Blue Ridge Community Health Services (BRCHS) newest site, Polk Health Center, opened Tuesday, Dec. 1 in Polk County. Located in Columbus Commons above Larkin’s Grill, at 155 West Mills Street in Columbus, N.C., the clinic occupies the location previously occupied by Polk Wellness Center.

Like other BRCHS sites, Polk Health Center provides full spectrum primary care services, including family medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, counseling, pharmacy, nutrition, as well as access to outreach/case management and dental services. The center will accept most insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare. Patients without insurance, as well as those with high deductibles, may qualify for services on a sliding fee scale based on family size and household income. No one is turned away for an inability to pay.

“We’re excited to have Polk Health Center open in Columbus,” said Dr. Richard Hudspeth, chief medical officer for BRCHS. “This new community health center site provides a much-needed primary care home in Polk County that is high quality, affordable, and accessible for all.  We take pride in helping people break down their barriers to being healthy.”

Those needing additional information or would like to schedule an appointment at Polk Health Center should call 828-894-2222.

BRCHS is a non-profit community health center that has been providing high quality and affordable medical, dental and mental health care as well as promoting health awareness/education for over 50 years.  Services are conveniently provided in Hendersonville, N.C. at Blue Ridge Health Center and Hendersonville Family Health Center; in Brevard, N.C. at Brevard Health Center; in Arden, N.C. at Arden Health Center; in Spindale, N.C. at Rutherford Health Center; in Columbus, N.C. at Polk Health Center and in four Henderson County Public Schools. If you would like more information about BRCHS services, call 828-692-4289 or visit www.brchs.comand www.facebook.com/BRCHS.

– Submitted by Lee Homan