Affinia Healthcare is partnering with young artist Symone Chatman to showcase her artistic talent at the health center’s Biddle, Lemp and new Ferguson locations.

“Symone has talented hands and a talented mind,” said Takisha Lovelace, vice president and chief operating officer of Affinia Healthcare.

“It is a joy to be able to share this with our patients and staff.”

Chatman, a 9-year-old artist, was discovered by Shanieka Curry, Affinia Healthcare’s patient portal liaison, who later brought the artwork to the attention of senior management.

“Our leadership team has agreed to include their work in our spaces to complement the children’s artwork that already adorns our hallways and exam rooms,” Curry said

“It is a testament to how Affinia Healthcare continues to invest in our community and create a platform that goes beyond healthcare services and fosters a sense of community pride and connection.”

Chatman provided nine original pieces to Affinia Healthcare and hopes her artwork will inspire the patients and staff who see them.

“I want viewers of my work to be excited by what they see,” Chatman said.

The artwork will be displayed at the Child Development Center in Biddle and in public areas at the Lemp Avenue and Ferguson locations.

According to the National Institutes of Health, art is an invaluable resource for children’s hospitals. Fun designs and bright colors can help ease children’s fear of an unfamiliar building by creating a warm and comforting place to heal. Art plays an important role in children’s hospital experience.

This includes providing a source of visual entertainment, distraction and activity, helping children maintain a positive mindset, reducing stress and improving clinical outcomes.

Affinia Urgent Care has a new name

Affinia Healthcare Urgent Care is celebrating its 10th anniversary and is constantly evolving.

The facility will operate under the new name Affinia Healthcare Convenience Care and will continue to provide high-quality care to patients.

Affinia Healthcare has been providing urgent care services at its 2220 Lemp Avenue location since 2014. Urgent care services allow patients to see a doctor for immediate care and sometimes save them a trip to the emergency room.

“With the new name, we want to remind patients of the benefits of visiting Convenience Care,” said Jocelyn Hawthorne, assistant vice president of operations for the health center.

“This is an opportunity for our patients to receive high-quality, immediate care at our renovated Lemp Avenue location, potentially saving them time and money they would otherwise spend in the emergency room.”

Affinia Healthcare Convenience Care has doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.

Services offered include preventive and physical exams (e.g. for school, sports, work, adoption); immunizations/vaccinations; cold and flu symptoms/sore throats; allergies; minor rashes/infections; minor cuts, burns, bites and stings; sprains and strains; nausea; asthma/COPD; pregnancy tests and sexually transmitted disease testing and treatment.

The deductible for Convenience Care starts at $75.

Affinia Healthcare accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and most private insurance. Convenience Care offers a sliding fee scale to patients who meet certain income requirements. Patients who apply and are eligible pay a reduced fee. Proof of income is required. Payments are due at the time of service.

Affinia Healthcare Convenience Care is open at 2220 Lemp Ave. Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Walk-in visits are welcome.