AFTON – The Afton Medical Center will soon have an expanded facility with which to serve the patients it draws from Chenango, Broome and Delaware counties, thanks to the efforts of the Afton Town Board and the financial support of New York State Senator Thomas Libous and NBT Bank.
“Afton and the surrounding communities are indeed fortunate to have local access to primary health care, particularly in light of the economic hardship experienced by a large percentage of the residents,” said Town of Afton Supervisor Bob Briggs, regarding the municipally-owned clinic at 25 Evergreen Avenue in Afton.
According to Briggs, the 48 year-old, 2,880 square foot building was purchased by the town in 1973. Since that time, the municipality has leased the facility to Dr. Stephen Dygert.
Over time, the practice has grown. Within the last few years, Dygert was joined in the practice by his daughter, Dr. Paula Dygert. Together, they see approximately 200 patients a week and employ a staff of 21, including nurses and a physician’s assistant.
In addition to providing primary medical care, they also have the facilities on site to do blood work, X-ray, EKG, bone scans and mammography, Briggs explained.
As a result of their success, however, the busy practice can no longer meet the needs of their patient load within the four walls of the existing facility.
“They just plain ran out of room,” the town supervisor reported. In fact, for the last five years they have rented a trailer to house some of the clinic’s clerical staff. According to the elder Dr. Dygert, they have also resorted to renting additional space at another location within the village.
Recognizing the need to expand the facility, town leaders began working to do just that. The result of their labors is a project which will add 1,440 square feet to the building’s existing footprint, as well as install a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. According to Dygert, the addition will actually double the number of examination rooms at the clinic from 3 to 6, as well as provide much needed office space.
“The cost of the expansion is $255,000,” explained Briggs. “Senator Libous has secured grants of $150,000, with the balance to of more than $100,000 to be funded by the Town of Afton taxpayers.”
The town was able to gain Libous’ support early on in the planning process, after inviting the state legislator to tour the clinic.
In a phone interview on Monday, the senator said it had been clear to him how important a role the clinic played in serving the health needs of Afton and the surrounding community. On that visit, he said, it “became extraordinarily clear” how necessary expanding the facility was to its continued success.
“I was able to secure some funds,” Libous reported, explaining that he had been able to include $150,000 for the project in last year’s budget, to be administered through the Department of State.
According to Briggs, Loitsch Construction of Otego, the general contractor awarded the job, broke ground on the project in early November. He anticipates the work being completed by February.
While the town supervisor said Afton’s residents share his “understanding of the importance of the continuation and expansion” of the medical center, he also recognizes that in light of the economy it may be difficult for them to pick up the tab for the remaining cost of the project. So, in an effort to reduce the burden on Afton taxpayers, Briggs has approached a number of local businesses, foundations and trusts with the hopes of garnering their financial support of the project.
NBT Bank has answered his call. Last week the financial institution, which has a branch in Afton, presented the town with a check for $10,000 toward the expansion.
“It’s greatly appreciated,” said long-time Afton Town Councilman Bob Tallmadge. Tallmadge, whose tenure on the board will end this month, said he has enjoyed being involved with the project.
Briggs said he will continue to work to secure additional funding for the project.