First Health Care to open second clinic

Since 1995, First Health Care has operated a clinic on the westside of Bloomington.\nOn Oct. 20, First Health Care will open its second clinic on 650 N. College Ave. The new clinic will cater to IU students, the downtown area and residents on the east and north sides. \nAccording to Vicki Dawson, clinic manager of First Health Care, employees are preparing for the opening of their new clinic.\nThe new downtown location will benefit IU students because of its convenience, officials say. First Health Care does not take appointments, participates in most insurance networks and is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every Monday through Friday.\n"We want to connect with students' lives," said Debbie Blasdel, First Health Care coordinator.\nThe clinic provides an alternative to the Bloomington Hospital emergency room and the IU Health Care Center.\n"It will be easier than ever for students to get medical care in Bloomington," said Dr. Robert Erwin, a five-year physician at the clinic. "They can stop by on their way to class or on their way home; not only when they are sick, but if they need a general check-up, or even a flu shot."\nWithin the clinic, five physicians conduct their own primary care medical practices and provide care to patients who suffer from high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes. A physician is on call at all times when the clinic is not open.\nDawson said she wants patients to know what First Health Care is and what services they provide. She said people sometimes confuse First Health Care with similar services.\nFor eight years, the clinic has provided family practice, urgent care and acute management to Bloomington residents. The clinic features labs, x-ray machines and an EKG. In the future, First Health Care plans to introduce a line of aesthetic products, specializing in skin care and Botox.\nEven though the clinic will provide health care to a bigger area by encompassing care to the eastside and downtown, physicians expect a smooth transition because of the similarities between the two clinics.\n"Our Curry Pike practice has grown over the years, and many of our regular patients have become like family to us," Erwin said. "The biggest challenge will be getting to know the names and the faces of our new patients." \n-- Contact staff writer Jessica Levco at jlevco@indiana.edu.