Health department ends primary care services in Ooltewah

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When the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department decided to end its primary care services in Ooltewah last month, Deedra Hughes took it personally.

Hughes grew up going to doctors’ appointments there, since her father was a brick mason who did not have company insurance. And her 66-year-old father still received his primary care there until January.

Health department officials said the change was necessary because too few primary care patients were using the Ooltewah clinic on High Street to cover the cost of services. The center will continue providing preventive services such as vaccinations and prenatal care.

But Hughes says the decision affects many families, and she has spearheaded a petition on Change.org to have the decision reversed. So far, 144 people have signed on.

“I just don’t understand why they would close a good thing that helps so many people out,” Hughes said. “Many older people we know go there, and it is really out of the way for them to go downtown, especially if they do not drive.”