Being the Hope

Representatives from Hope Healthcare and the Hendricks County Health Department gather to accept the Public Health Partnership Award from the Indiana Department of Health.

Tucked into the bustling town of Avon, sits a place of Hope - literally.

Hope Healthcare has been increasing access to health services for the uninsured for two decades now. And after years of service and dedication, the clinic is getting some recognition.

The Indiana Department of Health has recently honored Hope with the Public Health Partnership Award, a recognition that highlights local departments and stakeholders for their work in improving community health.

In Hope’s case, the award highlights their collaboration with the Hendricks County Health Department, which focused on expanding screenings, referrals, care coordination, dental access, and modern health infrastructure.

“This is big for us, for multiple reasons,” Executive Director Cliff Sweazey shared.

Not only is this the first time the group has been recognized on the State level, but the award also emphasizes Hope’s work with their community.

“It shows what happens when community comes together,” Sweazey said.

An estimated 300,000 Hoosiers lost Medicaid last year. By the end of this year it is projected that 670,000 - 750,000 Indiana residents may be without insurance, according to the Director.

“We can’t solve all that,” he explained, “but what we were able to do with just our little clinic positioned here in Hendricks County, through collaboration with the Health Department, through the Community Foundation, through support of the local hospitals, through…the individuals in the community that believe in what we’re doing, we’re able to continue to grow, build resources, and we’re we’re making a difference here.”

And despite the location, Hope isn’t just limiting their reach. In fact, the non-profit is the only one of their kind in about a five county radius.

Thus, getting the recognition raises awareness of the organization and the services they provide.

“For a small, local non-profit, charitable clinic serving neighbors without insurance, this is a really meaningful moment — not just for Hope, but for our whole community,” said Sweazey.