PATRICK COUNTY, Va. (WDBJ) – Connect Health + Wellness wants to fill a need in Patrick County, a city with a population of 17,000 that only has one primary care physician.
After serving the Henry County area for decades and starting a mobile clinic in Patrick County, they opened a clinic in the county a few weeks ago, renovating a former bank building into a medical and dental practice.
“In talking to residents, we found they were frustrated with not being able to see a doctor,” said Nancy Bell, population health manager for the West Piedmont Health District. “Here’s our answer.”
Nancy Bell of the Virginia Department of Health said the average life expectancy for Patrick County residents is 73.5 years, compared with the state average of 78. That’s because of a combination of barriers, including transportation and available health care providers.
“Those numbers are real and it’s a very real need in this region,” said Marcus Stone, CEO of Connect Health + Wellness, “and that was the decision and thought process to really get serious about expanding here and providing grassroots level care and access to care to those who don’t have access to care yet.”
As a federally qualified health center, the organization serves all patients regardless of ability to pay. Walk-in appointments and appointments can be made online or over the phone.
“Considering the ups and downs of health care in Patrick County and the news earlier this year that the hospital would not be opening, the one thing that remains constant is the fact that we have access to primary care in one place. We know this is a challenge and not available to everyone,” Stone added.
The Connect Health + Wellness clinic is open for dental consultations on Mondays from 9am to 5pm and Wednesdays from 1pm to 6pm, with plans to expand hours in the coming months.
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