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A historic day is coming for the town of Aurora, because health care is returning to the area. On Jan. 25, 2023, ECU Health announced it would close the sole clinic in the area which meant the nearest health care facility was 30 miles away. 

Agape Health Services is in the midst of renovation plans that will transform a 4,700 sq. ft. building into a health care facility. Located at 151 Third Street, the facility will offer primary care, immunizations, an onsite 340B pharmacy, behavioral and pediatric health and assistance with substance abuse recovery. In the future, Agape plans to add dental services and specialized health care. 

Agape Health Services operates under Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act and is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) Federally Qualified Health Center that provides direct primary and preventive medical, dental, pharmacy, and behavioral health services. They have three health clinics across eastern North Carolina and an administrative building in downtown Washington on Market Street. 

The property is deeded to Beaufort County Government; however, on Monday Sept. 9, the Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to deed the property to Agape Health Services with the condition that within three year’s time the facility must be renovated and provide health care services. If Agape is unable to meet that requirement, the deed will immediately go back to Beaufort County Government.

As part of their unanimous decision, county commissioners voted to give $618,416 to Agape for renovation work. This will cover three-fourths of the $810,416 budget to renovate the facility. Agape is banking on receiving $200,000 in the form of a Rural Building Reuse program grant from the North Carolina Department of Commerce which would cover the remaining balance. 

Agape will assume all development costs which total $365,782. This includes engineering services, architectural services, the purchase of essential medical equipment, x-ray equipment, signage and the purchase of a power generator. 

Agape anticipates the new facility will bring 20 new jobs to Aurora, according to a presentation they gave at the county commissioners meeting on Monday. 

Agape currently provides limited medical services on Thursdays in Aurora using a 37 ft. mobile unit which has two exam rooms and areas for counseling, case management or behavioral health services.