Care and wellness
May 6, 2024Family Health Care
Family Health Care is a community health center that takes community seriously.
“Our staff live here, they know the area,” said Dr. Sarah Weers, family medicine physician at the White Cloud clinic. “It’s our community serving our community.”
Family Health Care is the oldest community health center in Michigan and one of the oldest in the United States. In Newaygo County—with locations in White Cloud and Grant—patients can access medical, vision, dental, and behavioral health services along with pharmacy, x-ray, and labs.
“Transportation is a barrier for so many in our area,” said Sarah. “What could be three stops somewhere else can all be done at once here.”
They have also made care more accessible for their youngest and oldest patients. They operate clinics inside several schools across the region and offer services specifically for homebound older adults. “We’re always looking for ways to help,” said Julie Tatko, president and CEO of Family Health Care.
As a nonprofit organization, philanthropy is especially important in Family Health Care’s work. They rely on grants and other funding to enhance services. Past grants from the Community Foundation have helped fund a new x-ray machine, dental spaces, and respite programs. Family Health Care also has endowment funds at the Community Foundation to support their work.
“Philanthropy can make a significant difference,” said Julie. “Everything gets poured back into the community and our mission. It gives us the opportunity to fill in the gaps. We want to make care as easy, accessible, and affordable as possible.”
“We take a lot of pride in taking really good care of our patients,” said Sarah. “I love coming to work every day
and building relationships with my patients.”
