East Liberty Family Health Care Center

The East Liberty Family Health Care Center (ELFHCC) is a non-profit, faith-based Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1982 in the basement of Eastminster Presbyterian Church, following seven years of prayer and a vision to provide a Christian healing ministry in the urban area of Pittsburgh. The founders, including Rev. Douglas A. Dunderdale and David Hall, envisioned a center where God's love would be experienced through healing and care that addressed the whole person—physical, mental, and spiritual—and was open to everyone, especially the underserved and underinsured. As an FQHC, ELFHCC is designed to enhance the provision of quality primary care services in medically underserved urban and rural communities. This means they are committed to serving all individuals, regardless of age, race, creed, sex, national origin, or ability to pay. While services are not free, ELFHCC welcomes private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and self-pay plans. For those without insurance, a sliding fee scale is available, with discounts based on family size and income according to federal poverty guidelines. ELFHCC provides a broad spectrum of healthcare services, including: Primary Medical Care: For adults and children. Dental Services: Comprehensive, preventive, and emergency dental care for all ages, available at their Lincoln-Lemington and Wilkinsburg offices. Behavioral Health Services: Including counseling and support for mental health, substance use disorders (alcohol and drug addiction), and integrated care with conditions like HIV/AIDS. Specialty Care: Podiatry and other specialized medical services. Pharmacy Services: On-site pharmacies at their East Liberty and Lincoln-Lemington locations, offering convenient and low-cost medication solutions, including walk-in services or prescription delivery to other ELFHCC health centers. Other Programs: HIV/AIDS prevention and education, chronic disease management (e.g., Hepatitis C), and various community outreach programs. They also offer a patient portal for easy communication, prescription refills, and appointment requests. The center emphasizes a "whole-person" approach to healthcare, acknowledging the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. They are known for providing prayer with every visit, a practice rooted in their faith-based mission, while maintaining a non-discriminatory environment. ELFHCC has grown significantly since its inception, expanding from a three-room office to multiple full-service health centers across Pittsburgh, including locations in East Liberty (Medical Office, Pediatric Suite, Pharmacy), Lincoln-Lemington (Medical and Dental Office, Pharmacy), Uptown (Medical Office), and Wilkinsburg (Dental Office). They serve diverse patient populations from surrounding communities such as Wilkinsburg, Shadyside, Oakland, and Homewood.