While the Summer Olympics are still several months away and slated to be hosted on the other side of the world in Tokyo, the medals are already flying for the Cassopolis Family Clinic Network which has achieved Silver Status from the National Association of Community Health Centers. They had previously achieved Bronze Status in December of 2017.
The Silver Status award comes in recognition of the Cassopolis Family Clinic Network’s extensive local, state, and federal advocacy efforts, making them an ACE.
An Advocacy Center of Excellence, or ACE, is a Health Center that creates a culture of advocacy to ensure that policy makers at all levels of government commit to investing in affordable, equitable, and innovative care that health centers provide. ACE levels recognize consistent engagement, success, and demonstrated ongoing commitment to making advocacy an organizational priority. ACE certification is awarded at three status levels – Bronze, Silver, and Gold – and the designation is valid for two years.
ACEs are actively engaged and involved with the National Association of Community Health Centers issues as well as federal policy issues. Additionally, they are involved in their state Primary Care Association and key state and local-level policy issues impacting health centers and their patients.
Mary Geegan Middleton is Chief Executive Officer of the Cassopolis Family Clinic Network in Michigan’s Great Southwest. She says, “Today, Community Health Centers across the country are facing an uncertain future. Even though health centers comprise the largest primary care network in the country, solidifying the backbone of the healthcare safety net, Congress has yet to pass long-term funding. As a result, health centers are forced to operate on short-term funding patches, making it difficult to provide consistent services, plan for the future, and recruit and retain the best employees. Small businesses cannot survive without stability in funding. Health Centers can only continue to provide quality healthcare for people in the communities they serve if Congress acts – and acts now.”
Those wishing to express support for the local family clinic network or other community health centers can sign up to become an advocate at the link below. For more information, contact Rose Willson at (269) 445-3874. Here’s the direct link: http://hcadvocacy.org
Cassopolis Family Clinic Network is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, designated as a Federally Qualified Health Center. With locations in Cassopolis and Niles, the network provides quality affordable healthcare for the communities of Cass and southeast Berrien Counties. For more information click this link: http://www.cassfamilyclinic.org
