STEUBENVILLE — Ann Quillen, the executive director of the Ohio Valley Health Center, recently addressed the Steubenville Rotary Club about the organization’s enduring mission. Celebrating 20 years, the center has focused on providing quality health care to the uninsured and underinsured in the Ohio Valley, regardless of their ability to pay.
Quillen highlighted some alarming statistics: Jefferson County ranks 75th out of 88 counties in health, with 17.3% of residents living in poverty. Additionally, 7.2% are without health insurance. Even those with insurance often face inadequate coverage that doesn’t meet their needs.
“Many patients work hard yet struggle to obtain adequate insurance,” Quillen noted. She emphasized that underinsurance can be just as debilitating. Some people might have Medicaid or high-deductible plans that leave them unable to afford necessary treatments or medications.
The health center relies heavily on volunteers, with nine providers currently on staff. Last year, they delivered an impressive $1.7 million in free care. The center operates on grants and donations, making it a crucial resource for those who can’t access healthcare elsewhere.
Transportation and work commitments often pose challenges for patients. “When someone takes time off work for a medical appointment, it’s usually unpaid,” Quillen explained. “That makes getting care even harder.”
The center prioritizes immediate care. When patients come in, they typically receive a comprehensive exam, lab tests, and often leave with a treatment plan and medications the same day. This approach fosters a sense of hope and manageable care.
Preventative care is also a focus. The center offers screenings for colorectal, breast, and cervical cancers, along with prostate checks for men. They successfully helped 91 people enroll in Medicaid last year and conducted 44 colon cancer screenings, identifying four positive cases that received follow-up treatment.
Quillen pointed out a significant health disparity: Black women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer compared to white women. Addressing these inequalities is part of the center’s Diversity Health Initiative.
As Quillen prepares to retire later this year, she reflects on her time at the center—both from 2008 to 2015 and starting again in 2020. Each piece of medical equipment at the center often reflects the needs of its patients. For instance, they now have onsite echocardiograms thanks to careful planning and community support.
Funding for the center comes primarily from grants and donations. Last year marked a remarkable achievement: they applied for over $400,000 in grants, securing an 80% success rate. Their annual gala, a key fundraising event, is set for April 26 at the St. Florian Event Center. The theme this year is “A Roaring 20 Years of Hope, Health and Healing!”
This primer on the Ohio Valley Health Center underlines not just its achievements but also the significant health challenges faced by many residents in the region. Quillen’s leadership and the center’s commitment to addressing healthcare needs play a vital role in transforming lives.
For more information about healthcare access and statistics in the region, check out the latest data from the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)](https://www.cdc.gov).
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Local News,Ohio Valley Health center offers hope, Rotarians hearNews,Ohio Valley Health center offers hope, Rotarians hear
