The Town of Manteo’s Planning and Zoning Board has approved a request for a change of use of a property downtown for conversion to a medical clinic.
The same group that operates clinics in Englehard and Ocracoke is seeking federal approval for a third clinic that would be located at 402 Budleigh Street in Manteo.
“Healthcare Task Force members, Ocracoke and Englehard Medical Centers staff, Town Planning and Zoning Board Members, and Town staff have worked cooperatively to expedite this process due to the incredible need for health care in our community,” according to town spokesperson Michele Bunce.
Last month, Dr. Thomas Maynor, who is assisting with the federal application for the clinic and has been chief medical officer of one of North Carolina’s largest community health centers for the last seven years, told the Town of Manteo’s Health Care Task Force the process of gaining federal approval takes around 60 days and he expects it to be fully approved.
Once approval is granted, Maynor said a 120 day clock starts for the clinic to see at least one patient.
In 2022, the Town of Manteo Board of Commissioners appointed members to a Healthcare Task Force and directed them to address the growing healthcare concerns in Dare County.
The Task Force is comprised of 11 members consisting of Town of Manteo Board of Commissioners, Dare County Commissioner, Outer Banks Hospital Board Member and staff, a local Pharmacist, Dare County Schools Staff Member, a Health Care Attorney and Policy Advocate, Dare County Health and Human Services Staff Member, and community members.
Town of Manteo Town Manager Melissa Dickerson and staff members assist the Task Force.
At the onset, the Task Force identified priorities and created sub-committees addressing facility needs, patient care, project funding, and recruitment and retention of medical professionals.
The community is encouraged to follow the progress that is being made by the Healthcare Task Force, partners, and staff by attending the meetings and providing public input. Meetings are also live streamed and are available on demand on the town’s YouTube channel.
Details about the committee’s work and schedule of meetings, including the next gathering on April 11, can be found at https://www.manteonc.gov/government/boards-and-committees/healthcare-task-force.