Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic to Break Ground in Tri-Cities

KENNEWICK – More than 36,000 of the low-income population in Tri Cities are not being served by a community health center. Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic is responding to that need by opening Miramar Health Center, Kennewick.

Local elected officials, city leaders, and health care industry experts are invited to a groundbreaking ceremony, slated Thursday, December 5, at 1 p.m. at the new site (6335 Rio Grande Avenue).

“It’s no secret there’s a shortage of primary care services nationwide,” Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic CEO Carlos Olivares said. “It always has been and always will be our mission to go where there is a need.”

That need is evident in Kennewick, and with Miramar Health Center, Kennewick, Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic will provide upwards of 32,000 appointments annually.

Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic has enlisted Colorado-based design-build firm The Neenan Company to design and construct the 39,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility. When it’s all said and done, Miramar Health Center, Kennewick will employ nearly 70 people, including eight health care providers. The health center will provide medical, dental, and pharmacy services, all under one roof with design features that aim to support better access and seamless service across care units.

“We are committed to providing the best quality care to those that need it most,” Olivares said.

The Neenan Company’s collaborative and integrated approach is well suited to this project as Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic aims to focus on integrated service.

“The Neenan Company has deep expertise working with our project partners to enhance and integrate community health centers, ultimately improving the standard of care communities expect,” said Whitney Churchill, design manager for The Neenan Company. “We are honored to work with Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic in providing solutions that support their goal to improve access to quality services in the tri-cities area.”

The project is tentatively scheduled for completion in early 2021.