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The previous location of two years, a room at Newhall Elementary School, served about 15 to 20 people a day, said Michael Gales, physician’s assistant at the Newhall Health Center. Since moving to the new 3,500-square-foot location, officials have served upwards of 30 clients a day, he said.
Organization leaders and supporters celebrated the new location Thursday with tours and a dedication ceremony. Health center leaders surprised Ed Bolden, long-time board president, by dedicating the Newhall center to him in thanks of his support and service.
Before the Newhall location opened, the Canyon Country and Val Verde health centers served about 8,000 patients a year, said Cheryl Laymon, executive director for the Samuel Dixon Family Health Centers. That number has jumped to 11,000 in recent years, she said. Many of the patients are families who don’t have insurance.
“It gives us a lot more flexibility to meet patients’ needs,” Laymon said. “It’s a big step forward for us and our patients.”
Like so many nonprofit organizations in the Santa Clarita Valley, the Samuel Dixon Family Health Centers have watched demand increase as families struggle to find insurance, she said.
Despite the two locations to serve the Santa Clarita Valley, the Newhall spot is the only place for clients to receive mental health and dental hygienist services, Gales said.
The location includes six exam rooms, a counseling office and dental hygienist room.
