Liberty Resources Awarded Federal Funding to Expand Access to Care, Becomes Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)

SYRACUSE, NY — Liberty Resources has been awarded federal New Access Point funding through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), marking a significant milestone in the growth of its integrated healthcare services. The award transitions Liberty Resources from a Health Center Program Look-Alike to a federally funded Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and will support the development of a new mobile healthcare unit serving communities in Onondaga and Oswego counties.

Liberty Resources was one of just four organizations in New York State and 158 nationwide selected to receive New Access Point funding in the latest federal award cycle.

“This milestone is the result of years of work by our teams to build and strengthen an integrated healthcare model that truly meets people where they are,” said Kelli Harris, Chief Executive Officer of Liberty Resources. “Becoming a federally funded FQHC gives us an important opportunity to build on that foundation, reach more people and continue expanding access to high-quality care in the communities we serve.”

As a result of the New Access Point award, the agency will develop a mobile healthcare center outfitted with two exam rooms, laboratory space, a restroom, and private meeting space. The mobile unit will bring medical and behavioral health services currently provided through Liberty Resources’ Integrated Health Centers in Syracuse and Fulton to individuals who may face barriers to accessing care such as transportation.

“Expanding access to care means going beyond the walls of our health centers,” said Amy Sargent, Associate Vice President of Primary Care and FQHC Project Director at Liberty Resources. “The mobile healthcare unit will allow us to bring services directly into the communities we serve, meet people where they are, and make it easier for people to get the care they need.”

Prior to receiving the New Access Point award, Liberty Resources operated as a Health Center Program Look-Alike, a designation for organizations that meet the same rigorous Health Center Program requirements as federally funded health centers but do not receive federal grant funding. The new award and designation as a federally funded FQHC provide Liberty Resources with additional resources to strengthen the sustainability of its health center services and further expand access to care.

Through its Integrated Health Centers in Syracuse and Fulton, Liberty Resources provides primary care, pediatric, and behavioral health services designed around the needs of the whole person. Services are available regardless of an individual’s ability to pay, with sliding fee discounts available to eligible patients.

To request more information about the agency’s mobile healthcare unit, please visit www.liberty-resources.org/fqhc.  Photography courtesy of Matthews Specialty Vehicles. 

About Liberty Resources

Liberty Resources is a non-profit organization that provides an array of health and human services to more than 20,000 individuals and families throughout New York and Indiana.  The agency is widely known for its integrated health care services including primary care, pediatrics, mental health, substance use, care management and other community-based supports.  In addition, Liberty Resources provides child and family services and developmental disability services.  The agency also operates Liberty POST, a provider of early intervention and therapy services.  Liberty Resources is headquartered in East Syracuse, NY. 

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