Christian Healthcare Centers announces Newaygo expansion

Today, Christian Healthcare Centers (CHC), a Grand Rapids-based nonprofit medical services organization, and The Right Place, Inc. announced CHC’s plans to open a new office at 53 West Wood Street in the City of Newaygo.

The new 8,150 sq. ft. facility is under construction in Newaygo and will provide space for primary care (family medicine, x-ray, labs, medication dispensary, counseling) and the organization’s subsidiary, Christian Healthcare Specialists, which provides various medical specialists, in-office procedures, and minor surgeries. CHC and its subsidiary anticipate employing 12-14 individuals in its first year of operation.

“Since our founding in 2015, we envisioned operating multiple offices throughout West Michigan. The Newaygo office moves this vision forward,” said Mark Blocher, President and CEO. CHC serves a socially and economically diverse patient population, with patients coming from 32 different Michigan counties to its Grand Rapids location. “Newaygo allows us to extend our mission to a rural community that has a significant healthcare shortage.”

CHC chose Newaygo for its new location after being approached by the City of Newaygo alongside partners from The Right Place and the River Country Chamber of Commerce. These organizations, alongside several local churches, requested CHC to open an office in the Newaygo community to increase access to primary and specialty care. CHC uses a unique delivery model called Direct Primary Care, where patients pay a small monthly fee to secure unlimited access to timely, personalized care. There are no co-pays, deductibles, or preexisting conditions exclusions. “Our only enrollment criteria is that the patient has a pulse,” said Blocher.

Jon Schneider, Newaygo City Manager, said, “According to available data, Newaygo and adjacent counties are one of Michigan's most medically underserved regions. CHC Newaygo will expand access to care for our growing community and contribute to its economic development by creating a number of high paying jobs.”

“This is an important win for the Newaygo community,” said Julie Burrell, Business Development Manager for Newaygo County at The Right Place, “Newaygo offers a strong, collaborative business environment and a healthy economic profile. Christian Healthcare Centers’ expansion will continue building upon those strengths.”

CopperRock Construction is the general contractor for the $1.8 million project, with completion projected for Spring 2022. CHC will lease the facility from a developer. CHC launched a capital campaign to raise $1.3 million to purchase medical equipment, furnishings, IT equipment, and supplies. Nearly $400,000 has been raised so far with grants from the Fremont Area Community Foundation, Osteopathic Foundation of West Michigan, and a number of Newaygo residents.

A groundbreaking ceremony will be held at 53 West Wood Street in Newaygo on August 17th at 11:00 AM. All members of the media are invited to attend. Later in the day a community meet and greet will be hosted at The Stream, 1 State Rd in Newaygo, from 3-4:00 PM.