Health Center Plans Staff Expansion


(posted July 11)


The Phillip and Vivian Pecar Health Center welcomes Marion County residents to use its health services. The facility is a collaboration with Wishard Hospital and Marion County Health and Hospital. The clinic portion of the facility is operated by the IU Medical Group. The center provides general health care, OB-GYN and dental care as well as other services, supporting the USDA's Women, Infants and Children  program and the Babe Store.

Director Ryan Harrison's mission is community outreach to let people know about the facility. His job is made more difficult since the building is obscured from view from Michigan Road, tucked away about a quarter mile from the road.

Harrison said he feels like his heart's desire is to help the Hispanic population. He estimated that about 80 percent of the clients are Hispanic or Latino, but stressed the health center's purpose is not to serve only the Hispanic or indigent population.

According to Harrison, the health center does not require documentation to prove legal immigration status to receive services. They have access to Wishard Advantage that functions similar to supplemental insurance. He noted those who have no insurance but pay their bills receive a 25 percent discount and repeat visit discounts increase to 35 percent.

The health center provides incentives for mothers-to-be through the Babe Store. To encourage prenatal care, expectant mothers receive coupons to the Babe Store if they do not miss their prenatal appointments. The coupon can be applied to receive new merchandise or a free car seat. This program is part of St. Vincent's.

There is a medical staff of nine to serve 12,000 people a year He said the staff has dubbed themselves “The Incredibles” because of their synergistic abilities in working as a team to serve the public. He said staff expansion is in progress as they plan to add a physician and nurse practitioner. All of the staff members are bilingual. He noted a physician who is currently in Africa to fight aids will join the staff in November.

He said the goal is serve 20,000 patients a year. He noted the additions in staffing will help with the clinic's weakness with patients obtaining same day appointments.

A few months ago Pecar introduced a new program called the “Take Charge Lite Program” to help patients with preventative health care by focusing on healthier lifestyles and change in eating habits. The program also includes coaching to help clients become more active.