Minneapolis, MN, September 21, 2009. – Fairview Health Services will open a new community clinic next month at the Pond Family Center, 9600 3rd Ave. So. in a partnership with Bloomington Public Schools to provide affordable medical services to children within the district.

Bloomington Public School officials have been working towards opening this clinic for many years. "Over the past decade the population in Bloomington has become much more diverse as more families have moved into this area,' says Les Fujitake, superintendent for Bloomington Public Schools. "Our studies showed that parents needed a better way to access health care so that children will start school without health, social or emotional problems. We're extremely excited to partner with Fairview and open this valuable community resource."

The new Fairview Pond Center Clinic, located in the Pond Family Center near the intersection of 98th street and Nicollet Ave in Bloomington, will offer medical services for children including counseling, immunization/shots, infant, child and teen physical/wellness exams, multi-cultural care and treatment for acute illnesses and injuries.  Fairview physicians will visit the clinic two days each week. The clinic is scheduled to open Tuesday, Oct. 27 and will be open from 12:30-4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

"Fairview has always worked very closely with Bloomington Public Schools and we're thrilled at the dedication they have shown in making this clinic become a reality," says Gail Marback, clinic administrator of Fairview Oxboro Clinic in Bloomington, the number one clinic in the state for diabetes care, as ranked by the Buyers Health Care Action Group. "The new clinic will meet the health needs of a population that has previously been underserved and our goal is that by providing this clinic to the community it will help to lessen medical problems and lower medical costs for this population down the road."

Fairview Pond Center Clinic will start scheduling patients soon. The clinic is hoping to add dental and eye/vision services by the end of the year.