Stockton will soon have its first health facility designed specifically for teenagers and young adults, officials say.
Community Medical Centers, a nonprofit with a federally qualified health center designation, held a press conference and tour Tuesday afternoon at Ebenezer AME Church in downtown Stockton to highlight construction of the new Adolescent Health Center, known as “CMC The Rock.”
The center has been under construction since April at Weber Avenue and Stanislaus Street and is slated for completion in September, according to David Williams, superintendent of Diede Construction.
“CMC The Rock” will be in a renovated structure that is more than 100 years old and formally owned by Ebenezer AME Church before being acquired by CMC, according to Jennie Rodriguez director of development.
With $8 million already raised, the organization is now seeking the final $1 million needed to complete the project, according to a CMC press release. Once open, the center will offer primary care, behavioral health services, dental care, substance use treatment and supportive resources all under one roof for teens and young adults.
“Adolescence is when lifelong health patterns take shape,” said Greg Diederich, CEO of Community Medical Centers. “Creating a center focused specifically on their needs allows us to bring services together in one place and better support their future health.”
Vanessa Armendariz, a family medicine physician and assistant program director for the St. Joseph’s Family Medicine Residency, told reporters the center is about more than medical visits.
“I want to help prevent disengagement from the health care system in general,” Armendariz said. “I want them to be connected within the medical system, so that we can tackle substance use disorders. We can tackle anxiety and depression increasing, especially since covid. We can tackle STI treatment and birth control counseling, and if there is a teen pregnancy.”
Michelle Coble, director of behavioral health for Community Medical Centers, said that every detail of the building was designed with trauma-informed care in mind.
“The design is intentional, from the welcoming room when you walk in to the quiet room that is designed to promote emotional regulation and to foster connectivity, instead of isolation that often you face,” Coble said.
CMC is excited about the services the new center is expected to offer, Coble said.
“We can have a youth walk and receive therapy or psychiatry services, as well as primary care, substance use treatment and case management,” she said. “All in one spot with coordinated care that has been at the center where we can really focus.”
Williams led the tour, walking media through the first floor where primary care and exam rooms will be located. He explained the challenges of renovating a building that is over 100 years old, including decayed plumbing, unexpected discoveries in the ground and walls, and the need for extensive upgrades to meet modern medical standards.
The project also pays homage to the original owners of the building, Ebenezer AME Church. Pastor Hugh K. Wesley noted that the building was once called “The Rock” when the church operated a youth and senior center there.
“Ebenezer roughly means ‘the rock that commemorates God’s help,’” the pastor said, adding that the church is pleased to see the space return to serving young people.
CMC leaders said the center will be the first in Stockton built exclusively for adolescent health needs. A Youth Advisory Committee helped shape its vision, according to CMC, aiming to ensure the space feels welcoming and non-judgmental for teens.