A Message From The
Executive Director
At Access Family Health Services, “human capital” is our most valued asset! We are constantly reminded that health is truly our greatest wealth. While technology is a key component of quality care, it will never replace a caring heart, a compassionate touch, or our core values of integrity, compassion, and respect. Our kind and professional staff will always place the patient in the center of everything we do. It is our honor and privilege to provide healthcare access to all!
- Marilyn Sumerford
Board of Directors
Access Family Health Services, Inc. (AFHSI) is governed by a community board and comprised of three representatives from each of the four counties served: Chickasaw, Itawamba, Lee, and Monroe. At least 51% of board members are AFHSI patients. Board members are representative of the race, ethnicity, and gender of the patients served by the organization. They each bring a unique expertise in community affairs and provide guidance & leadership for the organization.
Board members do not get paid for their service, yet they volunteer their time to assure a fiscally sound and managerially strong organization, and they are dedicated to improving the health of our communities.
A Brief History
A charter was granted to Three Rivers Area Health Services on September 6, 1978, by the State of Mississippi. In 1981, Three Rivers received funding from the Bureau of Primary Healthcare, Department of Health and Human Services to operate as a Community Health Center according to the provisions of Section 330 of the Public Health Act. The grant provides resources to expand medical and dental services to all individuals regardless of their ability to pay by offering a sliding scale payment structure. The board voted to change the name from Three Rivers Area Health Services to Access Family Health Services in February 1996.