care centers has become the essential primary and preventative medical home for millions of Americans, and has been shown to reduce the use of costlier providers of care, such as emergency departments and hospitals. Family Health Care is a United Way sponsored organization currently located at 1052 S. Washington St. In existence since 2004, the health center currently serves approximately 3,000 unduplicated patients in Van Wert and the surrounding counties. Shown with the mayor are Family Health Care Director Jennifer Smith (standing), and board members Pastor William Watson and Don Hangartner. (photo submitted)