LOS ANGELES, CA., April 8, 2004 - Over 100 community members and leaders joined AltaMed Health Services Corporation, Supervisor Gloria Molina and Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, to celebrate the grand opening of AltaMed Health Services Corporation's newest community health center in East Los Angeles. The new center will offer needed services to local residents who were previously unable to access quality medical and dental care.

From left to right, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34) stands with AltaMed's President and CEO, Castulo de la Rocha; the president of the East Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, Eddie Torres; Los Angeles City Councilmember, Antonio Villaraigosa; Los Angeles County Supervisor, Gloria Molina; and Clinic Administrator, Angela Arredondo during the April 8 grand opening of the community health center.

"I am proud of the work AltaMed is doing to address the medical needs of our community and was glad to assist the organization's efforts in saving this health care clinic from demolition by a commercial developer," said Molina. Thanks to AltaMed's vision, this building has been transformed into a 19,000 square foot facility providing comprehensive medical and dental services to the East Los Angeles community."

According to AltaMed, developers were planning to convert the site of the Community Health Foundation clinic into a strip mall after it was forced to close its doors when it filed for bankruptcy only two years ago. With the assistance of community leaders, AltaMed was able to save the clinic, also known Elias Chico clinic that had served thousands of East L.A. residents during its time.

"We understand the importance of focusing efforts on increasing services and access to health care within our community," said Castulo de la Rocha, president and CEO, AltaMed Health Services Corporation.

"Our team of physicians and staff offer state-of-the-art, comprehensive health services in one location."

The new clinic services include Family Medicine - General Physical Exams, Comprehensive Prenatal Services Program, Pediatrics, Obstetrics, Gynecology, Family Planning, Immunizations, Child Health Disability Prevention Program, Geriatric Primary Care, HIV Testing, Specialty Referrals, Tuberculosis Screening, Radiology (Mammograms, Ultrasounds, EKG-X-rays), Laboratory Services and general dental services, and a full-service dental lab.

"I commend AltaMed Health Services Corporation and its dedicated president, Castulo de la Rocha, for his vision and leadership in restoring vitally needed health care services to East Los Angeles," Congresswoman Roybal-Allard (CA-34) said. "The opening of this community health center enables even more families to access the health care and dental services they need to lead healthy lives. I am honored to have been able to play a small role in securing federal funds to make this day possible."

AltaMed Health Services Corporation, a non-profit organization, has provided quality health care and human services since 1969. AltaMed was founded as the East Los Angeles Barrio Free Clinic, a volunteer-staffed clinic that provided basic services to the underserved.

AltaMed has successfully established a nationwide reputation as an innovative health care provider to minorities and economically disadvantaged communities. AltaMed serves more than 46,000 families annually.