HealthLinc, in collaboration with Opportunity Enterprises (OE), announced the plan to open a health clinic at OE’s 7,500-square-foot facility located at 3101 Evans Avenue in Valparaiso. This initiative represents an innovative step toward improving healthcare accessibility and affordability for individuals with disabilities and the broader community.
The HealthLinc clinic at Opportunity Enterprises will operate as an on-demand care model, providing primary and immediate care services to the public while prioritizing the unique needs of individuals with intellectual/developmental (IDD) and physical disabilities. Designed with accessibility at its core, the clinic will feature mobility-friendly exam rooms, a sensory room, an adult changing table, accessible equipment and staff specially trained to support individuals with sensory and mobility needs.
“This clinic embodies OE’s mission of creating equitable opportunities for people of all abilities,” states Neil Samahon, OE’s president & CEO. “By partnering with HealthLinc, we’re not just improving healthcare access - we’re reimagining what collaborative, community-based care can look like for people of all abilities.”
“At HealthLinc, we believe that quality health care should be accessible to everyone,” said Melissa Mitchell, CEO of HealthLinc. “This partnership with OE is a model for how we can provide the best quality of care by meeting the needs of our patients. Together, we are building healthy communities.”
In addition to primary care, the facility will house physical and occupational therapy services, creating an integrated care environment. HealthLinc, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), will equip and operate the clinic, ensuring affordability through sliding-scale fees and access to the 340B discounted medication program.
Key benefits of the HealthLinc clinic at Opportunity Enterprises include:
· Enhanced healthcare access for the public while prioritizing the needs of individuals with disabilities
· Improved health outcomes through preventative and comprehensive care
· A model for statewide Medicaid savings and healthcare innovation
· New vocational training opportunities for individuals with disabilities
· Training site for residency rotations for family medicine physicians, family nurse practitioners, behavioral health consultants and medical assistants
This clinic further cements HealthLinc and OE’s role as leaders in serving all people, paving the way for systemic change in healthcare delivery. The clinic will also serve as a training site for new healthcare professionals, equipping them to better serve the IDD population.
The Board of Directors from each organization are excited to support this unique collaboration, bringing two strong organizations together to be leaders in providing collaborative community health care. Planning is underway and a timeline for opening is being determined.
