MOUNT VERNON — Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease are responsible for 55% of Ohio deaths, according to the Ohio Department of Health.
Internal medicine focuses on preventing, early detection, accurately diagnosing and managing those conditions.
That is why a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the re-opening of Knox Community Hospital’s internal medicine clinic is significant.
The clinic at 1661 Venture Drive, Suite A, focuses on primary care for adults.
“We couldn’t be more delighted that you’re here to help us celebrate this expansion of our primary care department,” Chief Operating Officer Cindy Russo told those attending the ceremony.
“We know we have a lot of services at KCH to help folks with treatment of whatever is needed, but primary care is so essential to wellness. And that’s why this is such an important addition to our services.”
Russo said reopening the clinic and providing services does not happen without a team.
“I appreciate our colleagues both in our facilities department and administration, but primarily the key person who made all this come together is our director of primary care services, Sarah Kettell,” she said.
Experienced providers join internal medicine team
Kettell said the clinic will serve patients age 16 through the end of the lifespan.
“We do several different procedures here, skin biopsies, joint injections, same-day visits for when you wake up sick. … Lots of different opportunities here to be able to serve the community,” she said.
Health care providers include Bill Addington, D.O., who has 28 years of experience practicing medicine.
Physician Assistant Kevin Shields, who has more than 11 years of clinical experience, and Certified Nurse Practitioner Jackie Neighbarger join Addington in the clinic.
Neighbarger has 12 years of clinical experience.
“She has a deep commitment to patient wellness, has worked throughout the community in several different different avenues, and has been such an asset to our team,” Kettell said.
“So, thank you guys. We are extremely excited in everything that you’re going to do for the community.”
Caleb Shriver presented a proclamation to Russo on behalf of the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office.
The ceremony included office tours and refreshments.
“Knox Community Hospital could not be more proud of the opening of this clinic,” Marketing Director Alice Hutzel said.
“This is a wonderful day. We’re so excited.”
KCH expands health care in other locations
Russo noted several other initiatives underway at KCH, including a recently signed letter of intent to partner with Kettering Health.
“We believe that in this partnership with Kettering, we will be able to continue to provide these services — as we say, ‘care for the community in the community’ — even more than we can on our own,” she said.
The hospital is also expanding services at other locations.
Centerburg is set to add cardiology services, while Fredericktown’s primary care site will add walk-in services next month.
Fredericktown will also add urgent care and cardiology services.
“So a lot of exciting things are happening, but here today we’re celebrating this opening as the newest addition of our primary care services,” Russo said.
Appointments can be scheduled by calling (740) 393 9766.
