Satellite Health Clinic Opens In Siloam

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

— The new satellite Benton County Health Clinic in Siloam Springs opened at its new location at 101 West University after the former clinic closed in that city in January, 2007.

Loy Bailey, director of the Benton County Health Unit, said, "It's really good to finally see it happen."

The unit will serve western Benton County residents and will be staffed with two nurses. "We're excited," said Janet Brown, office coordinator/nurses.

Nurses and clerical staff have been training at the Bentonville clinic preparing for the opening of the new facility.

Services offered "will be the same as the old clinic," including Women, Infants and Children (WIC), and family planning and immunizations will be available. Other services include treatment of communicable diseases such as sexually transmitted diseases and tuberculosis.

There are two fully equipped examination rooms and a partially equipped one, Bailey said.

"We are in much better shape. It's a tremendous step up."

The County Quorum Court purchased the building last July for $175,000 and it was renovated this summer by Sumrall Construction Company for $76,620.

A health unit had been housed in leased space for 28 years prior to closing the old unit in 2007.

News, Pages 9 on 09/23/2009