Patient utilization of the Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers satellite clinic by Home State Health located in the Ferguson Schnucks’ Market is marking exceptional first-quarter growth. Data from People’s Health Centers reflect a 78 percent growth in patient encounters from January to March 2018.
“We have had tremendous success in our first quarter of operations,” said Dwayne Butler, president and CEO of People’s Family of Corporations. “Our partnership with Schnucks and Centene is providing access to care for our most vulnerable patients in Ferguson.”
The full-service health clinic is a collaboration between Centene Corporation/Home State Health, Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers and Schnucks Markets. Centene Charitable Foundation put forth the initial $1.3 million investment for the clinic, and it will provide multi-year support for its operations. Schnucks donated space for the clinic at the front of the store (which used to be a Shop-N-Save), and People’s provides staffing and medical services.
A spokesman for Schnucks said the clinic is an example of its pledge to “nourish people’s lives by focusing on health and wellness programs in the communities” it serves. “We take pride in donating the space in our Ferguson store and remain committed to the residents of North St. Louis County – an area we have served for decades,” said Paul Simon of Schnucks Markets.
Last month, People’s clinic inside the Schnucks grocery began the pilot use of pagers, when necessary, to notify persons waiting to see the physician to return to the Center.
“In most instances, our patients can walk in, and register and begin their medical visit almost immediately,” Butler said. “As patient volume at the site continues to grow, and the community hears about the ability to shop in the Schnuck’s grocery store or go grab a bite to eat as they wait to be called into their visit, it will quickly grow in popularity.”
The clinic also offers supportive services like bus vouchers for patients who need them to remove transportation barriers for scheduled clinic appointments.
Since its opening, People’s has added a full-time family doctor at the facility who can treat both children and adults.
The clinic is projected to serve approximately 8,000 patients each year.
“Centene/Home State Health and Schnucks have been extraordinary partners in getting this clinic ‘off the ground,’” Butler added, “and I want to thank them for their continued support of the People’s Healthcare Services By Home State Health clinic site, and their interest and continued support of the Ferguson community.”
The People’s clinic in the Ferguson Schnucks, 49 N. Florissant Rd., is open seven days a week, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 314-633-8921.
