Welcome to The Pulse, your go-to source for health news each week. We’re excited to share updates on health policy, community studies, and new programs in Southwest and Southside Virginia.
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New Primary Care Clinic in Martinsville
Martinsville is about to welcome a new primary care clinic. With many rural doctors retiring, Martinsville Urgent Care is stepping up to fill the void. Starting next month, this clinic will offer primary care services to those in need.
Amber Patterson, a nurse practitioner who owns the clinic, knows firsthand how crucial this service is. “I’ve seen the growing need in our community,” she shared.
As local physicians bow out, patients often find themselves without care options. Some have to travel an hour for routine visits, which isn’t easy for everyone, especially those without reliable transport. According to the Virginia Center for Health Innovation, Martinsville ranks poorly for primary care access, which can lead to worsened health conditions over time.
Patterson explains, “Without a primary care doctor, people miss out on preventive care. They often end up at urgent care with bigger issues that needed ongoing management.” To address this, the clinic has renovated space for primary care, promising to accept various private insurance plans and a limited number of Medicaid patients, given the financial constraints involved.
About 29% of Martinsville’s residents rely on Medicaid, but the clinic will only accommodate around 25% of its patients as Medicaid recipients due to lower reimbursement rates.
New Pilot Program for Maternal Health
The Virginia Department of Health is making strides in maternal health with a new pilot program. Grants have been awarded to several organizations, including Johnston Memorial Hospital and Rockbridge Area Health Center. This initiative aims to connect expectant mothers with doulas, community health workers, and specialists to improve health outcomes.
With $2.5 million allocated for this project, local hubs will tailor their services to meet community needs through 2027. The goal? A more coordinated care network to combat infant mortality and enhance maternal health.
Virginia Tech Secures Research Grants
Virginia Tech has landed nearly $3 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. These funds will support a variety of research areas, including heart disease, cancer treatment, and drug addiction. Here’s a breakdown:
- $927,818 for cardiovascular disease research
- $360,632 for cancer treatment research
- $390,069 for biomedical studies
- $681,235 for addiction programs
- $618,848 for child health research
This investment highlights the ongoing need for research to tackle pressing health issues, making Virginia a leader in health innovation.
Stay tuned for more updates next week as we continue to explore advancements in health that affect our community.
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