Community members gathered for Outpatient Medical Center’s Ribbon Cutting Aug. 16, hosted by the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce. The ribbon cutting marks the grand re-opening of OMC with it’s new Chief Executive Officer, Carl Walters II at the helm of the system.

Chamber Board Chairman Kirk Soileau welcomed attendees. “We’re excited about the work we’re doing together to take care of the patients on this community,” he said.

Walter said there’s now a lot to celebrate at OMC and the wonderful team at the center is to thank. They’re the ones laying it on the line to keep community families healthy for 40 years now.

The OMC Health Care System came from humble beginnings in 1977, formed by a group of people who recognized a need in Natchitoches for accessible health services. Walters said OMC has plans to expand its primary care network and open some satellite offices in the Natchitoches area as it outgrows its current building.

Driven by the population it serves, which includes uninsured, underinsured, medicaid and medicare patients, OMC has had financial challenges. However Walters, who’s been in the health care business for the last 35 years, said he feels the center is coming back stronger than ever. OMC helps drive the economic engine of Natchitoches, pumping $6.5 million back into the economy and employing local staff members.

Walters’ plan to offer full fledged women’s health services. Another area he wants to increase awareness of is their dental services. Tooth decay is prevalent in the Natchitoches community and Walters said if money is a barrier for people to access dental services, they can come to OMC, who will see them and give them the services they deserve whether they can pay or not.

OMC produces 16,000 patient encounters per year and Walters expects that to grow. He said it’s already doubled just in the five months since he came to work at the center.

“The most important thing we can do is get families under the care of a primary care clinician and establish a routine,” said Walters. “If the community continues providing us with the privilege of serving their families, I have no doubt we’ll continue to be in this community for another 40 years.”