By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, R-Kan., asked for a quick update and tour Friday afternoon of the growth at the First Care Clinic in downtown Hays since he was last there.
That was more than a year ago, and there's been a lot of growth since then.
CEO Eric Flax and key staff members talked about the newly opened Express Care in its home at 1301 Main St. and the new pharmacy expected to open within a couple of months.
The pharmacy will offer medication at reduced costs for the uninsured and underinsured under the federal 340B drug pricing program, Flax said.
"There's just a handful of us who are working to figure out how we ensure that 340B remains a valuable tool for health care providers and their patients," Moran said. "Community health centers have been a valuable part of that opportunity to utilize that 340B program to make things better for those who otherwise wouldn't be able to afford it, particularly prescriptions.
"Today it's much more likely that you get a prescription than you get surgery."
Flax agreed.
"That's a significant component of the cost of the caring for people and people who are caring for themselves," Moran said.
One year ago, First Care Clinic acquired the Hess Clinic, 1923 E. 22nd St., after the retirement of Dr. Katrina Hess.
The main clinic, 105 E. 13th, continues to hire more providers as its patient load grows.
An announcement was made last week of the hiring of another dentist, Hays native Lucas Walker who is a graduate of Thomas More Prep-Marian High School and the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry.
First Care is the only clinic in the area that houses family medical care, mental health services and general dentistry, all in one location.
"The more services we can offer at one point of care, the more likely the patients are to get treated," said Dr. Christina Fisher, medical director. "It keeps them out of the emergency room."
"Community health centers can help us reduce costs," Moran said. "Not only provide health care for people who need care but also change the health care system in ways that are more efficient."
First Care Clinic is a 501(c)3 nonprofit federally qualified community health center providing health care services for people of all ages, regardless of the patient’s ability to pay. It provides services on a sliding-fee scale to those who qualify.