The New River Health Association has a long tradition of providing comprehensive health
care and health education services through community-owned health centers in our area.
The NRHA was formed in 1978 as a non-profit corporation with a board of directors made
up of local citizens and health care consumers. The NRHA's mission has always been to
provide healthcare to the community with respect for human dignity, without regard for
the recipient's ability to pay. We strive to care for our patients, their families and
each other with understanding, encouragement and concern. We believe that compassion
encourages healing, and knowledge is the foundation of wellness and that attention
to quality and fiscal stability will enable us to continue service to the community for
years to come.
From its modest beginnings—opening in June, 1978, in a rented facility in Scarbro—the
New River Family Health Center has strived to improve and expand its services in response
to the needs of our community. In 1980 we were able to move into a much larger facility
in Scarbro which allowed room to expand services and accommodate more patients. In 1982
the addition of a pediatrician addressed the need for infant and well-child care in our area.
In 1983 the New River Breathing Center opened to meet the growing needs of patients with
Black Lung and other respiratory ailments. In 1984 the New River Pharmacy opened to accommodate
patients' medication needs more efficiently. In 1986 a second clinic, located at Lookout,
opened its doors to provide services to a larger area of Fayette County.
In 1989 the New River Health Association Summer Youth Program started its four-year run
to promote and encourage healthy lifestyles for area youth. This program was expanded into
the Healthy Heart Project. During the 1990/91 school year, this program continued as the
Healthy Heart After-School Program, offering healthy activities and encouragement to students after
school hours. In 1992 the MIHOW (Maternal and Infant Healthcare Outreach Worker) Program came
to New River, followed by the opening of the Birthing Center in 1993. In 1994 we started a School
Wellness Center Program, offering health services in selected area Middle and High Schools.
In 1995 we developed the Pediatric Health Team to promote better tracking of well-child care,
immunizations, and children with special needs such as abnormal lead screens and anemia.
From the very beginning, NRHA has also been blessed with a small army of volunteers without
whom we would not have been able to provide many of our expanded services. These volunteers
have come from unions, local church and social organizations; colleges and universities;
local high schools, and other tireless and generous individuals who helped us with special
projects. These volunteers have provided health screening services, conducted surveys, helped
to build and restore center buildings, conducted day camps and provided a host of additional
services too numerous to mention. We send out a heartfelt thank you to all of you who have
helped us over the years—we wouldn't be what we are today without you!
