West Modesto residents will no longer have to travel to Ceres or downtown for basic medical services if the county's Health Services Agency gets its way.

The agency wants to build an outpatient clinic and community center in west Modesto and will ask the county Board of Supervisors to approve a $10,000 feasibility study today.

"We're getting permission to pursue the project and to work collaboratively with other organizations to plan for what we want to do," said Kathy Kohrman of the Health Services Agency.

County officials said they would like to see a clinic-community center that mirrors facilities in Hughson and Ceres, which offer several services.

In Hughson, residents have access to an outpatient clinic; pharmacy; library; Women, Infant and Children office; and a community meeting hall, all in one place on Third Street.

That clinic and the one in Ceres are part of a public-private partnership between the county and nonprofit agencies.

For years, west Modesto residents have complained about the lack of services in their neighborhoods, especially basic medical services.

In a recent survey conducted in west Modesto, 78 percent of respondents said the area needs a health clinic. Residents were most concerned about pediatric, primary care for adults, mental health and urgent care services.

In that same survey, residents also said they wanted to see library, dental, law enforcement and mental health services offered.

Health Services Agency director Bev Finley said her agency has met with police, the sheriff's department, mental health, fire department and other agencies to discuss partnerships.

Once the Board of Supervisors gives the OK for the study, the Health Services Agency can begin looking into what kind of space would be needed for a clinic. The agency will then solicit lease proposals from property owners. Locations have been suggested along Paradise Road.

"We're still working on some ideas thrown on the table," Kohrman said. "The community is interested in primary care services, extended hours and a teen clinic."

Reprinted by permission of Modesto Bee.