Pinellas Community Health Network Opens Women’s Health Center

Community Health Centers of Pinellas (CHCP) has opened a Women's Health Center at the Johnnie Ruth Clarke Health Center in St. Petersburg.

"Staff will be able to focus on the needs of women," says Dr. Marilyn Fudge, assistant medical director of Women's Services. "The Women's Health Center will offer preventive care and education specific to women's issues in a safe and caring environment. Center staff will offer care before, during and after pregnancy."

The women's center is funded in part by $1.1 million in federal funding awarded by the American Recovery Reinvestment Act. A 3,800-square-foot addition adds six exam rooms to the existing facility at 1344 22nd St. S., which will be used for family planning, obstetric and gynecological care to the St. Petersburg community.

"I am pleased to see our federal tax dollars at work," says St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster. "Designed to address the health care needs specific to women in our community, this new clinic will lead to additional health and wellness services available to our Midtown residents."

There are five locations in the Community Health Centers network of care across Pinellas County, including Pinellas Park, Clearwater, Largo and Tarpon Springs in addition to the St. Petersburg facility. The $1.1 million in federal funding also will allow the network to upgrade its medical records system.

The Johnnie Ruth Clarke Health Center is located on the site where Mercy Hospital once stood. It was the first in the CHCP network of health centers opened and has been serving the community for more than 25 years.

Writer: Missy Kavanaugh
Source: Dr. Marilyn Fudge, Community Health Centers of Pinellas