Valley Oaks Health Expands Scope and Mission in Monticello, IN

Valley Oaks Health Expands Scope by adding Primary Care, and more space.

MONTICELLO, Ind., Nov. 5, 2026 — Valley Oaks Health today announced the expansion of its Monticello services to include primary medical care, along with a move to a larger, updated facility at 826 North 6th Street. The new primary care services are partially made possible through federal Rural Health Transformation Program funding, administered in Indiana through the state's GROW Initiative and the relocation is partially supported by White County United Way.

The new location will let White County residents see a primary care provider and a behavioral health clinician in the same place, often on the same day. Valley Oaks will continue to offer mental health and addiction recovery services at this new location, so cost and accessibility shouldn't be a barrier to health care any longer.

A need documented for years

The expansion answers a gap that White County residents and local health leaders have named again and again. Access to general healthcare and behavioral health (mental health and substance use) were both identified as significant needs in IU Health White Memorial Hospital's 2024 Community Health Needs Assessment, repeating priorities from the 2021 assessment. White County's 2025 Comprehensive Community Plan likewise lists access to health care and access to mental health care among the county's key factors.

Local data show why (County Health Rankings and Census data via Data USA):

• One primary care physician for every 2,739 residents in White County.
• One mental health provider for every 1,917 residents.
• 5.7 mentally unhealthy days per month reported by the average adult.
• About 1 in 10 residents under 65 is uninsured, and 13.5% of residents rely on Medicaid.
• 10.2% of residents, and 14.9% of children, live in poverty.

"For years, White County families have told us the same thing: they need healthcare closer to home, and they need mental health care they can afford," said Dan Arens, CEO of Valley Oaks Health. "Too many people have been driving to Lafayette or going without care altogether. This new location lets us treat the whole person, body and mind, right here in Monticello."

Partners making it possible

The primary care expansion is funded through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, a five-year, $50 billion CMS initiative to expand preventive, primary and behavioral health services in rural communities. Indiana received nearly $207 million in first-year funding, implemented by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration and the Indiana Department of Health through GROW: Cultivating Rural Health.

"We're excited to offer primary care and family medicine in Monticello. It's a great place to grow our practice." said Dr Lori Rogers, Medical Director at Valley Oaks Health. "As our 4^th primary care location in the region, the rural communities we serve have really enjoyed our expanded care model."

The move to a larger newly renovated building was made possible through a funding partnership with White County United Way. The 13,000-square-foot facility at 826 North 6th St replaces Valley Oaks' current Monticello office at 920 Executive Drive. It adds several exam rooms, 10 counseling offices, a shared care-team space, telehealth rooms, a more accessible entrance, and ample parking.

"United Way exists to make sure every person in White County can reach the help they need," said Nicole Jenkinson, Executive Director of White County United Way "Investing in this building and mission means more neighbors will get care close to home, at a price they can afford."

Services and opening

The Monticello location will offer:

• Primary care: annual physicals, sick visits, chronic disease management (such as diabetes and high blood pressure), screenings and immunizations, for all ages.
• Mental health care: counseling and therapy for adults, children and families
• Psychiatric care: psychiatric assessment and medication management for all ages.
• Addiction recovery services: outpatient treatment and recovery support
• Integrated care: coordination between medical and behavioral health providers

Valley Oaks accepts Medicaid, Medicare, most commercial insurance, and offers a sliding-fee scale based on income. The new location will open in Spring of 2027. A ribbon cutting and open house event will be planned for early spring; the public is invited. To schedule an appointment, call 866-6VALLEY or visit valleyoaks.org.

SOURCE Valley Oaks Health