Bowen Center CEO, Dr. Rob Ryan, cuts the ribbon for the Whitley County Bowen Health Clinic. Photos provided by Steve Linsenmayer.

News Release

COLUMBIA CITY — A brand new Bowen Health Clinic opened to patients today in Columbia City, marking a fresh approach to health care for Whitley County residents.

Completion of the new facility offers easy access to healthcare services, including primary health care, mental health care, behavioral health care, addiction recovery treatment, and life skills coaching. This integrative or multidisciplinary approach to providing healthcare can make an immediate positive difference in patients’ lives.

“We’re so excited to open our new doors to serve in ways that we never could before,” said Mista Lauber, Bowen Center Director, Whitley County. “Having the ability to treat the whole person through integrated care represents a new chapter here In Whitley County. We’re proud to offer a top level of care that our community needs.”

Committed to offering patients the benefits of integrative healthcare, Bowen Center began renovating spaces in its existing offices and adding primary care clinics in 2020, with plans to build new buildings in the future.

“Whitley County was chosen as the first location for a new building because the community need was there, and the space in our building on the square downtown was limited,” said Dr. Rob Ryan, Bowen Center President and CEO. “It was important for us to begin offering primary health care to all of our patients right away to help them live longer, healthier lives. So, a new building in Whitley County was an obvious choice and is the first of many new buildings throughout northern Indiana and beyond.”

The building represents an $8 million dollar investment in Whitley County by Bowen Center. Nearly double the size of the former location, the new site offers larger and updated spaces for patients and staff.

“I love the fact that the vision is expanding, that it’s more than just the primary focus of mental health but that all-encompassing focus of serving the whole person, said Columbia City Mayor Ryan Daniel. “I want to thank you for investing in Columbia City and making this a priority for so many of our residents.”

Entering the bright, wide-open patient reception area is the first clue that Bowen Center is focused on providing the best patient experience to everyone. Windows fronting the patient reception area provide natural light and a panoramic view for patients waiting in comfortably spaced seating arrangements.

“This building is really a team effort. It’s three years in the making,” said Rich Hoffman, Bowen Center Facilities Director. “We wanted to make this space the best we could for our patients and our staff. It’s obviously beautiful, it’s open, it’s inviting. It’s also comfortable.”

The convenient new location at the corner of State Road 205 and US 30 will allow patients easy access to parking and, if needed, hospital services across the street. Outside, in the spring, there will be a connection to the Blue River trail as well as nearby paths and therapeutic spots created for patients to meet with providers or simply spend time relaxing. Public education sessions providing information on important health topics relevant to Whitley County residents are planned to begin in the coming months.

“What sets this building apart from so many others in the community that provide high-quality care is that our goal is to specifically reach those patients who have an inability to pay, those that have a difficult time navigating the healthcare system,” said Shannon Hannon, Bowen Center COO. “This building is for you.”