The Resource Center is looking to establish various types of health care services in a single location.
Over the course of the past month, The Resource Center has been working with City Council in order to establish support in the form of a resolution, which would help TRC to receive a grant worth $200,000. During Monday's City Council meeting, a resolution supporting The Resource Center's consolidated funding application for a proposed Community Health Services center was approved.
Much of the discussion over the past month has surrounded the proposed location of the Community Health Services center, currently proposed on Harrison Street, the former site of the Watkins building.
"I see that as one of the few, if only, remaining shovel-ready industrial sites. I'm not sure I like the arrangement that this would be, something that is totally tax-exempt," said Vince DeJoy, D-Ward 4 and committee chairman, during a recent Finance Committee meeting.
According to a news release from The Resource Center, "the reason why organizations such as TRC seek property tax exemption is because they provide a critical community service. Organizations like The Resource Center exist in part because private sector, profit-driven companies are not interested in providing the types of services TRC offers. The Resource Center enhances our community, not only by providing a quality life to people with disabilities and others who live on the margins, but by being an economic engine for our area."
See TRC, Page A3
TRC
From Page A1
A ONE-STOP SHOP
The new facility would offer medical, dental, mental health and substance abuse services, along with social service, vocational and employment-related supports.
"This integrated approach addresses a person's holistic needs, where a person's physical health is but one component to be considered and other factors (such as a person's job or home setting) must be taken into account in determining a person's overall health and life satisfaction," according to the release.
Right now, all of the services are located in a variety of locations, rather than one central location. The Resource Center officials said that although it would be easier to find a suitable location that meets the organization's requirements regarding physical space, parking and traffic flow in surrounding communities, it would prefer to find a location within the city.
"For months, TRC has been working with officials from the city of Jamestown, Chautauqua County and the Chautauqua County Industrial Development agency, as well as with representatives from local and regional foundations, to find an appropriate location for the new facility and secure the support required to make the project possible," according to the release.
FINANCIAL WOES
The project's estimated cost is set at $3 million. Currently, The Resource Center does not have the available funds due to other obligations. Additionally, it sustains operating losses from providing its health, health-related and behavioral health services.
"Inadequate and frequently changing reimbursements for the services The Resource Center provides have tested the agency's ability to continue providing some of its traditional services, including primary care, dental and behavioral health services. Operating deficits in those areas exceed $1 million annually," according to the release.
The health facilities The Resource Center operates serve the entire community, including people with Medicaid and those without insurance.
"For these services to continue, TRC needs to operate in a state-of-the-art facility where its various services can be aligned in a way that enables the agency to operate as efficiently as possible. The old model, with services provide in more than one location, is no longer feasible," according to the release.
ECONOMIC BOOST
The release concludes by saying The Resource Center has been working to position itself for a long-term future in providing health services to the local community. In the last year, it has implemented an electronic medical record system. Additionally, it has achieved national certification as a Level 3 Patient Centered Medical Home.
With a new facility in place, the release claims there will also be a boost to the area's economy.
"A new TRC health care facility also would be a boost for the area's economy. The project would see the creation and maintenance of dozens of professional jobs, adding to the agency's $40 million payroll. The Resource Center already has an economic impact of more than $200 million, and the creation of the new health care facility would bring many people into downtown Jamestown," according to the release.
The fate of the project lies in factors including tangible financial support and the alignment of various community interests to support the project. Additionally, according to the release, The Resource Center is looking at the possibility of partnering with a developer.