Albuquerque, Jul 20, 2012 -- Release No. 12-86-01

For Immediate Release

Construction for New Medical Center in Pecos Breaks Ground

Facility will expand medical services to community

(July 20, 2012 Albuquerque, NM) Earlier today, USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner was in Pecos, New Mexico to help celebrate the beginning of construction of the new medical center in the service area of 8,200 residents.

The $3-million project was funded through USDA Rural Development’s Community Facilities program through an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act loan.

Just prior to the actual groundbreaking ceremony Brunner addressed the crowd of area residents by saying, “The Obama Administration is committed to Providing better health care in rural America.”

Brunner added, “By financing the construction of this new medical center the federal government is insuring you and your children will be given access to the best possible medical services for many years to come.”

The new 15-thousand square foot facility will replace a much smaller medical center currently in use. The current building needed to be expanded because of the increased number of patients that come to the facility on an everyday basis.

It’s estimated the new facility will provide service to 5500 to 6000 patients which equates to over 16,000 annual visits. This is up from 3400 patients with over 12,000 annual visits.

The new facility will include 10 exam rooms, two treatment rooms, laboratory and pharmacy space and reception/waiting area thus providing the space needed for the medical and dental providers and services as well as the addition of behavioral health services unit.

USDA Rural Development’s mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. Rural Development fosters growth in homeownership, finances business development, and supports the creation of critical community and technology infrastructure. Further information on rural programs is available at any local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA Rural Development’s web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov

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