AID – The Aid medical clinic, formerly operated by River Valley Health System, will reopen Oct.

Friday, September 21, 2001

AID – The Aid medical clinic, formerly operated by River Valley Health System, will reopen Oct. 1.

County commissioners announced earlier this summer that Lawrence native Dr. Tony Virgin would take the helm at the clinic, forming a team of family practice doctors and nurse practitioners to provide services.

Dr. Virgin told commissioners Thursday that receptionists would begin taking appointments by phone on Monday, and the clinic would officially open its doors Oct. 1.

"I’m excited and nervous," Dr. Virgin said, pledging he would work hard to provide medical care in what will be called the Rural Health Services Clinic.

"I want to thank the commissioners and everybody who helped get this started," he added, vowing to work hard.

"If the community supports this, it will be there from this day forward."

The clinic – which will employ the same receptionist, technicians and other staff – will offer x-ray and lab services, pediatricians from Dr. Virgin’s current staff. He has offices in Huntington, W.Va., and Ironton.

"We’re actively recruiting others for family practice, but it will be just me for now," the doctor said. "We will also offer home visits to those who qualify."

In addition, two nurse practitioners – one specializing in pediatrics and another specializing in geriatrics, or elderly care – will staff the Aid clinic. Hours will likely be 9 a.m. to either 6 p.m. or 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and some Saturday mornings.

Commissioners said they were glad to see the clinic reopen, calling it a blessing to those who live in rural Lawrence County.

When the hospital closed, the county made it a priority to not only work to reopen the hospital but also the clinic, because so many people came to rely on its services, commission president Paul Herrell said.

Commissioner George Patterson said having a doctor’s office in Aid means people in the outlying areas, especially those who don’t drive, can access medical care better and more quickly.

Aid area residents can meet Dr. Virgin and the clinic staff at a special Open House planned for Friday, Sept. 28, 4:30 p.m. to about 6:30 p.m. before the Symmes Valley ballgame.

SEOEMS’s Aid ambulance personnel and Aid Township firefighters will also be on hand for the event.

For information about the clinic, or to make an appointment, the clinic will accept calls beginning Monday at 643-0234.