Open Door Through the Years

History

For 50 years, Open Door has been serving the needs of our neighbors for coordinated, comprehensive, and affordable health care both within and – through its wraparound programs – beyond the exam room. What began in 1972 as a free clinic in the basement of the First Baptist Church in Ossining has become a nationally-recognized, multi-site, federally-qualified health center serving over 62,000 people. Regardless of the affluence that exists in Westchester and Putnam Counties, many people here live at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. They struggle with poverty, unemployment, lack of health insurance, and life-threatening health disparities. In response, Open Door emphasizes access with a sliding scale fee discount, convenient hours and locations, and a bilingual, multicultural, and culturally competent staff.

Each decade has been unique in its growth and accomplishments. Each year we’ve been able to serve more patients in more ways and in more communities.

The 1970's:
First Patients Are Welcomed

1972

The Open Door is launched in the basement of the Ossining First Baptist Church, staffed with volunteer doctors and nurses and sees 1,000 patients in the first year. Marge Griesmer is Open Door’s first President & CEO.

1973

Granted Community Health Center status.

1974

Incorporated as a 501c3 non-profit organization.

1975

Purchases and renovates 165 Main Street in Ossining (formerly Hilliker’s Department Store).

1976

Opens the newly renovated Ossining location at 165 Main Street.

1978

Joins the Westchester Network of Neighborhood Health Centers (with 3 other Westchester Health Centers in Peekskill, Mt. Vernon, and Greenburgh) in order to receive federal funds.

The 1980's:
New Programs Are Offered

1980

Open Door employs first full time physician

1981

Open Door establishes Dental Services

1985

Open Door opens original Sleepy Hollow facility

1986

Open Door expands services to include Behavioral Health Services, Podiatry and Optometry

1987

Open Door establishes on-site Prenatal Services in partnership with Phelps Memorial Hospital

1988

Open Door doubles size of Ossining location through purchase and renovation of 163 Main Street

1989

The Women’s, Infant and Children program (WIC) commences at Open Door

The 1990's:
New Executive Leadership and Growth

1989

Open Door Foundation is established to provide philanthropic support to the Open Door Family Medical Center.

1990

HIV Services established at Open Door

1995

Open Door Sleepy Hollow moves to new facility at 80 Beekman Avenue with expanded services

1995

Open Door Rye Brook facility opened to serve Rye Brook and Port Chester

1998

Lindsay Farrell is appointed Open Door President and CEO. Founding CEO, Marge Griesmer, retires

1998

Joint Commission Accreditation received

The 2000's:
School-Based Health Centers Open

2001

Renovation of Ossining health center’s 3rd floor to expand medical, dental, and administrative offices

2002

Receives Congressional Appropriation grant from Rep. Nita M. Lowey to help planning of School Based Health Center Program

2004

Launch of School-Based Health Centers at Edison and Kennedy Elementary Schools in Port Chester

2005

Open Door opens Mt. Kisco facility

2006

Open Door Rye Brook facility moves to Port Chester, adding Dental and Optometry Programs

2006

First AmeriCorps class launched

2007

School-Based Health Center opened in Port Chester High School

2007

Implementation of eClinicalWorks – electronic medical record system linking all Open Door sites

2008

School-Based Health Center opened in Port Chester Middle School

2009

Receives Level 3 NCQA Patient Centered Medical Home Recognition

The 2010's:
Locations open in new communities.

2010

Mobile Dental Van program launches

2010

Receives HIMSS Davies Award for Excellence for Use of Health Information Technology (Received again in 2019)

2010

Opening of Park Avenue Elementary School-Based Health Center in Port Chester

2012

Family Medicine and Dental Residency programs established. Current partnerships include Phelps Memorial Hospital Center (Family Medicine) and New York Medical College (Dental)