TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — A health center is coming to an area of Tallahassee that many who live there say is much needed.
It will be run by Florida State's College of Medicine and they chose to focus on the city's southwest side where they felt the need was greatest.
"This is a necessity for our community just having access to healthcare. Being that there are healthcare diperities here within Tallahassee and being that it is so convenient," said Monet Moore, Providence community.
Making getting to the doctor much easier for people living in several south side neighborhoods.
Monet Moore is one community member who is excited about this new neighbor.
"Seeing what services we need here that are specific to the southwest side of Tallahassee and then also providing us community meeting spaces in their healthcare facility. So it's not just caring for the individual health of the person but caring for the health of the community as a whole and I think that's very important," said Moore.
This door will be doing a lot of work starting Monday when this center opens to the community and with it being the only healthcare option in this area, neighbors say it's a great addition.
"Hosting exercise classes or maybe even prenatal care and how to prepare for bringing a new baby home. They are going to be a partner that we can lean on in the future," said Moore.
Which is exactly what Dr. Daniel Van Durme is hoping to be for everyone who walks through his door.
"We have a clear focus for trying to meet the needs of rural, minority, elderly and other undeserved communities. Down in this corner of town there are thousands, tens of thousands of people, who are several miles away from the closest medical facility," said Dr. Daniel Van Durme, Medical Director at FSU Primary Health.
Working to close that gap and meet the needs of the community from offering regular check in's to cancer biopsy's to preventive services daily.
They'll also have a mental health team to help with stress, depression, addiction, and anything in between.
"I can say would you like talk to one of my behavioral health specialists right now. We can provide all that care in one serives so that true integration of behavioral health and primary care is one of the things we're really excited about being able to provide here," said Dr.Durme.
"I'm very excited not just for myself but for the community members who live here," said Moore.
FSU Primary Health is inviting everyone to come tour their new center this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
You can get free screenings, meet the staff and learn how to make appointments.
The address is 2911 Roberts Avenue in Tallahassee.
