New medical, dental clinic in Jacksonville assisting low income families

By Ryne Turke on August 23, 2016 at 1:07pm

A new medical and dental clinic in Jacksonville is offering services to low income families.

Central Counties Health Center, based out of Springfield, opened its first outpatient clinic site at 1440 West Walnut on August 1st.

Nurse Practitioner Katie O’Neil says the not-for-profit organization began revamping the Jacksonville building shortly after receiving a grant at the beginning of the summer.

“We offer primary care for insured, under-insured and no insurance. We are trying to be an access point for those people who have no other place to access health care. The dental has been very busy. They opened that two days and medical has been steady. I believe the projection showed the dental was supposed to boom like that. We are hoping the medical will stay steady and continue to pick up.”

O’Neil feels the staff, which includes Dr. Tulin Ozyurt, two assistants and a receptionist, have had a strong first month.

“We have to get use to the flow, the building, being over hear and seeing how we can work with Passavant and their services. We need to see who we can take on and give the best care they need. The best way to get people who will stick around is word of mouth. When someone gets good care they are more likely to tell their friends and family. That is a good way to build. I hope the medical and dental will build together.”

Central Counties Health Center accepts Medicaid cards, participates in the state’s managed-care program and charges sliding-scale fees based on income for patients who are uninsured.

The success of Central Counties Health Center comes on the heels of SIU School of Medicine, set to open at the end of the month at the Morgan County Health Department.

To schedule an appointment call 788-2300.