For Immediate Release

Contact: Marilyn K. Potts, APR, Public Relations/Marketing Specialist - (210) 575-0170

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - Methodist Healthcare opened a third family health center today, Methodist Family Health Center Southeast, at 2338 E. Southcross Boulevard.

“The need in the community for services of this kind is great,” said Mark Bernard, CEO of Metropolitan Methodist Hospital at the opening ceremonies. “At our first two Methodist Family Health Centers -- in Las Palmas Center on Castroville Road and at 137 Southwest Military Drive -- we see close to 1,000 people every month at each center for free pregnancy screening and free Medicaid assistance, and have served significantly more through health screenings and childbirth classes.”

The Center will be staffed by Ariana Aiuntas, Raquel Rubio, Barbara Rogers and Veronica Orta. Chris Rodriguez is Methodist Healthcare’s coordinator for Family Heath Centers.

In keeping with Methodist Healthcare’s mission, “Serving humanity to honor God,” a variety of free services will be provided primarily for women and children of the Southeast San Antonio community. Services include:

• Free pregnancy testing, with results within minutes
• Free referral to a doctor who matches the needs and preferences of the individual
• Free family counseling, with walk-ins welcome!
• Free childbirth education classes for those who qualify
• Car seat safety instruction
• Assistance in applying for Medicaid, children’s health insurance and other social services

The Methodist Family Health Center – Southeast is supported by Methodist Children’s Hospital and Metropolitan Methodist Hospital, where 2,500 babies are born each year.

Methodist Healthcare is San Antonio’s largest and most preferred health care provider with 22 facilities including seven acute care hospitals: Methodist Heart Hospital®**, Methodist Children’s Hospital of South Texas*, Methodist Hospital, Methodist Specialty and Transplant Hospital*, Northeast Methodist Hospital*, Metropolitan Methodist Hospital* and Methodist Ambulatory Surgery Hospital--Northwest.

* indicates facilities affiliated with Methodist Hospital