6 minute read
New IU Health Facility
~by Bob Gustin
A former Brown County resident’s effort to build a lasting memorial to his wife was the spark needed for a new medical center in Nashville, scheduled to open August 14.
The new office near the intersection of Indiana 46 and Maple Leaf Boulevard, north of the Brown County Music Center, will house improved technology and space for visiting specialists.
Burt Borgelt, the major donor for the new facility, now lives in Sarasota, Florida. The facility will be named in honor of his wife Sue, who died about three years ago. Dedication of the facility is scheduled for August 27.
Chip Johnson, chief practice officer for Indiana University Health Southern Indiana Physicians, said the new office is 7,500 square feet and includes sufficient parking.
“We have incorporated, both in design and finishings, the aesthetics of Brown County.” Johnson said. “This includes locally sourced sandstone, rotating wall art provided by the Brown County Art Guild, and a mural completed by Burt’s daughter.”
The Borgelts were also major funders for the YMCA, and the new office is an extension of that project, he said.
Though they moved from Brown County about 20 years ago, the Borgelts continued to donate to the Y. But after Sue died, Burt decided to do something in her memory. In conversations with Kim Robinson, chief executive officer of the Y, the idea of a new medical facility was born.
Previously, the doctor’s offices were operated jointly by Columbus Regional Hospital and IU Health on Willow Street adjacent to the YMCA. When CRH withdrew from the facility, there was concern that IU Health would do the same, leaving Brown County without medical care. That’s when Borgelt stepped in. He purchased the building, now owned by the Y, and donated $5 million for the new facility. The IU Health Foundation also donated $2 million, Borgelt said.
“Our primary care office has been in Brown County for over 20 years,” IU Health’s Johnson said, “and we recognized the need for a new facility that would allow for future expansions of programs and services that fit the needs of this community. With Burt’s generosity and our partnership with the YMCA, we’ll continue to offer excellent care closer to home for many years to come while providing the YMCA space for expansion.”
He said patient fees will not be affected by the new building.
The new offices will be owned by the YMCA, and IU Health will pay rent to it.
“It’s a win-win for the community,” Borgelt said, providing better medical care to Brown County patients and a steady source of income to the Y.
Borgelt and his family plan to attend the dedication ceremony.
“It has been an honor and privilege to work with Burt on this project,” Robinson said.” We, as residents of Brown County, have been blessed by Burt and Sue Borgelt’s generosity and caring spirit. I am grateful every day. The Y board, staff, and I are looking forward to the opportunities this transformative gift to the Y and our community will allow.”
Pepper Construction of Indianapolis is general contractor, and Johnson said Cooler Design of Indianapolis was an instrumental partner in the design of the building, both internal and external, while Doug Harden with Miller Architects of Nashville was a support throughout the project. Construction of the new IU Health primary care facility began in October, 2023.
Robinson said IU Health and the Y have collaborated for years and will continue to do so. PT Solutions, now housed in a portion of the Willow Street complex, will expand into some of the space previously occupied by IU Health, she said.
Johnson said the same team will serve patients under a new roof, and generally, staffing will remain the same. However, as specialty outreach continues and walk-in demand grows, a slight increase in staffing may be seen.
Dr. Marin Garcia, who has led the IU Health center in Nashville for 12 years, said the new facility will benefit patients with more accurate diagnoses and treatment because of improvements in technology. Increased availability of specialists will also help with medical care in Brown County through more highly qualified targeted treatment.
New technology available at the facility will include modern X-ray equipment, which will rely more on digital imagery, and make the experience seamless for the patient.
New technology available at the facility will include modern X-ray equipment, which will rely more on digital imagery, and make the experience seamless for the patient.
The Willow Street building hosts orthopedic specialists once a week, and a cardiologist once a month, Garcia said. It may be possible to expand specialist hours at the office in the new building, and next year, office hours for a urologist may be available, he said. Increased availability of specialists will also benefit Brown County Health and Living, where Garcia is medical director, by allowing those residents easier access.
“IU Health is also about education and training,” Garcia said, and medical students, nurse practitioners, and physician’s assistants will continue training in the new facility. Access to the new hospital in Bloomington with its sophisticated equipment and experts will also be beneficial, Garcia added.
In addition to Garcia, nurse practitioners Nina Kuhlman and Chelsea Budd also work at the Nashville office.
The new office will also house the Women’s, Infants and Children’s program.
Changes Dr. Garcia’s office made prior to the new building’s completion will continue including the start of walk-in hours (Monday–Friday, 4–6 p.m.), and visiting specialists.
“The new building only furthers the partnership that IU Health has with the YMCA and Burt Borgelt in helping to make Indiana a healthier state,” Johnson said. “We know healthcare access is important, and this building, along with the additional services we have added, will help us be successful. It is our privilege and honor to be a valued partner.
“Through this project in Brown County, we see the power of community, relationships, and keeping our patients and citizens at the forefront. Significant investments such as this health center do not occur without everyone demonstrating their commitment to the best care for our patients and communities. Our vision is to make Indiana one of the healthiest states, and we do this by promising the best care, designed for each person. Brown County has welcomed us, and we are excited to design a facility that fits the needs of the community, as well as increases access to care.”
