The Clark State Community College Board of Trustees has voted to approve a contract between Clark State and Mercy Health for a new health clinic on Clark State’s Springfield campus on Leffel Lane. Kapp Construction will begin construction on the approximately 1,750 square foot facility in February.
“The Board of Trustees wanted to ensure Clark State was planning for future demographics and enrollment changes as well as maximizing facilities,” said Dr. Jo Alice Blondin, president of Clark State. “Many students, employees and community members have shared their desire to have more robust health services on campus. Healthcare is also a local workforce issue Clark State continues to strive to alleviate with quality programs and services.”
Larry Wakefield, vice president for business affairs for Clark State, said the College was looking for a strategic partner to invest in the development and operation of a health care facility. “We were interested in a partner who would engage our students and faculty in a positive learning experience, as well as enhance our services,” he said.
The new health clinic will be located in the Applied Science Center and will serve as the primary medical care facility for Clark State students, faculty, staff and the community at large. It will also likely be used for student clinical experiences and internships.
Mercy Health will own and operate the clinic, which will initially be staffed with an on-site nurse practitioner. The nurse practitioner will provide services pursuant to a collaboration agreement with a Mercy Health collaborating physician. Mercy Health anticipates that the clinic growth will necessitate the recruitment of additional physicians and services.
Wakefield said Clark State is planning for a soft-opening in early May with official opening by start of summer semester. “Services will be offered to faculty, staff, students and the community,” he said.
Clark State and Mercy Health will hold a Signing Ceremony on Wednesday, January 23 at 12:30 p.m. at the site of the new health clinic in the Applied Science Center. The community is invited to attend.