Child Health Care Project Gets National Recognition

Pottstown's own Community Health and Dental Care, Inc. has been recognized nationally for its efforts to improve children's health by promoting pediatric primary care.

The non-profit health agency was selected among 50 national winners in the Health Resources and Services Administration P4 Challenge for innovation in promoting pediatric primary care to improve child health. 

The goal of the nationwide P4 Challenge is to increase access of well-child visits and improve immunizations within pediatric primary care settings.

Community Health’s winning submission -- “Centering Well Checks for a Healthier Community!” -- was among over 240 submissions received across the nation. 

Winners represented pediatric primary care providers and partners including federally qualified health centers, academic medical centers, community-based mobile units, and partnerships with local churches, fire departments and other community-based organizations. 

Community Health and Dental was awarded $10,000 to implement its proposal during Phase 2, from May through September, with a chance to be awarded up to $25,000 in October. 

Phase 1 applicants were judged by their understanding of the population served and its need, its innovative approach, and potential impact.

“We are very excited to partner with the YWCA Tri-County Area and Rickett’s Center in Pottstown to increase vaccination rates and provide well checks in a creative and innovative approach by engaging with parents so their children of all ages can receive their annual well checks," said Bridgette McGivern, CEO of Community Health and Dental Care.

According to Health Resources and Services Administration’s website, "the CDC reports that declines in vaccination coverage might leave young children and communities vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles." 

It goes on to say, "well-child visits also declined since the COVID-19 pandemic." 

Parents and caregivers are being encouraged to maintain child well-visits and maintain timely vaccinations.

For more information or to become a new patient, call 610-326-9460.

Since 2008, Community Health and Dental Care ensures access to appropriate levels of care for all people in the service area regardless of their ability to pay. 

The agency provides medical, dental, OBGYN, vision, podiatry, physical therapy, medication assistance therapy, integrated behavioral health, care and case management, and free transportation to and from all CHDC health center locations in Pottstown and Barto.

The agency accepts most major commercial, Medicare and Medicare supplement plans, fee for service Medicaid and Managed Care Medicaid plans and provides a health care discount for eligible uninsured and underinsured patients. 

For qualified patients receiving a 100 percent healthcare discount, the nominal fee for a medical/behavioral health/vision visit is $20, $35 for a dental visit and $5 for a prescription.