Having The Reach
New Global Vision Community Health Center Opens
By PGS Media
For 10 years, she dedicated herself to the work of healing in Capitol Heights. Most of the time, especially case by case, there were more victories than disappointments.
But Dr. Toyin Opesanmi always knew that with just a little more on the resources side of things, she could do a lot more for the thousands of patients that she saw each year. She never took her eye off the ball. And on Mar. 6 , she got her wish.
Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III and Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown joined the County’s Health Department, the Global Vision Foundation, state and local leaders, and community partners to announce the opening of the Global Vision Community Health Center.
Global Vision Community Health Center will provide primary care to infants, children and adults.
But what makes the center unique is its new capabilities to provide more comprehensive and long-term service to its patients.
“We take care of infants, adults and the entire family,” says Dr. Opesanmi. “We can cover infectious diseases, drug addiction and more. We have a lab on-site. We are a kind of one stop shop now. We can address most of the issues in primary care on site.”
The updated features and resources will allow the clinic to attract, assist and retain care for more of its clients through their health challenges. Instead of simply having to refer clients to other, larger health facilities and losing track of them, the center will now be able to handle more of the problems directly and on site---therefore keeping closer tabs on progress and care. For many who do not have health care or a primary physician, these new developments are literally life saving.
"Global Vision significantly improves healthcare access for 20,743 residents. Dr. Opesanmi has a commitment to community which makes all the difference as we move to patient centered care," said Mayor Kito James. "We will engage our schools, religious institutions and neighbors to ensure the community knows we have new, quality healthcare options."
“The problem was that we were helping people who were not getting enough care,” she says. “They didn’t have insurance. But we could not offer longer term accessibility of care and then continuity. We could only refer and could not do adequate follow up. It was important to have continuity of care.”
The Global Vision Community Health Center is the first of five patient-centered medical homes set to open in Prince George’s County.
"I applaud the Global Vision Group and Dr. Toyin Opesanmi for their willingness and desire to open up a health clinic in a zip code that can benefit the most from quality healthcare, said Council Member Karen R.Toles. "Residents will be able to have a clinic and a doctor in their neighborhood that can address some of the most serious health concerns facing our community like heart disease and diabetes. I am excited that District 7 and Prince George's County are making innovate strides in improving the health of our most vulnerable citizens."
Funding for this initiative was provided through the Maryland HEZ program, which was championed by Lt. Governor Brown and administered by the Maryland Community Health Resources Commission and the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
The Health Department continues to strive to improve the quality of life in our communities. As a result, we are increasing accessible health care services for our citizens and residents” said Pamela Creekmur, health officer. “As our county continues to grow in population and diversity, the Health Department continues to grow in services and health education.”
PHOTOS: MICHAEL YOURISHIN
