WESTLAKE : Expanded Clinic Opens in New Area

Calling it a chance to offer enhanced health care to an underserved community, local activists and elected officials last week hailed the reopening of the Clinica Msgr. Oscar A. Romero.

“The hospitals in this area can’t give the same care to people as this clinic,” said Councilman Mike Hernandez. “And the immigrant community doesn’t feel comfortable going to those hospitals, that’s why this clinic is so important.”

The clinic, which has moved to 1135 W. 6th St., provides free basic medical care to the Pico-Union and Westlake areas. The clinic was previously on Olympic Boulevard, at the west end of Pico-Union.

“Health care services for the Latino community, especially the immigrant community, have been narrowed down,” said Juan Carlos Ruiz, a pediatrician who heads the clinic’s board of directors.

The new location will allow the clinic to treat more patients, with the addition of three examining rooms, Ruiz said. More than 10,000 patients visit the clinic annually, and an estimated 40% are children.