LANSING — State Representatives Erika Geiss (D-Taylor), Robert Kosowski (D-Westland) and Julie Plawecki (D-Dearborn Heights) are pleased to spread the word about a new medical center serving their communities. The Wayne Health Center, located at the corner of Van Born and Venoy roads, will serve residents of Inkster, Romulus, Wayne and Westland.
“I’m thrilled that western Wayne County residents will have more options when it comes to primary health care services,” Geiss said. “Our county is ranked among the worst in the state for health outcomes, and this new clinic is a step toward changing that.”
The clinic is a federally qualified health center, which means it receives government grants to offer medical services to underserved people or regions. Another such facility is located in Hamtramck. The county used two $700,000 federal grants to renovate the building, which will offer family medicine, dental care, primary care services, behavioral care, OB/GYN services and prenatal care.
“This facility is great news for low-income families and those who can’t afford insurance,” Kosowski said. “This is a less expensive option than relying on the emergency room for primary care, which is also more costly for providers, so it’s a win-win situation.”
The center works in partnership with a local hospital system and the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, which donated dental chairs for the center’s use. The facility accepts many insurance carriers and charges an income-based fee for those without insurance. It also employs staff to assist residents in signing up for Medicaid or getting insurance through the Affordable Care Act.
“Helping people access health care when they would otherwise struggle to receive it makes workers more productive and kids more ready to learn in school,” Plawecki said. “This is a great example of multiple levels of government coming together to help residents lead better lives.”