The much anticipated grand opening for the new Associates Health Clinic which serves city, utility and county employees took place Monday afternoon at the facility located at 1632 West Indiana 28. This facility is a collaboration between the city, county and utilities and Indiana University Health.
IU Health Vice President Dave Kogan says facilities like this are much needed everywhere.
“These types of clinics are burgeoning throughout the state and around the country because we truly do need to find a different way to provide folks with access to great care that’s really convenient but is truly focused on getting people healthier,” said Kogan. “That’s what we’re laser focused on and that’s getting the population healthier, more productive.”
The goal of the Associates Health Clinic is to provide convenient access to high-quality primary care at no out-of-pocket to the employees and their family members. Services include preventive care, immediate and primary care, health coaching and other services such as on-site screening and diagnostic labs as ordered by your doctor and first-fell medication dispensary.
The clinic does not offer mammography, imaging services or colonoscopy.
Appointments are required and same-day appointments may be available. Hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday. The clinic is closed from noon to 1 p.m. each day.
“This will help us control our healthcare costs,” said Frankfort Mayor Chris McBarnes. “The more we can control our healthcare costs means money that can go towards our sidewalks, our roads, playground equipment in our parks. It’s good for everyone. It’s great to partner with the county on this. It shows another great cooperation between the city, the county and the utilities.”
McBarnes was asked what the new facility means to the employees of the city and county.
“This is incredibly progressive,” said McBarnes. “It’s all about putting our employees first. Health insurance is one of the biggest things in our budget next to salaries. Not only is this great for our employees but it will keep them healthier.”
IU Health President Kelly Braverman said she was glad IU Health could be a part of the solution to help meet a need that is perceived by the community.
“I think it is something that we finding in several industries that the employer wants to be able to give back to their employees to help them meet their healthcare needs, keep them healthier and keep them safe proactively and conveniently,” said Braverman. “This has been a long time coming.”
Kogan said this project means having a richer and deeper relationship with the community.
“Coming off the hospital exercise and the project there, we worked a long time with the county, the city and the utilities — close to two years to bring them this to fruition,” said Kogan. “I think it just embodies the spirit of partnership and cooperation and working hard for what’s right for the community.”
Braverman said the partnerships made the facility possible.
“We’ve got two progressive partners in the community with the county and the city and the utilities commission that really believe that,” said Braverman. “That progressive thought really brought us into the equation and we’re glad we could be a part of it.”