FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Inquiries Welcome
July 1, 2025
Contact:
Mary Lynn Slivinski
Community Health Net
mslivinski@community-healthnet.com
(814) 454-4530 ext. 227
CHN’s Erie Gives campaign to focus on expanding access to sports medicine and movement-based care across the Lake Erie region
Erie, Pa. — On July 1, 2025, Community Health Net (CHN), the leading Federally Qualified Health Center serving the Lake Erie region, commemorated its 40th Anniversary with a rooftop press conference and reception in downtown Erie. The event celebrated four decades of trusted service while marking the launch of a new initiative poised to shape the future of community health.
At the gathering, CHN formally announced the launch of Community Health Net Sports Medicine: More Than Just Sports—a groundbreaking program designed to serve individuals across a spectrum of ages, abilities, and professions. From older adults working to maintain mobility, to workers recovering from job-related injuries, to students and weekend athletes seeking safe return to activity, the program meets a wide range of community needs.
“This is a transformational step for Community Health Net,” said Craig Ulmer, CEO of Community Health Net. “We’re bringing movement-focused, recovery-centered care directly to the communities that need it most—delivered with the same compassion, dignity, and access that have defined our organization for 40 years.”
CHN Sports Medicine was developed to support people from all walks of life—those recovering from injury, seeking to regain strength, or aiming to stay active well into older age. The program reflects CHN’s expanded commitment to prevention, recovery, and whole-person health—meeting patients where they are with care that strengthens both body and confidence.
“This anniversary represents the strength and resilience of a community-centered health system,” said Thierno Barry, Chairman, Community Health Net Board of Directors. “We are proud to celebrate 40 years of care, and even more proud to invest in what’s next. Sports medicine is not just a service—it’s a statement about who we serve and how we continue to grow with them.”
As part of the event, CHN also announced that its 2025 Erie Gives Day campaign will focus on supporting and expanding access to its sports medicine services, ensuring care is available to all, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.
Speakers included Board Chairman Thierno Barry, longtime board member Barbara Drew, CEO Craig Ulmer, and Edward C. A. Hennis, M.D., a provider CHN. The event brought together dignitaries, regional leaders, healthcare advocates, and community partners to reflect not only on CHN’s past—but the care model it is building for the next generation.
The event is part of a series of commemorative activities celebrating CHN’s 40th Anniversary year, including National Health Center Week in August and a Board of Directors’ 40th Anniversary Luncheon in September, where a special announcement will be made.
About Community Health Net
Community Health Net is a Federally Qualified Health Center with seven locations and 39 years of service to the Erie region. As the premier regional healthcare organization committed to patient-centered care, CHN delivers accessible medical, dental, and behavioral health services regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. Its mission is to improve the region’s quality of life by providing professional healthcare services with compassion, respect, and dignity to all.
Sports Medicine Webpage: https://www.community-healthnet.com/services/sports-medicine/