By a unanimous 3-0 vote, municipal improvement status was granted for Family Centers’ health clinic at Wilbur Peck at Thursday’s Board of Selectman meeting.
“There were many people who told us along the way that this would never happen and that it’s a real long shot,” Dennis Torres of Family Centers said. “We knew it was a long shot but we stayed on the case. What we did was exhibit the need that exists in public housing and ultimately we were successful. We’re really excited to get this going.”
Family Centers received a $566,667 federal grant in August to open the new health clinic. The 1,300 sq. foot clinic will be part of the Affordable Care Act.
The clinic will be staffed and operated by Family Centers, and will serve Section 8 residents, those living in Greenwich Housing Authority and surrounding neighborhoods. It will take up to a year for the clinic to operate at the full capacity of a 40-hour per week operation. First Selectman Peter Tesei says that enrollment and utilization will dictate the initial schedule of the clinic.
“It’s so joyous, if you will, to be part of this process,” Selectman Drew Marzullo said. “This full service primary care clinic will have a direct impact on the lives and well being of many. Family Centers, HHS, Greenwich Housing Authority — all should be commended for making this happen.”
“The funding and implementation will soon result in a health care clinic that has the ability to educate families, treat and prevent sickness and allow for medical professionals to form a one-on-one relationship with the community they serve and patients alike.”
Wilbur Peck is an apartment complex that houses over 100 units, operated by the Housing Authority of Greenwich.
A grand opening and ribbon cutting is anticipated for the clinic in early 2016.
