Foundation Commits $800,000 to Unite Health Center and Mental Health Services in One Facility

August 24, 2007, Pottstown, PA – The Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation is pleased to announce that it is committing $800,000 toward a joint location that will bring together the new Pottstown Area Health Center and the existing Creative Health Services, Inc. “This is a unique opportunity to integrate mental and emotional health services with primary health care in the Pottstown area,” states Dave Kraybill, Executive Director, Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation. “We are extremely excited to help facilitate this important addition to the community that will provide two critical services under one roof. Creative Health, Inc. will receive a grant that will be $160,000 a year for five years. It will assist with additional operating costs associated with the new location.”

“Many patients only need one provider – physical health or mental health,” comments Dave Kraybill, Executive Director of the Foundation. “For those that need both providers, this facility will be very convenient. Physicians estimate that one out of ten patients deal with common emotional health issues. Receiving help to deal with emotional issues leads to better overall health. The Foundation’s goal in supporting this union is stronger health outcomes for our community.”

The Health Center, once opened, will provide comprehensive, quality primary health care services to uninsured and underinsured residents of the greater Pottstown area. It will primarily serve residents who live in public housing developments and senior fixed-income housing sites. The purpose is to keep pace with the growth in the uninsured/underinsured population, offset a decrease in the number of physicians accepting medical assistance or private pay, to provide access to health care during evening and weekend hours and reduce Emergency Room referrals.

Creative Health Services, Inc. is a broad-based human services agency that has been providing mental health and drug and alcohol services to residents in western Montgomery and northern Chester counties since 1958. Their mission is to provide a clinical facility for the
diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental illness and substance abuse; to provide properly qualified personnel to carry out this purpose, and in all ways possible improve the quality of life for those who have difficulty in coping with the demands of society.

The renovated facility that will house the Pottstown Area Health Center and Creative Health Services, Inc. is slated to open January 2008 and will be located at 11 Robinson Street, Pottstown, PA.

The Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation’s mission is to enhance the health and wellness of area residents by providing education, funding and programs that motivate people to adopt healthy lifestyles. For more information on the Foundation as well as grant information, visit www.pottstownfoundation.org. For motivating information and delicious healthy recipes, click on “Mission: Good Nutrition,” which is their one-half hour television program promoting healthy living and lifestyles that airs on Channel 27 PCTV every Thursday at 7:00 p.m.