After several years of work, a new Community Health Center has just opened in Vinita.
The city of Vinita now has a new place for people to address their health care concerns.
“There are challenges with transportation the economy has a certain amount of challenge as well…Affordability in healthcare is important and ease as access,” says Patrick Peer, CEO Community Health Center of Northeast Oklahoma.
The new facility “Allensworth Community Health Center” will work to address the rural, medically underserved areas found in Northeast Oklahoma. The Community Health Center of Northeast Oklahoma incorporated built the facility after receiving funds from the Craig County Healthcare Foundation. Health center leaders are hopeful this new addition will play a big role in the overall health of the community.
“What is unique about us is because we are a federally qualified health center we access patients on their ability to pay based on their family size and their income so their payment size can range anywhere from nothing out of pocket to full charges,” says Patrick Peer, CEO Community Health Center of Northeast Oklahoma.
And for many who have felt the burden of lack of healthcare in the area they are excited for this new venture.
“Our economy and our existence revolves around healthcare in this community. And this has been a very real danger and it has been for all rural hospitals when so many were closing,” says Carol Castor, professional artist in Vinta.
Peer adds in the future, they are hoping to expand their services into Commerce. They have met with the mayor and city manager to see if the project will work in their area.
