NEPA Community Health Care announces Closure of Elk Lake School based health center

MONTROSE — NEPA Community Health Care announces with sincere regret the difficult but necessary
decision to close its Elk Lake school-based health center, effective Nov. 7.

For more than five years, NEPA Community Health Care has been honored to provide comprehensive primary care to the school district and surrounding community. With the generous support of the Moses Taylor Foundation, the Pennsylvania School-Based Health Alliance, and federal COVID relief funding, we were able to transform a vision into reality and expand access to care in this rural region.

While the clinic has shown meaningful growth in the past two years, overall patient numbers remain low
relative to the staffing ratios required to operate the clinic. This, combined with the expiration of funding from our partnering organizations, equates to the unfortunate reality that the Elk Lake site is no longer financially viable.

NEPA Community Health Care remains steadfast in their belief that high quality, affordable care is a right, not a privilege and is committed to its mission of providing exceptional care to all those who seek it. As a federally qualified health center, the organization serves some of the most vulnerable populations within Susquehanna County and beyond.

“We understand this news will be difficult to hear for many in our community,” said Kristen Follert, CEO of NEPA Community Health Care. “This operational change is necessary to preserve our mission and ensure continued care for those who depend on us for years to come.”

Until the closure date, NEPA Community Health Care will continue to serve patients at the Elk Lake location and will coordinate a seamless transition of care to its Montrose health center.
The organization extends its deepest gratitude to the Elk Lake School District Administration, its Board of Directors and – most importantly – its staff who have faithfully served this site since its opening in 2018. Their commitment, hard work and compassion have left a lasting impact on the Springville area.
For assistance with transitioning care, please contact NEPA Community Health Care at 570-278-7500. For more information about the community health center, its multiple service lines, and clinics in Montrose, Hallstead, and Greenfield Township, please visit www.nepachc.org.