WAVERLY, Ohio — Pike County commissioners signed a proclamation Monday declaring Aug. 2-8 National Health Center Week in the county, formally recognizing Valley View Health Centers for 35 years of service to the region.
Commissioners Tony Montgomery, Jerry Miller and Jeff Chattin signed the document during a ceremony attended by Valley View Medical Director Dr. Christine McKain, Behavioral Health Director Stephanie Craft, Director of Operations and Special Projects Clint Throckmorton, and Keith Pitts, CEO of the Community Action Committee of Pike County, according to a release from the organization.
This marks the second consecutive year commissioners have issued the proclamation honoring the health center, the release said.
Valley View operates as a Federally Qualified Health Center, providing care across Pike, Scioto, Adams and Jackson counties regardless of a patient’s insurance status or income, according to the release. The organization recently added a family medicine physician in Waverly as part of its ongoing expansion of services.
This year’s national observance carries the theme “Building Innovative Care Where It Matters Most,” reflecting efforts by community health centers to adapt services to local needs, the release said. Valley View’s offerings include medical and dental care, behavioral health support, medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders, case management and discount pharmacy services, according to the release.
Nationally, community health centers serve about 52 million patients across more than 17,000 communities, according to the National Association of Community Health Centers.
The release said Valley View also functions as an economic driver in southern Ohio, supporting jobs for physicians, dentists, nurse practitioners, therapists and administrative staff while working to lower overall health care costs in the communities it serves.
Commissioners encouraged residents to recognize the partnership between Valley View and the communities it serves during the observance week, according to the release.
The information contained in this story was obtained from the Community Action Committee of Pike County and Valley View Health Centers.
