Above: The new Truman Clinic will open its doors to patients this Wednesday. The clinic is located at 401 N. 4th Avenue.

TRUMAN– Primary healthcare will soon be available to the people of Truman. Madelia Health is opening a clinic located at 401 N. 4th Ave. in Truman this Wednesday.

In August, the Truman City Council approved a five year lease with Madelia Health to provide primary healthcare five days a week. The council was excited about the fact that it would offer consistent care for the community.

The clinic is fully staffed with three local staff members, which includes certified nurse practitioner, Carolyn Drevlow; registered nurse, Lauren Schofield and patient services, Ashley Holm.

Cindy Lehman is clinic manager for Madelia Health’s three locations, which include Madelia, Lake Crystal, which opened in summer 2020 and the newly added Truman site.

She shared that while Madelia Health was looking at strategic plans and how to grow, they looked at what small towns could benefit from rural healthcare.

“We have patients that drive here from Fairmont, Truman, Lewisville and the surrounding area,” she said.

Lehman said it was expressed that the city was missing a clinic since Mayo closed its clinic in Truman last year.

“The support that we’ve had from Truman, from the city, the community and the businesses has been phenomenal and very welcoming. We feel very fortunate,” Lehman said.

She said Madelia Health took possession of the building in August. In the last month, they’ve been busy putting in all new flooring and painting all of the walls.

Lehman said the walls have also been donned with photos taken around the city. They include the water tower, school and several local businesses.

“We’re really excited and we’ve gotten really positive feedback,” Lehman said.

Nurse practitioner Carolyn Drevlow will see any age group as it a family practice clinic. They’ll provide out-patient labs, rapid labs, immunizations, sport physicals, well-child checks and care for acute illnesses and minor injuries.

Lehman said that while they won’t have any other services other than what’s offered in a clinic right now, they’ll make referrals to the Madelia location.

“We’re looking at a couple opportunities down the road, maybe putting in physical therapy,” Lehman said.

She said as they get known in the city, she hopes they can help out with community events or partner with the school.

Lehman said she’s excited that the three providers are all living in Truman and said that it’s the same for the Lake Crystal location and has proven to be beneficial there.

“Carolyn is homegrown. They know her and trust her,” Lehman said of Drevlow.

Drevlow was born and raised in Truman, graduated from Truman High School and still lives there now.

Most recently, Drevlow has worked at Dulcimer Medical Center in Fairmont and Ecumen Hospice in Owatonna.

Drevlow said she has a lot of experience in geriatrics and has done many house calls in the past.

“Ever since I became a nurse practitioner, my husband has said I should work at the clinic in town but I always kind of laughed it off, but when I heard Madelia Health was going to open I couldn’t pass it up,” Drevlow said.

Drevlow said she’s heard from people in Truman say they’re excited to not have to leave town to be seen.

“I think they were upset when there wasn’t a clinic in town anymore. I don’t believe there’s been a five day provider in town since Dr. Lester retired and that was maybe 20 years ago,” Drevlow said.

She also said she thinks people will appreciate that those working at the clinic are local to the area and said it was a focus of Madelia Health’s.

“They told us the clinic can never close because of bad weather,” Drevlow said with a laugh.

The clinic opens Dec. 1 and will be open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. People can call 507-776-8783 to make appointments.