By JULIA ROBERTS GOAD

Staff writer

SOUTH WILLIAMSON, Ky. — The Appalachian Plaza will soon welcome a new business, DaVita Dialysis Clinic.

Amy Reed, Facility Admini-strator of the clinic, explained the approach DaVita takes with its clinics.

“DaVita is an adaptation of an Italian phrase that mean ‘he or she gives life,’ and we believe the name reflects our purpose,” she said.

Located behind the CVS Pharmacy in the former location of Hatfield McCoy Furniture, the 8,000 square foot-clinic will provide essential dialysis services to members of the community suffering form chronic kidney failure and disease. The clinic is a state of the art facility, Reed said.

“Dialysis takes at least three hours, three times a week,” she explained. “So we have heated reclining seats, flat screed televisions and wireless internet service for our patients to take advantage of while they are here, as well as a comfortable waiting area.”

Reed said the clinic operated 15 years under the name Tug Valley Dialysis, but closed. Those patients now receive treatment at clinics in Pikeville and Logan.

“We hope to begin with approximately 40 patients, and will be open three days per week. However, as we get more patients, we will be open six days each week.”

In addition to dialysis services, DaVita is committed to supporting public education and the prevention of chronic kidney disease. The South Williamson clinic plans to provide information services to those with high risk for the disease.

“We will be hosting regular opportunities for people who are at risk, such as diabetics and high blood pressure,” Reed said. “Both of those conditions are major issues for people in our area.”

The clinic will employ dieticians and social workers to help patients learn how to control their condition and improve their health.

For more information, call 235-6221.