Berks Community Health Center Earns Gold Status in National Advocacy Excellence Program

Berks Community Health Center (BCHC) has been awarded Gold status in the Advocacy Center of Excellence (ACE) Program by the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC), placing the organization among an elite group of community health centers recognized for outstanding advocacy work across the country.

The ACE Program recognizes community health centers (CHCs) that demonstrate a strong commitment to advocacy and a clear prioritization of this work within their organizations. Earning Gold status, the program’s highest level of recognition, reflects BCHC’s dedication to championing access to quality primary care for the residents of Berks County and surrounding communities.

“I want to congratulate Debbie Hartranft, our Chief Community Relations Officer, for spearheading BCHC’s advocacy efforts,” said Mary Kargbo, BCHC President and CEO. “I also want to thank our staff, board members, supporters and everyone else in the community who has joined our advocacy efforts through calling and emailing legislators.”

BCHC’s mission is to improve access and the health of the community through the delivery of coordinated comprehensive services for all residents of Berks County regardless of their economic status. BCHC opened its first location in 2012 and today has three brick-and-mortar sites as well as a Mobile Medical Unit, Wellness on Wheels. For three consecutive years BCHC has been recognized with a Gold badge for quality service from the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA), an honor that only goes to the top 10% of community health centers nationwide.

“We are grateful for the support we have received from our local, state and federal legislators,” said Debbie Hartranft. “We look forward to continuing to advocate for expanded funding and policies that support our mission, so we can provide our services to all residents of Berks County who need them.”