04/28/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/28/2026 07:43
(MOUNT VERNON, Ohio) - Knox County Community Health Center has joined Nationwide Children's Hospital's Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) Affiliate Network, a collaboration focused on advancing access to pediatric care and improving health outcomes for families across Ohio.
Through this partnership, Knox County Community Health Center will have access to Nationwide Children's pediatric expertise, professional development opportunities and operational support designed to strengthen community-based care ensuring that every child receives quality, family-centered care no matter the circumstances.
"We are dedicated to strengthening families and supporting a healthier community for everyone in Knox County," said Anthony Bowersock, Project Director of Knox County Community Health Center. "This partnership with Nationwide Children's will bolster our ability to provide care that addresses the unique health needs of our community, making sure every person has the ability to live well."
Knox County Community Health Center is a FQHC, which provides quality health care that is accessible to all. Knox County Community Health Center delivers medical, dental and behavioral health care services in Mount Vernon. Last year alone, it served patients through 27,155 total visits.
As part of the FQHC Affiliate Network, Nationwide Children's provides participating health centers with opportunities for clinical and nonclinical collaboration. Opportunities include tailored pediatric education, connections to other physicians, support for clinical trial enrollment and consultation to implement behavioral health services in the primary care setting.
"Nationwide Children's is dedicated to the transformation of children's health to achieve best outcomes for every family in Ohio, regardless of ZIP code or ability to pay. Partnerships like the FQHC Affiliate Network are essential to that mission," said Cydney Bertke, manager of network development at Nationwide Children's. "Through our collaboration with Knox County Community Health Center, we can help reduce barriers to care and expand access to health services, advancing their goal of a healthier community."
FQHCs are in over 8,000 rural and urban communities across America and deliver affordable quality care to more than 20 million people. FQHC's play a significant role in lowering health care costs and producing savings for the nation's health care system.
For more information on Nationwide Children's FQHC Affiliate Network, visit NationwideChildrens.org/FQHC.