Empower Clinics records nearly 600% increase in patient visits during month of March

Empower Clinics Inc (CSE:CBDT) (OTCMKTS:EPWCF) told shareholders that the number of patient visits to its clinics is ballooning in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic that has gripped the US. The Vancouver-based wellness firm said it saw a 593% increase in patient visits in March 2020 compared to the same period a year earlier. Total patient visits came in at 2,160 for the month of March, it added in a statement. READ: Empower Clinics continues to see record patient visit numbers amid coronavirus outbreak The company said it is seeing exponential growth in patients visiting its network of physician-staffed clinics. During the first quarter of 2020, Empower recorded 5,717 patient visits, an increase of 478% over the 1,196 it saw over the same three-month period a year earlier. "These are unprecedented times, yet our team members remain dedicated to supporting patients every day, at record levels, using new operational techniques and safety protocols" said Steven McAuley, CEO of Empower. Medical cannabis clinics and dispensaries were deemed “essential businesses” during the coronavirus outbreak that has forced a huge swath of companies to shut down to help combat the virus. "I am so proud of our management, our staff's willingness to adjust to changing times, and our commitment to the daily needs of patients,” McAuley added. The firm also said it entered into a new telemedicine agreement to allow patients to access physicians across multiple states. Additional information about Empower’s digital health initiatives will be made available shortly, it added. Empower said it has also issued 600,000 stock options priced at C$0.05 each to investor relations service providers and to a director of the company. Contact Angela at angela@proactiveinvestors.com Follow her on Twitter @AHarmantas