Health Center holds ceremonial groundbreaking

The Sonoma Valley Community Health Center hosted a groundbreaking ceremony Jan. 31, to formally introduce its new expanded facility to the community.

Health Center leadership, local government officials, friends and business associates listened to remarks from Fifth District Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, and 1st District Supervisor Susan Gorin.

Cheryl Johnson, CEO of the Sonoma Valley Community Health Center, described the new location as a continuation of the vision to serve the community with comprehensive health care within the Sonoma Valley community. 

“We have been preparing for the transformation and expansion of the Sonoma Valley Community Health Center for more than eight years,” Johnson said. “This is a big and exciting day for us and for the community we support. We want to especially thank Congressman Mike Thompson today, who was instrumental in securing a $5 million federal grant for the new facility for Sonoma Valley.”

The Community Health Center is constructing a new, permanent location on Sonoma Highway, just across from Maxwell Village shopping center and is expected to move from its current West Napa Street location this summer. The new facility will almost triple the clinical space and available parking.

“You don’t have to look any further than the new community health center in Sonoma Valley to see that health care reform is creating jobs and improving access to quality care,” said Thompson. “I am proud to have worked with leaders in our community to secure a $5 million ACA grant to make this center possible. Because of our hard work, people from across our valley will be able to come to the new Sonoma Valley Community Health Center to get affordable care.”

The Sonoma Valley Community Health Center is the largest provider of primary medical services to Medi-Cal, low income and uninsured patients in Sonoma Valley. It serves all patients regardless of insurance level or ability to pay. The health center annually serves more than 7,000 patients, resulting in more than 30,000 patient visits.