Think back to 1981. Verona Greenland likely had a vision when she founded Morris Heights Health Center. The center started with a 25000 dollar grant. It aimed to improve the neighborhood.
Morris Heights Health Center has grown significantly. It now operates across 30 sites. Nineteen of these are school-based. The center offers primary care. It also provides dental, mental health and specialty services.
MHHC quickly became a pioneer. It created a comprehensive HIV program model. This model influenced the Ryan White HIV program. The center also ran an out-of-hospital childbearing center. Midwives led this center. It helped lower the community’s infant mortality rate. Thousands of women had a homelike birthing experience.
Morris Heights Health Center achieved another milestone. It was the first Federally Qualified Health Center in New York City. It gained accreditation from the Joint Commission. This shows a commitment to high standards.
In recent years, Morris Heights Health Center expanded. It constructed a six-story facility. This cost 50 million dollars. The center also built a 71-unit senior housing building. This was made possible through advocacy and low-income tax credits. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provided funding.
Today Morris Heights Health Center serves about 52000 patients each year. It has a clear mission. MHHC aims to be a leader. It wants to provide quality affordable healthcare for all. The vision is to become a sought-after healthcare organization. It strives for an exceptional system of care.
The original Morris Heights Health Center site opened in March 1981. It was at 70 West Burnside Avenue. Today it is the Women’s Health Pavilion. It began as a childbearing center. It served over 3500 patients a year. Now it addresses a broader range of women’s health issues.
In May 1987, the center opened its headquarters. It is located at 85 West Burnside. This 33000-square-foot building has a rich history. It was once the RKO Theater. Later it became the Burnside Manor catering hall. It also served as a school.
In 2010, Morris Heights Health Center opened a six-story facility. This is the Harrison Circle location. It is 112000 square feet. The facility includes a 71-unit senior housing center. It also houses mental health services and specialty services.
Morris Heights Health Center opened a facility at Walton Avenue and East 183rd Street in 1997. This location offers primary care. It also provides behavioral health, dental care and case management. Patient navigation and supportive services are also available.
In April 2013, Morris Heights Health Center expanded. It opened a primary care health center at 825 E 233rd Street. The center provides primary care, behavioral health and supportive services.
The center opened a clinic at 625 East 137th Street in January 2004. It is located in a building built in 1931. The clinic offers primary care, behavioral health and dental services. Family planning and patient navigation are also available.
In March 2014, Morris Heights Health Center opened its seventh clinical site. It is located at 779 Melrose Avenue. The clinic primarily serves residents of the High Bridge and Morrisania neighborhoods. It offers primary care, behavioral health and supportive services.
The School Based Health Program is vital. It operates 19 school-based health centers. Each center has a primary care provider and a social worker. A medical assistant is also present. Some locations include a health educator and dentist. Services include chronic disease management and preventive healthcare.
Mari G. Millet currently leads Morris Heights Health Center. She serves as President and Chief Executive Officer. Her leadership guides the center in its mission.