The Joliet community is facing concerns about the potential loss of the town’s only primary care clinic, as the practice has been informed that it can no longer operate in the Community Center.
The clinic, a satellite site affiliated with RiverStone Health, has been serving the community since 2008. They have shared space with Beartooth Billings Clinic Physical Therapy, alternating days to accommodate both practices.
However, Beartooth Billings Clinic Physical Therapy is expanding and will require the space for all five days, prompting the Joliet Clinic to be notified that they will need to find a new location by spring 2025.
This news has caused unease among patients like 72-year-old Lynn Coughlan, who rely on the convenience and accessibility of the clinic for their healthcare needs.
Coughlan expressed concerns about having to travel outside of town for primary care services, losing the close-knit community atmosphere, and facing longer wait times for appointments.
RiverStone Health Physician’s Assistant, Kaci Jansma, who oversees the Joliet Clinic, shares these worries and emphasizes the importance of convenient healthcare in rural areas.
Jansma is determined to find a solution to keep the clinic operating, whether through fundraising efforts or community support, in order to continue providing essential care to the community.
