Photo Provided Himalaya Patcha, M.D., medical director of Ohio Hills Health Centers, from left, Debbie Fisher, RN BSN, director of QA/QI and Clinical Systems, and Jeff Britton, CEO, celebrate OHHC’s recent improvement awards.

BARNESVILLE — The Health Resources and Services Administration released the 2025 quality improvement awards to recognize community health centers that are strengthening quality improvement activities and expanding quality primary health care service delivery.

Community health centers provide comprehensive primary care at more than 16,000 service sites nationwide to 1 in 8 children, 1 in 5 rural residents, and 1 in 15 adults 65 and older. These health centers are at the forefront of the efforts to Make America Healthy Again and continue to be leaders in quality of care.

“Ohio Hills Health Centers is extremely pleased to be recognized by HRSA as a Health Quality Leader with the Bronze Badge for quality and as a National Quality Leader for Diabetes Health,” said Jeff Britton, CEO, OHHC. “These awards reflect the dedication of our providers and of our entire staff. OHHC is committed to provide exceptional primary and preventive health, dental, and behavioral health services for area residents.”

Community health centers are key to addressing chronic diseases and improving health outcomes in communities across the country. Health centers deliver comprehensive care to people who are low-income, uninsured or face other obstacles to getting health care.

HRSA-funded health centers served over 32.4 million patients in 2024 — the most patients ever served in the Health Center Program’s 60-year history. HRSA’s quality improvement awards recognize the highest performing health centers nationwide as well as those health centers that have made significant quality improvements from the previous year.

“It is exciting to see our quality efforts recognized,” said Debbie Fisher RN, BSN, director of QA/QI and Clinical Systems. “I know how hard our staff works to meet the health care needs of our communities and I am proud of their dedication which ensures quality health care is easily accessible for area residents.”

OHHC has Health Centers in six communities including Barnesville, Bellaire, Freeport, Quaker City, St. Clairsville and Woodsfield. OHHC also offers a patient discount program and assistance in applying for Medicaid, Medicare and the Marketplace. For information about OHHC and the services offered, call 740-239-6447.