Head to the Community Health Center’s new Everett Central clinic this afternoon (Thursday, Jan. 18) before staff throw open the doors to patients on Monday.
The open house runs from noon to 4 p.m. at 4201 Rucker Ave. Once open Jan. 22, the nonprofit Community Health Center of Snohomish County’s new $8 million clinic is expected to serve 8,000 patients in its first year.
While all patients are welcome at the Everett Central clinic, the nonprofit organization primarily serves low-income and uninsured patients. Medical services are provided on a sliding fee scale, based on income.
Everett Central is the health care organization’s fourth medical clinic in the city, joining others in Arlington, Edmonds and Lynnwood, and will have a walk-in clinic with X-ray equipment. It’s the organization’s second clinic with urgent care services.
High patient demand drove the decision to open another Everett office, which will help relieve the demand on its current clinics in north and south Everett, said Bob Farrell, Community Health Center’s chief executive officer.
The clinic is in the 98203 ZIP code, an area that the state Department of Health considers as medically underserved. Less than half of the low-income population there obtains regular medical care.
With its location on bus lines, it also will be able to serve the homeless, Farrell said.
The clinic initially will have eight medical providers, with plans to later increase that number to 12.
The Community Health Center purchased the three-story building for $2.7 million and spent $5.3 million on renovation, Farrell said.
Current Community Health Center patients are being notified of the opening of the new clinic.
“We’re hoping they’ll come and take a look at the clinic and to see if that’s where they’d like to go,” Farrell said.
Familiar faces
Some patients might see some familiar faces on the clinic’s staff. Two family practice physicians from its South Everett office, Dr. Amy Rodriguez and Dr. Suzanne Powell, will work there, and also provide obstetrics services.
Overall, the Community Health Center served 53,000 patients last year, 60 per cent for medical services and 40 per cent for dental care. The organization’s offices in Arlington, Edmonds, Lynnwood and North and South Everett also provide dental services.
Scheduled to open Jan. 22, Everett Central clinic hours are:
Walk-in clinic: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Medical clinic: Monday through Wednesday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Appointments are now being accepted. Call 425-789-3789.
