BRIEF

Susan Simpson

Nov. 11, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Two nonprofit health care centers are merging to serve more patients who are underinsured or without health care insurance.

Variety Health Center and Oklahoma Community Health Services are now known as Variety Care and together will operate clinics in Oklahoma City, Del City, Tipton and Fort Cobb.

"We'll see over 50,000 patients in 2010," said Lou Carmichael, executive director of Variety Care.

Carmichael said the merger will allow a broader array of services to patients, who are billed on a sliding scale based on their income. Services provided include prenatal care, family planning, eye care, dental care, counseling, primary care and preventive health care.

"It's two strong groups coming together to be even stronger," said Lt. Gov. Jari Askins during a news conference Tuesday at the state Capitol.

Carmichael said more families are relying on community health centers because of troubling economic times. Preventive care is essential because it can halt more serious illness and trips to the emergency room.

Oklahoma City locations are at 1025 Straka Terrace, 420 NW 6 and 500 SW 44. The Del City clinic is at 3851 Tinker Diagonal.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0148-39617376