California's Largest Community Clinic Expands In Contra Costa

MARTINEZ (KCBS) - Over the next year, Clinica de La Raza will double the capacity of its medical and dental facility at its fast growing site in Concord.

CEO Jane Garcia said the $4 million investment from United Health Group to expand the Monument Clinic was welcome news given that it enrolls nearly 200 new families every month.

"That's an extraordinary pace and it is evident that we have outgrown the space we are currently in," she said.

KCBS' Dave Padilla Reports:

La Clinica began as a storefront operation in East Oakland in 1971. Today it operates 25 sites in three counties and served more than 61,000 patients in 2009.

Garcia said the expansion was very important as the organization prepares for an influx of clients as provisions of the federal health care overhaul take effect.

"Coverage doesn't mean access. But this is a big step towards creating greater access in that community," she said.

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