Welsh Mountain in New Holland is one of 10 facilities operated by Union Community Care (UCC). It is officially a health care center, but because of its accessibility, familiarity and wealth of services, it's as close to being a hospital as any facility can get without actually being a hospital.

"It's like a medical office," said Andrea Murray, Union Community Care's director of community impact. "The Welsh Mountain location plays the role of a primary physician. It's a place you go if you need a wellness check. It's a place you go if you're not feeling well. It's a place to go to maintain your overall health. It's focused on whole person care."

Located at 584 Springville Road, New Holland, Union Community Care's Welsh Mountain health care center is a 10,405-square-foot community building that supports family medical needs; chiropractic care; pediatric care; women's health; addiction programs; chronic disease management; nutrition services; and social support services. Its Plain Healthy program includes a mobile unit that provides weekly care to members of the local plain community.

"We don't cover everything at New Holland," said Murray. "We work really close with local health care providers to make sure our patients get the care they need in other services. We would connect (patients) with health providers who offer those services."

The Welsh Mountain medical center in New Holland treats nearly 4,500 patients annually for a variety of ailments, sicknesses and injuries.

"New Holland residents are rural residents who face these unique barriers to care," said Murray, a resident of Palmyra. "They prefer local, trusted health care providers. Welsh Mountain was created because of those needs. It's community-based care close to home.

"Our Welsh Mountain location is similar to our other locations because it provides 360 degrees of care," continued Murray. "Welsh Mountain is one of our original sites, and Welsh Mountain has this great relationship with that community. When people go in there, they know they're going to know their providers, and I think that's really important."

Welsh Mountain's health care team is headed by providers Erica Lehman and Jeanine Muir, both of whom are certified nurse practitioners. They are supported by a 13-member staff of registered nurses, LPNs, medical assistants and behavioral health professionals.

"They are compassionate, trusted members of the community in New Holland," said Murray. "If you'd go to a local market and say Erica's name or Jeanine's name, everybody would know them. That's intentional in that community. It's like a community hub. If people need something, they'll stop in. It's not only a place to receive medical care; it's a place to gather."

UCC, which is headquartered at 454 New Holland Ave., Suite 300, Lancaster, operates facilities in Lancaster, Lebanon and Chester counties, including one that provides dental services at 435 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland. UCC was conceived in 2020 through the merger of Welsh Mountain Health Center and Lancaster Health Center.

"The New Holland Welsh Mountain building dates back to 1969," said Murray. "It started as a small community clinic that only offered part-time medical services. But it's evolved to meet what the community needs."

For additional information, go to http://www.unioncommunitycare.org.