Health center program - the multi-cultural health evaluation delivery system (MHEDS) was established in 1977 as a part of a diocesan mission to deliver health education to african american and…

The Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration awarded $1.3 million to Multi-Cultural Health Evaluation Delivery System, Inc. (MHEDS) on August 1, 2026, under the Health Center Program (CFDA 93.224).

MHEDS will establish a third primary health care service delivery site in Erie, Pennsylvania's 16503 ZIP code to expand access to comprehensive primary and preventive health care services for low-income residents, refugees, and immigrants. The new site will serve neighborhoods with an HRSA unmet need score of 87.4, substantially above Erie County's overall score of 54.82. MHEDS currently operates two locations in ZIP codes 16508 and 16510; the proposed 16503 site will strategically reach the neighborhood where 34% of current MHEDS patients are initially resettled, with service extension to neighboring ZIP codes 16501 and 16502.

MHEDS is a federally qualified health center look-alike certified in 2019 and recertified in 2022, serving as the sole health center contractor for Pennsylvania Region 5's refugee resettlement program. Over 80 percent of patients and staff are best served in languages other than English, with health center visits conducted in the patient's preferred language. Medicaid covers 82 percent of current MHEDS patients.

The award period runs from August 1, 2026, through July 31, 2027. Performance and administrative oversight occur in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Health center program - the multi-cultural health evaluation delivery system (MHEDS) was established in 1977 as a part of a diocesan mission to deliver health education to african american and hispanic farmworkers. In 1994, primary health care services were added, and MHEDS was incorporated as a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization. On january 1, 2019, MHEDS was certified as a federally qualified health center look alike and recertified in 2022. MHEDS currently serves low-income residents of the city of erie, PA, including refugees and immigrants, and is the sole health center contractor for PA region 5 refugee resettlement program. Over 80% of MHEDS patients are best served in a language other than english, and the first language of over 80% of MHEDS staff is a language other than english. Health center visits are conducted in the language patients feel most comfortable, with staff able to act as both care and cultural navigators. Medicaid insures 82% of MHEDS current patients. This project is rooted in the principles of equity and neighborhood revitalization. Recognizing that health outcomes are inextricably linked to the social determinants of health, MHEDS aims to leverage this funding to not only provide medical services but also to act as a catalyst for broader community improvement. MHEDS currently operates two locations in ZIP codes 16508 and 16510, but is proposing the addition of a third site in the 16503 ZIP code. The new proposed site will be strategically located in the heart of the neighborhood where MHEDS patients are initially resettled, with 34% of current patients residing in 16503. The health resources & services administration (HRSA) has rated the 16503 ZIP code with an unmet need score (UNS) of 87.4, indicating a high rate of unmet need for primary and preventive health care services, particularly when compared with the overall UNS for erie county of 54.82. Neighboring ZIP codes which will be served by this site include 16501 and 16502, with unmet need scores of? 86.11 and 85.66, respectively. This area, identified through MHEDS's needs assessment, is an area of some of the highest chronic disease prevalence in the region. For example, ZIP code 16503 has a diabetes prevalence of 14%, significantly higher than the national average of 10.5%. Additionally, hypertension affects 36% of adults in this area, compared to the national average of 32%. By bringing primary health care services directly to this community, MHEDS aims to mitigate these challenges and support the revitalization of the neighborhood. The health center will offer a full spectrum of primary care services, including preventive care, chronic disease management, and behavioral health services. MHEDS is committed to a patient-centered approach, emphasizing culturally competent care that respects and understands the unique needs of the diverse patient populations. MHEDS locations will serve as a hub for community engagement, offering health education, resources, and support that extend beyond traditional medical services. Furthermore, this initiative aligns with broader neighborhood revitalization efforts. The presence of the health center is anticipated to stimulate the local economy by attracting complementary businesses and services, thereby fostering economic growth and community development. In conclusion, MHEDS proposal for the HRSA new access points funding represents a comprehensive strategy to enhance equitable access to healthcare while simultaneously driving neighborhood revitalization. Through targeted, community-based health interventions and strategic partnerships, MHEDS envisions a future where underserved populations receive the care they deserve, and communities flourish as a result. By improving health outcomes and contributing to the economic vitality of the area, MHEDS aims to create a thriving, resilient neighborhood where all residents can lead healthy, fulfilling lives.