By John W. Davis
Contributing Writer
INGLEWOOD — A new and improved, affordable health center is now open in the heart of Inglewood.
The Curtis Tucker Health Center reopened recently after a $7.6 million renovation that expanded the facility’s ability to be a one-stop clinic for nearby residents.
County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas said the Tucker Health Center was the county’s first health center to be remodeled with fully integrated services in mind. That means the center will be more than a clinic.
County officials said the Tucker Health Center will offer low-cost primary and specialty care, mental health treatment and preventive care all under one roof.
The clinic also will have updated services and safety measures to protect residents against COVID-19. For example, the health center will offer telehealth appointments over the phone and drive-through flu shot clinics.
When COVID-19 health officer orders are lifted, patients and visitors will be able to use the new Curtis Tucker Center for Community Wellness. The 1,300-square foot community room is a place where residents can learn about healthy cooking, family wellness, mental health and fitness training.
“This clinic is a model of what integrated care can and should look like,” Ridley-Thomas said. “Here, patients can get a warm handoff from one health care provider to another and have a range of needs met — all under one roof.
“With a renovation that focused on community needs, innovative service design and improved connectivity, we are able to provide high-quality care in a high-quality space.”
County leaders with the Department of Health Services, Mental Health and Public Health are working together to treat 7,500 patients a year in Inglewood, at no cost if necessary.
Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts said the renovations are a fitting way to remember Curtis Tucker, a notable public health officer, who represented Inglewood in the state Legislature.
“While serving as an Inglewood police officer, I knew Curtis Tucker as a resident, city councilman and assemblyman for the city of Inglewood,” Butts said. “It is so fitting that the renovated Curtis Tucker Health Center will provide local, badly needed mental health services right here in the city.
“I want to thank the Board of Supervisors, and particularly Supervisor Ridley-Thomas, for investing in public health preventive care for this region.”
Dr. Barbara Ferrer, the county’s public health director, said she believes the newly renovated Curtis Tucker Health Center will provide greater access to health care in Black and brown communities.
“The Curtis Tucker Center for Community Wellness is yet another step in Public Health’s mission to address inequities throughout our community,” she said. “By providing a litany of resources and services, including immunizations, HIV AIDS testing and treatment, STD testing, and numerous preventive health services, the Curtis Tucker Center for Community Wellness promises to be a space where the entire community can gather, engage, and learn about health and wellness,” Ferrer added.
The Curtis Tucker Health Center is located on Manchester Avenue next to the Inglewood Public Library, and City Hall and across the street from Inglewood High School.
