Aunt Martha's breaks ground on Chicago Heights dental clinic
Posted on 2009-10-07 10:07:42 CDT
Ground was broken Monday on a project that will expand dental services for the needy in Chicago Heights and other nearby suburbs.
The dental clinic, which will cost between $500,000 and $600,000, is being built at the Women's Health Center, 233 W. Joe Orr Road. The center is part of Aunt Martha's Healthcare Network.
Federal economic stimulus money and an $180,000 grant secured by U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-2nd), of Chicago, will pay for the project.
Mayor Alex Lopez praised Aunt Martha's, calling the non-profit agency something the city needs most.
"Especially in this time where there's a battle in Washington D.C. about health care reform, Aunt Martha's provides it to families that need it the most," Lopez said. "Dental is one of those coverages that is always put on the back burner. It's something every family needs."
The clinic will feature nine dental offices, five X-ray machines, waiting and reception areas, a medical records room, a break room, four new social services offices and a conference room.
Some 3,300 square feet of office space at the center is being converted into the dental clinic. No medical exam rooms or prenatal care services will be eliminated due to the construction at the facility.
The dental clinic will be connected to the existing social services area so patients can walk between the two facilities, although each will have a separate entrance.
Construction is expected to begin this month and be completed the end of April. More than 3,200 patients are expected to be treated at the new clinic within its first year of operation.
Once completed, the new dental suite will be the largest space dedicated to dental services in any of Aunt Martha's 16 community health care centers.
Raul Garza, the chief executive officer of Aunt Martha's, said the project fits into what Aunt Martha's is trying to do with its dental services.
"This is truly one of our flagship clinics," Garza said. "This project will improve the quality a patient experiences as a whole."
October 6, 2009
BY CASEY TONER
www.southtownstar.com
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