photo by: Contributed

Audrey Hunter, a Doctor of Nursing Practice and Certified Nurse Practitioner, has joined the Heartland Community Health Center's family medicine team.

With an increasing demand for primary care providers in Douglas County, the Heartland Community Health Center will be adding a new family medicine provider.

On Thursday, Heartland announced that Audrey Hunter, a doctor of nursing practice and certified nurse practitioner, will be joining the center’s family medicine team. Hunter’s addition is expected to improve access to care for patients and community members who are looking for immediate comprehensive health services, regardless of income or insurance status, according to a press release from Heartland.

Heartland operates with an integrated care model, and the release said family medicine providers serve as an important outlet for patients seeking behavioral health support, oral health services and assistance in addressing social factors that impact health.

“Expanding access to primary care is essential for the health of our community,” Julie Branstrom, CEO of Heartland Community Health Center, said in the release. “Adding Audrey to our family medicine team strengthens our ability to connect patients to medical care and supports the work happening across behavioral health, dental services, and our Community Health Worker program. This coordination is key to reducing barriers and ensuring patients receive the care they need.”

Hunter is a family nurse practitioner with “experience working in a federally qualified health center and in acute care settings,” the release said. She earned her doctor of nursing practice degree from the University of Arkansas.

“I am looking forward to contributing to Heartland’s mission through direct patient care,” Hunter said in the release. “I am always honored when patients trust me with something as precious as their health, and I value the opportunity to learn from my colleagues and work alongside patients as partners in their care.”