DOWAGIAC, Mich. - Corewell Health has announced the opening of a new primary care facility in Dowgiac.

Officials say opening Corewell Health Primary Care Dowagiac supports its efforts to improve health, prevent chronic diseases, and reduce health disparities in rural communities. 

Community members are invited to an open house to tour the office, meet the care team, and register as a patient from 4 to 7 p.m., on June 3.

Organizers say the family-friendly event will include refreshments and free giveaways.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals living in rural communities have a higher risk of early death than urban residents from heart disease, cancer, chronic lower respiratory disease, and stroke.

Health officials say many of these deaths can be preventable and increased health risks can be reduced through services offered by a primary care physician.   

“Residents in Dowagiac must travel to surrounding communities to receive preventative and routine care,” said James Savoie, senior director, primary care, Corewell Health. “Having a location in Dowagiac will open the door to quality primary care services for patients who would otherwise face barriers to accessing the care they need.”

The office is located at 520 Main St. in Dowagiac.

Doors will open to new patients on May 29 and will operate Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon.