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Controversial Clinic Still Under Consideration-Erika Lathon
There is new information on plans for a new WIC Clinic to help expectant mothers in need.
Community outrage prompted the health department to pull the plug on plans to put it inside Hickory Hollow Mall.
The health department is now giving residents some new choices.
Antioch residents are once again meeting to decide on the best location for a WIC office in southeast Davidson County.
Bart Perkey with the Metro Health Department says, "We have 8 sites some are better than others based on the layout of the walls and monthly rent."
The Metro Health Department has narrowed the search down to three strip malls, including the Bell Forge Shopping Center, Hickory Hollow Plaza, and the Hill Center, both on Nolensville Road.
It's an area that has the highest concentration of WIC participants.
Dr. Perkey with the Metro Health Department says, "Now there is 43% of all WIC participants reside in south east Nashville area, that's three zip codes. All together there are 30,250 participants. It is not half but its approaching that."
Last year, Antioch residents got angry because they weren't informed about a plan to open a WIC Clinic inside Hickory Hollow Mall-an idea they strongly opposed.
Antioch resident Pat Carl says,"We just did not feel bringing it in the mall was conducive to bringing back some of the shoppers that really had money to spend."
Officials say the Hill Center location, a former pediatric office, seems to be the best fit for the clinic because of location, square footage and cost.
But this time around, councilman Sam Coleman says he'll do a better job of keeping residents informed.
Councilmen says, "One thing I want to make clear is residents of Antioch welcome a WIC clinic and don't want to give anybody the impression we're snobbing down WIC mothers, that's not the case. It was an error on my part for not educating the community."
Anitoch residents say the WIC Clinic is welcome, as long as it's in the right location.Controversial Clinic Still Under Consideration-Erika Lathon
Posted: Thursday, February 4 2010, 08:19 PM CST
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