The Wayne County Commissioners issued a Community Health Centers Week proclamation on August 1, recognizing the local importance of Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers. The proclamation was part of a countywide celebration that took place August 4-10.
Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers, a nonprofit organization, employs more than 400 people, from doctors to support staff, commissioners noted. It is one of the largest employers in the county.
Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers was founded in 2007 with services in Wayne and Pike counties before expanding into neighboring counties. Today, there are 19 facilities providing primary care, women’s health, mental health, urgent care without appointment, dental offices and a VA outpatient clinic.
Program Director Janice McConnell said, “National Health Centers Week is meaningful to us, our patients and our staff and the recognition they deserve for their service to community members.”
Chairman Commissioner Brian Smith recalled that he once worked as a security guard at Wayne Memorial Hospital and knew the late Dr. Harry Propst (longtime chief medical officer) well. He commented that Wayne Memorial had always been “second to none.”
“I think the Community Health Centers have done a great job of responding to the healthcare needs of our community,” said Commissioner Joceyln Cramer, recommending the centers as a great place to work.
Commissioner James Shook pointed out that it is important to establish health centers throughout the rural area with a centrally located hospital to ensure that everyone is cared for.
Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers grew out of the original Wayne County Memorial Hospital, which opened in 1920 in the former Dimmick home next to the courthouse at the corner of 9th and Court Streets. The hospital moved to Park Street in 1951 and has been expanded several times since then.
Peter Hooker honored
Commissioners also honored Pete Hooker for his 20 years of service to the Wayne County Emergency Management Agency. Hooker will retire on August 30.
Hooker was an Army veteran and served for twenty years, later serving two years with the county sheriff’s office.
“Public service has been your life,” Smith told him. “You have served it well and you should be proud of yourself. I know your family is proud of you, Pete.”
Peter Becker has worked at the Tri-County Independent and its predecessor publications since 1994. He can be reached at [email protected] or 570-253-3055, ext. 1588.
