The Will County Community Health Center has introduced a new Infectious Disease (ID) Clinic, further enhancing its comprehensive range of medical services available to the public. In partnership with the Care Clinic, the ID Clinic specializes in the treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), HIV care, and provides general infectious disease consultations. This addition complements the Center’s existing services, which include primary medical care, women’s health care, dentistry, and more.
The ID/Care Clinic continues to offer the full suite of services previously provided by the Care Clinic, including STI testing and treatment, HIV testing, as well as pre-exposure (PrEP) and post-exposure (PEP) prophylaxis for HIV. The clinic’s new services also include HIV treatment and broader infectious disease consultations that were not previously available. The ID/Care Clinic operates in collaboration with various grant programs, ensuring that patients are seen regardless of their insurance coverage.
Dr. Dan Garganera, a certified internal medicine and adult infectious disease specialist since 2002, directs the ID/Care Clinic. He highlighted the clinic’s capacity to manage a wide range of infectious diseases. “We are equipped to treat various infections, from urinary tract infections (UTIs) and pneumonia to more complex conditions like diabetic foot ulcers, fungal infections, and viral diseases like Flu, COVID-19, and Mpox,” Dr. Garganera explained.
With years of experience in private practice and as the former Medical Director at Ascension St. Joseph Hospital’s Infection Control Department, Dr. Garganera also serves as the Medical Advisor for the Will County Health Department and the Medical Director for the Sunny Hill Tuberculosis Clinic.
Stacy Baumgartner, CEO of the Will County Community Health Center, expressed enthusiasm for the addition of an infectious disease specialist to the medical team. “An infectious disease specialist is invaluable in diagnosing and treating infections that might fall outside the expertise of a primary care physician. Dr. Garganera’s experience, particularly with HIV and STIs, enhances the level of care we can offer,” she said.
The ID/Care Clinic team also includes Kendra Coleman, Program Coordinator for HIV/STI/PrEP/PEP, Erin Dryer, AFC Case Manager Supervisor and Program Coordinator for Infectious Diseases, as well as a team of Certified Medical Assistants and STI/HIV Educators.
Additionally, the Will County Community Health Center offers on-site laboratory services, a pharmacy, and assistance with case management and social work services to help patients manage financial challenges.
The Infectious Disease Clinic is open Mondays from 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 815-727-8670.
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