Aiken Clinic Expands Services with New Building
AIKEN, S.C. – Aiken has welcomed a new clinic dedicated to providing expanded healthcare services for women and children. The Rural Health Services, a non-profit organization serving Aiken County and nearby areas, has recently opened its new facility following an increased demand for healthcare offerings.
Need for Additional Space
The decision to construct a new building came after the original Clyburn Center quickly outgrew its capacity. “When we built the Clyburn Center 10 years ago, we thought that it would last us 20 years and it has not. We have outgrown and had a need,” said Liz Stewart, board chair of Rural Health Services. With the new Emanuel-McClain Women and Children’s Health Center now open across the street, the center aims to meet the rising healthcare needs in the community.
New Services Available
According to Carolyn Emanuel-McClain, CEO of Rural Health Services, this new facility allows for a significant expansion of services tailored specifically for women and children. “The importance of this center is it gives us a phenomenal capacity to serve children and women. That’s prenatal care, OBGYN, mammograms, regular women services, as well as children of all ages,” she explained.
In addition to medical services, the clinic offers valuable resources for new mothers. Emanuel-McClain highlighted, “We teach them how to breastfeed. We give them parenting skills. We have what’s called a diaper room where we have free diapers and supplies new moms may need for their babies when they come in and we provide them with that.” This type of support aims to foster a nurturing environment for both mothers and their children.
A Community Center for All
Stewart emphasized that the clinic is designed to be a community center, welcoming people from all walks of life. “We just want to remind the community that this is a community center. It is for all people, if you have insurance, if you don’t, if you’re employed, if you’re not, it doesn’t matter. We are here to serve,” she stated. The new facility looks to be an inclusive space for anyone in need of healthcare services in Aiken.
Looking Ahead
Emanuel-McClain shared her vision for the new building, saying, “This facility would be serving any and every person that walks through this door that needs a service that’s provided, and we make a healthier being here and continuing to be here throughout the years.” The commitment to health and wellness in the community is evident in the plans for future services and support offered by Rural Health Services.
Continued Support for Adults
While the new building focuses on women and children, Rural Health Services will continue utilizing its original Clyburn Center to provide healthcare for adults. This ensures that all aspects of healthcare can be addressed in the community, allowing for comprehensive support.
Learn More
If you are interested in learning more about the services provided at the Emanuel-McClain Women and Children Health Center, visit their website at https://ruralhs.org/.
The opening of the new clinic in Aiken marks an important step toward ensuring that families in the community receive the healthcare services they need, and the commitment to inclusivity and support highlights the organization’s dedication to improving health outcomes for everyone.
