Tift Community Health Center continues to grow with four new providers and a building expansion project.   Located in Tifton at 2735 Central Avenue South, TCHC is accepting new patients.  Walk-in patients are accepted and same-day appointments are available.    

A collaboration between Tift County and Tift Regional Health System, TCHC is a clinic that offers primary care and the management of chronic diseases for adults.  The new providers include physician John Maylock, M.D. and nurse practitioners Penny Booth, FNP-C, Christie Moore, AGNP-C and Latoya Pettiford, FNP-C.  

“These are four skilled and experienced medical professionals dedicated to improving the health our community,” said Jill Bergeron, TCHC practice manager.  “They are backed-up by a caring and compassionate support staff.”

The center was built by the Tift County Board of Commissioners in 1998 to serve South Tifton.  Tift Regional Health System agreed to staff and manage the clinic and underwrite its operational costs.

“Many local residents, who were economically-disadvantaged and uninsured, were using Tift Regional’s ER as their source of medical care,” said Bergeron.  “The county and Tift Regional Health System established Tift Community Health Center to make adult medicine more accessible for South Tifton and to help decompress the ER.   The focus of the clinic is to help patients manage chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, before these conditions get out of control.”

Bergeron said TCHC provides primary care for adults, including the diagnosis and treatment for non-urgent injuries or illnesses.   The providers offer complete physical exams, immunizations and health and wellness education.

To meet a growing demand, Tift County broke ground on a 2,340-square-foot expansion project for TCHC in October.  The added space will include six new exam rooms.

“Our goal at TCHC is to deliver quality medical care to a diverse and underserved community,” said Bergeron.  “We strive to provide the most comprehensive care possible for our patients.”