Berks Community Health Center

BCHC is a 501(c)3 non-profit, freestanding Community Health Center, providing patient-centered, affordable, high-quality primary health care.

We focus on the entire family. BCHC physicians and nurse practitioners take care of patients at every stage of life, from newborns to senior citizens. Reading is a culturally diverse city, and with medical interpreters on staff, BCHC is able to provide care that is culturally and linguistically appropriate. Our building at 838 Penn Street is handicapped accessible. We are conveniently located within walking distance for many patients and down the block from the central public transportation hub in Berks County.

The health center’s providers are board certified family practice physicians and nurse practitioners who are committed personally and professionally to the mission of providing health care to all, regardless of income or insurance status. BCHC ensures that comprehensive care is provided to patients after-hours through 24-hour call coverage. Registered nurse (RN) care coordinators provide case management and continuity of care as we work to build a medical home for each one of our patients and their families.

Convenience is very important, and BCHC’s patients can schedule routine and follow-up appointments from 8 am to 8 pm, Monday through Thursday and 8 am to 6 pm on Fridays. Because we are a primary care practice, appointments are available on the same or next day for BCHC’s patients who call needing an acute visit for illness.

All patients requiring dental care, specialty care or other services that BCHC does not provide on-site are referred appropriately for the full continuum of care. BCHC has strong relationships with the local hospitals, and there are many local medical specialists to whom we refer patients regularly. We can also refer patients to local providers of care for mental health and substance abuse problems.

BCHC is committed to expanding health screening and education services through our outreach department. Check back on our website often to learn about educational programs we are offering and community health fairs and other events we will be participating in!



History

Berks Community Health Center (BCHC) opened its doors to patients on June 4, 2012. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, our goal is to expand and improve primary and preventive health care for the residents of Reading and Berks County.

BCHC came into being through the efforts of committed individuals and organizations in Berks County. During several years of planning and hard work, the formation of BCHC received strong support from patients and community members, and from organizations like the United Way of Berks County, the Berks County Community Foundation, the Wyomissing Foundation, the Berks County Medical Society and the two local hospitals – Reading Health System and St. Joseph’s Health Network.