During National Health Center Week, August 12-18, 2018, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced $125 million in Quality Improvement grant awards to 1,352 community health centers across all U.S. states, territories and the District of Columbia. Funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), health centers will use these funds to continue to improve quality, efficiency, and the effectiveness of healthcare delivery in the communities they serve.

The Ocracoke Health Center and Engelhard Medical Center received a Quality Improvement Award (QIA) in the amount of $52,867 in the categories of Clinical Quality Improvement, Enhancing Access to Care, Advancing Health Information Technology, and Achieving PCMH (Patient Centered Medical Home) Recognition.

“The staff and providers at both of our clinics are committed to our mission of providing quality, affordable and community-based health care,” said Cheryl Ballance, CEO. “It is this everyday effort that is being recognized with these awards. Without provider and staff commitment and the support of our Board of Directors, we would not be able to be where we are today. It’s our goal to continue to provide quality health care as well as a patient-centered medical home for our communities."