Urgent care clinic leasing space in Blytheville

According to permits filed with the Blytheville building inspector's office, a new medical facility has leased property and may soon be locating in Porter Commons near Walmart.

WellNow, an urgent care clinic, has leased the recently vacated Dollar Tree property and is slated to start demolition work at any time, according to Building Inspector Rick Ash. Ash said renovations will be extensive, in order to make the retail store into a medical facility, including taking the flooring completely out and adding plumbing, then re-pouring concrete, as well as building in individual patient rooms.

The clinic is owned by WellNow Urgent Care Management LLC, based in Nashville. However, according to a public relations representative from the company, the clinic's location is not yet a certain deal, that it is normal for the company to lease property while still in the exploratory phase.

According to the company's website, WellNow Urgent Care clinics are equipped to provide treatment for a wide variety of non-life-threatening issues, illnesses and injuries. In addition, many of the company's clinics feature an onsite X-ray and diagnostic laboratory. Treatment is available without making appointments. The company has clinics in Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi, with the closest clinic being in Dyersburg, Tenn. Many of the clinics are open seven days a week.

"It's exciting to be considered for another new business," said Blytheville Mayor James Sanders. "We appreciate the opportunity this business may be giving us by bringing additional health care into the area for our citizens. It's always a positive sign when we see any kind of consideration for economic development in our area."

sharris@blythevillecourier.com