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(PLANKINTON, SD) – Horizon Health Care is renovating and expanding their current Aurora County Community Health Center and Dental Clinic in Plankinton. The ground-breaking is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 4 at 12 p.m. at their clinic location at 106 S. Main Street.
The Plankinton clinic has seen significant growth in the past years, tripling the number of patients that were seen just ten years ago. This new facility will allow an increase in access to care for medical and dental patients. The expansion adds 5,490 square feet to the current facility, including 6 new medical exam rooms, patient intake room, IV room, procedure room, X-ray room, and 6 dental exam rooms. An increase in space and exam rooms will transition the Aurora County Dental Clinic to be open full-time, instead of just two days per week as it is currently.
The new clinic will not only allow expanded access for the community and a better patient experience but is also positive for economic impact by allowing more capacity for partnerships, such as telehealth and pharmacy.
“The need for rural health care has grown immensely over the years,” said Wade Erickson, chief executive officer. “As a commitment to your community, Horizon is excited for this expansion and the impact it will have in Plankinton. Our dedicated team has been serving the community for many years, and we look forward to expanding those efforts for many more patients in need.”
The “Growth is on the Horizon” naming campaign has many options available for those who wish to invest in the future of health care for the Plankinton community. Donors may make a gift in in honor or memory of a loved one. Naming rights will be etched on a glass name plate to be attached to the proper room of donor choice. There are multiple opportunities to name rooms, labs, waiting areas and more. There are also options for donors to help underwrite the cost of much needed medical and dental equipment. Since Horizon Health Care is currently the only medical and dental facility in Plankinton, they’re providing health care to local patients who need it most. Individuals who would like to learn more about the naming campaign can call Tracy Pardy, Horizon Health Foundation executive director, at (605) 772-4553 or visit the Foundation webpage at www.horizonhealthfoundation.com. All donations of $100 or more will be included in the “Growth is on the Horizon” campaign donor wall, which will be installed in the newly renovated waiting room of the clinic.
“A larger, renovated space is important for us to be able to continue to offer the same great care and have a space that fits the needs of our growing practice,” said Melissa Davis, CNP, Aurora County Community Health Center provider. “I am excited about the addition of more exam rooms, additional space for nursing staff and space for a pharmacy that will all improve workflow and be beneficial to our patients and community.”
The current Plankinton clinic is still available for appointments during their normal hours and will continue to be throughout the renovation. The addition is expected to be completed later next summer. The Aurora Community Health Center is open Monday and Wednesday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Aurora Dental Clinic is open Tuesday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
For over 40 years, Horizon Health Care has been providing personalized, affordable, high-quality medical, dental and mental health care through a rural, community-based network in South Dakota. Horizon is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) that serves the medical, dental and mental health care needs of South Dakotans in rural, medically underserved areas through 110,000 patient visits annually in 32 community health centers in: Aberdeen, Alcester, Bison, Bryant, De Smet, Eagle Butte, Elk Point, Faith, Fort Thompson, Howard, Huron, Isabel, La Plant, Lake Preston, Martin, McIntosh, Mission, Plankinton, Wessington Springs, White River, Woonsocket, and Yankton. For more information please visit www.horizonhealthcare.org.