HEALTH CARE Primary expands reach by taking over facility

The community health-care provider now operates in seven counties.
SHARON, Pa. -- The Primary Health Network took over operation of Jacksonville Family Medicine Center at 29 Saltsburg Road in Clarksburg, Pa., effective Friday, marking the agency's first expansion into Indiana County.
"There is a growing need for community health care throughout the region," said Jack Laeng, executive director of Primary Health. "With the Jacksonville Family Medicine Center, we will be able to provide necessary services to more people and families."
Founded in 1984 as the Farrell Health Center, Primary Health now provides medical, dental and optometry services in Beaver, Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Lawrence, Mercer and Indiana counties.
Laeng said it is the largest nonprofit community health center in the region as well as the only one to serve Indiana County.
Previously owned and operated by Indiana Healthcare Physician Services, a subsidiary of Indiana Community Hospital, Jacksonville Family Medicine Center provides comprehensive primary care services and access to specialty care.
Primary Health has 204 full and part-time employees, including 53 providers who specialize in a variety of disciplines.