Published: July 26, 2008 05:03 pm         

MedExpress Urgent Care to open in Beckley

Dr. Kevin Blankenship, born and raised in Coal City, is one of four founders of MedExpress Urgent Care, which is opening a new center in Beckley on Aug. 5.

“It’s great to bring MedExpress to Beckley,” Blankenship said. “Since I grew up here, I know that we’re introducing a health care option that will make residents happy. Not only does MedExpress treat illness and injury, the company has a commitment to being active in the community.”

Blankenship joined the Army and left Coal City when he graduated from Independence High School in 1982.

“After serving on the DMZ in Korea, I made the decision to enter a life of service of some kind,” he said.

After achieving a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy, a medical degree from West Virginia University and a board certification in emergency medicine, Blankenship worked in emergency departments throughout the state, including Summersville Memorial Hospital.

In 2001, he joined with three friends from WVU to create MedExpress Urgent Care in Morgantown.

“The company has since expanded into the Pittsburgh area and now throughout West Virginia,” he said.

The new Beckley center, located on Harper Road, across from Carriage Drive, will be the fourth clinic, Blankenship said. MedExpress also has clinics in Morgantown, Pittsburgh and Wheeling.

“When we started this company we wanted to offer patients the cleanest, nicest and best medical experience possible,” he said. “Nothing has changed since we made that decision.”

Blankenship says MedExpress prides itself on providing world-class customer service and possesses a vision to exceed patient expectations in welcoming environment.

“The interior of the center includes granite countertops and bamboo floors to enhance the patient experience,” he said.

Blankenship says two other founders of MedExpress also have strong ties to the Mountain State.

“The company’s CEO, Frank Alderman, MD, grew up in White Sulphur Springs and Bryan Stuchell, MD, the chief medical officer, is from Preston County,” he said.

The new Beckley center is an important opening for the company, Blankenship added.

“We’re West Virginians and proud to bring an important health care option to the area,” he said. “As an urgent care provider, MedExpress works hand-in-hand with primary care providers, specialists and emergency care providers to ensure that patients’ issues are handled with importance and great care.”

Other locals staffing the Beckley center include operations manager Brian Bell, Penny Allen, Leigh Ann Knott, Tonya Morgan, Traci Morris, Samantha Pittman, Kasey Raye, Christina Rupe, Kimberly Scott, Judith Spack, Alicia Stephenson and Kerri Thompson.

MedExpress is a walk-in clinic open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week, which treats illness and injury. MedExpress offers full-service capabilities, including X-rays, EKGs, stitches and IV fluids. There is always a physician on-site, Blankenship added, and said the clinic treats patients of all ages and most insurance is accepted.

“Patients do not need appointments,” Blankenship said.