Immediate, Walk-In Primary Care Now Available in Bristol and Waterbury
Accessing same-day, walk-in primary care is now easier than ever for the Bristol and Waterbury communities.
Thanks to federal funding announced in November by Connecticut’s congressional delegation, Wheeler Health has expanded services at its two federally qualified health centers in these cities. This initiative meets a growing demand for rapid access to primary care, mental health, behavioral health, and substance use disorder services. [RELATED: Wheeler Health Expanding Fast Access to Services with Federal Grant]
From Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 3:30 PM, both new and existing patients can now walk into Wheeler’s Family Health & Wellness Centers at:
Appointments remain available, but walk-in patients will now meet with intake staff immediately, allowing for on-the-spot health assessments and streamlined referrals for follow-up care. The goal: 95% of patients receive an immediate assessment, with 75% attending recommended follow-up treatment within five days.
In Bristol, providers like Eartha Marquis, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, are key to the success of this expanded model. With a background in urgent care, intensive care, surgery, and community COVID response, Marquis was drawn to Wheeler’s integrated approach to care.
“We do so much,” Marquis says. “When you look at the full continuum of services we provide, it’s clear how we can assist patients with even the most complex needs.”
Marquis collaborates daily with a dedicated team offering primary care, psychiatry, and medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder (MOUD)—helping patients get the care they need, faster.
“Fast access to care saves lives,” said Sabrina Trocchi, Ph.D., MPA, president and CEO of Wheeler Health. “We are deeply grateful for this support, which enables us to reach more individuals and families—especially our most vulnerable neighbors—in Bristol and Waterbury.”
In its first year, Wheeler anticipates serving 500 patients through this walk-in model. Additionally, an on-site community health worker will collaborate with local faith-based and grassroots organizations to build strong referral pathways—ensuring that more community members receive the care they need when they need it.
