Grundy County Health Department

The State of Tennessee and Grundy County Health Department worked together to expand services and improve access to healthcare in the county with the construction of a new 12,000 SF replacement facility. The planning and design of the facility increase the public’s access to healthcare services by minimizing barriers to participation. On a large scale, the site of the new facility increases access just by its location on a state highway near the intersection with another state highway.

The building itself minimizes barriers to participation by using familiar architectural vocabulary, warm materials and finishes, and a large portico for patient drop-off  during rain or shine. The facility’s increased number of providers, exam rooms, enlarged waiting area, and additional lab station increase access by reducing wait times. The facility also integrates a generous drive-thru to facilitate convenient distribution of medications, vaccines, and testing, while minimizing contact and therefore potential disease transmission.

The new facility will house primary care and general clinic services with exam rooms and lab spaces, a dental clinic, and other health support services such as CHANT (Community Health Access and Navigation in Tennessee) and breastfeeding support. The facility includes office spaces for itinerant professional service providers such as eye doctors or other specialized providers and a community meeting room available for use by local groups or for community health education programs.