Troy clinic project enters bidding phase

The new and improved health clinic coming to Troy next year will provide much-needed dental services to the area, directors said last week.

Northwest Community Health Clinic has purchased property at Rosebud Flats, which will be the building site of a new 4,463 square foot facility, nearly triple the space from their current leased space on Callahan Avenue. The building is breaking ground in the next 30 to 60 days with an estimated 12-month building project period, according to a press release last week.

Back in September of 2015, Department of Health and Human Services awarded the Health Infrastructure Investment Program Award grant to the NWCHC which helped expand access to care in Troy and to build a new facility.

According to Maria Clemons, executive director of the Northwest Community Health Center, they have finished the design, which is aimed to improve patient flow, efficiency, comfort and privacy. The design plans have been submitted to the Troy Planning Department, and are currently in the review process.

The new health clinic is currently in the bidding phase. According to Kara Matthews, administrative assistant at NWCHC, the bidding phase will end on July 28.

The original budget submitted for the project was $710,850, but final cost will be determined after final bids are submitted. NWCHC made an initial $100,000 investment to the project and will make additional financial contributions dependent on the final bid.

The new facility will not only provide the residents of Troy and surrounding areas with a new healthcare facility, but will also allow for additional services to the community as well. Currently, the NWCHC provides medical, behavioral health and Women, Infants and Children services in its Troy location.

The most recent Oral Health Expansion grant from the Health Resources Services Administration will allow the NWCHC to add dental to this established scope of services.

The new addition of dental services will help meet the need for dental services in the area, Clemons said. Currently, patients who are in need of dental services travel frequently to Libby for dental services from Troy, Noxon, Trout Creek and Plains to be able access the NWCHC’s Sliding Fee Scale, which provides discounts to those who are living at or below 200 percent of poverty. Since Medicaid Expansion was passed, NWCHC has seen a significant increase to their Medicaid population, many who have never had dental benefits before.

According to last week’s press release, the new facility will allow increased access for patients, with the capability to have multiple provider teams working simultaneously. It will further facilitate better communication within the care teams supporting the patient centered medical home philosophy. The much needed infrastructure will also provide a foundation for the organization to further expand access to care.

For more information, contact Clemons at 293-6622.

Reporter Bethany Rolfson may be reached at 293-4124 or by email at Reporter@TheWesternNews.com.