CLYDE, NC | Vicki Hyatt | Dec 4, 2017
Original article can be found at: http://www.themountaineer.com/
_______
During a time when community health care clinics are targeted for federal cutbacks, Blue Ridge Health in expanding services in Haywood County.
In June 2016, the Good Samaritan Clinic, which had long served the uninsured population in Haywood, merged with Blue Ridge Health. The nonprofit healthcare took over the medical side of the Good Samaritan operation, while the wrap-around services such as helping patients work through the barriers to healthcare remained with Good Samaritan.
Since that time, Blue Ridge Health has grown significantly — so much so that new office space was needed.
The practice is now located at 490 Hospital Drive in Clyde, and has five providers, including Dr. Jessica Pior, the practice’s first full-scope family medicine provider who is able to provide pediatrics and pregnancy care.
“With the help of the community, we’ve had a strong start in Haywood County in our first year,” said Dr. Richard Hudspeth, chief executive officer and chief medical officer for BRH. “We are thrilled to be able to move into this new space. We’re certain it will help us continue to expand our impact and help improve the health of Haywood County.”
Lee Homan is the marketing and development coordinator for Blue Ridge Health, which offers services in 17 locations throughout western North Carolina.
Homan said community health centers have historically enjoyed bipartisan support in Congress, largely because they are a cost-effective way to deliver healthcare services. However, 70 percent of the federal support for federally qualified health care centers is now on the chopping block.
While such a cut would be difficult, Homan said just 25 percent of the center’s funding comes from the government.
“It won’t result in us closing our doors,” Homan said, “but it is not insignificant. We’re not a free clinic. We do accept insurance and charge on a sliding scale. If a patient is unable to pay, we still provide service, but a patient shouldn’t be surprised to receive an invoice.”
In addition, Homan said the organization, as a 501c3 nonprofit, received private donations and grants.
“For folks who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford healthcare, we’re vastly less expensive,” he added.
New space
For years, the Good Samaritan Clinic was located at 34 Sims Circle in Waynesville. When the clinic merged with Blue Ridge Health, the site was adequate for a time. But the fast-paced growth demanded a larger space, and the new location includes 11 exam rooms, lab, procedure room, behavioral health counseling room and a spacious waiting room.
“We are delighted to be able to serve our patients in this wonderful new space,” said Donda Bennett, practice manager. “It has been exciting to see the growth of our practice since joining Blue Ridge Health. “Over the past year, we have seen our capacity to serve the community continue to grow significantly. We’re welcoming more new patients than ever, and we encourage anyone in search of high-quality primary care to give us a call.”
Over the past 17 months, Blue Ridge Health has expanded access to affordable, comprehensive health services, such as family medicine, pediatrics, pregnancy care, behavioral health, and nutrition services, for residents of Haywood and surrounding counties.
For more information, call 246-6372.
Share this Post
