Dolores Lindsay, a dedicated advocate for community health, has significantly broadened healthcare horizons in Mt. Healthy, Ohio. As the founder and CEO of The HealthCare Connection, Lindsay is set to unveil a new $4.8 million community health center, poised to begin serving patients as early as next week. This expansion marks a pivotal moment for residents seeking accessible and comprehensive Mt Healthy Family Practice services.
Located on Compton Road, the state-of-the-art facility spans 30,000 square feet, more than doubling the capacity of its predecessor, which was situated in a smaller space on Hamilton Avenue. This relocation is not merely a change of address; it represents a substantial enhancement in the scope of services available to the community.
“This is a complete move, and it is an expansion in the sense that we’re expanding services that were not offered at the old facility,” Lindsay explained. The new center is fully equipped with cutting-edge medical technology, enabling a wider array of healthcare provisions under one roof. A key addition is an eight-chair dental unit, mirroring the capacity of their Lincoln Heights site. “It had been the plan always to expand the oral health. We were just not able to do it,” Lindsay stated, highlighting the realization of a long-term vision to integrate comprehensive dental care into their mt healthy family practice.
The facility will continue to provide essential medical care for both adults and children, addressing a spectrum of health needs within the community. Lindsay emphasizes the timeliness of this expansion, particularly as the community navigates back-to-school physicals, the approaching flu season, and the ongoing demand for COVID-19 testing.
“As we get here and get settled, we will do more community testing. That is one of our goals; it is one of the expectations of our funding source,” Lindsay added, underscoring the center’s commitment to proactive community health management. Improved access to quality healthcare is central to the expansion. Lindsay recognizes that transportation barriers can significantly impede healthcare access for some individuals. By establishing a larger, more accessible center, The HealthCare Connection is bringing vital services closer to those in need within the mt healthy family practice area.
Furthermore, Lindsay acknowledges the impact of the pandemic on healthcare utilization, noting a decrease in patient visits due to COVID-19 concerns. However, she observes a positive trend, “I think that what we are seeing is that our numbers are beginning to get closer to what they were pre-COVID,” signaling a resurgence in healthcare engagement as community confidence grows. “There’s pent-up demand, pent-up need.”
Lindsay’s journey in community health began in 1967 with the establishment of the first health care facility in Lincoln Heights, a humble four-room setup in an apartment building, launched with her husband and community support. Reflecting on her decades-long commitment, Lindsay contemplates retirement, yet expresses profound gratitude for the journey and the collective effort that has enabled the growth of community-focused healthcare.
“I’m happy that I did. I’m happy that I did not give up,” she reflected. “I’m happy that I had the support. I’m grateful that we finally made it.” The new Mt. Healthy center stands as a testament to Lindsay’s enduring dedication and the vital role of community-based mt healthy family practice in ensuring widespread access to essential healthcare services.
