SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION-TV)- A imaginative and prescient that was six years within the making got here to actuality on Saturday morning.

Dientes Dental and Santa Cruz Community Health held a ribbon slicing of the completion of a brand new dental clinic and a 20,000 sq. ft. major care well being heart that’s on 1500 Capitola Road.

The dental clinic will open on Monday Dec. 5 and the well being heart will open the subsequent day on Tuesday Dec. 6.

There may even be a part two of the undertaking which incorporates 57 inexpensive housing items. The housing undertaking is scheduled to be accomplished by the tip of 2023.

Officials say the dental clinic will serve 6,000 low earnings sufferers a yr and the well being heart will serve 10,000 sufferers a yr. The dental clinic might be an 11-chair facility.

In between each services is a public plaza and a local backyard. There can be a public artwork set up that honors Awaswas individuals who first lived on the land.

Santa Cruz Community Health CEO Leslie Conner stated that just about 15 p.c of Live Oak Elementary School college students are homeless, 15,000 individuals do not need a physician, and 78 p.c of adults on Medi-Cal do not need a dentist. Conner echoed that this facility was lengthy overdue and far wanted for the group.

“Too lots of our group’s most susceptible are dealing with dangers and adversities that pose lifelong threats to well being, college success, and general well-being,” Conner said. “This undertaking creates entry to care that may change the trajectory for 1000’s.”

Over $18 million {dollars} was raised in funding this undertaking. Among the dignitaries on the ribbon slicing was U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta. Officals stated Panetta helped get federal funding secured for this undertaking.

Dientes Dental Group CEO Laura Marcus stated that the undertaking will assist the Live Oak commuinty get the well being care they want.

“We are extremely grateful for many who have generously given in order that others can have entry to the well being and dental care they want,” Marcus said. “We are so pleased with what we have now constructed collectively.”

To be taught extra in regards to the undertaking click on here.