In the state as a whole, creating a healthcare infrastructure with sufficient staffing, space and access is a challenge. This is particularly true for rural areas like Richmond. Adding the usual challenges of the American healthcare system to an area with limited public transportation and frontage to house facilities makes accessing care an issue for many residents.
In answer to this, we are fortunate to have Wood River Health operating close by at 823 Main Street in Hope Valley. Wood River Health is a not-for-profit, Community Health Center serving patients from Rhode Island and Connecticut. Recognized as a Federally Qualified Health Center, Wood River Health receives funds from the HRSA Health Center Program to provide primary care services in underserved areas. As a result of this funding, care is provided on a sliding scale for all patients including those that are uninsured or underinsured.
Wood River Health offers comprehensive care with many services available at the Hope Valley location. Currently patients can access:
Primary Care
Dental Care
Express Care
Behavioral and Mental Health Services
On Site Pharmacy
Laboratory Services
Physical Therapy
WIC Program Assistance
Community Resource Teams
The ability to access to primary care, dental care, mental health specialists, physical therapy, a lab and a pharmacy all in one site is amazing. However, where Wood River Health really shines is in the holistic approach to patient care featuring the Community Resource Team. Here, patients can have assistance in accessing the community programs and resources needed to maintain health and access to care. These teams can help navigate insurance and sliding scale payments, coordinate with WIC and SNAP for food benefits, help with housing resources and arrange transportation for medical visits. To see a full list of services and programs, head HERE.
Now, all of this looks great, but you may be asking: how about the quality of care? Wood River Health is routinely lauded for its quality of care and patient satisfaction. Having an impressive collection of credentials helps patients know they are receiving excellent care in a patient (not profit) centered environment. Adding to this, Wood River Health is a Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) LGBTQ+ Safe Zone. This means safe care for all community members regardless of need, complexity, identity, or ability to pay.
If you need a primary care provider, dentist, counselor or just help navigating the healthcare system, reach out to Wood River Health and get set up for the services you need. You can browse the providers HERE, learn all about the center HERE or reach out at the contact information listed on the website or below.
Wood River Health
823 Main Street
Hope Valley, RI 02832
Main Number: 401.539.2461
Medical: 401.539.2461 x1
Dental: 401.539.2461 x2
WIC: 401.387.9638
Fax: 401.539.2490
-- Alexis Turner