This page will provide regular updates on the Ashe Health Center building as repairs and renovations take place and as progress is made. The latest information will be included here so check back regularly for updates. For questions, please contact us at info@apphealth.com or call us at (828) 795-1970.
Background
On December 26, 2022, staff identified extensive flooding in the Ashe County Health Center due to a water pipe that burst during the period of extreme cold temperatures. The original health center building was built in the 1950’s era and has lasted a great number of years with one renovation that occurred over twenty years ago. Based on the age of the building and utmost caution, Ashe County determined that an environmental review should take place to ensure that no health risks would occur during repairs.
On January 12, 2023, AppHealthCare was notified of the results of an environmental sample that confirmed the identification of asbestos in the Ashe Health Center building. The building has been closed to the public since the water damage was identified.
We have been working closely with Ashe County, which owns the building, since the initial identification of water damage that occurred in late December. We will continue to work closely with Ashe County to identify the next steps.
We are committed to staff and patient safety and will continue to keep that as a top priority. The building will remain closed until further notice so the necessary steps can be taken to make repairs.
Commitment to Continued Patient Care
We are able to see Ashe patients in our Alleghany and Watauga locations or via telehealth appointment (based on provider discretion). If transportation is needed, we can provide that at no cost to the patient. Established patients can call us at 336-246-9449 for an appointment and additional assistance. Since the building will be closed for the foreseeable future, we have explored options for standing up a temporary, physical clinic space in Ashe County.
We apologize for the inconvenience this causes our patients and community and recognize the hardship this may create. We are committed to making sure our patients are able to receive the care they need.
The Ashe Satellite Clinic is open! We are looking forward to serving your healthcare needs at this location, and appreciate your patience as we have worked hard to get this clinic up and running.
The clinic has two exam rooms and a laboratory, a wide variety of services will be offered including primary care, WIC (women, infant and children program), immunizations, STD/STI screening and treatment, well child care and lab services. Our providers and staff are ready and eager to resume seeing our Ashe patients in Ashe County.
The satellite clinic is located on the Ashe Government complex near the Cooperative Extension building at 134 Government Complex in Jefferson. The clinic is located in the parking lot to the right of the Cooperative Extension building.
To make an appointment, call us at (828) 795-1970.
We’re getting closer to officially opening! A ramp and porch have been added to the satellite clinic to make it easier for people to enter and exit the clinic. We are waiting for the handrail to be installed by the contractor in order to officially open to the public. At this time, we don’t have a date of when the handrail will be installed. A shed has been moved onsite to provide additional storage, clinic space and a check in/check out area. This week we plan to conduct mock patient visits to make sure the clinic flow will work for patients and staff. We are hopeful to open within the next couple of weeks, pending the installation of the handrail.
The modular unit has arrived and we are almost ready to open! We have been working with Ashe County to get it ready to open to patients and the community.
A lot of progress has been made to get the unit ready for use. Utilities (power, internet, water, etc.) have been hooked up to the unit. We have furnished the inside with exam beds, chairs, and desks needed to operate a clinic.
What is left to be done?
- We are working with the County who has hired a contractor to construct an outside deck/stair and ramp access to make it easier for patients to enter and exit the unit. We are hopeful this will be completed within the next couple of weeks.
- To make sure everything runs smoothly before we open to patients, we are going to conduct some mock visits with staff and board members who have volunteered so we can prepare for scheduling and any other needs that may arise.
When will the clinic be open to the public?
- We are aiming to open to patients in early/mid-July. Once we have an official date, we will announce it broadly.
