Cassopolis, located in southwest Michigan, recently celebrated the ground-breaking for the new USDA Rural Development supported Cassopolis Family Clinic. Like many rural communities, Cassopolis has limited facilities for health care, particularly for low-income residents. The Cassopolis Family Clinic was founded more than 50 years ago to serve the surrounding community and the facility will bring that service into the future.
USDA Rural Development was represented at the event by Paw Paw Sub-Area Office Team Leader Lisa Epple, who was joined by local leaders and U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow.
“This is an excellent example of how USDA Rural Development is working with partner agencies to improve access to health care for Michigan residents,” Epple said. The agency is providing a Community Facilities direct loan to fund the project which is being combined with a grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services.
“Today’s groundbreaking is welcome news for families in Cassopolis and across Cass County,” said Stabenow, chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “For almost 50 years, the Family Clinic has served as the family doctor for so many residents in need of basic medical care. I am pleased that this brand new clinic will provide physical, mental, and dental health services to thousands of additional patients for years to come.”
For rural areas, a local clinic can mean the difference between a lengthy drive to the emergency room and timely care. By partnering with the Cassopolis Family Clinic and HRSA, USDA Rural Development is helping to keep quality health care close to home.
