Albion marks opening of New Bowen Health Clinic

The official opening of a new Bowen Health Clinic in Albion continues Bowen Center’s move towards a one-stop-shop approach to healthcare that can make an immediate positive difference in the lives of Noble County residents. Co-located with the outpatient office at 101 E. Park Dr., the new clinic is the latest step in Bowen Center’s move towards integrating physical health care with mental health care and addiction recovery services for patients, no matter their ability to pay.

“To our patients, thank you for choosing us to care for you and trusting us to care for your loved ones. It is truly a privilege,” said Amy Johnson, Director of Bowen Center – Albion. “To our community partners who come alongside us to strengthen our communities, thank you! Many of you have expressed excitement as we talked about the need to expand access to primary care and reduce the stigma of mental health care. We are truly grateful for your unwavering support!” 

Bowen Health Clinic offers patients easy access to primary health care in addition to mental health care, behavioral health care, addiction recovery treatment, and life skills coaching services. Most of all, it helps reduce the stigma that might keep people from seeking help in the first place. 

“Do you know that men are twice as likely to die from an overdose in Indiana and they're four times more likely to die from a suicide?” said Dr. Rob Ryan, Bowen Center president and CEO. “That's not really a surprise because they are half as likely to get services for mental health, and they wait twice as long to seek out those same services.” 

Connecting the dots between physical and mental health will offer higher quality care to anyone living in Noble County.

“Bowen Health Clinic is paving the way in communities that often have limited resources or underserved people,” said Stacy Smith, Bowen Health Clinic Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. “Primary care is so important. It's treating the whole person and their family. And this leads to positive outcomes and improved quality of life.” 

Bowen Center, founded in 1961, has been providing life-saving care in Albion for more than 20 years. 

“Like many people here, I've had family members that have been able to take advantage of the Bowen Center and always got good assistance,” said Ligonier Mayor Earle Franklin. 

Bowen Center is investing more than $4 million in Noble, DeKalb, Steuben, and LaGrange, counties in construction and jobs to offer integrated care in their existing offices there. 

“I'm just astonished at the investment,” said Chief Deputy Brian Walker, Noble County Sherriff's Department addressing the lobby crowded with people. “Look at you. All you guys are here because you believe in this investment.” 

Understanding that the integrative healthcare model would improve and extend lives, Bowen Center began adding primary care services at its existing locations in 2020. By April 11, all Bowen Center locations will offer primary health care in addition to their mental health services. 

For patients, especially those struggling with mental health and perhaps poverty, it is vital that they can easily access the care they need, said Shannon Hannon, Bowen Center COO. 

“It is incredibly difficult for them to walk in the door here, let alone to be passively given a referral to go somewhere else. This model allows us to meet as many of those needs for patients under one roof,” said Ms. Hannon. “They trusted us to walk through the door the first time. We have a duty to serve them, and we're doing it incredibly well with the support of so many of you.”

Bowen Health Clinic welcomes Medicaid, and no one is turned away for an inability to pay. To make an appointment, call (800) 342-5653.