EAST PRAIRIE, Mo. (KFVS) – St. Francis Healthcare is expanding its medical services in East Prairie with a new facility on North Washington Street.
“We gather here today to celebrate the expansion of this great community in the spirit of human dignity,” said Justin Davidson, CEO of Saint Francis Healthcare. It's for the sake of it.''
A groundbreaking ceremony for St. Francis Healthcare's newest clinic drew community members, elected officials and others.
Davidson said the facility will meet the town's medical needs.
“That's why there is a critical need right now to expand rural health care services, not only in Southeast Missouri, but across the nation,” he said.
The new 11,000 square foot clinic will be built on the site of the former R.A. Doyle Elementary School. It will replace the current Ferguson Medical Group, which is located just one block away.
Davidson said the new location will allow the company to serve more than 16,000 private patients a year.
“The existing structure served its purpose and served the community well, and we're very close to that,” Davidson said. “We are excited to create new growth opportunities because this space is outgrowing us and we are actually outgrowing it.”
East Prairie Mayor Kevin Mainard is looking forward to the new additions.
“It’s a real blessing to have a brand new facility,” Mainard said.
He said people in boot heels would soon have easy access to medical care.
“In many communities, rural residents have to travel long distances,” he explained. “Some of them have to go to the Cape, and some of them don't have that ability or have to rely on others.”
Mainard thanked St. Francis Healthcare for providing the $4 million facility in his town.
“I’m really grateful,” he said. “We are grateful that St. Francis is making this investment in East Prairie.”
St. Francis leaders expect to begin groundwork on the new clinic as early as next week, weather permitting.
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