The Knox Clinic announced Sept. 10 that it purchased the Bok Building at 22 White Street, Rockland, and will transform it into, “a comprehensive community health center, broadening its range of services and reaching more residents in need,” according to a news release.

“Over 25 years ago, a handful of folks began to talk about establishing a new nonprofit that would provide an avenue for interested professional healthcare workers to volunteer their skills to serve those in our community who were not able to access needed care,” said a news release from the Knox Clinic.

Partnering with Coastal Health Alliance (then Northeast Health), the Knox County Health Clinic opened its doors in 1999 with offices and services in donated space at the Bok Building opposite the Rockland Library.

“Since then, the hospital has graciously provided office space and support, as well as weekly clinical space while the organization has grown to provide primary medical care, behavioral health and counseling, dental care, and prescription services to countless neighbors,” said the Knox Clinic.

With this new venture, the clinic plans to continue its mission of providing exceptional medical, dental, and mental health care to everyone, including those in the surrounding peninsulas and further inland.

Last year, MaineHealth's sale of the Bok building necessitated re-imagining how best to continue serving the community and finding a new permanent home for the Knox Clinic’s ever-expanding services, the release said.

“Since then, the clinic has received two major grants totaling over $3 million, to establish a healthcare clinic that will serve all comers, but with a focus on those who too often are left behind,” the clinic said.

“Given the clinic's history at this location, it proves to be the best location for moving forward,” the release said. “The Bok Building, already outfitted with the necessary medical infrastructure, offers a unique opportunity for the Knox Clinic to expand rapidly with minimal upfront costs. This means that the generous support and donations from the community can go directly to enhancing patient care and services.”

Meredith Batley, executive director at Knox Clinic, said in a news release: “This opportunity feels like the stars have aligned for us. The building is familiar and ready for immediate use, and that means we can start providing expanded family medicine and mental health services much sooner. We want to thank our local leadership for their support and the generosity of our community. This will have a significant impact on our ability to offer more quality care to our neighbors.”