Orchard's New Beginning

November 9, 2026 - 17:18

In an exciting development for community health, Epic has introduced a new initiative called Enterprise Orchard Shared Services. This organization, identified by Epic org ID 38769, is managing a public FHIR endpoint named "PA Health Center Technology Alliance." This marks a significant step as it encompasses 36 facilities, including the Alliance's main office and various community health sites.

The Alliance is a subsidiary of the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers, which has taken a bold move to contract directly with Epic. This shift is noteworthy, as it positions PACHC not just as a trade association, but as a holding company aiming to support federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) across Pennsylvania. These health centers are crucial, serving patients regardless of their ability to pay, often relying on Medicaid and uninsured individuals.

CEO Shelley Riser describes this arrangement as a "family of companies," emphasizing the collaborative nature of the initiative. By partnering with Epic, the Alliance aims to provide essential technology solutions to health centers that typically struggle to afford enterprise EHR systems. This approach not only enhances access to healthcare technology but also strengthens the safety net for underserved communities. As this initiative unfolds, it promises to reshape the landscape of community health services in Pennsylvania and beyond.