TARTAGLIONE RECOGNIZED FOR SUPPORT OF NEW HEALTH CENTER

PHILADELPHIA, May 3 - State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione attended a reception Friday night organized to recognize supporters of the new Maria de los Santos Health Center.

            The center, located on West Allegheny Avenue, provides health and social service ranging from family medicine to behavioral health care.

            “As the cost of health care rises beyond the reach of many families in my district, I’m proud to support this important facility and it’s mission to provide better access to quality services,” Tartaglione said.

            The Maria de los Santos Health Center was originally opened in 1985. The new facility increases its size from 15,000 to 41,000 square feet to host 20,000 patients each year.

            The health center is a project of Delaware Valley Community Health Inc., which organized the “thank you” reception Friday to recognize all of the donors and supporters that made the health center possible.

            “Government has an important role in ensuring the health of our community,” Tartaglione said, “but it cannot do the job alone.  I’m grateful to be part of this project along with dozens of private corporations and individuals who are giving back to the community.”

            Delaware Valley Community Health, Inc. began in 1969 as a satellite operation of Hahnemann Medical College and Hospital’s Department of Family Medicine. The first health center was located at 1812 Green Street in North Philadelphia’s Spring Garden neighborhood.

            Today, DVCH provides services to more than 100,000 patient visits each year, a third of them uninsured.