SPRINGFIELD – The Caring Health Center will celebrate National Health Center week in the upcoming week with special days to honor agriculture workers, patients and staff.
The theme of the week, which runs from Aug. 9 through 15, is “Community Health Centers: Lighting the Way for Healthier Communities Today and in the Future.” Although the COVID-19 pandemic will not allow large gatherings the Caring Health Center will still find ways to highlight the 21,000 patients who receive care there and the 250 employees who help them, officials said.
As part of the event, Mayor Domenic J. Sarno issued a proclamation declaring the city will celebrate the week.
“Now more than ever, it is important to acknowledge and recognize the vital role our local community health centers play in ensuring that everyone has access to comprehensive, quality health care, regardless of their situation,” Sarno said. “The City of Springfield is proud to join with Caring Health Center in acknowledging and recognizing all those involved in making our Caring Health Center a viable and helpful place to receive quality and accessible care, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.”
Caring Health Center will highlight different people during the week. Monday will be agriculture workers day, Tuesday is patient appreciation day, Wednesday is stakeholder appreciation day, Thursday is staff appreciation day and Friday is children’s health day.
“With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting everyone, especially our vulnerable patient population, this might be the most important year yet to celebrate National Health Center Week,” said Tania M. Barber, Caring Health Center President and CEO. “We have risen up to challenge after challenge over the years, and now through these difficult times, Caring Health Center stands strong as a beacon of ongoing accessible, coordinated, comprehensive, and continuous health care within the context of family, culture, and community.”
As part of the celebration there will be online games for patients and staff, a staff-produced video featuring local produce and giveaways of gift cards, facemasks, hand sanitizer, dental kits for kids, and stress balls, she said.
The center’s main office is at 1049 Main St., Springfield and it has satellite centers and WIC centers on Sumner Avenue and Boston Road in Springfield. As part of its comprehensive care, the center it operates a pharmacy, a nutrition program and serves as the largest refugee health assessment provider in the state, she said.