#United States #primary care #Valley Oaks Health #Rensselaer

Valley Oaks Health Expands Primary Care Services

A New Chapter in Healthcare Access

Valley Oaks Health has proudly served Indiana's behavioral health community for nearly a century. As part of its commitment to quality healthcare, they are expanding their services to include primary medical care at their Rensselaer facility, starting September 1, 2026. This strategic move aims to provide integrated, compassionate healthcare to the residents of Jasper and Newton Counties.

Addressing Rural Healthcare Challenges

Indiana's rural communities face significant challenges when it comes to accessing timely healthcare. The Indiana Rural Health Association reports a concerning statistic: there are approximately five primary care physicians for every 10,000 residents in rural areas compared to eight in urban settings. This disparity has made it increasingly difficult for residents of rural Indiana to receive the healthcare they need in a timely manner.

Dan Arens, President and CEO of Valley Oaks Health, expressed his enthusiasm about the expansion, stating, "Timely access to local healthcare in Rural Indiana has become increasingly difficult for many reasons. We're excited to expand the safety net care we provide by offering Primary Care out of our Rensselaer office."

Integrated and Comprehensive Care

The expansion of primary care services at Valley Oaks Health underscores the organization's commitment to integrated health care. This approach highlights the critical connection between mental and physical health. Kim Denton, Regional Branch Director, further elaborated on this connection: "We are excited to expand our services to the community and offer people integrated care. When we treat the whole person, we can provide them with a level of treatment that addresses both their mental and physical health."

Mary Grace Dennis, Senior Director of Community Health, added, "This expansion allows us to continue delivering our commitment to whole-person care. Physical health and mental health are deeply connected, and by offering comprehensive services in one organization, we can better support individuals and families throughout their healthcare journey."

Services Offered in Rensselaer

Patients accessing the new primary care services can expect a wide array of healthcare options, including:

• - Preventive care
• - Annual wellness visits
• - Chronic disease management
• - Sick visits
• - Coordinated care alongside existing behavioral health services

This comprehensive offering is designed to address the varied needs of individuals and families seeking healthcare in the community. Notably, patients will be welcomed regardless of their previous engagement with behavioral health services.

Commitment to Accessibility

Valley Oaks Health is dedicated to ensuring that healthcare is available to as many members of the community as possible. The primary care services in Rensselaer will accept a variety of payment options including:

• - Medicaid
• - Medicare
• - Most commercial insurance plans
• - Uninsured individuals will also find financial assistance options available.

As stated by Valley Oaks Health, "We are committed to making healthcare accessible to all community members, and our new offerings are designed to ensure that everyone can receive the care they need."

How to Get Started

Patients interested in scheduling an appointment at Valley Oaks Health can do so by calling 1-866-6VALLEY or visiting valleyoaks.org. This new primary care availability represents a significant step forward in ensuring that residents of Rensselaer and surrounding areas can receive timely, compassionate, and comprehensive healthcare.

In summary, the expansion of primary care services by Valley Oaks Health in Rensselaer is a proactive response to the urgent healthcare needs of rural Indiana. This initiative is set to improve the lives of countless residents by addressing both their physical and mental health needs in an integrated, supportive environment.