Berks Community Health Center has announced that the PENN Entertainment Foundation, Inc. has awarded grant funding to support Wellness on Wheels, BCHC’s mobile medical unit. The grant will be dispersed over three years and will help fund the continued deployment of Wellness on Wheels, furthering BCHC’s mission to increase access to care for underserved communities.
“We’re proud to support the Berks Community Health Center who is doing so much to help those in need in our community,” said Eric Schippers, Sr. Vice President, PENN Entertainment.
Launched in 2022, Wellness on Wheels contributes to BCHC’s mission to increase access to healthcare. BCHC was founded in 2012 and has grown into three brick-and-mortar locations in Reading. Wellness on Wheels extends BCHC’s reach beyond the city, bringing care to patients throughout Berks County.
Debbie Hartranft, BCHC’s Chief Community Relations Officer, said, “This funding will make a direct impact on residents of Berks County, helping us bring our mobile unit to communities where access is limited. We are delighted for the support from the PENN Entertainment Foundation, Inc. and their belief in our work.”
BCHC’s first CEO, Mary Kargbo, recently announced her retirement after leading the organization through nearly fifteen years of growth. For the last four years, BCHC has been recognized as a Gold Health Center Quality Leader, putting them in the top 10% of all community health centers nationwide for quality.
As BCHC moves into its next chapter, it also looks forward to a new future through its recently announced plans to merge with Union Community Care, a federally qualified health center based in Lancaster that operates 26 sites across Lancaster, Lebanon and Chester counties. BCHC and Union share a deep commitment to high-quality affordable care, and BCHC will continue to provide the same quality services our patients rely on today. This grant supports that commitment.
