In a significant step toward improving healthcare access for Erie residents, Community Health Net (CHN) and the Housing Authority of the City of Erie (HACE) celebrated the grand opening of the Michael R. Fraley Health Center at John E. Horan Garden Apartments with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

The new health center, a joint initiative between CHN and HACE, marks a major expansion of healthcare services for families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities living in the John E. Horan community.

The facility will house CHN’s medical services, complementing the dental care already available in the adjacent space, and aims to provide comprehensive, community-based care to residents who have traditionally faced barriers to healthcare access.

The center is named in honor of Michael R. Fraley, a champion for equitable housing and healthcare access in Erie.

His legacy was celebrated by community leaders and stakeholders at the event, who recognized his enduring impact on the city’s most vulnerable populations.

“This partnership reflects a vision of community wellness that extends far beyond bricks and mortar. It affirms the human right to accessible, quality healthcare—especially for individuals and families who have historically been underserved,” said Craig Ulmer, CEO of Community Health Net. “We are proud to carry forward Michael R. Fraley’s vision by deepening our commitment to the people and neighborhoods who need us most.”

Dusti Dennis, Executive Director of HACE, echoed these sentiments: “We believe in building not just housing, but pathways to health, dignity, and opportunity for our communities. This new facility exemplifies what’s possible when organizations come together with a shared purpose—to meet people where they are and invest in their well-being. It’s a testament to Michael R. Fraley’s enduring vision for a more just and equitable Erie.”

The Michael R. Fraley Health Center is expected to serve as a model for holistic, neighborhood-based healthcare, providing much-needed services directly within the community.

For more information about Community Health Net’s services, visit www.communityhealthnet.org. To learn more about the Housing Authority of the City of Erie, visit www.hace.org.