COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. (WISH) — A new $8 million Bowen Health Clinic sits at the corner of U.S. 30 just outside of Columbia City.

The owners of the clinic told I-Team 8 they picked the prominent location because they believe it will normalize, destigmatize, and encourage people who live in the rural community to come there to get mental health services.

“One of the leading causes of death here in Indiana, especially rural Indiana, from suicide,” said Dr. Robert Ryan, President and CEO of Bowen Center.

The clinic aims to make a dent in the number of rural Hoosiers who commit suicide.

“We think we’re going to get a completely different type of patient who in the past would have silently suffered and possibly ended their life when there is so much we can do to help them,” Dr. Ryan said.

Their plan to help those people is unique to this rural community because they also provide primary care services.

“We know that patients feel much more comfortable talking to a primary care health care provider about their mental health needs,” said Shannon Hannon, chief operating officer of Bowen Center.

That is why this new building has two sides.

Exam rooms that look like any other doctor’s office and offices with couches in them for mental health services.

“A lot of times when you’re seeking medical care, you’re just going to the primary care physician, or you’re just seeking mental healthcare. This allows us to deliver those services under one roof in the same visit,” Hannon said.

The clinic said part of their focus will be on helping men 18-65, which is typically a group, especially in rural Indiana, that has avoided mental health services historically.

“You don’t have to suffer alone. You can come here, and it works. Therapy works. Psychiatric care works,” Dr. Ryan said.

The clinic will start seeing patients later in January.

It is the first of five locations that Bowen Center plans to build in rural communities along U.S. 30.

News release

“Bowen Center site benefits Whitley County health 

“$8 million investment expands options for all

“(Warsaw, IN – January 15, 2024) – Bowen Center will celebrate the opening of a new facility supporting a fresh approach to health care in Columbia City on January 22, 2024. The public will have several opportunities to see the new building firsthand with public tours and a ribbon cutting.

“Completion of the new facility will offer Whitley County residents easy access to healthcare services, including primary health care, mental health care, behavioral health care, addiction recovery treatment, and life skills coaching. This integrative or multidisciplinary approach to providing healthcare can make an immediate positive difference in patients’ lives.

“Understanding that the integrative healthcare model would save and extend lives, Bowen Center decided to begin adding primary care services at its existing locations in 2020. Spaces were renovated as plans for new buildings moved forward.

“‘We’ve been adding primary health care to our existing locations, but the building in Whitley County had a number of limitations, not the least of which was enough space,’ said Bowen Center President and CEO Dr. Rob Ryan. ‘We knew we wanted to build new modern facilities in our communities that each had room for growth, and so the obvious place to start was in Columbia City.’

“‘The $8 million dollar investment we’re making in Whitley County will ensure the needs of this community will be met with high-quality healthcare for anyone, no matter their ability to pay,’ said Bowen Center COO, Shannon Hannon. Throughout the planning and building process, Bowen Center consulted with local leaders and government officials in order to ensure that the project would meet not only Bowen Center’s goals but would be responding to real needs present in Whitley County.

“‘The community was adamant that we continue to grow and expand our mental health services and also provide high-quality primary care services for those who had difficulty accessing it currently,’ said Ms. Hannon.

“Nearly doubling the facility’s size at 15,000 square feet, the new site offers larger and updated spaces for patients and staff. Entering the bright, wide-open patient reception area is the first clue that Bowen Center is focused on providing the best patient experience to everyone. Windows fronting the patient reception area provides natural light and a panoramic view for patients waiting in comfortably spaced seating arrangements.

“‘When you come in, you’ll see a modern footprint that is a little bit different than what we’ve done before,’ said Ms. Hannon. “But that’s because we really want to make sure patients are comfortable, and we’re providing state-of-the-art buildings to match the quality care we provide.

“The convenient new location at the corner of State Road 205 and US 30 will allow patients easy access to parking and, if needed, hospital services across the street. Outside, in the spring, there will be a connection to the Blue River trail as well as nearby paths and therapeutic spots created for patients to meet with providers or simply spend time relaxing. Public education sessions providing information on important health topics relevant to Whitley County residents are planned to begin in the coming months.

“Also included in the project is 2,500 square feet of ‘grey space,’ which allows for future growth to mirror the community’s unique needs. This could be dental, optometry, or additional mental or physical health space. Those decisions will be made within the first few years in that location.

“Whitley County Director Mista Lauber says that everywhere she goes in the community, people are asking her questions about the new space. Patients are excited about having 114 parking spaces compared to the dozen or so at the downtown office.

“‘The root of what we do is in the building. It’s the services,’ Ms. Lauber said. ‘It’s our heart. It’s Bowen Center’s heart to be able to help people live better lives, to live happier lives, to live longer lives.’

“A Ribbon Cutting will celebrate the first patient day on Monday, January 22, at 10 a.m. with tours until 5 p.m. The public is invited to the event, featuring tours, refreshments, and giveaways.

“Bowen Health Clinic – Columbia City is located at 1259 E. State Road 205, Columbia City, 46725.”

News release issued Jan. 19, 2024, from Steve Linsenmayer, communications specialist for Bowen Center Corporate Office