By Madhu Mayer
A new facility will expand VNA Healthcare’s service capacity in Joliet and surrounding communities by providing quality, affordable healthcare.
Last June, VNA broke ground on its newest health center located at 1501 W. Jefferson St. in Joliet. It currently leases space in a smaller building at 2400 Glenwood in Joliet.
The new 14,000-square-foot facility will provide a full range of primary care services including family practice, obstetrics, mental health, and pediatrics; and will feature 26 exam rooms and a drive-through pharmacy. Prenatal, wellness and nutrition classes will also be offered.
Linnea Windel, president, and CEO of VNA, said the $7.2 million project should ease the burden of local health departments and hospitals in providing medical care by improving health equity and decreasing disparities.
“We provide same day care, and they can come in with an appointment or not,” she explained. “We offer annual physicals, mammograms and maintenance of chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.”
Windel said patients who are uninsured or underinsured are welcome if they are experiencing flu like symptoms or muscle pain. In case a patient is referred to the emergency room of a nearby hospital for admission, Windel said VNA provides follow-up care and makes sure the individual receives proper health care.
“This is a community health center service for people who otherwise could not get access to healthcare,” she said. Besides providing care to those who do not have health insurance, Windel said, “We also serve people on Medicare and Medicaid.” Commercial and private insurance is accepted.
VNA Health Care is the largest community health center in the Chicago suburbs and serves more than 75,000 patients. With the addition of this newest location, VNA expects to serve 5,000 more patients and complete 25,000 more exams over the next 30 months, said Windel.
The new facility is expected to open sometime in the summer 2023.
To pay for the $7.2 million project, U.S. Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14th District) on friday presented VNA with $500,000 for the Joliet health center. In addition to the $500,000, VNA was previously awarded $1.3 million in federal funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Bureau of Primary Health Care to support construction of the new location. The funding was authorized by the American Rescue Plan of 2021, which provides HRSA with funding to support construct; expand; renovate; and make other capital improvements to modify, enhance and expand healthcare infrastructure.
“Joliet is experiencing a shortage of primary care and mental health providers, and this health center will ensure that local families, especially those who are uninsured and underinsured, can receive the care they need,” said Underwood.
VNA Health Care is a humanitarian, not-for-profit organization that provides comprehensive primary care and community health services for people living in suburban Chicago and beyond.
“VNA strives to improve health equity and reduce health disparities with high quality, accessible, and compassionate care delivered in VNA health centers, community settings and patient homes,” added Windel. Madhu Mayer, TTW reporter mm@thetimesweekly.com