Erie, Pa. – April 9, 2021 – Community Health Net (CHN), the leading Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving the Lake Erie region, announced the unveiling of a new vehicle donated and wrapped to reflect Erie’s culture and vitality by Aetna Better Health, the Medicaid managed care business of Aetna, a CVS Health company. The van will provide transportation for area patients of the FQHC. Leaders of CHN held a small, pandemic-safe, in-person event on Friday, April 9, at 3 pm, at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel, under the portico to commemorate the reveal.
“We are genuinely excited to receive this vehicle from a trusted partner who understands the need to mitigate barriers to quality healthcare for our patient population,“ said Craig Ulmer, CEO of Community Health Net. “This vehicle is proof that Aetna Better Health is vested in Erie’s vitality, health, and well-being. We share the same vision, and we look forward to using this means of patient transport to enhance a person’s total care experience.”
Each year, hundreds of people in Erie County do not obtain medical care due to transportation issues. Challenges such as these affect rural and urban areas resulting in missed or delayed health care appointments, increased health expenditures, and overall poorer health in communities. The lack of access to quality health care services is one of the five social determinants of health domains that affect a wide range of quality of life risks. Providing no-cost transportation to patients removes a critical barrier to enhance health outcomes.
“Aetna Better Health is committed to addressing inequities and improving health outcomes for our members and the communities we serve,” said Mary Kathryn Tronco, Director of Community Development, Aetna Better Health. “Donating this patient van helps remove barriers to care and makes access easier for those in need. Working with Community Health Net to provide no-cost transportation goes a long way toward achieving our common goal of being a part of the solution to create a healthier community.”
Community Health Net will use the van to provide transportation services throughout the region, using a concierge driver. The driver will assist patients with questions about hours of operations at CHN facilities and drop-off and pickup times. Placards in the vehicle will provide monthly health tips that the passenger can follow.
The media is invited to contact Community Heath Net for comment. 814.454.4530 x227
About Community Health Net
Community Health Net is the preeminent, community-focused healthcare network that advances the wellness of the region. Our mission is to improve our region’s quality of life by providing professional healthcare services with compassion, respect, and dignity to all. We are a Federally Qualified Health Center with seven locations serving the Lake Erie region for over 35 years.
About Aetna Medicaid
Aetna Medicaid Administrators LLC (Aetna Medicaid), a CVS Health company, has over 30 years of experience managing the care of the most medically vulnerable, using innovative approaches and a local presence in each market to achieve both successful health care results and effective cost outcomes. Aetna Medicaid has particular expertise serving high-need Medicaid members, including those who are dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare. Currently, Aetna Medicaid owns and/or administers Medicaid-managed health care plans under the names of Aetna Better Health and other affiliate names. Together, these plans serve approximately 2.7 million people in 16 states, including Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Texas. For more information, see www.aetnabetterhealth.com
Uninsured Pennsylvanians or those affected by COVID-19 can visit pennie.com and enroll in a plan through August 15 
