GATESVILLE – The last few years have proven to be challenging for healthcare providers across the nation. Gateway Community Health Centers, Inc., (GCHC) is no exception.

Declining patient volumes and decreases in reimbursement have meant GCHC’s income has not been sufficient to meet costs for some time. Additionally, with the closing of the GCHC clinic in Tyner for three to four months due to water damage in the Northern Chowan Community Center, where it is located, GCHC officials project less income generation.

In order to improve delivery of healthcare in the service areas of Chowan, Gates, and Perquimans counties, the GCHC Board of Directors has carefully reviewed what exists and where it falls short, especially with regards to financial sustainability and future growth. The Board has made the difficult decision to implement a restructuring plan focusing on integrating services and reducing costs. As a result four employees have been separated and two employees have had their hours reduced to part time.

“We regret that this reduction in force is necessary,” said Jennifer Greene, Chair of the Gateway Community Health Centers Board of Directors. “The Board is confident these changes will position GCHC to provide a firm foundation for longevity and financial success. We are also confident the Center will be able to continue to provide excellent patient care with our new medical team.”

(GCHC) operates Federally Qualified Health Center clinics in Gatesville and Tyner (the Tyner clinic is temporarily closed for building repairs). The clinics provide primary and minor emergency care for patients of all ages from Chowan, Gates and Perquimans counties. Some pharmacy services are also available. In addition to accepting Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurances, patients without insurance are provided services on a sliding fee scale based on income and family size.

GCHC also operates an Adolescent Care Clinic on the campus of Gates County High School, which provides care for students and faculty, and the Migrant and Seasonal Farm Worker Program, which provides health programming to the local farm worker and Hispanic communities.