Bowen Center opens health clinic in Wabash

(Wabash, IN – May 31, 2023) - Bowen Center formally introduced its newest health clinic to the public today with a ribbon cutting and public tours. The clinic is co-located with the Bowen Center outpatient office at 255 N Miami Street in Wabash. 

The move of integrating physical health care with mental health care and addiction recovery services for patients, no matter their ability to pay, is aimed at addressing the unique healthcare challenges underserved populations face. “We’re proud to bring a new service to Wabash, total health,” said Dr. Rob Ryan, Bowen Center president/CEO. “Since we live and work in the community, we know Wabash is served well by its local medical community. So, who are we doing this for and why? There are two groups we are targeting with these efforts. First, research shows us that people struggling with mental illness and addiction, our current patients, die 20 years younger than those without a mental illness. Our clinic is going to help to close that gap. Second, the treatment of mental illness and addiction still has a stigma attached to it. One way we know to reduce stigma is to meet people where they are. 70% of all mental health prescriptions are written by primary care doctors. We want to create a stigma-free place anyone can come and talk about their total health. So, we want to treat our current patients and those who feel more comfortable coming to Bowen Health Clinic. We are doing this because the local medical community, schools, the criminal justice system, and other partners are encouraging us to step into this gap. Their support and partnership in this change have been key,” said Dr. Ryan 

The ribbon cutting also included remarks by Wabash Mayor, Scott Long and Grow Wabash County president/CEO, Keith Gillenwater, who is also the incoming chair of the Bowen Center board of directors. “I serve on the Bowen Center board because I believe in the mission,” said Mr. Gillenwater. “Bowen Center contributes to the quality of life and our community grows when our people have access to the resources that they need,” Mr. Gillenwater said. 

During the remarks, Bowen Center Wabash County director, Danielle Gargiulo, tearfully announced she was moving out-of-state with her family and her last day was today. She introduced her replacement, Ashlie Schlemmer, a Wabash native who has served under Ms. Gargiulo as an assistant director. She begins her role on June 1st.

Bowen Health Clinic welcomes Medicaid, and no one is turned away for an inability to pay. To make an appointment, call (888) 470-0082. In addition to Wabash, the Center has clinics in Huntington, Fort Wayne, and Warsaw, with many more planned.