WHAT: Established in 1920, EPFMC is celebrating its 80^th anniversary of caring for the "working poor" in the downtown Los Angeles area this year.

WHERE: 1530 South Olive Street, Los Angeles. The center is located in a unique building graced with murals, a two-story atrium, cheery wall coverings and furniture, and modern medical suites.

HOW: The Center's comprehensive services includes medical care for infants, children, adolescents and adults; dental care for children and adults including preventative dental exams and orthodontic services; an early intervention program for infants and toddlers mental health services, domestic violence prevention programs, the nationally acclaimed "Reach Out and Read" literacy program for children; and day care for infants and preschoolers.

BACKGROUND: Within the past 10 years, under the leadership of PMFC President and CEO Carl E. Coan, the organization has recruited a core management staff as well as several well-trained physicians and dentists to provide such care for the "working poor and uninsured." To support this effort, EPFMC has realized more than $5 million in revenues this past year from corporations, foundations and government supporters.

In 1998, the EPFMC launched an ambitious "Strong Families/Health Children Initiative" to help prevent the behavioral and social problems that challenge many underprivileged children and their families. The Initiative includes programs such as parent education, ad developmental clinic for children who show signs of developmental delays, a reading program, mental health services, school liaison services and a domestic violence program.

EPFMC is now moving ahead with plans to undertake an extensive renovation of its current building and the construction of a new building adjacent to the current facility to house the organization's family services programs, child care center and administrative offices.

Medical Care for Infants and Children

  Well-Baby Exams