ABOUT THUNDER BAY COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICE
Thunder Bay Community Health Service, Inc., (TBCHS) is a non–profit, 501 (c) (3) independent corporation governed by a volunteer board of directors representing the communities we serve. TBCHS was founded in 1980 by a group of concerned citizens who identified the need for greater access to primary care services in the region.
In July 1982, TBCHS became operational as a National Health Service Corporation solo practice, and in October 1983 was awarded Section 330 federal funding operating under the guidelines of a Community Health Center.
Today this designation is referred to as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) supported by the Health Resources and Service Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This special status makes us eligible for a variety of programs, allowing us to offer a much broader scope of service than would otherwise be possible in a rural area.
Through the years, we have grown to serve the populations of Montmorency, Alpena, Cheboygan, Otsego, Oscoda, and Presque Isle Counties. We provide health care for all ages, regardless of insurance status where everyone is welcome!
OUR MISSION
Caring for the People of Our Communities
OUR VISION
A Community Partner for Well-being
RICHARD BATES, MD, CPE, CEO
Dr. Bates is a graduate of Alma college and Michigan State University. He received his Doctor of Medicine from Wayne State University and is a Certified Physician Executive. He practiced medicine for over 25-years and has held many executive leadership positions throughout his career, most recently acting as the Chief Medical Officer at Thunder Bay.
“I believe in social justice and have a passion for serving others in our rural communities. Northern Michigan is home, and these communities represent our families, friends, and neighbors. I look forward to the opportunity to continue to serve others and carry on the mission of building healthier communities. ”
Outside of work, Dr. Bates enjoys spending time with his family, his wife Cheryl, children and granddaughter. He is an active community member and enjoys hiking, gardening, rooting for local sport teams and exploring spirituality.
A MESSAGE FROM OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dear Fellow Community Members:
The Board of Directors for Thunder Bay Community Health Service, Inc. (TBCHS) is seeking individuals to serve on its board.
Our Mission, “Thunder Bay Community Health Service, Inc. commits its resources to building healthier communities,” is fueled by delivering superior healthcare, training the next generation of health professionals, and discovering ways to improve health outcomes.
You can make an impact in your community! Board member duties include financial oversight; ensuring TBCHS has adequate resources; overseeing TBCHS programs and policies; and helping to advance the TBCHS Mission.
- TBCHS is a federally qualified community health center proud to serve the residents of Alpena, Montmorency, Presque Isle, Cheboygan, Otsego, and Oscoda Counties.
- Our services include comprehensive primary and preventive health services for all ages, internal medicine, on-site pharmacies, dental, behavioral health, optical, care management, medication-assisted treatment, and addiction counseling.
- Last year, TBCHS served 18,834 unique patients rendering 76,243 healthcare visits and provided approximately $25.9 million of operating expenditures directly to our local communities.
If you are interested in serving on the TBCHS Board of Directors, please contact Susan Elowski, Executive Assistant, at selowski@tbchs.org or (989) 742-5004.
Sincerely,
Hon. Benjamin Bolser
Board Chair
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Thunder Bay Community Health Service, Inc. is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors who represent the communities that we serve. Their role is to provide oversight and strategic direction for our organization and ensure our services are meeting the needs of our patients.
Ben Bolser
Board Chair
Carrie Lohman
Director
Marvin Taylor
Director
Susan Stacey
Vice Chair
Tommie Wolff
Director
Michael Fairbanks
Director
Shanna Johnson
Treasurer
Al Moe
Director
Brendan Conboy, MD, FACOG
Director
Julie Kendrick
Secretary
Beach Hall
Director
Ashley Montroy
Director
OUR VALUES
Quality
We strive for the highest professional standards, reliability, safety, and efficiency, emphasizing continuous improvement and learning.
Family
Caring for the community by the community.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
We promote a culture of diversity and belonging by demonstrating respect, integrity, and compassion for all.
Innovation
We believe creating and adapting to change allows us to grow and evolve.
Hard Work
A high performance culture with determination and passion for service.
Stewardship
We exercise fiscal responsibility while generating important economic activity in our communities.
PATIENT-CENTERED MEDICAL HOME
A Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) is a trusting partnership between a doctor-led health care team and an informed patient. In a medical home, the practice is organized around the patient – communication is based on trust, respect and shared decision-making.
As a PCMH, Thunder Bay Community Health Service will work with you to help identify ways to improve your health such as creating a care management plan, identifying and helping you achieve healthy goals, and coordinating your care with other health care organizations such as specialists or hospitals.
This program is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $3,183,514 with 88% financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.
This health center receives HHS funding and has Federal Public Health Service (PHS) deemed status with respect to certain health or health-related claims, including medical malpractice claims, for itself and its covered individuals.
