EBNHC Radiates Success

East Boston Neighborhood Health Center President and CEO Jack Cradock announced this week that the health center has been named to the “Best of 2011 Radiology Facilities” by Imaging Economics. The list is comprised of facilities throughout the United States that have demonstrated an overriding commitment to excellence, according to an editor’s note in the publication.

“Patients at East Boston have access to state-of-the-art imaging technology — it is right in their community,” said Cradock. “This award recognizes our efforts to provide comprehensive and clinically advanced services to those we serve.”

EBNHC features a facility with all new digital x-ray, mammography, and ultrasound equipment, identical to that featured at the region’s most prestigious hospitals.  The area of the health center where imaging is done has been completely updated to include bright colors, new separate waiting areas, and new changing rooms.  The magazine’s ranking reflects a highly professionalized staff of technicians who strive to provide the best possible care while accommodating a high volume of patients.

Despite a challenging economic climate, many radiology facilities are thriving, according to Imaging Economics.  The magazine states that it created this list as a chance to celebrate and reward those that have set themselves apart.

EBNHC is currently in the process of constructing a new, 49,000 square-foot ambulatory care building, which is being funded in part with $12 million of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) money in Maverick Square. The building will allow EBNHC to create new, critically needed capacity to serve patients in need of primary care, vision services, and dental care. It is the first ARRA-funded project to break ground in the United States.

It was announced in December 2010 that President Barack Obama had chosen the EBNHC as the recipient of $12 million in stimulus money to build a brand new facility in Maverick.

The new Maverick Square facility will expand primary care, vision, and dental services that have been operating in tight quarters in the main health center building.

Demand for these clinical services has been growing at a pace that cannot be sustained in the current location. The new building will also provide a home for the EBNHC Education and Training Institute as well as administration offices, which currently are in leased space.

Consistent with the intent of ARRA, the $12 million in stimulus funds for this $20 million project will help to create over 150 construction jobs and over 50 permanent health care jobs.  An additional benefit of the project will be the anchor it provides to economic development and revitalization efforts in Maverick Square.

The new facility, which will be built on a lot that is largely vacant, will complement a renovated MBTA Blue Line station in the square and other recent improvements.  The building will be LEED certified and fully energy efficient.

The architect for the project is isgenuity, LLC of Needham, Mass. and the project manager is Suffolk Construction, of Boston.

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