Photo by Bjorg Magnea
There is no better way for the Open Door to celebrate its 50th anniversary than with a new name and a new look. The organization just announced it will now be called the Open Door Care Network. The new name and accompanying rebranding reflect the organization’s evolution over more than a half century and its expanding commitment to comprehensive, wrap-around care across multiple locations throughout the region.
“The new name and updated logo better represent the organization’s comprehensive approach to care and its growing network of services. Open Door’s commitment to providing quality, affordable health care to all members of the community remains steadfast,” says Lindsay Farrell, Open Door Care Network’s president and CEO.
The Open Door Care Network’s team-based care approach recognizes that health extends far beyond medical treatment. True health care means addressing mental health, social determinants of health, providing care coordination, case management, early childhood services, and connecting families with resources that support their overall well-being. This preventive approach became even more apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the importance of accessible, comprehensive care was highlighted like never before.
“Open Door and other community health centers, sit at the intersection of private practice and public health,” explains Farrell. “We focus on people-centered care, making sure that everyone in our community can live robust, productive lives and take care of their families.”
While Open Door serves everyone in the community, the organization maintains a preferential option for low-income individuals and families, many of whom depend on the sliding fee scale that makes quality health care accessible regardless of ability to pay. This commitment to serving all community members, especially the most vulnerable, distinguishes community health centers from other health care providers.
This steadfast commitment to community service has deep roots–Open Door is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, marking five decades of building capacity and expertise in serving communities with comprehensive, accessible health care. This milestone coincides with the opening of a new state-of-the-art facility at 2 Church Street in Ossining, which will house medical and behavioral health teams.
“The new facility exemplifies the team-based care philosophy by co-locating multiple services under one roof, eliminating barriers to care and creating seamless experiences for patients. When families can access primary care, behavioral health support, and other essential services in one location, it transforms how they engage with their health care and improves outcomes across the board,” says Farrell.
This facility renovation is the first of a two-phase Ossining project designed to modernize the entire network. The new building complements services at 165 Main Street, which will continue offering dental, podiatric, optometry women’s health services and wellness services. The second phase, already underway, involves upgrading and renovating the existing 165 Main Street facility. The two offices will serve some 18,500 patients annually. (Open Door serves 60,000 patients annually at their six health care centers and nine school-based health centers in Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties.)
Beyond providing health care, Open Door serves as a significant economic anchor in the local community, employing 650 people whose spending supports local businesses and contributes substantially to the regional economy. This economic impact demonstrates how community health centers create ripple effects that strengthen entire communities.
Farrell explains that the transition to the Open Door Care Network comes at a particularly challenging time for Community Health Centers nationwide. She points out, “Federal funding streams face uncertainty, Medicaid programs are under threat, and the very viability of many health centers remains a concern. Despite these challenges, Open Door continues expanding its services and reach thanks to increasingly important philanthropic support.”
As the Open Door Care Network, the organization is well-positioned to meet these challenges while continuing to expand its comprehensive approach to community health care. With enhanced care coordination, case management, and early childhood services, Open Door remains committed to its team based, wrap-around care philosophy and its vital role at the intersection of private practice and public health. The network will continue serving as both a health care provider and community anchor, ensuring that quality, affordable care remains accessible to all.
To learn more about Open Door programs and ways to get involved and support our services, please visit opendoorcarenetwork.org, or contact Elisabeth Gilbert, Senior Director of Development at egilbert@odfmc.org.
