A new health clinic for women that offers free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds is opening Monday on Tucson's south side.
The "Centro De Salud Para Mujeres" (Women's Health Clinic) will cater to an underserved population, said Dr. William Richardson, one of its investors.
"A lot of women on this side of town are traveling far distances now to get care," he said.
The clinic will be staffed by two doctors, but there's space for other doctors to use as well, Richardson said. The clinic is being staffed with Spanish speakers and is already doing outreach at local schools.
In addition to reproductive health information and resources, the clinic will have information about nutrition and diabetes.
Whether a woman wants to keep her baby or terminate the pregnancy, Centro De Salud Para Mujeres will provide unbiased, medically accurate and accessible information and referrals, Richardson said. There will be no abortions performed at the clinic, he said.
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"We wanted to do something about the fact that a lot of Spanish-speaking patients are somewhat marginalized. This gives them a place that provides information in their language," Richardson said.
"This also gives the south-side community a place where women can find out about all aspects of a pregnancy - what to do if you don't have insurance, what to do if you don't have an ob/gyn health-care provider."
The clinic will help people apply for Arizona's form of Medicaid, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) if they are eligible. It also provides referrals to services such as adoption resources, and help finding low-cost diapers and housing.
Pregnancy tests, as well as the first ultrasound at the clinic, will be free, Richardson said.
The clinic accepts most major insurance plans as well as AHCCCS, and he said it will work with uninsured patients to provide discounted services.
Richardson owns the Tucson Women's Center but emphasized that the new clinic has different owners - a group of local medical professionals - and is entirely separate.
On StarNet: Stephanie Innes brings you the latest health information in her blog, Tucson Health and Wellness, at http://azstarnet.com/news/blogs/health/
IF YOU GO
The public is invited to a grand opening celebration of the "Centro De Salud Para Mujeres," from 4 to 8 p.m. today at 5433 S. 12th Ave., Ste. 4.
The clinic, which offers free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds, will open to the public on Monday.
For more information go to www.freeSonograms.com or www.ultrasonidosGRATIS.com
