Mee Memorial Healthcare System staff members Edwin Nava (left), LVN, and Aunalee Means, PNP, stand inside the new Children’s Health and Wellness Center, located on the Mee Memorial campus at 809 Broadway in King City. (Courtesy of MMHS)

KING CITY — The Mee Memorial Children’s Health and Wellness Center officially opened its doors last week at Mee Memorial Healthcare System’s campus at 809 Broadway St. in King City, marking a transformative moment for pediatric care in South Monterey County.

Designed to address the specific needs of pediatric medicine, the dedicated space provides specialized, compassionate care for children in the community. The Jan. 14 grand-opening ceremony featured guided tours of the new facility, which promises to be a cornerstone of child health services in the region.

Mee Memorial CEO Rena Salamacha speaks during the Jan. 14 grand-opening ceremony. (Courtesy of MMHS)

As a central hub for pediatric patients, the new center also creates additional capacity at Mee Memorial’s King City Clinic. This will allow Family and Community Medicine providers to serve patients of all ages more effectively.

“The opening of this center is a significant milestone in our mission to build a healthier, stronger community,” said Rena Salamacha, CEO of Mee Memorial. “The Mee Memorial Children’s Health and Wellness Center is more than just a building — it’s a testament to our commitment to ensuring that our children’s future remains a top priority.”

The center’s creation was made possible through generous grant funding, including a $350,000 grant from the Monterey Peninsula Foundation.

SMCJUHSD Superintendent Caroline Cota (from left), King City USD Superintendent Jennifer Taylor and SMCJUHSD Assistant Superintendent Griselda Delgado attend the Jan. 14 grand-opening ceremony for the new Mee Memorial Children’s Health and Wellness Center. (Courtesy of MMHS)
Marisa Hernandez (from left), district representative for State Sen. John Laird, presents a Certificate of Recognition to Mee Memorial CEO Rena Salamacha and Director of Clinic Services Heidi Pattison for the new Children’s Health and Wellness Center on Jan. 14. (Courtesy of MMHS)

Adding to its welcoming atmosphere is a vibrant mural painted by local artists Paul Redmond and Brenda Scettrini-Saglio. The artwork, which celebrates the natural beauty and rich culture of South County, was funded with support from the Arts Council for Monterey County and the Community Foundation for Monterey County.

“This new pediatric center is designed to be a warm and welcoming space where children feel safe and comfortable,” said Heidi Pattison, director of clinic services. “Our on-site providers will offer parents guidance on everything from routine check-ups and immunizations to managing chronic health conditions.”

The Mee Memorial Children’s Health and Wellness Center operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Appointments can be made by calling 831-385-6835. For more information, visit meememorial.com.

Adding to the Children’s Health and Wellness Center’s welcoming atmosphere is a vibrant mural painted by local artists Paul Redmond and Brenda Scettrini-Saglio. (Courtesy of MMHS)
Previous articleGonzález appointed as new dean at Hartnell College
A staff member wrote, edited or posted this article, which may include information provided by one or more third parties.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here