At Petaluma Health Center, Integrative Approach Looks at More Than Just What Ails You

The Petaluma Health Center has opened a new, drop-in community resource clinic that's expanding the notion of what a public clinic can be.

The free clinic, which began two months ago, is available to everyone and helps connect residents to local services that include everything from finding a job and childcare to support groups for alcohol and drugs. 

"There is so much more to staying healthy than a medical visit," said Holly Butler, a spokeswoman at the clinic. "There are all these factors that play into a person's health. We want to be a one-stop for patients."

The health center treats 17,000 patients a year and already offers integrative medicine that includes acupuncture, drug counseling and therapy, alongside traditional medical and dental services.

Now it's reaching even further to help patients and anyone else who needs it connect with available resources, in both English and Spanish. At the new resource clinic patients can speak with a counselor about applying for food stamps and Medi-Cal, receive nutrition education and diabetes treatment and join a support group for addiction.

The clinic is held Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Petaluma Health Center is located at 1179 N. McDowell Blvd. For further information, call 559-7500.