Location is sixth in county for Family Medical Centers

A grand opening took place on Thursday for the latest location of Family Medical Centers.

The ribbon was cut on the facility at the One Stop center in Ironton, in conjunction with National Health Center Week on Thursday and Patient Appreciation Day on Friday, Diane Smith, the administrative assistant for the center said.

Smith said they will offer primary and behavioral health care and it is the sixth location for Family Medical Centers in the County. Others include Aid, Kitts Hill, Proctorville, Ironton Campus and South Point.

She said staff includes primary nurse Kathy Russell, nurse practitioner Susan Sammons and social worker Rob Johnson.

Launched by the Ironton-Lawrence County CAO in 1969, Family Medical Centers have a goal of bringing “experienced and affordable” health care to the region.

Smith said they are a federal qualified health center and receive grant funding.

Patients can book appointments or do walk-ins, she said.

“We serve everyone, from all economic statuses,” she said, stating the center also works on a sliding scale for those without insurance and in lower incomes.

“There are signs posted that say we will serve everyone, regardless of their ability to pay,” Smith said.

Smith said the center is open from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. from Monday through Friday.

Speakers at the opening included CAO executive director D.R. Gossett, Lawrence County Economic Development Corporation executive director Bill Dingus, Ironton Mayor Katrina Keith, County Commissioner DeAnna Holliday and Juli Stephens, the field representative for U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson, R-Ohio.