Clinch River Health Services Hold Ground-Breaking Ceremony
Lisa Watson McCarty
Publisher
It's words that truly describe the vocation of Clinch River Health Services Inc. The community-sponsored health care center has been providing services to the area since 1978 and with construction underway on a brand new facility, they plan to serve the medical needs of the area for at least 30 more years.
On Friday, Aug. 15 at 12:30 p.m., administrators and staff from Clinch River were joined by local, state and federal officials as they officially broke ground on a new 12,000-square-foot building in the Dungannon Industrial Park.
It was a day of celebration for Clinch River officials as their long-awaited dream and the ceremonial ground was turned over to start the project.
Hazel Stanley, president of the Clinch River Health Services Board of Directors, which oversees the operations of the health clinic, welcomed the more than 100 persons in attendance at the event. Despite the hot and humid heat, the crowd was elated at the meaning of the ceremony.
"I want to welcome you and say it's a beautiful day," Stanley said. "We have been anticipating this event and have dreamed about it for a long time. Our dreams and faith have been providing health care for 30 years. Our first priority is to take care of our patients."
She noted that all of the staff is very important at the clinic and that each plays an important role in the quality of care given at the clinic.
"We appreciate your service," Stanley complimented Clinch River's staff.
Carolyn Bowen, administrator at the facility, acknowledged the hard work done by Clinch River officials over the years to ensure Friday's ground-breaking ceremony.
"There is no way we could do this without the assistance of Rural Development," Bowen explained.
Dr. Gary Michael, medical director of Clinch River Health Services, Inc., noted the new facility would allow the clinic to better serve its patients. He also became a bit emotional as he talked about the journey undertaken by the board and staff to be able to build a new medical center.
"This is a feat for us to be here today," Michael said. "We started with a little building and we have grown and grown. This is not about building a bigger facility or the prettiest, today is truly about our mission - our service to you all."
He added Clinch River Health Services was about serving its neighbors and hoped its efforts could be matched by others in the nearby communities.
"We are proud of who we are and there is no higher calling than to serve your neighbor," Michael remarked. "We are thankful to have receive so much help from others because you can't do a project like this alone."
He philosophically talked about Candide's quote that "we must cultivate our own garden," which he hopes will encourage others in the surrounding community to beautify and rebuild their own "gardens."
"I hope all will respond to this and make our community stronger and healthier," Michael concluded.
Ninth District Congressman Rick Boucher (D-Abingdon) was joined by officials of the United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Division at the event, who were responsible for the major portion of funding attached to the building project.
"Ensuring that Southwest Virginia residents have convenient access to high quality and affordable health care services is one of my highest priorities," he noted. "Clinch River Health Services has been helping us achieve this goal by providing high quality health care at its clinic in Dungannon to residents of Scott, Russell and Wise Counties regardless of their ability to pay."
The clinic, which serves more than 3,500 patients last year, currently only has seven exam rooms in its 6,000-square-foot building and was in desperate need of more space. The new facility, which is twice the size of the current structure, will feature 12 exam rooms, three treatment rooms, two behavioral health treatment rooms, a laboratory, office space and educational rooms.
The building will also have space for digital x-ray equipment and telemedicine services offered at the clinic.
Construction is underway and expected to be complete next summer.
USDA Rural Development is providing a low interest, federal loan of $2.2 million to cover the cost of construction. The federal agency previously provided a grant of $50,000 to purchase a new generator for the facility and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded $344,955 in federal stimulus money to purchase new equipment for the clinic.
"When completed, residents of Dungannon, Fort Blackmore, Nickelsville, Duffield, Gate City, Weber City, Castlewood, St. Paul, Coeburn and the surrounding communities will be able to receive high quality health services at the new health center," Boucher added. "The health center will treat more than 3,500 patients each year and will employ 26 individuals.
"Additionally, patients will benefit from the new digital x-ray services the clinic will be able to provide. The health center will be able to transmit digital x-rays to other local health care providers, hospitals or other specialists electronically with the electronic medical records system the clinic implemented in 2007. This will save patients a drive to a local hospital for x-ray."
Clinch River Health Services employs three full-time physicians, two nurse practitioners, a professional counselor and a psychiatric nurse practitioner in addition to its support staff. Psychiatric services are provided through a telepsychiatry partnership with the University of Virginia.
Boucher publicly thanked RD officials in attendance Ellen Davis, Virginia State Director and Travis Jackson, Area Director for their assistance in securing federal funds for Southwest Virginia projects.
"We depend on Rural Development for so many of our community needs," he explained. "In fact, RD is the premier economic development agency for rural areas at the federal level. For water, sewer and broadband development, we look to the Rural Utilities Services or Rural Development because they are so responsive to our needs."
Boucher also acknowledged that the Ninth Congressional District was the second highest congressional district in landing USDA Rural Development funding.
Davis said it was always a pleasure to get out of Richmond and visit Southwest Virginia where it is known for its scenery and hospitality. She also complimented the congressman for his assistance in securing funds from the federal agency.
"Health care is a key part of rural communities," Davis remarked. "One-fourth of the population lives in a rural area and quality care is not always a given if it's 35 to 40 minutes away from the nearest hospital. That's why it's so important to have community health clinics."
Jackson noted that the measure of success is based on how well a community takes care of those unable to take care of themselves.
"It is a privilege to partner with Congressman Boucher," he added. "Our assistant director stated that we were always among the top performers of the state and that's due to the Congressman' efforts. He brings taxpayer money back to this region."
Bowen said staff and board members of Clinch River Health Services were excited about the new facility. She thanked the Town of Dungannon for their sewer extension to the property and acknowledged assistance from Boucher, Rural Development, The Lane Group, Chapman Construction, Scott County Economic Development Authority, attorney Lisa McConnell, Lenowisco, Rye Cove Community Church, First Baptist Church of Dungannon and Ashley Young of Dream Events and Catering.