The North Olympic Healthcare Network (NOHN) stands as a testament to the power of patient-centric, holistic healthcare. As a nonprofit organization in Port Angeles, NOHN’s mission goes beyond just treating illnesses to improve the overall well-being of the community it serves. They are the first and only federally qualified heath center in Clallam County, a model which has allowed them to offer locals increased access to healthcare.
Becoming a Nonprofit
Founded in 1979 as Family Medicine of PA (FMPA), NOHN became a nonprofit after receiving a competitive grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) in 2015. The new nonprofit organization transitioned to the community health center model.
“Our old practice was having to turn people away. We wanted to create a more sustainable model to better serve the Clallam community,” said NOHN CEO Dr. Michael Maxwell, MD. Dr. Maxwell was also a senior partner of FMPA who helped spearhead their transition into NOHN. “With the change we could now coordinate care between different providers under one roof more cost effectively, and in doing so get the best clinical outcomes.”
As a nonprofit organization, NOHN can prioritize patient care over profit, ensuring that financial considerations never overshadow the health needs of the community. This structure is essential to NOHN’s mission.
“One of our principles is that cost will never prevent you from receiving care with NOHN,” noted Dr. Maxwell. “We will see anyone regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay.”
NOHN is governed by a board of directors, most of whom are patients, to help maintain their community-centric focus.
“It’s been my pleasure to support North Olympic Healthcare Network by serving on their board,” said Allison Mahaney, General Counsel for First Fed. “The organization does so much to improve lives and provide better healthcare to our community.”
CEO Michael Maxwell, MD, in front of NOHN’s Eastside location. (Photo courtesy of NOHN)
Whole-Person Healthcare
Their holistic approach to healthcare sets NOHN apart from other providers. They offer a broad range of services under one roof, including dentistry, optometry, obstetrics, and behavioral health services in addition to primary, pediatric, and geriatric care.
“Our doctors work together to offer a level of coordination that isn’t usually available,” explained Dr. Maxwell. “A doctor may be able to refer patients to another provider down the hall who can see them that same day. Our doctors form long-term relationships with our patients and focus on the treatment of the whole person through collaboration.”
Recently NOHN opened an in-house pharmacy at their two primary health center locations in Port Angeles. The investment further extended their ability to serve their patients holistically.
Grand opening of in-house pharmacy at NOHN. (Photo courtesy of NOHN)
Community Partnerships
In addition to internal collaboration, NOHN also has a strong outward focus on community.
“We partner with many local organizations to help meet needs in the community,” noted Dr. Maxwell. “Recently we partnered with the Port Angeles Fire Department to hire paramedics to coordinate care around higher-risk patients in our community.”
NOHN has also collaborated with Peninsula College and the Port Angeles School District, bringing a mobile clinic out to schools on a rotating basis, which addresses primary care needs and behavioral health issues among students.
NOHN Mobile Health Clinic visiting Peninsula College. (Photo courtesy of NOHN)
As NOHN has expanded their services over the years, First Fed has been their primary banking partner.
“We have a long history with First Fed, back to when we were still Family Medicine of PA,” said Dr. Maxwell. “First Fed financed the construction of our first new health center. We have our NOHN accounts with First Fed because they have always been reliable, responsive, and community-minded partners.”
“It’s a pleasure to partner with North Olympic Healthcare Network,” said Sara Myers, First Fed Branch Manager in Port Angeles. “They share our community-focused values and make a huge impact through the range of healthcare services they provide.”
The North Olympic Healthcare Network’s patient-centric model, integrated services, and community-focused approach works to improve individual health outcomes and foster a healthier, more resilient community. Learn more about NOHN and their patient services at nohn-pa.org.
First Fed is a member FDIC and equal housing lender.
