The Colona First Choice Healthcare Clinic closed its doors last week, according to a news release from the Henry County Health Department.
“We understand this reduction in services may be inconvenient, and we deeply appreciate the trust and support the local community has shown us over the years,” said Duane Stevens, the health department’s public health administrator.
In order to assure local residents will continue to have access to both public health and WIC services through the health department location at 103 1st St. in Colona. That office and those services are remaining open in Colona.
“This decision wasn’t easy,” said Stevens. “We assure a seamless transition for our Colona patients. We remain committed to ensuring our patients have continuity of care as our team is transitioning services and clients to new providers.”
The decision comes as the Health Department and First Choice Healthcare work to navigate persistent financial pressures facing rural health care systems and prioritizes its long-term sustainability and core service offerings, Stevens said.
All staff will be staying on with the Health Department and their other First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee and Toulon.
“We are incredibly grateful to our Colona provider, Mary Fuller, FNP and the entire clinic team for their dedicated service to the community,“ said Stevens.
For more information and for public health and WIC services available through the Colona location at 103 1st St., Colona, call the Colona office at 309-792-4011.
