UPMC Susquehanna Holds Flag Raising Ceremony at McElhattan Outpatient Center
By LaKeshia Knarr
McELHATTAN – Dozens of community members and local officials made their way to Bald Eagle Court Wednesday to attend a symbolic flag raising ceremony at the new UPMC Outpatient Center.
The UPMC Outpatient Center – located at 1 Outlet Lane, Suite 400 – officially opened to patients after the New Year; however, the Wednesday event marked an opportunity for the community to tour the new facility and learn about services offered there.
Before ushering attendees to the far side of the parking lot to raise the purple and white UPMC Susquehanna flag, three UPMC administrators each took a moment to reflect on the efforts in Clinton County and to thank those who have played a role in the development of the new outpatient center.
“We continue to be incredibly enthusiastic about being a part of this community,” said Ron Reynolds, VP of Clinton County Operations for UPMC Susquehanna. “This facility is an example of our mission to serve the residents of Clinton County … We’re so happy we could bring that to fruition.”
Renovations to the facility were done in less than 100 days and under budget, he said. “This site is just a tool … Our mission and our vision is truly carried out by our outstanding staff and providers.”
Reynolds recognized various officials in attendance and thanked them for their support, including the county commissioners Jeff Snyder, Pete Smeltz and Paul Conklin; Lock Haven City Council members Steve Stevenson and Rick Conklin; Lock Haven University President Dr. Michael Fiorentino; and legislative aides from the offices of state Sen. Joe Scarnati and Rep. Mike Hanna.
UPMC Susquehanna President/CEO Steve Johnson thanked all who played a role in the development of the new outpatient center and called it “a wonderful start.”
Johnson said the goal is to continue to add more services to the slate already being offered at the McElhattan office. He noted the outpatient center may be seen as an anchor tenant for the former strip mall and encourage more businesses to occupy adjacent storefronts.
“We are well on our way to accomplishing the Triple Crown of Health Care… Convenience, compassion and affordable,” he said. “That’s all embodied in this [facility].”
David Lopatofsky, chief medical officer for UPMC Susquehanna, spoke about the strong primary care presence at the UPMC Outpatient Center at McElhattan and pointed to expanded services in areas such as general surgery, urology and advanced radiology, among others.
“It’s really an honor to be a part of this program and to be a part of the future of Clinton County,” Dr. Lopatofsky said.
“We’re very pleased to partner with UPMC and certainly welcome them with open arms to our community,” said Commissioner Snyder, following the event. “We’re very impressed with the facility and the staff that will be available to provide much-needed services to our local communities.”
