Virginia Garcia’s Newberg Clinic Doubles Capacity with $24 Million Renovation

NEWBERG, Ore. — The Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center in Newberg completed a $24 million renovation, marking a major milestone for the nonprofit health care provider that has served vulnerable communities across Yamhill County for more than a decade.

Originally opened in 2014, the Newberg clinic has expanded from a 6,000-square-foot facility into a modern, integrated care center now measuring more than 18,000 square feet. With the added space and staff, the clinic expects to quadruple its capacity—from 2,000 to nearly 8,000 patients—over the next several years.

“We’ve doubled our capacity across all service lines—medical, dental, pharmacy,” said Gil Muñoz, CEO of Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center. “Where we once had two providers, we’ll now be able to support up to eight. And for a growing population in this part of the county, that makes a big difference.”

The clinic’s growth reflects the organization’s broader mission of providing comprehensive care to underserved communities, particularly those on the Oregon Health Plan, uninsured individuals, and agricultural workers. Muñoz emphasized that no one is turned away due to an inability to pay.

A History of Accessible Care

Virginia Garcia’s roots trace back to 1975, when the foundation was created in memory of a 6-year-old girl for whom the clinic is named. She died from an untreated cut on her foot because her family lacked access to health care that served their demographic and spoke their language.

The first health center was founded in a three-car garage, according to the organization’s website. Today, Virginia Garcia operates 19 sites across Washington and Yamhill counties, including full-service clinics in McMinnville, Hillsboro, and soon, Sheridan.

“We’re a safety net,” Muñoz said. “Our focus is on preventive care—keeping people healthy and helping those with chronic conditions manage their health day to day.”

In addition to traditional medical and dental services, the new building includes a pharmacy, behavioral health counseling, substance use support, a learning garden, and a new multipurpose wellness space.

“In the old clinic, we had no space for things like group classes or education,” Muñoz said. “Now we’re offering everything from Zumba to cooking classes for people with diabetes. We even have a teaching kitchen and a dietitian on staff.”

The renovation, designed by Scott Edwards Architecture and constructed by Bremik Construction, was carefully phased to allow the clinic to remain open throughout the multi-year project.

“We never actually closed,” Muñoz said. “It was a functioning clinic in the middle of a construction zone. Our staff were incredibly resilient.”

The Newberg clinic’s growth has been powered by both financial and organizational partnerships. Of the $24 million renovation cost, the Health Resources and Services Administration contributed $6 million through two federal grants. The remaining costs were covered through private foundations, individual donors, and in-kind contributions.

Providence Newberg Medical Center, the Yamhill County Health Department and the Yamhill Community Care Organization were instrumental partners in launching and expanding the clinic, Muñoz said.

“We’re closely tied with groups like OSU Extension Services for nutrition education, the food bank for weekly food distribution, and local hospitals and public health for coordinated care,” he said. “It really is a group effort that takes many caring community partners.”

Muñoz said the clinic is open to anyone who needs care, regardless of their ability to pay. While the clinic primarily serves Medicaid, Medicare and uninsured patients, no one is turned away.

“We offer a sliding scale based on income and family size, and we work hard to make care accessible, regardless of coverage,” he said.

Despite potential changes at the federal level, the Newberg clinic remains focused on growth, Muñoz said. New patients are currently being accepted, and Virginia Garcia is preparing to open a full-service clinic in Sheridan this fall.

“We’re proud of what we’ve built here,” he said. “This is about more than just a building. It’s about ensuring everyone in our community, regardless of income, language or insurance, has a place to get quality, compassionate care.”

Learn more about the Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center at the organization’s website.