News Releases

Foundation for Health Excellence Awards $1 Million Grant to Care Alliance’s Central Neighborhood Clinic

The Center for Health Affairs, through its Foundation for Health Excellence, announced today that it will award $1 million in grant funding to support the capital and operating needs of Care Alliance’s Central Neighborhood Clinic. The grant was made possible through the support of The Center’s member hospitals and health systems: Cleveland Clinic Foundation, University Hospitals Health System, The MetroHealth System, Sisters of Charity Health System, Lake Health, Mercy Regional Medical Center and Southwest General Medical Center. 

“The Northeast Ohio hospital community, including University Hospitals, has always supported endeavors that improve the health of the community,” said Tom Zenty, CEO, University Hospitals. “Expansion of Care Alliance’s Central Neighborhood Clinic will expand primary care to thousands of people who need it and will most certainly have a positive impact on community health.” 

The new two-story health clinic, slated to open in May 2015, will serve Cleveland’s Central Neighborhood, which today has the highest concentration of public housing in Northeast Ohio and limited access to primary care services. At full capacity, the 30,000-square-foot clinic will enable Care Alliance to expand comprehensive health services including medical, dental, behavioral health and other support services to 13,000 underserved Clevelanders each year. 

“We applaud The Center for Health Affairs Foundation for Health Excellence for its financial support for the construction of Care Alliance’s Central Neighborhood Clinic,” said Terrence Kessler, president and CEO of the Sisters of Charity Health System. “Increasing access to primary, dental and behavioral health care, as well as revitalizing this neighborhood, are all causes we at the Sisters of Charity Health System, St. Vincent Charity Medical Center and Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland wholeheartedly engage in and support.” 

“Care Alliance’s Central Neighborhood Clinic will offer the continuous, comprehensive care that will change people’s health habits,” explained Akram Boutros, MD, President and CEO of The MetroHealth System. “Instead of resorting to episodic care, residents will have a medical home where they can seek ongoing care leading to better long-term health.” 

Care Alliance, a Federally Qualified Health Center, is an integral member of the healthcare safety net and aims to provide high-quality, comprehensive medical and dental care, patient advocacy and related services to people who need them the most, regardless of their ability to pay. In addition to offering healthcare and supportive services to individuals experiencing homelessness, Care Alliance serves people living in and around public housing and those living with HIV/AIDS. 

“Primary care is the key to community health improvement,” said Bill Ryan, president and CEO of The Center for Health Affairs. “We are proud of our role in helping Care Alliance expand to the Central Neighborhood.”

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About The Center for Health Affairs
As the leading advocate for Northeast Ohio hospitals, The Center for Health Affairs provides members with vital services and resources aimed at enhancing the region’s healthcare community. The Center delivers on this goal by focusing its efforts on areas that benefit from a regional approach: Healthcare Workforce; Emergency Preparedness; Public Policy & Advocacy; Finance & Reimbursement; and Community Initiatives. With a rich history as the Northeast Ohio hospital association, dating back to 1916, The Center serves as the collective voice of hospitals and the source for Northeast Ohio hospital and healthcare information. As leaders, we continuously scan the periphery, looking for opportunities to enhance the region’s workforce, better prepare our hospitals for an emergency, and increase the region’s wage index. And because of our business affiliation with CHAMPS Healthcare, we have the resources to provide a broad level of professional services to our members. The Center, located in downtown Cleveland, is proud to advocate on behalf of 38 acute-care hospitals and two long-term acute-care hospitals in six counties. For more, visit chanet.org. 

About Care Alliance
Care Alliance is a nonprofit, federally funded health center dedicated to serving the needs of homeless, public housing and uninsured residents of Cuyahoga County. In 2013, Care Alliance served more than 10,000 people, 59% of whom were homeless, through 34,000 visits. Intensive outreach efforts and strong partnerships with other agencies allow Care Alliance to deliver medical care to people on the fringes of society. What began in 1985 as Cleveland’s “Health Care for the Homeless” program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has grown to encompass primary medical care, comprehensive dental care and supportive services to address chronic homelessness and poverty in Cleveland. Through strategic partnerships with other safety net agencies, and through the support of foundations, corporations and residents of the community, Care Alliance continues to be a medical home for those who may not have a home. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, the organization is able to offer services to patients of all ages on a sliding fee scale based on income.