Thundermist Health Center Expands Health Care Access in South County
(Narragansett – July 13, 2022) – Thundermist is expanding access to health care in South County. On September 1, 2022, Thundermist Health Center will acquire South County Pediatrics in Narragansett. The site will be known as Thundermist South County Pediatrics (360 Kingstown Road, Narragansett).
The acquisition will expand access to integrated primary care, behavioral health, dental care and social services to 3,000 patients in South County. All patients will have access to Convenient Care, Thundermist’s walk-in medical service, open 365 days per year for patients one year and older.
In addition, the acquisition created 13 new jobs in South County. In total, nearly 100 people work at Thundermist locations in South County. Thundermist Health Center offers a starting wage of $17.33/hour or more. In addition, employees enjoy substantial benefits including at least 22 days of paid time off, up to $2,000 annual tuition reimbursement, retirement contributions starting at 3%, family health insurance plan with no co-payments for behavioral health services, and free care at Convenient Care. All employees of South County Pediatrics were offered employment with Thundermist and many have made the decision to stay after the acquisition.
Previously, South County Pediatrics was owned by David Chronley, MD. Dr. Chronley is retiring on August 31 after decades of service to the South County community. He chose Thundermist Health Center to lead his practice into the future. Dr. Deborah Spaight will also retire from primary care on August 31. Thundermist is proud to expand its commitment to the community. Thundermist also plans to add a behavioral health counselor to the practice. Our goal is to ensure everyone in South County has access to medical, behavioral health, and dental services.
”Thundermist Health Center is committed to the community of South County,” said Christopher Klaus, MD, medical director of Thundermist Health Center of South County. “Thundermist will now care for more than 10,000 patients at our offices in Wakefield and Narragansett. The Thundermist care team is ready to meet each patient’s unique needs.”
Thundermist South County Pediatrics will have three primary care providers. Tina Butler, CPNP, is already a pediatric nurse practitioner at South County Pediatrics and is excited to continue providing care for her patients. Abram Collard, MD has been a pediatrician for nearly ten years. He also served in the United States Air Force prior to becoming a pediatrician. Laura Chaviano Chong, MD is a pediatrician who loves working with children and helping parents. She is interested in preventative care. She is fluent in Spanish and has working knowledge of Portuguese.
“I’m excited to return to Thundermist Health Center,” said Tina Butler, CPNP, pediatric nurse practitioner at Thundermist South County Pediatrics. “Patients will continue to see familiar faces and get high-quality care. There will be more services available to them than ever before.”
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Thundermist Health Center is a full-service primary care provider with dental and behavioral health services. The non-profit community health center aims to improve the health of patients and communities by delivering exceptional health care, removing barriers to that care, and advancing healthy lifestyles. Thundermist has locations in West Warwick, Woonsocket, and South County. The organization cares for patients regardless of insurance and ability to pay. In 2021, Thundermist cared for more than 52,000 patients.
Learn more at www.thundermisthealth.org.