Aiken Clinic Aims to Expand Services with New Building
Aiken, South Carolina has welcomed a new clinic that is especially focused on the needs of women and children. Rural Health Services, a non-profit health center serving Aiken County and nearby areas, rapidly outgrew its previous facility. This led to the construction of a new building that is conveniently located across the street from their original location.
Addressing Growing Healthcare Demands
The board chair of Rural Health Services, Liz Stewart, expressed the clinic’s rapid growth, stating, “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.” There has been an increasing demand for healthcare services in the region, which pushed the organization to expand its facilities.
After three years of planning and building, the new Emanuel-McClain Women and Children’s Health Center has officially opened its doors. The CEO, Carolyn Emanuel-McClain, is excited about the new opportunities this facility brings for expanding vital health services.
Enhanced Service Capacity
Emanuel-McClain noted the importance of the new center, saying, “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.” The clinic is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for both women and children, creating an environment that is nurturing and supportive.
The new facility also includes various resources specifically tailored for mothers. Emanuel-McClain pointed out, “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.” This shows the clinic’s commitment to supporting moms with practical resources during crucial times in their lives.
A Community Center for All
Stewart emphasized that the new health center is designed to be inclusive and accessible to everyone in the community, stating, “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.” This philosophy reflects the clinic’s mission to ensure that everyone has access to necessary health services.
Emanuel-McClain has a positive vision for the future of the new facility, expressing her hope that “this facility would be serving any and every person that walks through this door that needs a service that’s provided” to keep the community healthier.
Future Plans
Rural Health Services plans to continue using the original building to cater to adult patients. This strategy will help ensure that the range of services offered is adequate for everyone in the community. For those wanting to learn more about the Emanuel-McClain Women and Children’s Health Center, more information can be found on their website.
The opening of this new clinic marks a significant milestone for health services in Aiken, aiming to meet the growing needs of its residents and foster a healthier future for families in the area.
