Report highlights achievements, challenges, and path forward for federally qualified health center.
WORCESTER, Mass. – Family Health Center of Worcester (FHCW), a federally qualified community health center, today announced it has published a final report of its 120-Day Go-Forward Strategic Plan, Better Together, an internal review organized into six different Working Groups, assisted by outside professionals, to identify opportunities to achieve efficiencies, strengthen financial standing and support staff. The report is available for download at FHCW.org/BetterTogether
“This report, its findings, identifying the goals and the results we have already achieved, is the work of our own outstanding and dedicated team members here at Family Health Center of Worcester,” said Louis Brady, president and chief executive officer. “Their efforts help provide a clear path forward to continue to best meet the needs of our patients and community.”
“Our work together has already led to significant improvements for our patients,” said Susan Sleigh, chief operating officer. “We’ve reduced wait times for patients and reduced dropped calls by 40% just in the past three months and have onboarded more than 30 team members in the past six months. Our team’s focus on patient needs and satisfaction exemplifies what Family Health Center has been since its founding, a significant and critical community resource.”
Initial achievements as a result of the Better Together plan include:
- Cost of Living Adjustment for 100% of FHCW Staff
- Onboarded 37 Team members since November 2022
- Hired over 10 providers since November 2022
- Hired FQHC-specialized financial team
- Consistently maintained 30+ days cash on hand since January ‘23
- Improved billing collection from just 58% to 85%
Chief clinical officer Robert Zavoski, MD said, “I give all credit to our providers and support staff who have remained committed throughout our recent challenges. It is through their efforts that we continue to serve tens of thousands of residents on-site and via telehealth. We have successfully hired key providers and will continue to strengthen our resources to better support our staff and care for our patients.”
“I was thrilled to join this committed group,” said Yinka Fadahunsi, chief financial officer. “We have already improved our financial position, including reductions in reimbursement lag, improving cash on hand and implemented meaningful operational improvements that will continue to strengthen Family Health Center going forward.”
“The challenges Family Health Center faced last year are behind us, and while there remains significant work ahead I couldn’t be more humbled by the energy and commitment of our people,” said Brady. “As we finish building a stronger foundation with the conclusion of Better Together, we are leveraging the insights learned to build a more revitalized organization that’s ready for the future. We are grateful to partners at the city, state, and federal levels for their continued commitment and meaningful support of our revitalization efforts.”
About Family Health Center of Worcester
Family Health Center of Worcester is an FTCA deemed, Federally Qualified Health Center health center open to all residents of Worcester and surrounding areas. Family Health Center of Worcester’s mission is to improve the health and well-being of all residents in the Greater Worcester area, especially culturally diverse populations, by providing access to affordable, high quality, integrated, comprehensive, and respectful primary health care and social services, regardless of patients’ ability to pay. In addition to its main site at 26 Queen Street in Worcester, MA Family Health Center provides care at seven school health centers in Worcester, MA. Family Health Center administers the Women Infant Children (WIC) nutrition program at five sites in the Greater Worcester area.
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For Media Inquiries:
Nic DiBella
Director of Marketing & Communications
Family Health Center of Worcester
Nicolas.DiBella@fhcw.org
