There’s No Place Like Community
2025 Impact Report

FROM Bethany Blackburn, Chief Executive Officer

As CEO of North Side Christian Health Center, I am often asked, “How are you doing? Is everything going to be okay?” I usually reply, “It’s okay.” The truth is more complicated.

After navigating a pandemic, inflation, and workforce
shortages, we are now facing sweeping federal policy
changes that threaten access to care. Nearly 40% of
federal employees overseeing health centers have been
laid off. Immunization protocols are shifting. An August
7th Executive Order moves grant decisions from objective civil servants to political appointees—deeply concerning for an organization like NSCHC, where 40% of funding comes from federal grants.

Most alarming is the impact of the Big Beautiful Bill on Medicaid and Insurance Marketplace access. When provisions take effect in 2027, many will lose coverage, dramatically increasing the number of uninsured patients.

Today, 15% of our patients are uninsured, accounting for 20% of all visits. If you have never lacked health insurance, you are fortunate. Many know the fear of unanswered health questions, unpredictable bills, and impossible choices between medical care and basic needs. You cannot thrive with unexpected healthcare costs.

For the past two years, I have volunteered at Mission of Mercy, where thousands— many uninsured—travel long distances and wait overnight for dental, vision, and hearing care. In a city known for healthcare excellence, this should not be the only option for care.

I recently consulted on the television show The Pitt about how uninsured patients access care in Pittsburgh. The answer is stark: their health suffers, or their finances do. While federally qualified health centers like NSCHC provide essential primary care, uninsured individuals otherwise face financial devastation for even basic services.

Yes, I am frustrated—and deeply concerned—that federal policies are making healthcare harder to access, even as we know it strengthens families, communities, and our economy. As access shrinks, North Side Christian Health Center will remain steadfast in caring for our most vulnerable neighbors. This has been our mission for over 30 years.

But we cannot do it alone. We ask you to advocate for healthcare access and stay engaged with NSCHC. Your support has never mattered more—because there truly is no place like Community.

Bethany Blackburn, MBA
Chief Executive Officer