Bluegrass Community Health Center opens new Winchester location

Published 11:15 am Monday, September 23, 2024

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With several locations in Winchester, Bluegrass Community Health Center has become heard of across central Kentucky. 

Those in Clark County – especially the Clark County Public Schools – can now benefit from its services at a new facility. 

The organization recently celebrated the opening of its new location of 100 Vaught Road. Suite 1 – formerly the site of Phoenix Academy. 

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“The school [district] asked us if we were interested in this space, because we knew we wanted to grow”,” said Rhonda Mullins, chief operating officer with Bluegrass Community Health Center. “We actually signed a contract with the school, because we’re considered a school-based clinic.”  

Its prior operations as a school-based health clinic has seen Bluegrass Community Health Centers operate at George Rogers Clark High School and Clark County Preschool. 

In addition to staff from Clark County Public Schools, the opening of the facility was host to others – such as Clark County Public Health Director Becky Kissick. 

Mullins explained in further detail what others can expect to find after arriving. 

“We’re [going to] have two primary care providers here. Within a day, each of them can see about 16 to 18 patients per day,” she said, adding that the facility also has a section to address behavioral health needs. “They do hour appointments, and I think they usually schedule about four a day.” 

In addition to medical doctors, other professional staff present will be nurse practitioners, physician assistants and more. 

Lolita Dean, a clinical assistant with BCHC, gave her thoughts. 

“I think everyone here is glad to bring this into Clark County because it’s greatly needed,” she said. “We need Clark County to know that we’re here for everybody, so we would love to have you come see us and we’ll take care of you.” 

Dean also mentioned that services available through Bluegrass Community Health Center are vast. 

“We also [provide] telehealth…you can call in and just ask for a telehealth visit, and we’ll take care of you there,” she said. “We have a food pantry here. We can help you with those supplies and things that you need.” 

While the facility is welcome to all, there will be an entrance where CCPS staff and students can specifically enter. 

“We want to make sure that we keep our commitment to the schools,” Mullins added. “That’s the goal of having this over here [is] to try to get them in and get them back [to school].” 

As it seeks further growth, hopes are high that Bluegrass Community Health Center will be adding a pharmacy in October featuring a 340B drug pricing program designed to provide discounts for those without insurance. 

Other future plans include adding a section for dental care and more. 

With its positive rapport, Bluegrass Community Health Center looks forward to providing for the community. 

“I think I work with some of the best providers,” Dean said. “I think it’s more of a family atmosphere. Everybody really gets along.” 

Hours of operations are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday through Friday. Individuals may contact the location at 859-977-7482.