Alcona Health Pediatric center opens on Friday

ALPENA — Last spring, Alcona Health Center began constructing a new, 6,400-square-foot pediatric facility on its U.S.-23 North campus, 1209 U.S.-23 N., in Alpena Township, and officials say the facility will open on Friday.

The new building holds six patient rooms, which include a treatment room for children who need immediate help, along with a room fitted with couches for behavioral appointments.

The facility houses pediatrician Dr. Leah Conboy, nurse practitioner Mari Anderson, and child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Adrienne Westphal, who are accepting new patients at the new location.

Malinda Amlotte, Alcona Health Center community outreach and marketing manager, said the three providers already work for the organization, but the new facility will be the first time they can work together under one roof.

“We’re super excited to have (Westphal), since she’s a child and adolescent psychiatrist, and those are hard to come by,” Amlotte said. “Access to care is a big barrier, especially for behavioral health care for pediatrics. So to have all these providers in one spot really helps parents out, and there’s definitely a need in the community for both medical and behavioral health care for youth.”

Amlotte said the facility already soft-launched on April 1, so children have already started to get checked up at the pediatric center.

Parents can start signing up their children to see any of the three medical officials, but anyone who wants to talk to the officials first can meet them at a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house at 3:30 p.m. Friday.

Nancy Spencer, CEO of Alcona Health Center, emphasized the importance of meeting the rising demand for pediatric health care services in the area.

“By providing comprehensive services in one location, we are simplifying access to high-quality pediatric care in our region,” Spencer said in a statement. “We take pride in this new facility and invite the community to join us in celebrating its opening.”

The construction of the building came from a $845,411 federal American Rescue Plan Act Health Center Construction and Capital Improvements grant in September 2021, which made up about 51% of the building costs, leaving Alcona Health Center to support the rest — roughly $833,575 — through non-governmental sources.

The building will have its own address and separate driveway, but, because it is on the Alpena Township campus, the parking lots are connected to other Alcona Health Center facilities.

“We’re really excited to be open, with the main campus right next door,” Amlotte said. “Parents have access to our Saturday walk-in services, so, if you know your child is sick, we’re just down the hill, the next door over, that you can access on Saturdays, along with the pharmacy right down there. Hopefully, it just makes things very convenient for families.”