Visalia-based Kaweah Health cut the ribbon April 3 on a new health clinic in Woodlake. The hospital networks plans to have the facility open by the end of the month.

The new clinic at 132 S. Valencia Blvd. will mark the third clinic for the city of 7,846.

The growing need for services prompted the opening of the Kaweah Health Valencia Clinic, according to a release from Kaweah. The hospital network’s other clinic at 180 E. Antelope Ave. could not accommodate all the patients and physicians using the space.

While limited to primary care for the time being, Kaweah Health plans to add specialties. The older clinic will focused on pediatrics, according to a spokesperson with Kaweah Health.

“Our rural clinics allow us to bridge the gap between distance and care, ensuring patients receive the continuous medical attention they need and deserve,” said Gary Herbst, CEO of Kaweah. “From preventative screenings to chronic disease management, these clinics provide essential services that help keep our communities healthy.”

Woodlake Started With a Medical Trailer. Now it Has 4 Clinics

The hospital plans to add dermatology, podiatry, and behavioral health therapy specialties to the Valencia clinic, but there may be more, the spokesperson said.

In the past, the only medical care in Woodlake was a mobile trailer in an empty lot where a Rite-Aid now stands, said Woodlake Mayor Rudy Mendoza.

Family HealthCare Network also operates a clinic in the town northeast of Visalia. Clinica Agua Viva operates a clinic there, too.

“I have witnessed a lot of change,” Mendoza said. “It is great to see Kaweah Health make this investment in the community.”