MU Health Care expands into Mexico after hospital closure

MEXICO, Mo. (KMIZ)

MU Health Care celebrated the opening of a new clinic in Audrain County on Tuesday -- one which executives hope will help fill a need in an area that recently lost its hospital.

MU Health's South Clark Medical Building in Mexico includes a family medicine clinic and urgent care. The clinics have been up and running for roughly two months, but the celebratory ribbon cutting was meant to spread awareness of the clinic's presence in the community

Residents of Audrain county found themselves in a "medical desert" after Noble Health closed the doors on a community hospital in March, forcing them to travel long distances for health care. Residents had to travel about 45 minutes to hospitals or urgent care clinics in Columbia or Jefferson City in order to receive treatment, MU Health Care family physician Diane Jacobi said.

"Many people here couldn't travel that far of a distance," Jacobi said. "We are thrilled to have this place up and running providing care for the community."

Jacobi was once Noble Health's community hospital family medicine provider. Now, she works for MU, working in the same community, continuing to provide care for the patients she has grown so fond of.

"The sign on the building may say MU Health Care, but many of the clinicians and staff are the same friendly faces that have served the community for years," Jacobi said. "I am so thankful to have a partner in MU Health Care that will allow me to continue to provide high-quality care to my patients right here in Mexico."

Other health care providers who were formally employed by Noble Health will be returning to work in the clinics as well, this time under MU.

The clinic provides services including x-rays, lab services, breathing treatments, IV hydration and services for asthma and respiratory infections.

The clinic is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.