St Mary Medical Center welcomed a private group of Portage citizens to the ribbon cutting ceremony at their newly remodeled Health Care Center on Arbors St. in Portage.
The new facilities feature a diagnostics department and an immediate care clinic.
The party was held on Friday the 23rd of October though the doors opened on October 5th. The new clinic served many people in its first couple weeks, surpassing everyone’s expectations.
“We want the community to know we are here,” said Karin Woodside, the Community Outreach Specialist for St. Mary. “People in Portage need access to healthcare. When it is after hours and your doctor isn’t available, you need somewhere to go.”
She was very proud of the immediate care clinic. It offers walk in doctor care for non-emergencies of all types. Since it operates on the opposite schedule of traditional doctor’s offices, it serves as an alternate to the emergency room when an accident or illness occurs after hours.
Physician Bernadette Obmaces has worked in the clinic since it opened. “We have really good resources here,” she said. “The hours are convenient and it takes the burden off the emergency room.”
The lobby of the health care clinic was decorated with tables. A beverage station, snack table, and professional chefs from 95ate9 Brew Pub were set up to serve guests. Rows of chairs faced a podium, prepared for a series of speeches.
Mayor James Snyder was one of many who spoke to the gathered crowd. “What an exciting time for you,” he said, “And an exciting time for Portage. As we see the growth of our town, we make sure our residents have the healthcare they need.”
Before the ribbon was cut, Reverend Andrew Corona of Nativity of Our Savior Catholic Church blessed the Portage Health Clinic with prayer. He spoke of the book of Matthew, and the passages about healing the sick and in need. He prayed that the physicians at the clinic heal their brethren with the same skill and care.
He was invited to attend the ceremony, and bestow a blessing. Reverend Corona was eager to accept. “I think [the clinic] brings a sense of security to the people in the area. They know we can now service any affliction.”
Mayor Snyder and Reverend Corona joined the St. Mary officials in the cutting of the ribbon. With one joyous snip they joined the remodeled facility with the rest of the community.
Services offered at Portage Health Center:
- Immediate Care Center – open Mon.-Fri., 5 pm – 9 pm; Sat., 8 am – 4 pm.
- Internal/Family Medicine
- Outpatient Laboratory
- MRI, 64-slice CT, X-ray, Ultrasound
- EKG
- Outpatient Rehabilitation/Physical Therapy
- Physician Specialists in OB/GYN, Orthopedics, Gastroenterology, Urology, Nephrology, Podiatry, General & Bariatric Surgery and Cardiology