An Exciting New Partnership Will Strengthen the Healthcare System in Chemung County

The Chautauqua Center and Able2 Enhancing Potential are pleased to announce they have received final approval from the New York State Department of Health to transition Able2’s Article28 Clinic to The Chautauqua Center’s Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) effective July 14th.This transfer of clinic ownership will help make the long-pursued goal of bringing a Federally Qualified Health Center to Chemung County and the City of Elmira a reality. Operating out of the current 1118 Charles St. location, the newly designated FQHC site will provide general primary care, oral health and behavioral health services to the community as early as July 21st. Over the past six years there has been a movement to bring a Federally Qualified Health Center to Chemung County and more specifically the City of Elmira. Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) provide a range of services including but not limited to primary medical care, behavioral health services, oral health services and ancillary supportive services. These services are available to all individuals regardless of their insured status, race, gender, sexual orientation or religious beliefs. FQHC’s are governed by a community Board of Directors who are primarily utilizers of its services, making the organization a responsive community asset.

The Chautauqua Center (TCC) is a fully endorsed and designated FQHC with locations throughout the southern tier. TCC was approached with the possibility of opening a new location in Elmira in 2019. Conversations initially moved forward quickly with area representatives endorsing the much-needed institution as an addition to the local healthcare landscape. When COVID hit it significantly impacted progress and caused delays in the process. In 2023, the conversations began to pick up pace again. Following the commitment from local physician Bruce Surosky and Chemung County in the form of a $1 million grant to help with renovation costs, TCC opened a location in 2024 on Walnut Street. While the renovations of the Walnut Street location have yet to start, TCC’s dedication to the community has been steadfast with that location running as a private practice.

Within that same time frame, another local organization, Able2, was looking to partner with an FQHC who could absorb their healthcare services to allow them to concentrate on the array of services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities that is the core of their mission. Able2 has provided dental and therapeutic services at its Charles St location since the early 1990s and was committed to ensuring the preservation of such services to the local community. TCC and Able2 began discussing the benefits for the community of partnering on this project in mid-2024. Since that time the two organizations have been working with federal, state and local representatives to make this transition a reality.

"It’s been a long time coming, but this represents a significant win for community health in Chemung County” says Able2 CEO, William Wasserman. “TCC has stepped up and local neighborhoods will benefit from their strong history of high quality, accessible healthcare.”

TCC CEO, Mike Pease makes it clear “This is the first step in the programming and service TCC will bring to the community. It wouldn’t have been possible without the commitment Able2 has had to not only retain its valuable clinical services but expand them through TCC.”