Roanoke Chowan Community Health Center (RCCHC) announced its plans today to open a new primary care health clinic in Washington County. It will be called Creswell Primary Care and will be located in the former Washington County Medical Clinic building off Highway 64 in Creswell.
"This has been a long time coming for our citizens. Many of them have been forced to travel 25 miles or more for medical care. The new Creswell clinic will have a significant impact on our community, said Cole Phelps, Chairman Washington County Commissioners.
The new clinic will open April 11, but will begin taking appointments on March 23 by calling Holly Smith at 252-332-3548 Ext. 7227. A community "Meet & Greet" is also scheduled for March 23 from 4 to 6 at the new clinic for community members to meet the new provider.
Physician Assistant Kathie Bollenbach will be the lead provider at the new Crewswell Primary Care. Bollenbach has 16 years of experience in Family Practice and Emergency Medicine. Originally from Wisconsin, she moved to Eastern NC in 2013 and has been working in the Emergency Department in Ahoskie and the Urgent Care in Edenton since she arrived. Prior to leaving Wisconsin, Bollenbach was named the
2013 Wisconsin Physician Assistant of the Year. "One of the proudest moments of my life was knowing that my colleagues, along with the patients I served for a dozen years, had nominated me for that award. I cried. I was humbled and honored." Bollenbach goes on to say that it is those types of long relationships she is looking to have with her patients in Creswell. "Family practice is about establishing relationships with individuals and families. It's about trust and treating every patient as I would treat my own family members."
The Creswell Primary Care team will also include nurse manager Amanda White, RN, an additional nurse, outreach worker and a front desk/CNA will also be hired.
"Having a primary care provider that is available 5 days a week so folks can schedule appointments and walk in when they're sick is key," said Kim Schwartz, CEO, Roanoke Chowan Community Health Center.
RCCHC, an FQHC since May, 2005, provides comprehensive primary care and pediatric services with locations in Ahoskie and Murfreesboro (Hertford County) and Colerain (Bertie County) North Carolina. As a designated community health and migrant center, RCCHC's mission is to provide comprehensive care that reduces health disparities for the Roanoke Chowan area. Pediatric services are offered at RCCHC's Ahoskie clinic Monday through Friday, and the Hertford County Student Wellness Center which operates during the school year and allows students to seek medical treatment without having to leave campus, reducing absenteeism and in turn keeping kids in the classroom giving them a greater chance to successfully complete curriculum requirements.
Roanoke Chowan Community Health Center is a not-for-profit organization, governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, committed to providing quality service and comprehensive healthcare, regardless of the ability to pay, to meet the needs of the rural community, including the uninsured. RCCHC offers a sliding fee scale for their patients, as well as medication assistance programs. Evening clinics are available at all locations.