Grand opening/ribbon cutting planned for new clinic

The Whitesboro Area Chamber of Commerce will hold a grand opening/ribbon cutting ceremony for Hometown Primary Care and Wellness on Feb. 25 from 5-7 p.m. The community is invited to come and learn more about the area’s newest clinic that prides itself on small town values and neighborly care.

For more than 25 years, Collinsville resident and nurse practitioner April Morris (Doctor of Nursing Practice/Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner) has been providing acute care for patients, building a strong foundation in managing complex medical conditions and recognizing when early intervention matters most. However, after decades in the industry, Morris has noticed a change in modern corporate medicine. Today’s patients and providers are both treated like parts of a cogwheel, with limited time and little flexibility. That’s not how Morris wants to care for her patients.

“My philosophy of care is centered on education, partnership and patient choice,” she said. “I believe it is my role to share knowledge and explain options clearly so patients can make informed healthcare decisions that are right for them. Patients are ultimately in charge of their own health, and when they are given understanding and choices, they are better equipped to take an active role in their care and long-term well-being.”

With this in mind, Morris decided to open her own clinic. After discussing options with consulting firms, Morris chose Whitesboro as the home base for her new business.

“I love Collinsville, but Whitesboro is growing tremendously,” Morris said. “Everyone is moving – people in Frisco and Celina are pushing north, and there’s a need (and room) for more medical care in this area.”

About a year ago, Morris found an open storefront across the parking lot from the local McDonald’s. Her home contractor helped bring her ideas to fruition – the entrance to each exam room is made to look like a welcoming front door of a house; white shiplap on the walls and darker wood floors make the space feel cozy; Morris’s personal quilt collection on display in clear cases helps patients feel at home.

“In addition to our patient-centered approach, the clinic itself was intentionally designed to help patients feel comfortable, relaxed and at ease,” Morris said. “From the moment patients walk in, the goal is to create a welcoming environment that brings a smile, reduces anxiety and makes healthcare feel less intimidating.”

The clinic officially opened on Dec. 4 and is already seeing a steady stream of patients. Morris cares for adolescents and adults ages 12 and up in Whitesboro and the surrounding communities, including working adults and seniors.

She provides comprehensive primary care, including preventive care, acute sick visits, hormone optimization when clinically appropriate, and management of chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes and weight loss. All care is approached thoughtfully with education and shared decision-making at the center.

“Hometown Primary Care and Wellness was created to bring healthcare back to what it should be – personal, accessible and relationship-driven,” Morris said. “The clinic was built to step away from the corporate model and return the focus to meaningful patient relationships, thoughtful care and healthcare decisions made with time, respect and intention.”

The clinic offers telehealth visits and patients can schedule appointments online through its website. Software enables patients to schedule their appointment online and upload their insurance information, and the clinic can send paperwork to the patient ahead of the appointment. All of this makes care easier to access, which in turn helps patients stay engaged in their health and get care when they need it.

“When care is easier to access, patients are more likely to stay healthy,” Morris said.

The clinic accepts most insurance and will soon provide a menu of services and pricing to provide full transparency to potential patients.

Hometown Primary Care and Wellness is located at 810 N. Union Street, Suite 601 in Whitesboro. Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to noon; and the first Saturday of each month. The clinic accepts walk-ins.

To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 903-677-4370 or visit www.hometownprimarycareandwellness.com