Tompkins Cortland Community College and Family Health Network of Central New York are partnering to bring regular primary care services directly to the college’s Dryden campus, with appointments available not only to students and employees but to the broader community.
The agreement will bring Family Health Network’s mobile medical unit to TC3 every Wednesday beginning Aug. 26. The unit will be stationed in parking lot 5 outside the athletics facility.
The partnership is intended to address access to convenient and affordable health care, particularly for students who may otherwise have difficulty fitting medical appointments into work, school and family responsibilities.
TC3 President Amy Kremenek said health care access can be a significant concern for students and their families and that having primary care available on campus can remove one more barrier to completing their education.
“Having the FHN Mobile Medical Unit on campus on a regular schedule to provide primary health care services addresses a real need among our students so that they can focus on their education knowing their health care is addressed,” Kremenek said.
The services will also be available to TC3 faculty and staff and anyone from the surrounding community.
Family Health Network’s mobile unit provides diagnosis and treatment for acute and chronic illnesses, routine physicals, preventive care, health screenings, immunizations, laboratory services including bloodwork, medication management and referrals to specialists when needed.
Kim Osborne, chief executive officer of Family Health Network, said the partnership expands the organization’s effort to bring care into areas where access may otherwise be limited.
“Our Mobile Medical Unit allows us to bring our high-quality healthcare directly to areas where access may be limited,” Osborne said. “Through regular visits to TC3, we’re able to provide the Dryden community with dependable, convenient access to the care they need, close to home.”
The agreement was formally signed by Kremenek and Osborne during a ceremony on the Dryden campus.
Family Health Network is a federally qualified health center serving Central New York through health centers, school-based programs and its mobile medical unit. The organization provides medical, dental, behavioral health and support services regardless of a patient’s ability to pay.
TC3, part of the SUNY system, serves Tompkins and Cortland counties from its 220-acre Dryden campus and offers more than 40 degree, certificate and microcredential programs.
The mobile unit’s first scheduled day at TC3 is Wednesday, Aug. 26.
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