More healthcare offices help alleviate the impact of crowded hospitals

TUCSON, Ariz. (KOLD News 13) – Pima County has seen more than 1,000 hospitalizations because of the flu, according the Arizona Department of Health Services, and hospital staff sees the impact.

However, it is not just flu that’s causing the jam.

A grand opening ceremony welcomed the second HealthOn site — a new community hospital in Marana and the second of its kind in the area — on Thursday. Small healthcare provider offices and wellness centers are popping up around town.

It’s for a good reason.

“Having easy access to primary care … definitely impacts the number of people that have to be hospitalized,” Nancy Johnson, chief executive officer of El Rio Health, said.