The Franklin County One Door Initiative, with a mission to connect residents to coordinated services from five key agencies: the Office on Aging, Child Support Enforcement Agency, Job and Family Services, Justice Policy and Programs, and Veterans Services has opened the Hearth of Ohio Family Health branch in Whitehall to the public.

The Franklin County Board of Commissioners joined community partners and neighbors at a ribbon cutting to mark the opening of a new One Door branch in partnership with Heart of Ohio Family Health at 5000 E. Main Street, Columbus, OH 43213.

The event marked another critical milestone for the One Door initiative, which streamlines access to essential health and human services by combining multiple county agencies into one integrated system.

By locating services in trusted neighborhood settings, the commissioners reaffirmed their commitment to meet residents where they live, work, and play.

“Opening this One Door branch in partnership with Heart of Ohio Family Health truly demonstrates what it means to meet people where they are,” said Board President Erica C. Crawley.

“We know our residents’ lives don’t happen in government buildings downtown, they happen in neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces. By bringing services directly into the community, we are breaking down barriers that too often stand in the way of opportunity and making sure support is within reach for every family.

“This is more than just about convenience, it’s about equity. Every resident of Franklin County deserves the same access to resources and support, no matter their zip code. One Door represents our ongoing commitment to creating a county where all families can thrive and not just survive, and I am proud to continue building partnerships that move us closer to that vision,” said Commissioner Erica Crawley,

The commissioners stressed that the One Door initiative is designed to remove barriers for families by bringing multiple agencies together in a single, convenient location.

“This is about neighbors helping neighbors,” emphasized Commissioner John O’Grady.

“Families shouldn’t have to jump through hoops or travel across the county to get help. By placing One Door in trusted spaces like Heart of Ohio Family Health, we’re making services simple, local, and accessible.”

In addition to convenience, the commissioners highlighted the broader vision behind One Door, ensuring that accessible services strengthen not only individual households, but the community as a whole.

“Every new One Door branch is an investment in a healthier, more resilient community,” said Commissioner Kevin L. Boyce.

“When residents can connect to resources close to home, they are empowered to thrive, and the entire county benefits.”

 “Heart of Ohio Family Health is delighted to be a collaborative partner with Franklin County’s One Door initiative,” said Dr. Buhari Mohammed, CEO of Heart of Ohio Family Health.

“Even though the ribbon-cutting ceremony for this accessible and close-to-home location will occur today, we have already experienced the impact that it will have during some preliminary activity held in the past week. We strive to provide proactive solutions to meet the needs of our community, and this will ongoingly enhance the quality-care that we collectively provide.”

The new One Door branch will connect residents to coordinated services from five key agencies: the Office on Aging, Child Support Enforcement Agency, Job and Family Services, Justice Policy and Programs, and Veterans Services. By consolidating services under one roof, the initiative makes it easier for families to access comprehensive, efficient support tailored to their unique needs.

One Door services at the new Heart of Ohio Family Health location are now open to the public, Monday through Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., on the first floor of Heart of Ohio Family Health at 5000 E. Main Street, Columbus, OH 43213. Click here for more information about One Door Resource Centers.

Support the New Americans magazine to continue to serve our community with precise news that affect the new American, immigrant and refugee community. https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=8LHFS78NRNJJY&source=url