New Prov. health center opens Monday

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- A new community health center is opening in South Providence that's expected to serve 15,000 low-income and uninsured patients.

Providence Community Health Centers plans to formally open the 41,000-square-foot facility at a ceremony schedule for Monday.

Federal, state and local officials are expected to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Construction on the $42 million complex began last year.

Providence Community Health Centers operates several facilities throughout Providence, offering health, mental health and dental care to residents regardless of their ability to pay.

The organization says the new center will expand health care access to some of the city's most impoverished residents.