The question on most Bluffton residents’ minds this summer is: “What’s going into the Groves’ Bear building and when will it open?”

The answer is: Mercy Health – Bluffton Family Medicine. It will open at 204 N. Main St., on Monday, Sept. 11 and a tentative grand opening is set for Friday, Oct. 6, according to Tara Miller, director of practice management at the Bluffton office.

Once open, the office will provide primary care medicine and walk-in medical care. New patients are being accepted now and appointment schedules are being taken.

Dr. JoAnna Kauffman, M.D., a Bluffton resident, is the physician on duty. Abbie Nartker, nurse practitioner, is also on staff.

“We have a radiology department, which will handle all X-Ray procedures and out-patient lab,” said Miller. “Specialty physicians will be coming to Bluffton on a regular basis once we get the office established.”

Miller Contracting Group, Ottoville, handled the building remodeling. Design Collaborative, Ft. Wayne, designed the project.

To schedule an appointment call 419-996-5000. Office hours are:
• Mondays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Tuesdays through Thursdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Fridays 8 a.m. to noon

The plan is to eventually extend hours to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.

In November 2015 broke ground for a similar office in Ada, estimated to cost $1 million. That facility, Ada Family Medicine, opened in May 2016.

About St. Rita’s Health Partners
As a member of Mercy Health, the largest health system in Ohio and one of the largest health systems in the United States, it is our Mission to extend the healing ministry of Jesus by improving the health of our communities.

In 2014, St. Rita’s Health Partners invested $42 million in community benefit into the communities where we provide care, most of it targeted to people who are poor and under-served.

Together with more than 3,000 employees, physicians and volunteers, we are fulfilling our promise, providing area residents with outstanding health and wellness services and improving the health of the communities we serve.