News Release

WARSAW — Bowen Center will celebrate the opening of a new facility supporting a fresh approach to health care in Columbia City on Monday, Jan. 22. The public will have several opportunities to see the new building firsthand with public tours and a ribbon cutting.

Completion of the new facility will offer Whitley County residents access to health care services, including primary health care, mental health care, behavioral health care, addiction recovery treatment and life skills coaching. The integrative or multidisciplinary approach to providing health care can make an immediate difference in patients’ lives.

Dr. Robert Ryan

Understanding that the integrative health care model can save and extend lives, Bowen Center decided to begin adding primary care services at its existing locations in 2020. Spaces were renovated as plans for new buildings moved forward.

“We’ve been adding primary health care to our existing locations, but the building in Whitley County had a number of limitations, not the least of which was enough space,” said Bowen Center President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Rob Ryan. “We knew we wanted to build new modern facilities in our communities that each had room for growth, and so the obvious place to start was in Columbia City.”

“The eight million dollar investment we’re making in Whitley County will ensure the needs of this community will be met with high-quality health care for anyone, no matter their ability to pay,” said Bowen Center Chief Operating Officer Shannon Hannon. Throughout the planning and building process, Bowen Center consulted with local leaders and government officials in order to ensure the project would meet not only Bowen Center’s goals but would be responding to real needs present in Whitley County.

Shannon Hannon

“The community was adamant that we continue to grow and expand our mental health services and also provide high-quality primary care services for those who had difficulty accessing it currently,” said Hannon.

Nearly doubling the facility’s size at 15,000 square feet, the new site offers larger and updated spaces for patients and staff. Windows fronting the wide-open patient reception area provide natural light and a panoramic view for patients who are waiting.

“When you come in, you’ll see a modern footprint that is a little bit different than what we’ve done before,” said Hannon. “But that’s because we really want to make sure patients are comfortable, and we’re providing state-of-the-art buildings to match the quality care we provide.

The new location at the corner of SR 205 and U.S. 30 will allow patients 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 health topics relevant to Whitley County residents are planned to begin in the coming months.

“Also included in the project is 2,500 square feet of ‘grey space,’ which allows for future growth to mirror the community’s unique needs. This could be dental, optometry or additional mental or physical health space. Those decisions will be made within the first few years in that location,” said Ryan.

Mista Lauber

Whitley County Bowen Center Director Mista Lauber said that everywhere she goes in the community, people are asking her questions about the new space. Patients are excited about having 114 parking spaces compared to the dozen or so at the downtown office.

“The root of what we do is in the building. It’s the services,” Lauber said. “It’s our heart. It’s Bowen Center’s heart to be able to help people live better lives, to live happier lives, to live longer lives.”

An open house will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17, and a ribbon cutting will celebrate the first patient day at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 22, with tours until 5 p.m. The public is invited to both events, featuring tours, refreshments and giveaways.

Bowen Health Clinic — Columbia City is located at 1259 E. SR 205, Columbia City, IN 46725.