Affinia Healthcare Opens New Ferguson Health Center, Adds Midwifery to Help Address Healthcare Disparities

FERGUSON, MO – Affnia Healthcare held a ribbon-cutting celebration for its new comprehensive health center in Ferguson, Mo. Designed as a new holistic approach to community health, the new site is adjacent to long-time community pillar, Emerson Family YMCA.

At the November 2 event, community supporters and civic officials joined with staff and leaders from Affinia Healthcare and the Gateway Region YMCA in celebration of the collaboration. Dr. Kendra Holmes, Affinia Healthcare President & CEO, thanked staff, partners with the YMCA, local officials, and law enforcement for their support of this new health center. She also issued a declaration.

“The time for talking about health equity and justice is over; it’s time to put words into action,” said Dr. Kendra Holmes, President & CEO, Affinia Healthcare. “We cannot wait until the next pandemic to address health inequities in our communities. Through this partnership with the Emerson YMCA, we can provide high quality healthcare to marginalized communities, Black and Brown families, in the communities where they live.”

The new facility is approximately 15,000 square feet in size, and includes 23 medical exam rooms, six dental operatories, and four areas for behavioral health and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for substance use disorders. Construction began last winter and the total cost for the project is $8.1 million. 

This project was made possible in part from $2.5 million Congressionally directed funding request from U.S. Rep. Cori Bush (1st District-MO). Bush, who could not attend the ceremony due to congressional votes in Washington, D.C., was represented by her Outreach Coordinator Danielle Spradley. Rep. Bush also issued a statement regarding the new health center.

“I’m proud to have secured $2.5 million for Affinia Healthcare to invest in the life-saving clinic in Ferguson. Affinia Healthcare has been doing the work on the ground to ensure our most marginalized and historically excluded communities can access the healthcare they need,” said U.S. Rep. Bush. “I am incredibly grateful to Dr. Kendra Holmes, the entire Affinia Healthcare leadership team, and the YMCA for all they continue to do for our community and expanding a host of services ranging from primary care to substance use treatment to dental care and more in North County. I look forward to continuing our partnership on meaningful health equity initiatives for the St. Louis area.”

Affinia Healthcare’s decision to expand its presence in North St. Louis County is the result of a community health assessment that identified areas where unmet primary health care needs are prevalent. One of the critical needs in the North County area is access to prenatal and women’s healthcare. There is one hospital in the North County area that delivers babies and a dwindling number of physicians and providers who offer obstetric/gynecologic care. To help meet this need, Affinia Healthcare is offering midwifery services at the new Ferguson location.

“Women are being more vocal about their healthcare needs, especially when it comes to prenatal and postpartum care,” said Dr. Holmes. “We were fortunate to bring aboard two compassionate and well-trained certified nurse-midwives who can provide care to women and infants, and because they are also nurse practitioners, children and men as well. The addition is strategic as it gives our patients increased resources and accessibility, as we do not turn anyone away for lack of insurance or inability to pay.”

In addition to the new offerings, the partnership with the Emerson YMCA adds another resource to improve patient health and wellness. The organizations plan to offer joint initiatives and projects for community health access, physical fitness and mental wellness.
“Core to the Y’s mission is providing essential services that help strengthen the communities where we operate,” said Tim Helm, Gateway Region YMCA President and CEO. “We are so thankful to Affinia Healthcare for making this investment that will provide people of all ages in Ferguson and the surrounding communities with both affordable healthcare and more access to Y programs that improve individual health and wellbeing. The Emerson Y provides financial assistance to more than 3,000 members annually and this tremendous partnership with Affinia Healthcare continues to offer resources to help those who have the most critical need.”

The partnership will also allow Affinia Healthcare patients to enjoy YMCA benefits at a reduced rate.

To schedule an appointment, call 314-814-8700. For more information on Affinia Healthcare and its services, visit the website: www.affiniahealthcare.org.