Wood River Health, a community health center serving South County Rhode Island, is celebrating its 50th anniversary while navigating unprecedented challenges facing the organization and community health centers nationwide. Under President and CEO Alison Croke, who started in 2018, the organization has expanded significantly in physical space, staff, and patient volume. The Hope Valley facility underwent a $6 million expansion and renovation, adding 9,000 square feet to reach 20,000 total square feet. In 2023, a new wing opened featuring private behavioral health meeting spaces, the WIC supplemental nutrition program, an expandable conference room, and administrative offices. The organization also operates a dental facility in Westerly and recently expanded dental services to Block Island, with staff traveling by ferry or plane for twice-weekly clinics.
Patient numbers have surged from 6,700 in 2020 to 11,888 in 2025, while staff grew from 65 in 2018 to nearly 100 today, mostly in patient-facing roles. Croke noted, “The demand for primary care necessitates this space and more staff.” Despite significant accomplishments, Wood River Health faces acute challenges. Rhode Island faces a crisis-level primary care physician shortage, and federal policy changes have placed unexpected strain on vulnerable patients. The expiration of COVID-19 subsidies for health insurance has led some patients to forgo coverage or choose high-deductible plans, limiting their ability to seek preventive care or specialist referrals. New Medicaid work requirements that demand proof of eligibility every six months instead of annually have also created barriers.
Staff noticed recently that prescription drug prices have skyrocketed for Medicare patients, though causes remain unclear. As Director of Development and Communications Sarah Channing stated, “It’s a really tough time for community health centers, but we are so grateful for the community members who support us.” Despite uncertainties, Wood River Health staff remain motivated by their dedication to patients. Lead Nurse Practitioner Shital Desai expressed the satisfaction of serving an underserved population: “To serve the underserved population and give them the quality of care and continuity of care we have at Wood River Health is what my mission is and what Wood River’s mission is.”
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.thewesterlysun.com/daily-news-alerts/growth-challenges-and-a-sense-of-purpose-at-wood-river-health/article_4592cb05-bb0d-4004-8907-b9779ae9c79a.html