Hamilton County Health Dept. announces closure of Soddy Daisy clinic

SODDY DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Hamilton County Health Department has announced that the Soddy-Daisy clinic will close permanently Monday, June 30th.

This decision comes as part of a strategic effort to expand healthcare access across the county.

In place of the Soddy-Daisy location, the Health Department will introduce a mobile health unit.

This unit will bring essential health services directly to underserved areas.

This innovative model is to ensure that all Hamilton County residents continue to receive vital healthcare services.

“The Soddy-Daisy Clinic faced several challenges throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a notable decline in client numbers that have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels. As a result, we have made the difficult decision to close this location. Staff members from the Soddy-Daisy clinic will be retained and reassigned to other branches within the Health Department.  We sincerely thank the Soddy-Daisy community for their trust and partnership over the years. While this chapter is coming to an end, our commitment to improving the health and well-being of Hamilton County remains stronger than ever”

-Sonia Calvin, Interim Administrator for the Health Department.

WIC clients in Soddy-Daisy will still have access to secure benefits through other Health Department clinics.

Services such as family planning and immunizations will also be available at alternative locations:

• Birchwood Clinic: 5625 Highway 60, Birchwood TN 37308 | (423) 209-5540
• Main Campus: 921 E. 3rd Street, Chattanooga TN 37403 | (423) 209-8050
• Ooltewah Clinic: 5520 High Street, Ooltewah TN 37363 | (423) 209-5440

Clients are encouraged to contact these locations for continued care or visit the Health Department’s website for more information.

The Soddy-Daisy location faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, including a decline in client visits that has not rebounded to pre-pandemic levels.

“The closure of the Soddy-Daisy clinic ultimately comes down to the most effective use of funding while ensuring the availability of healthcare.  When we evaluated the cost of operating the clinic versus the number of patients served, it clarified what is a difficult decision. Transitioning to a mobile model and the analysis of the placement of other health care providers in the area has allowed us to feel confident in the ability to meet the needs of the Soddy-Daisy area and ensure continued access to health services.”

-David Roddy, Chief Operating Officer for Hamilton County

All staff from the Soddy-Daisy clinic will be reassigned to other branches.