Arcare Opens West Point Clinic as Federal Investments Expand Focus on Rural Health
WEST POINT, Miss. — [August, 25, 2026] — Arcare has opened its newest medical clinic in West Point, bringing accessible, high-quality primary care to the Clay County community at a time when both federal and state leaders are making significant investments in expanding health care access in rural communities.
The Arcare West Point Medical Clinic officially opened August 10 at 7474 U.S. Highway 45 Alt N. The new clinic was made possible through federal funding awarded to Arcare to establish a new primary care access point in West Point. Arcare began developing the project more than two years ago, but the project was delayed when the federal funding channels were shut down and later reopened. With the funding ultimately moving forward, Arcare was able to bring the long-planned clinic to the community.
The clinic’s opening comes just days after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced a new $102 million investment in the Health Center Program. Announced August 13 by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the New Access Points awards will support 158 health centers in establishing 415 new sites and expanding access to comprehensive primary care for nearly 1 million people nationwide. HHS described the investment as the first major expansion of the Health Center Program since 2019, with a focus on expanding preventive care and bringing health care closer to where Americans live.
“Mississippi is at an important moment in the effort to strengthen rural health care, and West Point is a great example of what that investment can mean for a community,” said Dr. Steven Collier, Arcare CEO. “This clinic has been more than two years in the making. We are grateful that the opportunity was ultimately able to move forward and that we can now bring primary care closer to home for the people of West Point. This is what Health for All looks like in action.”
Caring for patients at the new clinic is Tayla Clay, APRN, a family nurse practitioner specializing in primary care. Clay brings a patient-centered approach focused on building lasting relationships, promoting health and supporting patients throughout every stage of life.
“I chose to join Arcare because of its strong commitment to providing accessible, high-quality healthcare to underserved and rural communities,” Clay said. “I am passionate about delivering patient-centered care and believe the organization’s mission aligns closely with my own values as a Family Nurse Practitioner.”
For Clay, one of the most rewarding parts of primary care is the opportunity to develop lasting relationships with the people she serves.
“My favorite thing about being a Family Nurse Practitioner is building long-term relationships with patients and their families,” Clay said. “I enjoy helping patients improve their health over time, whether through preventive care, managing chronic conditions, or guiding them through health challenges. Seeing positive outcomes and knowing I have made a meaningful difference in their lives is the most rewarding part of the job.”
The West Point clinic provides primary care for patients of all ages and expands Arcare’s presence in Mississippi as part of its growing network across Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, Arcare works to make comprehensive health care accessible to the communities it serves, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay.
The new clinic is located at 7474 U.S. Highway 45 Alt N, West Point, MS 39773. Patients can call 662-575-0057 to schedule an appointment.
Arcare’s expansion into West Point reflects the organization’s continuing commitment to bringing health care closer to home for patients in rural and underserved communities. With more than 125 locations across four states and more than 2,000 employees, Arcare continues to expand its reach while remaining focused on its mission of Health for All.
###
About Arcare
Founded in 1986, Arcare is a medical network striving to fulfill its “Health for All” mission by specializing in primary care, behavioral health, chronic disease care, pharmaceutical care, and insurance. As a Federally Qualified Healthcare Center (FQHC), Arcare is able to care for every patient regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. For more information, visit www.arcare.net.
