The Primary Health Network Charitable Foundation (PHNCF) concentrates on two outstanding issues in the communities we serve: a shortage of primary care providers and a lack of medical transportation options for many patients. PHN Charitable Foundation was initially established in 2005, arising from a service need perceived by its parent company, the Primary Health Network (PHN). In 2008, the Foundation became a separate 501c3 non profit charitable organization whose mission is to “…support the effort of the Primary Health Network, build and sustain programs in the PHN service area that increase access to healthcare services and assist, through healthcare student scholarships, the pursuit of medical and allied health careers.”

In fulfillment of its mission, The PHN Charitable Foundation has established annual academic awards and student scholarships at several educational institutions within the Primary Health Network service area. Additionally family members of PHN employees may apply for one of ten awards that are awarded through a committee of the Foundation Board. Through these programs, many of our best future providers and caregivers are given a boost, and encouraged to practice locally. Over 95 Academic Awards have been awarded since 2005, and the total program has grown in each of the last three years.

In 1991 the Primary Health Network began providing free curb-to-curb medical transportation to increase access to healthcare services. The transportation program was originally funded through a grant provided to PHN as one of eight sites in PA for innovative outreach strategies to decrease low birth weights and increase prenatal care. PHN realized the great need for transportation and expanded services to include all of the sites in the Shenango Valley after the grant ended.

In 2005 PHN Charitable Foundation expanded our “Provide The Ride”  medical transportation program in several localities as a vital link between patients who have no affordable transportation to their primary care providers. Medical transportation is available to PHN patients and most PHN referred patients in the Shenango Valley and in January of 2011 these services were implemented in Lawrence County.

Transportation is available between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Our curb to curb service is provided free of charge by courteous, skilled and caring drivers in modern mini-vans and supported through direct communication with patients and providers. Three years ago, PHN Charitable Foundation was transporting 12 patients per day, just two days per week. Today, we are averaging 46 transports per day, five days per week, 920 per month or more than 11,000 rides each year.

With the creation of the PHN Charitable Foundation medical transportation program, two benefits were realized early on: fail to show rates among existing patients dropped dramatically, and new patients (who previously were not able to get needed medical care) have entered the system at the preventative rather than the reactive stage. We are committed to supporting a better quality of life by increasing access to quality health care, including early diagnostics, and the prevention of medical complications arising from delayed care. As a direct result, our neighbors and communities are healthier.

Another valuable part of the Foundation is the facilities department that is responsible for the general up keep of all PHN/PHNCF locations to assure that our patient’s and employees are safe on a daily basis.

The facilities department closely oversees the construction of all areas of our facilities. These upgrades or changes are done with as little impact as possible to patient care.

This valuable part of the Charitable Foundation is a cost savings to PHN which in turn will help the Network expand services and provide quality primary and specialty care services to the the people in the communities that we serve.