School-based health center to open in Merced County

MERCED, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be hosted for the Golden Valley Health Center’s Ranchero Health Center, the first school-based health center in Merced County, officials announced on Tuesday.

The center will be located next to Joe Stefani Elementary School. Officials say the new health center will provide services including pediatrics and family medicine, dental care, and behavioral health. The over 4,000 square-foot building will be equipped with six exam rooms, three large dental operator rooms, and a spacious waiting room.

Officials say school-based health centers are unique in that they provide an important point of access for students, by bringing healthcare, dental care, and counseling directly to where students and families already spend much of their time, at school.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony and Children’s Health Day celebration will be held on Aug. 7 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Rancheron Clinic, 2752 Ranchero Lane in Merced. Officials say the event is open to the public and will feature community resources, a backpack giveaway, prizes, entertainment, snacks, refreshments, and clinic tours.

The expected open date for the clinic is Sept. 13. Hours of operation will be Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.

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