November 9, 2021 10:40 a.m.

The PacificSource Foundation for Health Improvement, PacificSource and Pacific Health Associates have collectively approved a joint grant funding request totaling $275,000 to help support the opening of a new Federally Qualified Health Center to serve the residents of south Lane and north Douglas counties.

A release said the clinic is scheduled to open in the fall of 2022.

The grant funds will help support the capital costs needed for renovations and the purchase of necessary equipment for the facility, which will be located in the Lane Community College building in Cottage Grove.

The release said the clinic will provide local students access to primary care and dental services and will employ more than 20 individuals when fully staffed. It will also focus as a health and dental care training site for the South Lane School District and LCC students.

South Lane County is designated as a Health Professional Shortage Area for primary and dental care and the area to be served includes two of Oregon’s highest need primary care service areas as identified by the Office of Rural Health.

Community partners working collaboratively to plan and implement the project include Community Health Centers of Lane County, Cottage Grove Be Your Best Committee, LCC, PeaceHealth, South Lane Mental Health and the South Lane School District.