WEST PALM BEACH – Local community leaders who serve the public were among the first to join Michael J. Calhoun, President of the Board of Directors of FoundCare, who hosted an inaugural luncheon and roundtable discussion on healthcare at the organization’s community health center in West Palm Beach.
The event was the first in a series of luncheons which are planned over the next year at the not-for-profit organization, which provides primary medical care to the uninsured and underinsured in Palm Beach County South Florida.
“In addition to individuals, single parents and families, healthcare is a critical concern for small businesses who would like to provide medical care to their employees,” noted Calhoun. “At FoundCare Health Center – which opened just over a year ago – those in Palm Beach County now have access to healthcare whether or not they have the ability to pay.”
Among those attending the luncheon were Yolette Bonnet, Chief Executive Officer of FoundCare; James L. Collins and Ken Druskin, FoundCare Board of Directors members; Bill Quinn, Center Manager of FoundCare Health Center; Suzy Sims of the Greater Lake Worth Chamber of Commerce; Lizette Matias of the YMCA of the Palm Beaches, Debbie Manzo of the City of Greenacres and author and journalist Carolyn Susman.
Following the luncheon from Café Joshua and the roundtable discussion, those attending the luncheon were taken on a tour of FoundCare Health Center to discover the services offered and meet the medical staff.
“We were pleased that some of the most active local organizations in our community are joining us to learn about the medical services provided at FoundCare Health Center and to discuss the challenges of providing health care to the community at our luncheon today,” concluded Calhoun. “At FoundCare, we believe that health care is the right of every individual. Since it opened last year, our center has bridged the healthcare gap for over 2,000 patients in Palm Beach County. No one here is refused care due to their ability to pay. The providers also participate with Medicaid, Medicare and Healthy Kids plans along with local Health Care District programs.
”The Center is a one-stop primary care facility where everyone receives medical care in a family-friendly, culturally diverse environment. The 29,000 square-foot state-of-the-art medical office building is staffed by board-certified primary care providers, an infectious disease specialist and nursing staff. Medical professionals build relationships that focus on prevention and early intervention in order to ensure optimal health and well-being.”
According to Calhoun, once the health center is fully-funded, it is estimated that the facility will be able to serve up to 10,000 patients per year. To date, patients access services including preventive healthcare for children and adults, immunizations, cancer screenings, health education, healthy lifestyle and risk-reduction behaviors. Dental, X-ray and pharmacy services are planned for the future.
The non-profit FoundCare Health Center is located at 2330 South Congress Avenue in West Palm Beach, Florida. To attend a future luncheon or to obtain more information on FoundCare Health Center you may visit www.foundcare.org or by calling 561-HEALTHY.
