UNM Hospitals Break Ground on Outpatient Clinic to Meet Demand in North Valley

By Anca Gagiuc, Associate Editor

The North Valley Center for Family and Community Health at 3401 Fourth Street NW that broke ground recently is the newest outpatient clinic of UNM Hospitals. It is expected to open next spring. Its purpose is to increase access to quality care and meet the growing demand for medical services in Albuquerque’s North Valley.

The center will offer a wider spectrum of health care services such as primary care, pediatric care, and women’s health services. It will be one of the UNM Health System’s biggest clinics, featuring 22 exam rooms, a radiology suite, pharmacy and laboratory. Moreover, health education classes will be held on site, as well as behavioral health counseling and aid for patients in need of home care, hospice, transportation and financial aid counseling. The 20 providers that will practice at the clinic are estimated to serve 1,500- 1,800 patients per month.

 “This is a multi-generational community,” said UNM Health System CEO Steve McKernan. “There are a lot of children living in the area, a lot of seniors raising their grandchildren. We wanted the clinic’s design to recognize their needs.” “We know that medical needs in this area are high,” added Kori Beech, interim administrator for ambulatory services at UNM Hospitals. “We want it to be a positive presence in the neighborhood and a positive experience for patients, and we are glad we have the community’s support for this.” “We wanted to make it convenient for our patients,” she said. “For example, physicians will be able to send prescriptions to the on-site pharmacy electronically.”

The facility will be built on the former site of a popular eatery that operated from 1962-2003. The place will be kept in remembrance through suggestive pictures and décor. The project’s construction costs are estimated at $4.9 million. Architects FBT Architects and general contractor Richardson and Richardson Construction will oversee the development.