Growing Ozark population gains access to $6M Mercy clinic

Today, Mercy Springfield Communities officials are scheduled to cut the ribbon on a new $6 million clinic in Ozark designed to meet a growing population in the city.

The 1 p.m. ceremony at 505 N. 25th St. across from B&B Theatres Inc.’s Ozark cinema comes a day before the 13,600-square-foot clinic opens to the public, according to a news release.

“We’ve been busier than ever, so naturally we needed more space,” said Dr. Rick Williams, who’s helping lead the clinic with advanced practitioners Stephanie Mather and Bryan Engel, in the release. “From the bottom up, there is more room, it’s more accommodating and it really gives patients a better experience.”

Mercy Clinic Family Medicine-Ozark is more than double the size of the health system’s existing Ozark clinic at 1106 W. Jackson St. Williams noted most of the equipment is brand new, replacing existing devices at the aging former clinic. The larger clinic comprises 24 exam rooms for primary care, lab services and X-rays, as well as an optometrist and optical shop. With space for future expansion, the clinic employs around 34.  

Some 13,000 people a year visit Mercy’s clinic in Ozark, where population has grown by sixfold since it opened, according to Springfield Business Journal archives. The city’s population now is estimated at more than 18,600.

Pitt Development Group LLC managed the project, with construction work by DeWitt & Associates Inc. and design services by Bates & Associates Inc.

Health system spokesman Brad Haller said via email Mercy Springfield Communities President Dr. Alan Scarrow, Ozark Mayor Rick Gardner and Pitt Development Group owner Doug Pitt are expected to be in attendance today to speak at the ribbon-cutting event.