Rain doesn’t stop groundbreaking for East Texas Community Health Services in Lufkin

ANGELINA COUNTY, Texas (KTRE) – Heavy rain Monday morning didn’t stop East Texas Community Health Services administrators and supporters from celebrating the grand opening of a new facility in the county from Angelina.

According to Anita Humpreys, acting CEO of East Texas Community Health Services, it took a year for the health center to open a clinic in Lufkin. However, it was the one she said was really needed.

“Angelina County is one of the largest counties served by the Community Health Center in East Texas, and when we analyze our data year over year, we still recognize that many of our clients come to Nacogdoches to receive services,” says Humphreys.

The facility will be approximately 9,000 square feet and will closely mimic services currently provided in Nacogdoches County. The facility will house medical, dental, pharmacy and laboratory services. It will also provide behavioral health services and be capable of telehealth.

At full capacity, the facility will employ 4 full-time medical providers, 3 full-time dental providers, clinical support staff, in-house pharmacy and laboratory services, and eligibility staff capable of screening potential enrollments in local, state and federal institutions. aid programs.

By the time the project is complete, the total cost is expected to be around $1.6 million, Humphreys said.

The public health facility’s location on Sayers Street will be convenient for residents of North Lufkin, a United Methodist Church of Abundant Life mission. Next-door neighbor support is provided by the approximately 2-acre lease to East Texas Community Health.

“To have four doctors, two dentists, a pharmacy and even a mobile health care unit, those things are not located in this area,” Pastor David Briggs said. “We are excited about these additional resources which will truly make Lufkin a healthier place to live.”

The Department of Health and Human Services, Temple Inland, and East Texas Community Health Services are funding agencies. Planners recognize the work of existing primary health care providers and the health district. They see the clinic as one more way to keep residents healthy.

“Angelina County has always been on our radar, and thanks to wonderful strategic planning by our Board of Directors and tremendous effort by my staff…we are now able to bring these services here permanently,” Humphreys added.

The completion date is scheduled for summer 2020.

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