After years of public pressure on Austin's Central Health District, Ofelia Zapata, a leader with Austin Interfaith, celebrated the opening of a modern wellness clinic in Southeast Austin, a comprehensive health center near Dove Springs. "We are finally getting that holistic health care facility we wanted!" she said.

Officials expect 80,000 patient visits this year, mainly from low-income or uninsured residents of Dove Springs, Montopolis and Del Valle. The one-stop shop will include access to on-site imaging services, a pharmacy, laboratory, pregnancy support, and hearing tests in addition to nutrition classes, same-day appointments when sick, dentist appointments, community space and a garden. University of Texas Dell Medical School students and new doctors will train at the center.

Central Health officials say the goal is not just to treat the sick, but to help keep people healthy.

Southeast Austin Health Clinic Opens, With a Focus on Wellness, Austin American Statesman