Soon residents of the Linwood community will have better access to health care.

Truman Medical Centers broke ground June 5, 2017,  on their University Health clinic that will adjoin the newly renovated and expanded Linwood YMCA/James B. Nutter, Sr. Community Center. The 7,000 square foot medical clinic will offer family medicine and behavioral health in a neighborhood that currently lacks these services.

The partnership is the first of its kind in Kansas City, and in the country. 

“We’re excited to be in the Y, we’re excited to be in this neighborhood for a number of reasons, not the least of which is because this neighborhood deserves it,” said Charlie Shields, president and CEO of TMC, in his comments at the groundbreaking ceremony. 

Shields said the concept for the clinic reflects TMC’s efforts to take health care beyond the four walls of the hospital and into the community where people live and work. 

The project is important to the Y’s commitment to healthy living.

“As we begin to think about our mission at the Y and at Truman, we could not have a better partner,” said David Byrd, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Kansas City.

The partnership will improve access to health services in the community. It will also allow for collaboration and referrals between TMC staff and the Y staff.

“The programs and services will really align so well with the needs in this community,” Byrd said.

Councilman Jermaine Reed spoke during the program, and said the project is the right thing to do.

“This is what you consider very life-changing for our residents,” he said. 

Many in the neighborhood have had to drive miles to doctors appointments. The University Health clinic will provide a more convenient option.

The clinic is expected to be complete at the end of 2017.