Franklin Community Health Services hosts free screenings at Festival

Louisburg, NC- Overcast skies kept temperatures delightfully fall-like on Saturday, as Franklin County residents flocked to downtown Louisburg for the annual Tar River Festival.  Franklin Community Health Services opened its doors to almost 500 festival-goers, giving away free lemonade, apples and bananas—and offering free health-screenings.

 Family Nurse Practitioner Montricia Monroe (left) and Medical assistant Donna Epps checked blood pressure, blood sugar levels and weight for over 60 people, and registered 6 new patients who were without healthcare. 

The Community Health Center’s open house was a fitting backdrop for an appearance by NC Sen. Doug Berger, who received the 2010 Legislative Award from the North Carolina Community Health Center Association.  NCCHCA representative LaTasha Bennett recognized Berger for his support in the NC General Assembly to expand healthcare access.  The Senator championed an increase of recurring funding in 31 counties through the state’s Community Health Grant Program.  The funding makes grants available to safety-net organizations including Community Health Centers, health departments, hospitals and free clinics.

“We are seeing  5-8 new patients every day who are residents of Franklin County and who previously had no healthcare," said William Massengill, Chief Operating Officer of Wake Health Services, parent organization of Franklin Community Health Services.  “Federal and state support , such as the efforts of  Sen. Berger, make it possible for Community Health Centers, like ours here in Franklin County, to bring quality healthcare to people whether they have health insurance, or not. “ 

Pictured above left to right: Practice manager David Engel, FNP Montricia Monroe, COO William Massengill; Sen. Doug Berger; NCCHCA's LaTasha Bennett