The Chamber recently joined Primary Health Network (PHN) to celebrate the grand opening of the new Emlenton Health Center with a ribbon cutting ceremony in August. The event marked a significant milestone for the community, restoring and expanding access to healthcare following the closure of the former Emlenton Area Family Practice in late 2024.
Located at 516 Main Street in the heart of Emlenton, the new facility officially opened on June 2 and offers much-needed primary care services to residents of Emlenton and surrounding areas. While construction was underway, PHN provided interim care through its Mobile Health Unit, ensuring patients had uninterrupted access to essential services.
“The opening of the Emlenton Health Center represents more than just the launch of a new facility,” said Dr. George Garrow, CEO of PHN. “It is a symbol of our enduring commitment to bringing high-quality, accessible healthcare to rural communities.”
Leading patient care at the center is Stacy Zacherl, CRNP, a local Family Nurse Practitioner with strong roots in the region and extensive clinical expertise. Zacherl provides a full range of services, including primary care, minor sick visits, medication management, health education, and telehealth options.
As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), PHN strives to make healthcare accessible to everyone. The Emlenton location accepts most insurance plans and offers a Sliding Fee Discount Program for eligible patients. To further improve access, PHN provides free transportation to and from appointments—a significant benefit for rural patients who may face travel challenges.
The Emlenton Health Center also benefits from funding through the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) Rural Health Outreach Program. This support has enabled PHN to form a rural health consortium with partners such as Independence Health System and Linmas Drugs, enhancing coordination of care and ensuring patients have access to both specialty and pharmacy services.
With the opening of the new center, residents can now rely on comprehensive, connected care close to home. Appointments can be scheduled by calling (724) 704-4358. For more information, visit primary-health.net.
Congratulations to the Primary Health Network team!
This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s September 2025 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.