Stacy Smith, primary care nurse practitioner, right, gives a tour of an exam room at the new Bowen Health Clinic in Angola. Photo provided by Bowen Center.

News Release

ANGOLA — The official opening of a new Bowen Health Clinic in Angola continues Bowen Center’s move toward a one-stop-shop approach to health care that can make an immediate positive difference in the lives of Steuben County residents, no matter their ability to pay.

Co-located with Bowen Center’s outpatient office at 200 Hoosier Drive, the addition of the Bowen Health Clinic offers patients access to primary health care in addition to mental health care, behavioral health care, addiction recovery treatment and life skills coaching services. Most of all, it helps reduce stigma that might keep people from seeking help in the first place.

“Do you know that men in Indiana are twice as likely to die from an overdose than the same aged women? And that they’re also four times as likely to die from suicide?” said Rob Ryan, Bowen Center president and chief executive officer. “What a shame when we know we have effective services.” He said that that 50 percent of men who die by suicide visit their primary care physicians in the 30 days prior, while only 5% visit a counselor or other mental health practitioner. “We believe that people have spoken. They say, ‘When I need help, I’m gonna go see my primary care doctor.’ So, we need to be their primary care doctor. We need to remove that stigma so people can feel good about whatever service they’re getting here in Steuben County from us.”

“Having accessible primary care as well as other health care services is vital for all Hoosiers,” said Mary Martin, regional director for U.S. Sen. Mike Braun. “Bowen Center has answered this call and continues to go above and beyond in service of our communities.”

Bowen Center is investing more than $4 million in Steuben, LaGrange, Noble and DeKalb counties in construction and jobs to offer integrated care in their existing offices there.

“We appreciate the investment and capital that you put into this facility and the investment and the talent that you bring to our community and the level of care that you now provide in our community,” said Angola Mayor Dave Martin.

“I want to thank all our community partners, non-for-profits, businesses, schools, law enforcement agencies and supporters who came alongside our team to support our move to integrated health care,” said Alicia Johnson, director of Bowen Health Clinic Angola. “We are thrilled to expand our services and offer this level of health care for our patients.”

Bowen Center Chief Operating Officer Shannon Hannon underlined the importance of broad community support.

“We are so grateful for the partners that we have, and I know Alicia and team have worked really hard to build partnerships in this community, including other health care partners and we’re grateful for their support,” said Hannon. “We’re going to continue to be allies in this fight to ensure those that live in Angola live their best life longer.”

Bowen Health Clinic welcomes Medicaid, and no one is turned away for an inability to pay. To make an appointment, call (800) 342-5653.

Cutting the ribbon for the new Bowen Health Clinic in Angola are, from left, Megan Cooper, Bowen Health Clinic Angola assistant director; Dr. Siquilla Liebetrau, Bowen Center vice president of clinical services; Shannon Hannon, Bowen Center chief operating officer; Stacy Smith, Bowen Health Clinic, primary care nurse practitioner; Alicia Johnson, Bowen Health Clinic Angola director; Dr. Rob Ryan, Bowen Center, president/CEO; Mayor Dave Martin, Angola; Mary Martin, U.S. Sen. Mike Braun regional director; and Catrina Daniels, Bowen Health Clinic Angola business office manager. Photo provided by Bowen Center.