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WEIRTON - C.H.A.N.G.E Inc. held a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house to celebrate the official opening of Family Medical Care's new Women's Health Center, a facility aimed at providing affordable medical care, regardless of one's level of health coverage.

Officials from C.H.A.N.G.E. Inc. offered refreshments and a tour so visitors could see the nine exam rooms, the procedures room, blood draw lab, ultrasound room and non-stress test room for expecting mothers.

Physicians practicing at the Women's Health Center are Dr. Manuel Ballas, Dr. Kara O'Karma and Dr. Cynthia Gray.

Judy Raveaux, chief executive officer of C.H.A.N.G.E. Inc., said the health center's staff understands the high cost of quality health care today, and the inability of some in the community to afford that care without insurance.

Raveaux said in light of that need, C.H.A.N.G.E. Inc. increased its spectrum of medical care to include the Women's Health Care Center at 651 Colliers Way Suite 401.

Additional funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act allowed for the center's expansion and the addition of new medical equipment and supplies as well as 14 new staff members to best meet the needs of the patients, she said.

"The Women's Health Center also offers to its patients the access to 3D and 4D Ultrasound and Dexa Scans for bone density testing," said Raveaux.

Family Medical Care provides a full range of health care services to the community regardless of age, income level, insurance status, or residence, including continuous and comprehensive medical care for all ages, she said.

O'Karma stated she is glad to be involved in such a facility. She said working with Raveaux has been amazing and encourages regular visits and testing for local women in the area.

"We provide so many procedures and testing here in the office and have case workers that will work with those who don't qualify for Medicaid and don't have insurance," said O'Karma.

Raveaux said Family Medical Care and Women's Health Care offers the services on a discount fee scale for uninsured and low-income patients, and through partnerships can also refer patients to specialists, home health, therapy, hospice care, radiology and dental services.

"We also provide transportation for those without," said O'Karma. "We don't want someone to not be able to get the service they need."

Through Family Care Pharmacy, patients can also receive prescriptions at the guaranteed lowest cost through the 340B Drug Program and numerous pharmaceutical indigent drug programs.

"In 2009, Family Medical Care provided its patients over $314,648 in medical care discounts and $1,696,570 in prescriptions discounts," stated Raveaux.

Family Medical Care Women's Health Center is accepting new patients throughout the Ohio Valley with all health insurances, Medicaid, Medicare and uninsured. Call (304) 723-2192 or visit www.familymc.org for more information about the center or (304) 748-4200 for information about Family Care Pharmacy.

(Dickson can be contacted at adickson@weirtondailytimesonline.com.)