ST. JAMES — Madelia Health has the first patient appointments lined up for Thursday at its new St. James clinic.
The health care provider held a ribbon cutting Wednesday ahead of Thursday’s opening at the 501 First Ave. S. site.
Lacey Groebner, a certified nurse practitioner who will work full time in St. James, said it’s exciting to open up more health care access in the rural community.
“I’ve heard from quite a few people in the community that they’re excited we’re opening and expanding our care,” she said. “It’s very important. Getting good health care in a timely manner is hard to come by.”
Groebner grew up in Walnut Grove and has medical experience working in Tracy, Sleepy Eye, Westbrook, Redwood Falls and Wabasso. She also worked as a COVID-19 test supervisor for Vault Health in Mankato during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Between growing up in a small town and her professional experience, she said she’s passionate about the need for more health care options in rural Minnesota.
The weekday clinic is Madelia Health’s third outside of its namesake community, where it operates a hospital, clinic and urgent care. It has a clinic, pharmacy and physical therapy services in Lake Crystal and a clinic in Truman, said Dona Rehome, Madelia Health’s marketing director.
In St. James the downtown site used to be the St. James Federal Savings and Loan building. Madelia Health purchased it in early 2023 for renovation and plans to add a lighted sign on the exterior as weather permits.
Along with Groebner, caregivers at the clinic will include Dr. Luis Martinez, registered nurse Jennifer Anderson, phlebotomist Samantha Garza and Maritza Lujan in patient services. Martinez, who grew up in Mexico and has a 33-year career as a physician, will split time between Madelia and St. James.