Columbus — In honor of National Health Center Week, the Ohio Association of Community Health Centers (OACHC) honors Community Health Center Heroes from around the state. Each year during National Health Center Week (Aug. 8-14, 2010), Ohio’s Health Centers celebrate the commitment and service individuals make in their Health Centers and their communities.

This is the first celebration of National Health Center Week since the enactment of the landmark health reform law, which provides a direct investment to strengthen primary care through the expansion of Community Health Centers. Ohio’s Community Health Centers will double the number of patients they treat within in the next five years.

In addition to increased access, Ohio and the nation will be the beneficiaries of reduced health care costs. The U.S. health care system will save up to $181 billion in total health care costs between 2010 and 2019 according to a recent George Washington University analysis.

This amount includes $52 billion in federal Medicaid savings and $33 billion in state Medicaid savings.

“There has never been a more important time for Community Health Centers to be part of the health care solution, nationally and in Ohio. These exemplary individuals nominated by their peers demonstrate the excellence and quality of care provided at more than 150 Health Center sites throughout Ohio,” said Randy Runyon, recently named president and CEO of the Ohio Association of Community Health Centers.

“We’re very pleased to take the time to celebrate their accomplishments.”

Below are 2010 Ohio Community Health Center Heroes from the Ironton and Coal Grove communities and quotes from their peers or Health Center patients supporting the nomination:

Shirlene Dalton

CAO Family Medical Centers

Healthcare for the Homeless

“A person who goes above and beyond to help a person in need. Not only people who are in need, but everyone. If you need help with something, she’s always there to help or find someone who can…”

Kim Oxley, MD

Ironton Family Medical Center

Pediatrician

“Dr. Oxley is absolutely wonderful with her patients. I have personally watched Dr. Oxley talk via telephone to concerned parents and when there has been a family in need, I have seen Dr. Oxley bring in goods for that family, anonymously. Expecting nothing in return. Dr. Oxley is a great person and deserves recognition for her generosity.”

Beth Brown

Kemp Family Medical Center

Nurse

“She is always available to help patients and staff when in need.”