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Hamilton Health Center has a history of strong community support. Grass root efforts by community residents initiated the idea of health care in the area then known as the Hamilton NDP (Neighborhood Development Plan). A few of the foremost leaders included: Mrs. Sarah Jones, Mr. Lorezo Roland, Sr., Mrs. Coleen Ivey, Dr. Claude Nicols, Mr. William Schirmer, and Mr. Peter G. Alapas. Many more names were added along the way. The first Project Officer, Reverend Robert O. Bailey, sought to respond to the residents concern for the accessibility of health care in the uptown area of Harrisburg. The group's first effort resulted in the establishment of a part-time clinic, staffed by Harrisburg Hospital personnel in a church basement, the former Augsburg Lutheran Church. While this clinic did not last long, its organizers recognized its value and began to explore other alternatives. Reverend Bailed had a vision of a health care facility in Harrisburg that would provide medical and dental services to people regardless of ability to pay for these services.
This vision was turned into a reality. With the technical assistance of Harrisburg Hospital, the Center applied for and received a $1.25 million grant from the Department of Health, Education and Welfare to provide health services. Over 265 people from the City of Harrisburg participated in a fundraising drive to purchase and renovate the Augsburgh Lutheran Church Education Center.
During the renovation period, Hamilton's staff worked out of a mobile medical unit and a number of other sites along North Fifth Street. Dr. Walter Kirker, a local obstetrician/gynecologist, became the Center's first Medial Director. Reverend Bailey continued as Project Director, Dr. Sara McKeever (Prioleau) was hired to develop the Dental Department and served for a short period as Administrator, and Dr. Robert G. Little became the first staff physician.
In September of 1973, all operations began in the newly renovated facility. By 1976, the center had expanded its scope of service to include the Women Infant and Children (WIC) Program. The Whittaker Foundation contributed $25,000 to purchase the Kelker Street Annex Building in 1979 for use by WIC and the Home Health Departments.
In 1988, Hamilton Health Center became the only community health center in Pennsylvania to contract with the State to provide a managed care program to medical assistance recipients. The HealthMATE program serves over 4,500 members throughout Dauphin County.
The 90's brought about major change for Hamilton Health Center. The Walnut Street site was opened for service to provide WIC, medical and dental services to the residents of the Allison Hill area. School based clinics were begun in 1995 and 1996 at Camp Curtin and Foose Elementary School, respectively.
After 25 years, Hamilton Health Center has over 100 employees and is providing care at 4 sites throughout the city. Medical, Dental, OB-GYN, X-Ray, Laboratory, Social Services, Nutrition Counseling, and a variety of other services are available. WIC services are provided to 5,800 clients each month at three (3) permanent, two (2) satellites, and 11 mobile van sites. Hamilton Health Center now known as the Capital Region Health System continues to strive to fulfill our motto.... Comprehensive Healthcare - CRHS and You.