Lower Lights Health Unveils Bold Expansion to Transform Healthcare in Linden
COLUMBUS, Ohio – July 20, 2026– Lower Lights Health, a trusted healthcare provider in the Linden community, announced a major expansion that will redefine access to care for thousands of residents. The organization is relocating its Linden operations to 1464 Cleveland Avenue, a strategic move that places comprehensive medical services directly next door to the Linden Fresh Market food pantry.
This deliberate co-location marks a pivotal shift in community health strategy. By situating primary care, women’s health & behavioral health, and a new Pharmacy adjacent to a source of fresh, free groceries, Lower Lights Health is addressing the root causes of poor health outcomes—not just the symptoms.
“In Linden, the average life expectancy is significantly lower than in neighboring communities. Chronic disease runs unchecked, and too many families face the impossible choice between buying groceries and filling a prescription,” said Anton Johnson, CEO of Lower Lights Health. “This expansion is more than a building. It is a statement that Linden matters, and that health is not a luxury. By collaborating with Community of Caring Development Foundation and Nationwide Children’s Hospital, we are creating a model for whole-person care that heals the whole community.”
A Response to Urgent Community Needs
The expansion comes at a critical time for Linden. Data reveals stark health disparities between Linden and surrounding areas: (https://www.columbus.gov/Services/Public-Health/About-Public-Health/Data-Report)
- Maternal Health Crisis: Between 2018 and 2024, the Black infant mortality rate in Linden reached 18.3 deaths per 1,000 live births, more than double the overall Franklin County rate.
- Chronic Disease: Heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension remain persistent challenges, exacerbated by food insecurity and limited access to preventative care.
- Unmet Behavioral Health Needs: Residents face significant stigma and long waits for counseling and substance use treatment.
The New Model: Whole Person, Real Integration
The new facility will offer a comprehensive suite of services under one roof:
- Primary Care & Women’s Health: Including prenatal care, well-child visits, and doula support to address maternal health disparities.
- Expanded Behavioral Health: Counseling, psychiatry, and substance use treatment available without stigma or long waits.
- 340B Pharmacy: Affordable, life-saving medications available directly on-site. This pharmacy qualifies for dispensing up to a 90-day supply.
- Community Health Workers: Staff dedicated to helping patients navigate transportation, food resources, and other social services.
Powered by Community Partnerships
The expansion is made possible through deep community collaboration. Nationwide Children’s Hospital serves as the owner and steward of the property, reinforcing their commitment to the Healthy Neighborhoods Healthy Families initiative that provides affordable housing, healthcare, education, community engagement and workforce development in the Linden area. The Community of Caring Development Foundation (COCDF) operates the adjacent Linden Fresh Market, which has distributed over 180,000 pounds of food since 2022.
Adam Troy of the Community of Caring Development Foundation noted, “When a patient leaves a doctor’s appointment and can walk next door to pick up fresh produce and fill their prescription, we are breaking down the barriers that keep families unhealthy.”
Impact on the Community
The integrated model is designed to create tangible, life-changing impact:
- Convenience: Patients can see a doctor, fill a prescription, and pick up fresh groceries in one trip.
- Coordinated Care: Families managing diabetes will receive nutrition education alongside medication management.
- Maternal Support: Pregnant mothers will have access to both critical prenatal care and healthy food for their babies.
Commitment to Accessibility
Lower Lights Health accepts Medicaid, Medicare, Marketplace, and commercial insurance. No one is turned away for inability to pay.
Join Us
Lower Lights Health invites the community, partners, and media to witness this new chapter opening in September. This expansion represents a promise that Linden will have the resources and support needed to thrive.
About Lower Lights Health: For nearly twenty five years, Lower Lights Health has provided quality, compassionate healthcare to Central Ohio throughout 7 locations, focusing on whole-person care that addresses physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
About Community of Caring Development Foundation: COCDF is a Linden-based nonprofit dedicated to creating a connected community through affordable housing, meals, community grants, and the operation of the Linden Fresh Market.
About Nationwide Children’s Hospital: Nationwide Children’s Hospital is committed to the health and well-being of the community through its Healthy Neighborhoods Healthy Families initiative and its role as a community partner in Linden.