#GiveLocal: 5 Questions with Lancaster Health Center

Lancaster Health Center is the Lemon Street Market #GiveLocal partner organization for July and August. When customers opt to round up at the register, all proceeds will be donated to Lancaster Health Center in order to provide healthcare to all individuals in our community. We spoke with Nicole Specht, Lancaster Health Center Director of Communications, about the history of the center and the services they offer.

How did the Lancaster Health Center begin?

Our roots began on Strawberry Street in 1972 as a part-time, volunteer-run medical center. We worked hard caring for those who needed help. As we grew, we were able to add paid staff to our team. By 1980, we began providing dental care in addition to medical care. Also in 1980, we moved to an office on Rockland Street, merged with Lancaster Neighborhood Health Center and SACA Health Center and renamed the newly fashioned Federally Qualified Community Health Center, “SouthEast Lancaster Health Services.” Since then, we have added 5 sites throughout Lancaster. In 2018, our organization transitioned to the name “Lancaster Health Center” to better reflect our growing services and locations in the community.

Who can benefit from the services at Lancaster Health Center?

Our mission is to deliver high-quality and compassionate healthcare to all. We offer a wide variety of healthcare services, such as: dental care, general family practice, prenatal, women’s health, refugee health, chronic disease management, pharmacy access, insurance enrollment assistance, social work support, substance use treatment, quitting smoking, and patient education. Our care teams believe healthcare is a human right, and are dedicated to understanding and respecting each patient’s unique needs, cultures, values, and preferences.

Do patients need insurance to receive health care?

We see all patients regardless of insurance. If a patient is without health insurance, they meet privately with a social worker who can help determine insurance and Sliding Fee Discount Program eligibility and assist them with next steps.

How many locations do you have?

We have 5 locations: South Duke Street, North Water Street, and New Holland Avenue, and medical offices inside of the Bright Side Opportunities Center and Reynolds Middle School.

Can you share your favorite story of how Lancaster Health Center has made an impact?

”Knowing I can count on a quick and efficient referral process has helped to ease my stress. Lancaster Health Center has been a champion for my son and me. They work tirelessly to make our patient experience positive and comfortable. We are so lucky to have people who are community-focused serving the diverse population that is our Lancaster!”