NEPA CHC announces new board of director officers, calls for community volunteers

SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY — NEPA Community Health Care (NEPA CHC) announced on Oct. 25 the election of its new Board of Director officers, marking a new chapter in its commitment to delivering accessible, high-quality healthcare to the community. The center is also inviting dedicated community members to apply to join its governing body and help steer its mission.
The NEPA CHC Board of Directors has elected the following individuals to serve as officers for the 2025-2026 term:
Chairperson: Kenneth Cooper
Vice-Chairperson: Andrew Coolbaugh
Treasurer: Lori Mitchell
“We are thrilled to welcome our new officers to these critical roles,” said Kristen Follert, CEO of NEPA CHC. “Their leadership will be vital as NEPA Community Health Care continues to provide its comprehensive health services throughout Susquehanna County and beyond. We extend our sincere gratitude to the outgoing officers for their dedicated service.”
NEPA Community Health Care operates under a community-majority governance structure, a key requirement for all Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). By federal mandate, at least 51% of the Board members must be patients of NEPA CHC who are reflective of the population served. This model ensures that decision-making is patient-driven and responsive to the community’s needs, particularly concerning the services provided, hours of operation, and quality improvement initiatives.
The Board currently consists of 10 dedicated members, and NEPA CHC is actively seeking to expand its size by three to five new members. We encourage individuals who are passionate about healthcare access and community well-being, especially NEPA CHC patients, to consider volunteering their time and expertise.
To learn more about the responsibilities of a Board Member and the application process, please reach out to the health center via email at ichance@nepachc.org or call 570-278-7500 to speak with our Administrative Assistant.
NEPA CHC provides a comprehensive range of services, ensuring that vital healthcare is accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. The center offers core services of Primary Care, DOT physicals, OBGYN, Dental care, Behavioral health including Psychiatry, and Medication-assisted Treatment (MAT) for patients with Opioid Use Disorder.
340B Pharmacy Program Highlight: Real Savings
Another significant benefit for community health center patients is the 340B Pharmacy Program. This federal program allows NEPA CHC to purchase prescription medications at a discounted price which provide lower out of pocket costs for patients and savings for the community health center. These savings are reinvested directly into the health center to support services and patient financial assistance programs, strengthening our ability to serve the community’s needs.
Ken Cooper, newly elected Board Chair states, “I’m not only a board member but I’m also a patient. In 2021 I was hospitalized for multiple weeks. I was told that I would need to be on Eliquis for the rest of my life and the cost was initially quoted at $600 a month. Embarrassingly, as a board member, I had to be reminded by my wife that we could get it through our community health center’s 340B Pharmacy Program. Under the 340B plan we can get Eliquis for just $35 a month! If more members of the community knew about the 340B Pharmacy Program, it would be a tremendous financial benefit to many who are paying significantly more than they need to for their medications.”
NEPA CHC contracts with multiple local pharmacies to provide benefits through the 340B Pharmacy Program. Eligibility requires individuals to be patients of the community health center. NEPA CHC has clinic locations in Montrose, Hallstead, and Greenfield Township. Visit our website at www.nepachc.org to learn more about NEPA CHC.