Family Health and Help Center receives March award

ROCKVILLE, Ind. (WTHI) - It takes just one look down the cheery hallway of the Family Health and Help Center to know it's a special place. All you have to do is get here.

"We don't turn anyone away," said Executive Director Susie Waymire. "If they are going to get to us, we're going to help them."

The Family Health and Help Center is a mainstay on the Parke County courthouse square in Rockville. This year the center celebrates its 20th anniversary of operation.

Last year it served more than 4,200 people. Almost half of the patients pay the minimum or nothing at all. Fees are charged on a sliding scale based on family income.

One anonymous patient decided it was time to give them some well-deserved recognition and nominated them for the "Make A Difference" award for the month of March on behalf of WTHI and Open Range Communications.

"This award is like winning the academy award because this came from a patient," said Waymire. "So this means everything."

The ten employees at the Center make healthcare and dental care affordable for all. Plus, the center provides money to buy healthy food for mothers and mothers-to-be. Much of the operating budget comes from state and local grant money. But it is the human touch from those who work here which is really making a difference.

"We don't realize that the patients really do appreciate that we're here until something like this award," said Waymire. "That's what makes it really, really special."

In fact, it was so special, within just a few minutes, it was already hung proudly in the waiting room.

If you would like to nominate someone for a "Make A Difference" award, click here.