Multnomah County and the Community Health Center Board are proud to announce the grand opening of the Fernhill Health Center, a new Community Health Center clinic located at Portland Community College’s Opportunity Center at 42nd Avenue (5530 N.E. 42nd Ave., Portland).
The clinic is an expansion and relocation of La Clinica de Buena Salud, located 1.5 miles away at 6736 N.E. Killingsworth St. since 1999. Fernhill Health Center opened for patients on May 20, and the community is invited to a celebratory event Friday, May 30, 2025.
The new health center has expanded clinic space to offer more primary care services and — for the first time — dental and pharmacy services. And in a much needed boost to local healthcare employment, a County partnership with Portland Community College will offer workforce development opportunities through on-site education and on-the-job training.
The grand opening will bring together local leaders, community partners and residents for a morning of celebration including guest speakers and live cultural performances.
“This health center represents our commitment to expand healthcare access by investing in the communities we serve,” said Community Health Center Board Chair Tamia Deary. “We want to bring more services like pharmacy and dental to the Cully neighborhood while preserving the sense of community belonging that made La Clínica de Buena Salud so special. We’re thrilled to open these doors and welcome our neighbors in.”
“This health center demonstrates how partnerships lead to success and benefit the community,” said Interim Executive Director of the Community Health Center Anirudh Padmala. “This work is a partnership between the Community Health Center Board, the Board of County Commissioners, including former Commissioner Susheela Jayapal, Portland Community College, and the hardworking staff across Multnomah County. This space is more than a clinic; it will be a cornerstone for the work we do with the community for generations to come.”
“Fernhill furthers our commitment to health equity by bringing together essential services and opportunities to train people in good paying healthcare jobs,” said Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson. “I am grateful for the work of the Health Center and Health Center Board as they invest in places and partnerships that make it easier for people to get care, find resources and feel supported in their neighborhood.”
Fernhill Health Center will be a vital hub for primary care, bringing pharmacy services and community connection to this area. All are invited to attend and learn about the Fernhill Health Center.
The grand opening marks a significant milestone in the Community Health Center’s continued investment in accessible healthcare services in Multnomah County. Portland Community College’s Opportunity Center on 42nd Avenue also features career exploration and job training classes, assistance with business development, and support for individuals receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
Event highlights include:
- 11:15 a.m.: Welcome remarks and acknowledgments of key partnerships
- 11:30 a.m.: Guest speakers including:
- Chair Tamia Deary, Community Health Center Board
- Dr. Adrien Bennings, President of Portland Community College
- Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, Multnomah County
- 11:50 a.m.: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at both the Opportunity Center and Fernhill Clinic entrance
- 12 p.m.: Live performance by Ballet Folklorico
- 1–3 p.m.: Open house featuring:
- Learn about health center services: primary care, dental and pharmacy
- Somali henna artists
- Fun arts and crafts for kids, family photo booth
- Insurance enrollment in Oregon Health Plan
