Set from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. in the Howard County Library's Community Room, the meeting will give area residents — from representatives of community agencies to service providers — a chance to express what they would like to see in a county-run health center, according to Project Director Anne Farley.

“The proposed Howard County Health Center is beginning the process of holding interactive community meetings to compile a list of needs and to address local health disparities,” said Farley. “This needs assessment process will be used to design a healthcare plan specifically designed for this health center and specific to the needs of the people in Howard County.

“What should a healthcare delivery system look like for our county? That's the question we're facing right now, and we're seeking to establish partnerships with existing community agencies that provide care for under-served individuals and families in this area.”

Farley, who extended an open invitation to all local healthcare service providers, said those attending should come prepared not just to listen, but to participate.

“We need information about the existing services in our area,” said Farley, “and we need to determine where the gaps are in the system. That's what we're aiming for.”

The county announced plans for the center in late 2008, spurred by a $80,000-plus grant from the federal government.

According to  Joani Sarkiss, lead consultant for J. Sarkiss and Associates, the company hired by the county to develop the health center project, the proposed health center could have a very positive impact on Howard County.

“A new community health center means fewer unmet medical needs in Howard County and more health care choices for consumers, whether they are covered by insurance or not,” said Sarkis. “Individuals without health insurance are provided services on a sliding discount fee schedule, based on their income and family size. The quality of health care services is the same for everyone once they walk in the door.”

Sarkis said a health center would also help address the growing need for primary care providers in the Crossroads area.

“Lower health care costs are also an added benefit of having a community health center in Howard County,” said Sarkis. “Medical expenses for health center patients are 41-percent lower compared to patients that are seen in other health care settings. By keeping health care costs to a minimum, health centers are generating costs savings for the entire health care system.”

To RSVP for Tuesday's meeting, contact Farley at 264-2269 or e-mail her at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Contact Staff Writer Thomas Jenkins at 263-7331 ext. 232 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it