About Us

Lorain County Health & Dentistry has a proud history and an exciting future. The organization is well-positioned to provide a full range of primary and preventive health care services, of the highest quality, to vulnerable persons of all ages, meeting local need for many, many years to come

Our History

It was in 2002 that our newly formed private, nonprofit organization was designated a Federally Qualified Health Center “Look Alike” by the Health Resources and Services Administration, a mark of quality and commitment to serve the underserved. While it wasn’t the “funded” designation we desired (we achieved that status in 2009), it was a significant and vital step in our organization’s early development. We have surely come a long way since 2002, thanks to the hard work and perseverance of our staff, both present and past.

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Our Mission

Lorain County Health & Dentistry, a trusted health partner, providing comprehensive, high-quality care that is accessible to all.

Our Vision

Caring for our community, elevating all for a better tomorrow

Our Values

COMPASSION

Exhibiting kindness and sensitivity in a non-judgmental environment where every person feels valued and understood.  

RESPECT

Treating others with dignity, honoring diverse perspectives, and fostering an inclusive workplace for all. 

QUALITY

Demonstrating excellence in all aspects of care and revolutionizing health outcomes for our patients and community. 

INTEGRITY

Maintaining consistent and honest practices and behaviors that build trust within our team and with those we serve.  

EXCELLENCE

Consistently meeting the highest standards and continuously improving how we deliver care and support one another.

strong communities start with strong care

LCH&D Leadership

Ben Kosewski

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Ben joined Lorain County Health & Dentistry in January 2025 and brings more than 12 years of healthcare leadership experience, specializing in strategic planning and operational efficiency. As a dedicated Lorain County resident, he is committed to strengthening the organization’s foundation and advancing access to high-quality care throughout the community.
Troy Chaffin

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Since joining Lorain County Health & Dentistry in 2017, Troy has served as Director of Operations and now Chief Operating Officer, providing operational oversight across all service sites. With more than 15 years of experience in healthcare and public health leadership, primarily in finance and operations, he is dedicated to enhancing patient experience, improving access to care, and strengthening the local healthcare system.
Judy Cilona, RN

CHIEF NURSING AND QUALITY OFFICER, RISK MANAGER, PRIVACY OFFICER

Since joining Lorain County Health & Dentistry in 2009, Judy Cilona, RN, has played a pivotal role in shaping high-quality, patient-centered care. She serves as Chief Nursing and Quality Officer, as well as the organization’s Risk Manager and Privacy Officer. Under her leadership, LCH&D achieved NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home recognition with Distinction in Behavioral Health Integration, reflecting her commitment to improving care for patients and supporting the teams who serve them.
Mehul Danawala, MD

CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER
Dr. Mehul Danawala is a board-certified family physician with more than 20 years of clinical experience. He provides clinical leadership focused on quality improvement, patient safety, and advancing access to comprehensive, patient-centered care across all service sites. Dr. Danawala’s clinical background includes preventive care, pediatric and women’s health, and chronic disease management, including diabetes, hypertension, and heart failure. In his role, he collaborates closely with providers and executive leadership to strengthen care delivery, support clinical teams, and improve health outcomes for patients throughout Lorain County.
Ashley Frizell

SENIOR EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Ashley is a seasoned Senior Executive Assistant with more than 15 years of experience in healthcare administration and executive support. At Lorain County Health & Dentistry, she is recognized for her organizational expertise, attention to detail, and ability to coordinate complex operations that keep the organization running efficiently.
Alexa Geiger

OUTREACH & ADVOCACY COORDINATOR
Alexa joined Lorain County Health & Dentistry in 2024 and serves as the Outreach & Advocacy Coordinator, where she leads community engagement, advocacy initiatives, and marketing efforts to increase awareness of services and reduce barriers to care. She collaborates with internal teams and community partners to strengthen outreach campaigns, health education, and policy advocacy that support underserved populations. During her time in the role, LCH&D earned Advocacy Center of Excellence Gold recognition from the National Association of Community Health Centers, reflecting the organization’s strong commitment to advancing access to care through effective advocacy.
Victoria Kellerman, PsyD

Director of Behavioral Health
Joseph Kunchik, DDS

CHIEF DENTAL OFFICER

Dr. Joseph Kunchik serves as the Chief Dental Officer of Lorain County Health & Dentistry and brings more than 26 years of clinical experience in General Dentistry, much of it dedicated to underserved communities. Since joining LCH&D in 2018, he has overseen dental operations, provider development, and departmental quality assurance. He collaborates closely with the CEO, COO, and executive leadership to expand services and strengthen clinical integration across the Health Center. Dr. Kunchik is a supportive member of NNOHA, ADA, and ODA, and an active member of the Lorain County Dental Society.
Patricia Yost, MD

ASSISTANT MEDICAL DIRECTOR, SPECIALTY SERVICES

Dr. Patricia Yost is a board-certified obstetrician gynecologist with more than 30 years of experience providing compassionate, patient-centered care to women across the lifespan. As Assistant Medical Director of Specialty Services at Lorain County Health & Dentistry, she supports clinical excellence, advances women’s health initiatives, and works to enhance the overall patient experience. Dr. Yost is committed to strengthening patient-centered women’s health services and fostering a culture of trust, respect, and high-quality care throughout the organization.