The construction site you may have seen by the Ravenna Chipotle restaurant is the future site of an urgent care center, due to open by the end of the year.
WellNow, a nationwide chain of urgent care facilities, plans to open one center in Ravenna and another in Streetsboro this year.
“We recognized there was a need and opportunity to provide local residents in the Ravenna and Streetsboro communities with greater access to quality care with shorter wait times, walk-in service, and lower costs than the traditional emergency room,” said company PR manager Annie Keller.
Most WellNow facilities are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, though some have extended hours, Keller said. Patients can expect to see a nurse or nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant, patient care tech and X-ray tech, if needed. Virtual care will also be available 24/7.
The facilities will focus on illnesses and injuries that aren’t life threatening, such as sprains, burns, cuts, flu, strep throat, sinus infections, allergies and more. You’ll also be able to get physicals for school or work. WellNow accepts most insurance, and Keller said competitive self-pay rates will be offered to patients who do not have insurance
WellNow’s nearest competition will be the UH emergency room in Ravenna and the UH Streetsboro Health Center Urgent Care in Streetsboro.
There is also an Akron Children’s Hospital Quick Care on state Route 59 between Kent and Ravenna, but, according to the facility’s website, hours are limited and walk-ins may not be seen if the appointment schedule is full.
Wendy DiAlesandro is a former Record Publishing Co. reporter and contributing writer for The Portager.