Blue Ridge Health and community partners recently collaborated in an effort to keep a Polk County dental practice open.

When Collins Dental Center needed to close its doors on May 30, leadership from Blue Ridge Health, Polk County, the Rutherford-Polk-McDowell Health District and Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry began working together to identify an alternative solution. After discussing potential options, the four organizations were in agreement that BRH should assume operations of the practice.

“The response from Blue Ridge Health leadership, Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry and the Rutherford-Polk-McDowell Health District has been fantastic,” said County Manager for Polk County Marche Pittman. “Collins is a vital resource for our county and we’re thrilled Blue Ridge Health is in a position to help. I am heartened by the strong collaboration between these compassionate agencies that, in the face of a potential blow to oral health in Polk County, were focused so intently on preserving access to necessary care.”

Collins Dental will still be located at 158 White Drive in Columbus.

While Blue Ridge Health — Collins Dental is currently closed, BRH plans to reopen it as soon as possible.

Staff is currently on-site and available to patients 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Patient care is expected to resume the week of July 4, with limited hours that week due to the holiday — normal hours will begin the following week.

Former patients of Collins Dental Center can expect to receive a letter in the coming weeks with instructions on how to schedule their next appointment. People may call 828-894- 3120 to speak with staff on-site, email info@brchs.com with questions and or visit Facebook.com/BRCHS for regular updates.

-Submitted by

Lee Homan