Hometown Health Centers

Hometown Health Centers (HHC) is a prominent not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accessible healthcare services in the Capital Region of New York. With its main location at 1044 State Street in Schenectady and another facility in Amsterdam, HHC primarily serves Schenectady and Montgomery counties. History and Evolution: HHC's roots trace back to 1970 when Dr. Hendrik Rozendaal began volunteering medical services out of a single room at the Carver Community Center. This initiative formally became the Carver Community Health Center on December 11, 1972, upon receiving an operating certificate from the NYS Department of Health. Facing challenges in serving the uninsured and underserved, the center secured its first Federal Urban Health Initiative Grant in 1979, enabling expanded care. In 1985, it was incorporated as Carver Community Health Center, soon moving to a new building. Five years later, it rebranded as Schenectady Family Health Services to better reflect its broader mission and services. The organization eventually re-branded again as Hometown Health Centers (HHC) as it prepared to move into its current Schenectady location in December 2005, maintaining its original commitment to the medically underserved. Mission and Values: HHC's core mission is to "help people live healthier lives by improving health outcomes and health equity through quality primary care and preventive services." They are committed to treating anyone seeking care with respect, regardless of income, and are mindful of cultural uniqueness, striving for continuous improvement. Their vision is to be a corporation of excellence, providing affordable and accessible primary healthcare that exceeds patient expectations. Services Offered: As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), HHC offers a wide range of services under a "Patient-Centered Medical Home" model, emphasizing coordinated and communicative care. These services include: Primary Care: Comprehensive medical care for pediatrics, adolescents, adults, and geriatrics, including well and sick visits, immunizations, health maintenance, and chronic disease management. Dental Services: Comprehensive Dental Care and hygiene, with initiatives like "Give Kids A Smile Day" for uninsured children and community Dental Hygiene programs in schools. Behavioral Health: Mental health services and care management. OB/GYN: Specialty care and consultation. On-site Pharmacy and Lab Services: For patient convenience. Social Work Services: Assistance with various needs and referrals. Vision Services. Community Programs: Initiatives like the Community Garden to combat food insecurity and holiday meal distributions. Impact and Recognition: Hometown Health Centers is the only not-for-profit FQHC in Schenectady County and has earned national recognition for providing high-quality, cost-effective primary healthcare, especially to low-income residents. They serve a significant number of patients annually, with over 20,000 local children and families choosing HHC as their primary care provider. HHC is also a "FTCA Deemed" facility, meaning it is protected by the Federal Tort Claims Act and insured by the federal government, ensuring patient safety and trust.