Most of the money, about $700,000, is coming from the clinic’s piggy bank. The rest is coming from a federal allocation secured by U.S. Rep. Phil Hare, D-Rock Island, who was on hand to share in the celebration.

“I’m a big believer in community health clinics, and getting people to come to them,” Hare said.

“So many people go to emergency rooms, and it’s the most expensive health care we have. I don’t know where people would go if people didn’t have this clinic.”

Construction actually began earlier this week, when crews laid the foundation for the 5,000-square-foot addition, which will give the clinic more exam rooms, laboratories and much-needed office space when it opens in October, said Beth Fiorini, Whiteside County health administrator.

“We have the staff, but we can’t serve the people we need to because there’s no room to do it,” Fiorini said. “We need this expansion in order to serve the people.”

Also in attendance were State Rep. Jerry Mitchell, R-Sterling, Rock Falls Mayor David Blanton, Whiteside County Board Chairman Tony Arduini, Mary Saathoff, chairwoman of the Community Health Clinic Governing Council, Dr. Bill Yemm, Prescott Dental Clinic director, and Dr. Richard Vandermyde, chairman of the Whiteside County Board of Health.

“It’s a great addition for Rock Falls and the whole area. That’s one thing we have to emphasize, this isn’t just for Rock Falls, it’s for the whole area.” Blanton said.

Hare also is trying to get a Veterans’ Affairs clinic built in the area. He believes there is enough demand, and after discussing the matter with fellow Veterans Affairs Committee members, he said he is confident he will come back in the fall with good news.

“I think we got a really good chance,” Hare said. “It would be great for the community. The veterans will use it, I know they will.”