New Health Clinic Opens Its Doors in Winchester, Kentucky
Winchester, Kentucky, has recently become the proud home of a new health clinic aimed at serving the community’s medical and wellness needs. Bluegrass Community Health Center has expanded its reach with a brand new facility located at 100 Vaught Road, Suite 1, which used to be the site of Phoenix Academy. This new spot is a significant step in offering health services tailored to the residents of Clark County, especially the students and staff of Clark County Public Schools.
A Bright New Beginning
As the opening day festivities kicked off, community members, school officials, and health advocates gathered to celebrate what this new clinic represents. The atmosphere was filled with hope and excitement as Rhonda Mullins, the chief operating officer of the health center, shared their journey to establishing this location. “The school [district] asked us if we were interested in this space, because we knew we wanted to grow,” Mullins mentioned. With this initiative, Bluegrass Community Health Center continues its proud history of serving as a school-based health clinic, previously operating at places like George Rogers Clark High School and Clark County Preschool.
Comprehensive Care Under One Roof
Patients can expect a well-rounded approach to healthcare with two primary care providers on-site who can see around 16 to 18 patients each day. There’s even a section dedicated to addressing behavioral health needs, with appointments allocated for about four clients a day. The range of services offered is impressive and features not just physicians, but also nurse practitioners and physician assistants.
With a keen focus on accessibility, Lolita Dean, a clinical assistant at BCHC, expressed her excitement about the clinic’s opening. “I think everyone here is glad to bring this into Clark County because it’s greatly needed,” Dean noted. “We need Clark County to know that we’re here for everybody, so we would love to have you come see us and we’ll take care of you.” The services do not stop at traditional healthcare; telehealth options are available, allowing people to connect with healthcare providers virtually. “You can call in and just ask for a telehealth visit, and we’ll take care of you there,” Dean added.
A Community-Oriented Facility
Understanding the needs of the community, Bluegrass Community Health Center is not just a medical facility; they are also creating a welcoming space that includes a food pantry. “We can help you with those supplies and things that you need,” Dean explained, emphasizing their commitment to addressing more than just medical issues. While the clinic is open to all community members, there will be a specific entrance for students and staff from Clark County Public Schools to ensure easy access to healthcare during school hours.
Exciting Future Prospects
The goal of this clinic is clear: to make care accessible and efficient, especially for students, which Mullins articulates well. She said, “We want to make sure that we keep our commitment to the schools. That’s the goal of having this over here [is] to try to get them in and get them back [to school].” Looking ahead, there are exciting developments on the horizon. A pharmacy is expected to open in October, featuring a 340B drug pricing program designed to provide discounts for uninsured patients. Plans are also in place to incorporate dental care services as part of their growing offerings.
Join the Community
With a family-like atmosphere described by Dean, the staff at Bluegrass Community Health Center are eager to welcome the Winchester community into their new home. Their hours of operation are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and they can be reached at 859-977-7482 for any inquiries or to make appointments. This new clinic represents a significant step forward in ensuring that the community has the healthcare resources it needs, and both the staff and the community are ready to embark on this journey together.
