Washington County procures new dental, primary care clinic | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    On August 11th, Agape Metropolitan Community Health Services, Inc. (MCHS) celebrated its new healthcare clinic with a ribbon cutting. The clinic will provide dental services, primary medical care, behavioral health services, and an on-site pharmacy in Plymouth, located in Washington County.

    In 2019, the Golden LEAF Board of Directors awarded $200,000 to Metropolitan Community Health Services, Inc. through the Open Grants Program to help establish a Federally Qualified Health Center new access point in Plymouth, N.C. The rural, economically distressed area lacks access to affordable healthcare. Golden LEAF funds were used for upfit and equipment for the dental suite. This community health center will also provide primary care in its first phase and add behavioral health services in phase two.

    "The county is designated as a Health Professional Shortage Area for primary medical, dental, and behavioral health services and is also designated as a Medically Underserved Area," said Dr. Michael L. McDuffie, Chief Executive Officer of Metropolitan Community Health Services, Inc. (Agape Health Services). "This creates a major need for the services that the health center will provide for the residents of Washington County."

    The overall project received $1 million in funding from the federal Health Resources and Services Administration. The dental services provided at MCHS in Plymouth are anticipated to create seven full-time jobs and provide care to 2,500 patients.

    "As the unemployment rate in Plymouth is high and continues to rise, establishing the health center in the area where there continues to be a great need will also provide economic development for the area," said Dr. McDuffie. "In addition, we will provide school-based health care services in the Washington County Schools. Dental services will also be made available to the students and staff of Washington County Schools."

    Agape Health Services plans to start services for patients in early September. They'll be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Their facility is located at 115 Adams St. in Plymouth.