Starting this Saturday, Agape Community Health Clinic will now be open six days a week, extending its Monday-through-Friday hours to include Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Chontell Miller, of Agape Clinic, said the change came after the staff heard many comments from patients about how it was difficult for them to come during the week due to other obligations and work schedules.

“Many patients have literally asked, ‘Are you guys open on weekends?’ ‘I can’t take off of work to come to my appointment,’ ‘It would really be nice if the office was open on Saturday; it definitely works better for me,’” Miller explained in an email. “We are finding that a overwhelming part of our patient population can’t take off of work to come see the doctor. We also find it beneficial for kids, as well, so that they don’t have to miss school (unless sick).”

She said the staff will begin rotating on a Saturday schedule, and Agape plans to have two staff members at the front desk, one provider and one medical assistant. However, the pharmacy will not be open on Saturdays, and no labs will be drawn.

Agape Clinic is operated through Metropolitan Community Health Services, and it offers health care services to patients on a sliding scale based on need. The clinic includes examination rooms, a dental clinic and full-service pharmacy.

Agape Community Health Clinic is located at 120 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Washington. For more information, call 252-940-0602.