LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A new health clinic opened Friday inside West End School in Louisville's Chickasaw neighborhood, offering medical services to the community as part of an effort to address a significant life expectancy gap between the city's east and west sides.
The clinic is operated by Park Duvalle Community Health Centers, a nonprofit organization. It accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Life expectancy gap drives push for access
According to the Louisville Health Equity Map, life expectancy in parts of west Louisville is as low as 64 years, compared to around 79 years in parts of east Louisville — a difference of roughly 15 years.
A 2025 community needs assessment released by Norton Healthcare found that more than half of those surveyed in west Louisville — 52% — said transportation is a barrier to care. Nearly half, 42%, said their geographic location creates additional barriers to meeting their health needs.
Providers and leadership speak to community need
Dr. Swannie Jett, CEO of Park Duvalle Community Health Centers, said he has seen the effects of health inequity firsthand.
"I'm an epidemiologist. I have seen communities deprived," Jett said.
"Healthcare is a human right," he added.
Trenise Moore, a certified medical assistant at the clinic, and Abby Nolan, a physician assistant, both work at the Chickasaw location.
"It's really heartwarming to see the little kids' faces every time we walk in — it's 'Miss Nisey, Miss Abby,'" Moore said.
Nolan said the experience has reinforced the need for care in the area.
"Really seeing it firsthand in how much the community needs help and the people that are out there and need the healthcare — it's been great to be out there and actually helping people," Nolan said.
Nolan also pointed to the accessibility of the clinic's model.
"The convenience, the quickness — it's in and out," she said.
Moore described the center as more than a medical facility.
"Come — it's just more than a clinic," Moore said.
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