Family Health Services opens clinic in Norwalk

Editor's note: This past week, Family Health Services hosted a grand opening for its newest clinic on Benedict Avenue (U.S. 250) in Norwalk near the U.S. 18 bypass. David Tatro, the health care organization's CEO, provided some context on its importance. NORWALK — We receive federal tax dollars that provide benefits to the communities we serve in the surrounding counties — $1 million annually is awarded to Family Health Services from the federal government. These monies are meant to help provide a patient-centered medical home to all Ohioans. Most recently, these federal dollars were put to use in a partnership with Fisher-Titus Medical Center. Family Health Services Health Center was able to build a state-of-the-art clinic right across from the hospital. The clinic is 8,800 square feet consisting of housing, dental services, behavioral health services and primary care. Currently, we have two full-time, board-certified dentists, a dental hygienist, four certified nurse practitioners and three licensed clinical social workers and a collaborating psychiatrist. Additionally, the strategic plan in Huron County calls for the hiring of more providers based on the volume of patient need as we continue to see more patients. Currently, we have the capacity to see over 700 patients each week. Last week, we provided care to over 400 Huron County residents. The purpose or intent of the clinic being located in Huron County is threefold. • The first and foremost reason is to help in improving the countywide low-quality scores in pre-natal care, dental access and suicide and overdose rates. When these quality scores are compared to other counties, there is an urgent need for improvement. • Secondly, our entry into Huron County was to assist Fisher-Titus Medical Center in reducing pre-admission costs, hospitalization costs and emergency room utilization. • Lastly, large areas of Huron County have been identified as medically underserved and lacking in medical providers. The Huron County clinic took approximately eight months to build, and the clinic opened its doors in November. The cost of the project will be over $2 million and will add over 20 new health care jobs in Huron County. The funding for the building of the clinic came from Family Health Services Operations, Fisher-Titus Medical Center and the federal government. This project would not have been possible without the help from both the volunteer boards of Fisher-Titus Medical Center and Family Health Services. Special thanks to Dr. Brent Burkey and his senior team, who were and are very supportive of this project. Everyone is welcome to come to Family Health Services, where they will experience a high-touch, high-tech quality of care atmosphere. Family Health Services prides itself on continually improving patient satisfaction and customer service.