Health clinic CEO has growth in mind

By By Steve Gillespie / staff writer
Aug. 29, 2002
The Greater Meridian Health Clinic wants to expand, and Chief Executive Officer Wilbert L. Jones says last week's exposure will help.
Deputy Secretary Claude A. Allen of the U.S. Department of Human Services and 3rd District U.S. Rep. Chip Pickering visited the clinic last week.
Jones said the clinic was chosen as one of eight health clinics in the nation to be spotlighted for its steady growth and the health care and education it provides.
The Greater Meridian Health Clinic was awarded a $300,000 grant from the Department of Human Services for the current budget year and has been approved for another $600,000 in fiscal year 2003.
Jones said the money will be used to expand its new Women's Health Center with equipment, medical supplies and additional staff to accommodate a growing number of patients.
More than 75,000 patients visited last year, and more are expected this year.
The Greater Meridian Health Clinic is one of the state's 21 Community Health Centers with membership in the Mississippi Primary Health Care Association.
The clinic, at 2701 Davis St. in Meridian, serves patients in Lauderdale, Kemper, Noxubee and Winston counties. It offers counseling on preventive health issues, prescriptions, diet and other areas. Private insurance, CHIPS, HealthMACS, Medicare and Medicaid are accepted. Appointments are preferred, but walk-in patients are accepted.
For more information, call the clinic at 693-0118.