SMCS Receives $1.3 Million In Grant Funding For Health Center Network 
Posted on 3/6/2009

Springfield, VT — After more than six years of due diligence and hard work, Springfield Medical Care Systems (SMCS), the parent corporation of Springfield Hospital, received word from Senator Bernard Sanders that SMCS has been awarded $1.3 million in grant funding to convert the Hospital’s network of primary medical care practices to a network of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs). Participation in the FQHC program brings Federal grant monies, enhanced reimbursement, and will help us ensure that access to high quality primary medical care, regardless of one’s ability to pay, is preserved throughout the SMCS service area.

Thomas Crawford, Chief Executive Officer of SMCS, comments, “Receipt of this grant is very exciting. Its purpose is closely aligned with our initiatives to make primary and preventive medical care accessible to the most vulnerable members of our community.” He continues, “The services are not unlike those we’ve always provided. This grant will provide financial resources that help us meet the growing needs for health care services across all segments of our communities, improve health education and preventive care initiatives and, in general, enhance the health status of our residents. Very timely in this period of uncertainty, the FQHC program will provide resources to allow us to pay particular attention to the low income, elderly, and underserved among us. It will help us provide access to dental care, mental health counseling, and low-cost prescription drugs.”

Six years ago, Vermont had only two FQHCs. It’s reported there are presently seven centers and 29 satellite locations serving 80,000 Vermonters. The SMCS network is expected to increase the numbers served to 100,000. It will be the eighth FQHC in Vermont and it is expected to be the largest. “We are also believed to be the first FQHC ever established by an entity that also operates a hospital, allowing us unique opportunities for efficiency and coordination of care. We are setting a national precedent and drawing interest from many areas,” comments Chief Financial Officer Andrew Majka.

Reflecting on the planning process, Tom Crawford adds, “This has truly been a collaborative effort, and there are many to thank for the roles they played, beginning with our Board of Directors, Corporators, and Medical Staff, whose vision to the future allowed us to make the corporate structure changes needed to make the FQHC possible. We are also appreciative of the community’s involvement and would like to recognize all who participated, including the Southeastern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA), the Precision Valley Free Clinic, various state agencies and the Bi-State Primary Care Association for their participation and cooperative efforts working with our staff in the planning and application process. Last but not least, Senator Sanders must be recognized for his continued support for the FQHC program in Vermont and, more specifically, for continually reminding the decision makers in Washington of the strength and importance of the SMCS application.”

Crawford continues, “These truly are exciting times, and I’m thankful we have a great team of capable people prepared to continue their work caring for the community and making Springfield Medical Care Systems a place where people come first.”