Two area health care agencies are getting federal grants to create new clinics in Lemoore and Riverdale.

United Health Centers of San Joaquin Valley and the Avenal Community Health Center are getting a total of $1.35 million to increase access to health care in rural communities.

Were excited and pleased to get the grant, said David Phillips, director of community development for United Health Centers of San Joaquin Valley. This is something that the community definitely needs.

Phillips said their grant of $700,000 will be used to create a new center in Lemoore that will include medical, dental, optometry, lab and x-ray services. The new center would be able to serve nearly 8,000 additional patients.

The organization has a little over two years to complete the project. United Health Centers, which is based out of Parlier, already has a Corcoran center in Kings County.

We researched and found that Lemoore is one of the communities with the greatest health-care needs, he said. This grant is going to provide great opportunities for access and quality health care.

Avenal Community Health Center is using its $650,000 grant to develop a new clinic in Riverdale staffed with nine employees that will be able to serve about 2,300 patients.

Were thrilled that we were chosen for the grant, said CEO John Blaine. This is a big plus in supporting the farm community of Riverdale.

The new clinic will offer primary medical care supported by nursing staff. Blaine said he wants a temporary, mobile clinic up and running within four months. Once that is completed, they will work on finding or building a permanent location for the clinic.

I know it will go a long way in providing health care to the community, he said.

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Grants fuel health care expansion