The Olneyville Health Center at 100 Curtis St. will close its doors on July 31, cutting off a primary health care source for thousands in one of Providence’s poorest neighborhoods.
Recent Layoffs and Healthcare Access Challenges
This closure follows recent layoffs by the center’s owner, Providence Community Health Centers (PCHC), the only federally qualified health center in Providence. PCHC recently laid off about 40 employees in its Accountable Entity, responsible for ensuring access to health care for the nonprofit’s most vulnerable patients.
Reasons for Closure
PCHC spokesperson Brett Davey attributed the closure to a national shortage of primary care providers. An internal memo from PCHC CEO Merrill Thomas on June 28 also cited Rhode Island’s inadequate state Medicaid reimbursement rate and manufacturer attacks on the 340B Drug Pricing Program, which offers medications at reduced costs. These factors have placed the organization in an unsustainable financial position, leading to staff layoffs and the closure of the Olneyville Health Center.
Efforts to Address the Situation
Davey mentioned that PCHC is negotiating with the state to improve Medicaid reimbursement rates. “Having sufficient rates will help us hire more primary care providers,” he added.
Impact on Patients
The clinic serves about 4,500 patients. PCHC accepts patients regardless of insurance status and offers a sliding scale of fees based on income and family size for those without insurance. In 2021, about 21% of Olneyville residents under age 65 were uninsured, the second-highest rate of uninsurance in Providence.
Alternative Care Locations
Patients of the Olneyville Health Center will receive care at PCHC’s other sites, primarily at its 31 Atwood St. location, less than a mile south. Transportation will be provided for patients who need it. The Atwood Street location, opened in 2022, offers services such as family medicine, behavioral health, pediatrics, lab work, obstetrics, gynecology, and express care.
