In 2014, Unity Care NW realized expansion of its Ferndale Health Center was a strategic priority. Further review dictated this new health center should be located and sized to serve the entire northwest portion of Whatcom County.
Unity Care NW currently operates community health centers in Bellingham, Point Roberts and at 5616 3rd Avenue in Ferndale. But the Ferndale center is operating at capacity.
Current plans call for a 23,393-square-foot two-story facility to be built at 6044 Portal Way. The location was chosen, according a Unity Care NW announcement, for its close proximity to I-5. The new facility is hoped to be built and fully staffed by 2021 at which point it is expected to serve 9,500 patients and employ 64 full-time staff, making it the largest medical facility in north Whatcom County according to Unity Care NW.
Current building plans provide for a large reception area, over a dozen exam rooms, a dozen dentistry operatory rooms, offices, meeting rooms, on-site pharmacy and lab.
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Click for more informationConstruction is anticipated to begin during the summer of 2017 and is dependent upon financing. Construction cost is currently estimated at $12 million and Unity Care NW has launched a $3 million capital campaign toward that end.
A community meeting is planned for May 25th at The United Church of Ferndale where the community will be asked for their medical, dental, behavioral health and pharmacy needs in Ferndale and given the opportunity to learn about Unity Care NW’s expansion plans.
Established in 1982, Unity Care NW is a non-profit provider of primary medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy and enabling services under a sliding fee scale to assure services are available regardless of the ability to pay.