December 7, 2007

LANSING - Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that the federal government has approved the Detroit-based The Wellness Plan as a federally qualified health center (FQHC) in Detroit, offering citizens increased access to quality, comprehensive health care services. 

"A critical part of our plan to transform Michigan's economy is to expand access to high quality and affordable health care services throughout Michigan," Granholm said.  "This new health center is a step in the right direction toward ensuring that Detroit residents have greater access to the much-needed health care services they deserve."

With the FQHC designation, The Wellness Plan will provide expanded access in three locations to preventive and primary medical care services while maintaining financial stability, allowing it to continue its mission to provide quality health care, mental health care, and dental care for the community well into the future.

With services to more than 22,000 patients, The Wellness Plan is now the largest FQHC in the city of Detroit and one of the largest in the state Granholm said.

Since the governor took office, 16 FQHCs have been approved in communities across the state, including Saginaw, Grand Rapids, Battle Creek, Detroit, Marquette, Muskegon, Jackson, Brimley, Westland, and Lincoln.  With the addition of the three new centers, the city of Detroit is now served by 25 FQHC locations.

The FQHC designation allows centers to better serve uninsured and underinsured citizens by allowing them to have health services the centers provide reimbursed by Medicare and Medicaid. 

"As a federally qualified health center, The Wellness Plan will provide Detroit residents with a reliable way to get comprehensive, quality health care services at a price they can afford," said U.S. Senator Carl Levin.

The federal designation will allow The Wellness Plan to offer comprehensive health care, dental and mental health services at the following locations:

The Wellness Plan, North Health Center, 21040 Greenfield, Oak Park

The Wellness Plan, East Area Medical Center, 4909 East Outer Drive, Detroit

The Wellness Plan, Gateway Medical Center, 2888 West Grand Blvd, Detroit

"I congratulate the Wellness Plan for bringing these new, much-needed centers to Detroit and Oak Park," said U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow.  "I am proud to have helped lead the effort to fund community-based health centers and will continue to fight to ensure these critical primary care providers have the resources needed to continue to serve families across Michigan and across the country."

"I am delighted that The Wellness Plan will continue to provide much needed health care to the people of Detroit," said Congressman John Conyers.  "The decision to make The Wellness Center a federally qualified health care center look-alike not only prevents the loss of vital health care services in Detroit but expands the number of treatment options available to local residents."

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