CPACS awarded Federally Qualified Health Center Status

12/06/2013

The Center for Pan Asian Community Services, Inc. (CPACS) received a New Access Point Award through the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) as part of the Affordable Care Act. The award, granting CPACS Federally Qualified Health Center Status, allows the organization to acquire a new location and expand its health services to underserved members of the community, particularly those who are low income, uninsured, and limited English proficient. “We can’t think of a better organization to receive this award,” said Georgia CORE Director Angie Patterson. “Having also been awarded the Georgia Access, Care, Treatment and Services Breast Cancer Grant, CPACS has clearly demonstrated its mission to serve underprivileged Georgians.” Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are community-based, participant-directed organizations that serve populations with limited access to health care. FQHCs provide comprehensive medical services including primary/preventive care, dentistry, mental health, and substance abuse services, to people of all ages regardless of their ability to pay. FQHCs also provide support services such as education, translation and interpretation, and transportation to facilitate ease of access for health center patients. During this funding cycle DHHS awarded funds to an unprecedented number of community health organizations that provide health care to Asian Americans; CPACS is one of five Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO) to receive the new access point award. Through this award CPACS will combine its existing primary and preventive care clinics and expand its services and hours of operation. CPACS FQHC status is a great compliment to its existing work as a Certified Application Counselor Organization under the Affordable Care Act. Itenables the organization to ensure all members of the community have access to healthcare both by enrollment in an insurance plan through the Healthcare Exchange and by providing linguistically and culturally competent affordable healthcare to those who remain underserved. CPACS Community Health Center, located in Norcross, Ga. will open its doors to new clients in early 2014. More information is at www.cpacs.org.