La Puente residents have even more to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. The East Valley Community Health Center at Villacorta Elementary will open full-time on Monday, Nov. 26.

"We've been open only 20 hours a week since May 15. But now we have the license to expand our hours," said excited CEO Alicia Mardini. "This has been our dream for 25 years, it's also been the dream of Rowland Unified. Without their support this center would still be just a dream."

Students and their families will be treated from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The center will only be closed on Sundays.

She noted East Valley and school officials identified a need for

Cutting the ribbon at the East Valley Medical Center are, from left, Board Member Robert Hildago, Nurse Cindy Rose Escamilla, East Valley CEO Alicia Mardini, State Sen. Ed Hernandez and West Covina councilman Fred Sykes. (Photo by Gina Ward, Courtesy of Rowland Unified.)
affordable health care in this geographically-isolated area, especially for the many families without transportation.

"Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina spearheaded a motion that allowed the Department of Health Services to fund neighborhood clinics that would serve as the medical home for local residents," Mardini continued.

The $875,000 clinic is on the Rowland Unified campus at 17840 E. Villacorta St. It was funded primarily by a $750,000 grant from the county.

The modern medical facility serves children and youth during school hours. It treats the community-at-large in the afternoon and on Saturdays.

"East Valley has done an incredible job over the decades to provide health care to needy families," said State Sen. Ed Hernandez. "I want to thank them for their hard work and for making such a positive impact on our community."

The Villacorta center offers physicals, immunizations and treatment of childhood disease. It also provides family practice services for adolescents and adults.

The East Valley clinic treats residents with asthma, diabetes and hypertension. In 2013, the center will add prenatal and gynecological care. Click HERE for entire story!