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Bowen Health facility opening expands options in Plymouth

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Bowen Health cut the ribbon on a new facility in Plymouth that offers easy access to healthcare services.

Bowen Health - Plymouth is located at 2904 Miller Dr., Plymouth, 46563, immediately southwest of the intersection of Pioneer Drive and US 30. The highly visible location provides expanded primary health care, mental health care, addiction recovery treatment, and life skills coaching services. The building also includes unfinished space which will house a specialty like dentistry or optometry in the near future.

“This new facility represents more than just a building. It symbolizes hope, progress, and a brighter future for the Plymouth and Marshal County areas,” said Plymouth Mayor Robert Listenberger. “With state-of-the-art technology and a compassionate team of healthcare professionals, Bowen Health is poised to provide exceptional care to our community for many decades to come.”

Bowen Health President and CEO Dr. Rob Ryan began his career with Bowen Health in Plymouth 20 years ago, eventually becoming the site’s director before moving on to executive roles in the organization. He said the completion of the new building is another milestone in Bowen Health’s long-term commitment to the health of Marshall County residents.

“To the community. We're so glad that we've been here since the beginning in 1960. We plan to be here for another 60 years,” Dr. Ryan said. “And then, of course, for the staff, you guys have a place that totally is now worthy of your excellence and care.”

In the previous week, several events offered patients, community members, and staff the opportunity to see the new building. But Bowen Health – Plymouth Director Lindie Leary said that Monday’s opening was even more special.

“I made sure I was here way before the doors opened to see the first patient walk in,” she said. “That was so meaningful for all of this work that's been put in, to stand there and watch.”

“I want to thank Dr. Ryan, the local team, Lindie, and others for creating primary care access in our community that is greatly needed,” said Eric Holsopple, Saint Joseph Health System Plymouth Regional Medical Center Administrator. “Our local community health needs assessment data shows that there is a great need for both physical and mental health care access. Thank you for your commitment to serve those that are most vulnerable. We at St Joe look forward to partnering with Bowen for the betterment of our community for the generations to come.”

Bowen Health’s move to integrated care is aimed at addressing the unique healthcare challenges underserved populations face.

“The one-stop-shop approach in healthcare is unique, and we know it's made a difference in the lives of our patients,” said Bowen Health board member Carol Hochstetler. “Bowen Health will continue to innovate, evolve, and lead the way in integrated care so that anyone can get the healthcare services they need, regardless of their ability to pay.”

The Plymouth site is Bowen Health’s second new building to open this year. The first opening was in Columbia City in January. Work is also underway on Bowen Health – Warsaw, scheduled to open in 2025.

All these locations are situated on US 30 in a deliberate effort to bring mental health care into view after years of clinics being located in out-of-the-way locations in an attempt to shield patients from stigma.
“Today, mental health comes into the forefront,” said Bowen Health CFO Jay Baumgartner. “This building represents a huge investment in Marshall County, our communities, and the patients that we serve. But what this building really represents is those patients that we haven't served yet.”

Previously operating from two separate buildings, the new 17,000-square-foot facility was designed with patients and staff in mind. Patients have shorter walks to get into the building or to their therapy office or exam room. Connected spaces make it easier for multidiscipline teams to work collaboratively. Built using state-of-the-art technology will make it cheaper to operate and kinder to staff and patients because of improved lighting, temperature control, ergonomic furniture, etc.

“It's not just a building, it's where lives will be changed,” said Bowen Health Facilities Director Rich Hoffman. “I love to build life-changing environments, and that's what this building really represents today.”

Bowen Health provides a healthcare safety net for people with limited resources to ensure that everyone has access to quality healthcare.

“Health now includes that full continuum of care, and that's what we want to be assuring the residents of Marshall County that we can take care of all of your needs, regardless of your ability to pay, said Bowen Health COO Shannon Hannon. “Our commitment to this community continues, that we will be that solution, to partner with all of you in the community to meet those needs, to ensure residents are living their best lives longer.”