PITTSBURG, KS |
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Original article can be found at: http://www.parsonssun.com/
Practice manager Jamie Shaffer walked through the long hallway lined with newly installed metal studs between which the space was filled with batts of glass wool insulation, forming a framework of walls ready for the installation of drywall that was being unloaded into the building through the east door.
The interior reconstruction of the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas is the cause of great excitement as it is indicative of the clinic’s long-awaited expansion of services to area residents to encompass medical, dental and mental health services — treating the whole person. The clinic first opened in August 2015.
The improvements to the 9,375-square-foot building that was originally a fitness center are made possible through a $1 million grant from the Department of Health and Human Services.
CHC/SEK is a patient-owned, nonprofit organization, with all income going to cover the facilities, staff, services and care of those who otherwise could not afford it. The clinic is available to everyone, insured or not. The clinic is not a free clinic, but costs of services are based on a sliding scale, and treatment is not refused to anyone based on inability to pay. Patients are eligible based on income and family size with discounts for those at incomes at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. All insurance also is accepted.
“We just hired another medical provider, so we will have two once the construction is complete,” Shaffer said, noting an anticipated fall completion date.
At that time, the clinics hours will be expanded.
Currently the clinic at 2100 Commerce Drive (across U.S. 59 from the C.O.R.E. on the Labette Health campus) is open 9 a.m to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. The clinic remains open during construction. Anyone wanting more information can call 717-4450.
Walking through the construction area, Shaffer pointed to spaces on the west side of the building that will soon be transformed into a dental office, procedure area and recover room.
“We will have a dentist on site eventually,” she said. “We’re excited to get that service in here.”
Affordable dental care for those who do not have dental insurance or a dental credit card is a major concern for area residents, many of whom fall within 200 percent of the poverty guidelines — about half of all persons living in the region.
“That will open up so many opportunities to serve some of the needs here in Parsons and around the area,” Shaffer said. “And we’ll have behavioral health in here as well.”
Along the south wall of the building will be patient exam rooms. Central in the building will be a medical lab, an office for the dental providers and a triage area. The area also will serve as a storm shelter.
The building’s east side consists of a nurses station, procedure area, provider office and offices for patient navigators to meet with people to provide them with help navigating financial assistance to help remove any medical barrier to their getting health care, such as access to hospital services if needed. More medical exam rooms line the easterly exterior wall.
The north side of the building will include the reception and waiting area, offices and a conference room.
Professionals are available to help those with special needs, such as mothers-to-be and diabetics.
“We try to offer a lot of different services,” Shaffer said.
Interpreters are also available for the Spanish-speaking population.
Shaffer has worked at a couple of other community health clinics in nearby counties before coming to work in Parsons.
Originally from Altamont, Shaffer said to finally have one of these clinics in her own backyard is wonderful.
“It’s very needed in this area and what we’re able to offer to patients in this area is huge.
“We want to reduce any issue that may make people not able to come in for services,” Shaffer said. “It’s really integrated health care. Accessibility and affordability is huge to us.”
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