MADISON – FamilyCare in Madison opened its doors in July 2006 in an old building located at 515 Main Street offering health care to all ages. The problem, however, is access to the entrance of the facility can be very challenging. There are no automatic doors and narrow walk ways for those using walkers, wheel-chairs or coming in by ambulance on a bed. “The building is approximately 87 years old,” said Cindy Nelson, the site manager. “We really need to make renovations.” The nonprofit health care facility recently received a $500,000 federal grant to make the needed renovations to the building that used to be a funeral home, then a college building, before Madison FamilyCare relocated here. “We received the grant through the Immediate Facility Improvement Program through a competitive process, which is a grant from the Affordable Care Act,” Nelson said. Under the new federal health care laws, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Health Resources and Services Administration is funding more than $728 million nationwide to support nearly 400 renovations and construction projects to increase health centers' ability to care for additional patients. The health care center served 3,670 patients in 2010. “We will be using the money to make it easier for our mobility impaired patients to access the building and for the EMS people who help transport patients from nursing homes who need extra assistance," Nelson said. “We will be installing new ramps and railings that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The building will also get new siding, paint and energy-efficient windows. The five columns outside will also be replaced. Inside offices in the three-story building will also be renovated, creating more efficient workspace for staff and patients. The center plans to also renovate the lower level, now that is used as a staff break room and lab area, to offer pediatric, prenatal, gynecology and family medicine services to an additional 1,500 patients. Offices, storage area and a conference room will occupy the top floor. “With more exam rooms will be able to see more patients in a timelier manner,” Nelson said. The basement renovations will add six exam rooms, two doctor's offices, a nurse's station, a business office and extra storage space. The lab area and break room will also be updated, as well as new telephone systems. The renovations will start in the next couple of months and will take one year to complete, Nelson said. FamilyCare is considering bids from construction companies while they complete the final drawings, she said. To learn more about FamilyCare in Madison, or to make an appointment, call 304-369-0393 or visit www.familycarewv.org.