“From one small trailer to a Regional Health Services Network”
1973: ChesPenn founded as the Children’s Clinic of Chester and Vicinity, in a double wide trailer on Tilghman Street in Chester with three employees.
1982: Became a Community Health Center, adding adult medical and family dental care to pediatrics; name changed to ChesPenn Health Services
2005: Opened the Center for Family Health in Coatesville
2008: Coatesville site moved to the Brandywine Health Center
2009: Center for Family Health at Upper Darby opened in collaboration with the Crozer Keystone Family Residency Program.
2013: Launched Behavioral Health services for current patients in Coatesville at our Delaware County locations in 2016.
2014: Took over Crozer Chester Medical Center’s Women’s Health Program and expanded prenatal services in Coatesville from ½ day to 5 days a week; Merged with Chester County Community Dental merged to integrate medical and dental care in Coatesville.
2016: Launched Behavioral Health services at Delaware County sites
Today: ChesPenn continues to explore new ways to meet the complex health needs of our patients and the communities we serve.
Dr. Rekha Yagnik
The Heart of ChesPenn
In August of 1973, in a double wide trailer on an open lot, The Children’s Clinic of Chester & Vicinity opened its door.
With no prior advertising, newly minted pediatrician Dr. Rekha Yagnik, a nurse and a receptionist saw eleven children on the first day. It was Dr. Yagnik’s first – and only – job. She was passionate about children and ChesPenn became her life’s work.
In November of 2015, over 100 employees, Board Members, family & friends gathered to recognize Dr. Yagnik’s 42 years of tireless work on behalf of the children and adults who need access to health care.
During the evening, Dr. Yagnik shared her appreciation to the staff “who believe in this mission” and gratitude to past and current Board Members and administrators who “let me practice pediatrics as it should be,” where patients receive the best medical care regardless of their ability to pay. Reflecting on a career recruiting, mentoring, and guiding physicians as Medical Director, Dr. Yagnik concluded, “ChesPenn is my pride and joy, I never felt I didn’t want to be at work.”
Dr. Yagnik served as Medical Director until her passing in December of 2015.
