December 29, 2008

Contact: Margie Wachtel (603) 422-8208 x141

Letter to the editor

December 29 – To the Editor (Portsmouth Herald):

Thank you for your editorial today about the importance of walk-in clinics and health centers. As you noted, these organizations are important now as a safety-net provider for people who lack health insurance, and will also be an important part of “real reform of our national health care system.”

Your editorial also noted that “local newspapers have a role to play in informing people of the existence of our local clinics and health care centers” and specifically mentioned Lamprey Health Care, SeaCare Health Services and the Hampton Free Medical Clinic. Another organization that belongs on any list of safety-net health care providers is Families First Health and Support Center, the community health center serving the Seacoast.

Families First provides an affordable medical home to more than 3,600 patients each year, with our family practice and prenatal practice based at the Community Campus in Portsmouth. We also provide a van-based walk-in clinic for homeless people at 11 sites in Portsmouth, Hampton, Dover and Rochester. Along with high-quality medical care, Families First patients also have access to dental care, behavioral health services, parenting classes, home visiting, social services coordination and more. Our practice is open to everyone – infants to seniors, families and single people, insured and uninsured.

In times like this, when many people are losing their jobs and health care coverage, it is more important than ever to inform people of all their options for receiving affordable, high-quality health care. We invite anyone in need of primary or prenatal medical care – as well as anyone who would like to support the availability of this health care for others – to contact us at 603-422-8208 or visit www.FamiliesFirstSeacoast.org.

Helen B. Taft Executive Director Families First Health and Support Center