The University of New Mexico Truman Health Services has offered respectful, private care to New Mexicans for many years in a series of aging, unconnected buildings. In October, Truman moved into a new facility increasing the clinic’s capacity to provide services for patients including free rapid HIV and Hepatitis C testing, counseling, PrEP and PEP medication, and an on-site pharmacy. Patients and providers alike will benefit from all services under one roof.
Truman staff and providers cut the ribbon on the brand new 28,000 square foot building, located near the intersection of Gibson and University SE, making it one of the first medical facilities in that neighborhood.
There’s no wrong door. A patient can walk in, seek treatment, and we’re happy to see them.
– Roberta Wiggins, MHA, Practice Manager, UNM Truman Health Services
Truman staff have always prioritized receiving stigma and discrimination-free care. Because of this dedication to the community, Truman Health Services outgrew its old location and needed a larger space to accommodate the large patient population it sees.
Last year, there was almost 47,000 (46,818) patient visits, and 87,000 prescriptions filled, according to Michelle Iandorio, MD, Truman Health Services Medical Director.
An aerial view of the new clinic space. Photo Credit: Allan Stone
The new lobby is meant to feel inviting and safe for patients to come for stigma-free care. Photo Credit: Allan Stone
Michelle Iandorio, MD, Truman Health Services Medical Director in the new lab space. Photo Credit: Allan Stone
One of the exam rooms in the new building. Photo Credit: Allan Stone
Consultation rooms are designed to be multipurpose. Photo Credit: Allan Stone
Truman offers a variety of services including on-site counseling. Photo Credit: Allan Stone
Michelle Iandorio, Truman Health Services Medical Director speaking at the event. Photo Credit: Allan Stone
Michael Richards, MD, UNM Health Sciences CEO speaking at the event. Photo Credit: Allan Stone
Jennifer Philips, MD, UNM Medical Group Interim President speaking at the event. Photo Credit: Allan Stone
Patricia Finn, MD, UNM School of Medicine Dean speaking at the event. Photo Credit: Allan Stone
This demand to grow has now been filled by the new building. Patient experience and care are at the forefront of the space, with bright welcoming colors aiming to avoid the sterile feeling a traditional doctor’s office. The pharmacy is positioned up front to make patient access easy. And the layout is designed for easy navigation with consistent signage to point patients in the right direction.
Roberta Wiggins, MHA, is the clinic’s practice manager. She said this massive change from scattered, outdated buildings, to the new, modern space housing all the services offered, has been monumental.
“The new space is beautifully overwhelming,” Wiggins said.
The new lobby has welcoming colors and houses the pharmacy upfront for easy patient access. Photo Credit: Allan Stone
Wiggins explained that moving into one consolidated building has been such an important shift for patients and providers alike.
“We’re all just excited to officially be under one roof,” Wiggins said. “We have been separated between several office suites for so long, and now we get to really be a family. Most importantly, our patients get comprehensive care under one roof.”
The new state of the art lab allows patients to get blood drawn on-site without having to travel. Photo Credit: Allan Stone
During the move to the new space, the clinic only had to close for one day. Wiggins said they know how important the services this clinic provides and wanted to create as little disruption as possible.
At Truman Health Services, Wiggins said they always strive to offer the best care possible.
“There’s no wrong door,” Wiggins said.” A patient can walk in, seek treatment, and we’re happy to see them.”
The new clinic is now open and accepting appointments. The address is 2220 University Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106, on the corner of University and Eastern. The Truman pharmacy is also dispensing prescriptions in the new location. Patients can call the clinic at 505-272-1312 to make an appointment.
Walk ins for HIV and Hep C testing are also welcome. For more information and a full list of services offered, click here.
Source: hscnews.unm.edu
