October 5, 1963 the ground was broke to begin the construction of the Big Sandy Medical Center. At that time, the desire was to provide a facility for the town doctor to see his patients and possibly tend to them overnight if they were too ill to be at home. By 1965, the building was complete, including the inscription: built by the community, for the community. BSMC has remained an independently owned, community ran organization since it originated in 1965. Changes have been made over the years to accommodate the needs of the community. The addition of the nursing home in the 80s, the transition to a critical access hospital in 2019, and now the addition of a stand alone clinic building.
The grand opening of the BSMC Rural Health Clinic was held on October 4, 2024. Almost 61 years, to the day, since the start of the project that started it all. At least 4 generations of patients have been treated within the walls of the Medical Center, effectively holding true to the founding ideal of a facility that was built for the community. We see this in action as the ribbon is cut at the Clinic, by the members of the Elsie Pavlovick family, who so graciously donated the land for the clinic building to reside. The Dora Mahood Estate also donated $25,000 to the project, helping it come to fruition. The facility, and the community will always be grateful for these beautiful gifts, honoring the idea that, even 60 years later, as the facility expands, it is still done so by the community, for the community.
The Grand Opening was well attended. Ron Wiens, CEO gave consistent tours of the clinic for just over two hours to multiple members of the community. Often expressions were heard such as, "wow," "nice," and "roomy!" Harvey Keller, who was the Chairman of the BSMC Board of Directors when the project started, joked that the facility was large enough, navigating your way in and out could be a component of a dementia test. There is space for the Chiropractor, Dr. Pat Kadrmas to see his patients, as well as, Cheyenne Feltz, the Psychiactric Nurse Practitioner. There is room for specialist services, and of course the routine visits with our practitioners, Krystyl Kubleck, PA-C, and Heath Horton, FNP. It will be exciting to see what other services become available to the residents of the community and surrounding areas.
As you wait for your appointment, take a look at the photos hanging in the waiting room from the Big Sandy Cultural Center, some of which include Dora Mahood. You can also appreciate images from Craig Edwards, and even some photos from the CEO, Ron Wiens. With a close eye, you'll likely recognize the areas where the photos were taken from. Those small touches make all the difference in how comfortable people are while receiving their medical care. Dana Darlington said it best when he said, "it doesn't have that cold hospital feel." We hope you get to experience it for yourself, when you make your next appointment to be seen at the Clinic. Your primary care visits, pre/post op visits, chiropractic care, and mental health appointments can all be made by calling 406-378-2189.
