RICHMOND (AP) — A southern Maine town's health center says its patients do more than just talk about improving health care.

The Richmond Area Health Center says that in the past year, its patients have lost 3,223 pounds — roughly the equivalent weight of 19 average size people or two large horses.

The health center held an event Tuesday to recognize the accomplishment. It provides family health care to permanent residents and visitors.

The health center's Tom Bartol says obesity isn't the only area for health care reform, but it's a start. He says weight loss can mean fewer medications, fewer procedures and patients who feel better and are more active.