Star Community Health Hosts Local Legislators

Star Community Health, a federally qualified health center, will host a breakfast for elected officials on Tuesday, August 8, to raise awareness about its success in providing high quality health care services to their constituents – especially the underserved and vulnerable. More than 10 elected representatives are expected to attend the event at the Fowler Building, 511 East Third Street, Bethlehem during National Health Centers week, August 6-12.

“Federally qualified health centers are vital to meeting the healthcare needs of every citizen of our community,” said Mark Roberts, Executive Director of Star Community Health. “We are incredibly grateful for the continued support from our local, state and federal officials. Their commitment to the mission of health centers has allowed us to grow and expand our services to better meet the needs of area residents, many of whom would otherwise not receive healthcare. This breakfast is our way of thanking our supporters and increasing their knowledge of our services, including primary care, women’s health (OB/GYN), pediatrics and dental care.”

During the breakfast, Star Community Health will share videos about the organization and a typical patient experience. It will also offer tours of Star Community Health’s Southside practices, providing internal medicine, pediatric (KidsCare) and dental services.

Federally qualified health centers are community-based and patient-directed organizations that provide affordable, accessible, high-quality primary health care services to individuals and families, including people without no or inadequate insurance, experiencing homelessness, agricultural workers, residents of public housing and veterans.

Other events planned during National Health Care Week include:

• Future Doctors Day, Monday, August 7, 10 am-1 pm, Star Community Health Southside, 511 East Third Street, Bethlehem (Fowler Building).

Star Community Health invites young patients, their families and the public to meet with doctors and medical students. Learn what it takes to start a career in the medical field. Hands-on activities include arts and crafts, demonstrations with the simulation lab, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) instruction and conversations with a real doctor. Free and open to the public. Light refreshments and door prizes.

• Dental Health Day, including Free Adult Oral Cancer Screening, Wednesday, August 9, 3-7 pm, West Ward Market, 12^th and Northampton Streets, Easton.

Star Community Health welcomes members of the public to tour our dental health van parked at the West Side Market, next to Paxinosa Elementary School. Meet the dental team and receive a dental hygiene kit. Star Community Health will partner with St. Luke’s Cancer Center to provide free oral cancer screenings.

Star Community Health is excited to announce that the Star Community Health Dental Van will treat students at Paxinosa and Cheston Elementary Schools during the 2023-2024 school year.

Federally qualified health centers integrate access to pharmacy, mental health, substance use disorder and oral health services in areas where economic, geographic or cultural barriers limit access to affordable health care. Health centers reduce health disparities by emphasizing coordinated care management of patients with multiple health care needs and the use of key quality improvement practices, including health information technology.