$10 million clinic creating 100 jobs opens in Isabela

By THE STAR STAFF

Integrated Health Services Centers (CISS by its acronym in Spanish) Executive Director Damaris Rodríguez announced on Thursday the opening of a $10 million clinic in Isabela that will provide primary, specialty and diagnostic services, creating 100 direct jobs.

“This investment addresses a need within our communities. At CISS, we believe healthcare should be accessible to everyone. That is why we continue to expand services, incorporate technology, and create spaces where patients can receive primary, specialty, and preventive care all in one place,” Rodríguez said in a written statement. “Opening this center in Isabela as we mark 40 years of service reaffirms our unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of the northwest region.”

The ribbon-cutting was attended by Gov. Jenniffer González Colón, Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández Rivera and Health Secretary Víctor Ramos Otero, among other officials.

Located in the Isabela Shopping Center, the facility began operations following four years of planning and development. It is the organization’s fourth clinic; CISS also operates centers in Lares, Quebradillas and San Sebastián.

Available services include general medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, endocrinology, gynecology and obstetrics, behavioral health, dental care, nutrition, pharmacy, laboratory services, optometry and home medical visits.

An imaging unit will offer digital X-rays, CT scans, mammography, bone densitometry and ultrasound services. Rodríguez noted that the equipment incorporates artificial intelligence tools to assist in evaluating scans and facilitate the early detection of health conditions.

In addition to clinical care, patients will have access to medication delivery, at-home laboratory sample collection, health education, and the TaxCISS transportation program for medical appointments.

“Our focus is on eliminating barriers that hinder access to healthcare services,” Rodríguez said. “We want patients to be able to focus on their well-being rather than on how to get to an appointment, obtain their medications, or complete a treatment. Each of these services was designed to bring medical care closer to people and make the process of receiving timely care easier for them,” she added.

CISS receives funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Bureau of Primary Health Care and the Health Resources and Services Administration, under Section 330 of the federal Public Health Service Act.

As a Section 330 health center, the organization serves patients with or without health insurance and maintains a sliding-fee scale program based on family income and the federal poverty level. Preventive and primary care services are provided regardless of the patient’s ability to pay.