Staff was cleaning and preparing the office along 12th Avenue Thursday afternoon, so it would be ready for about 30 patients a day.

Primary Health Network, which has about 20 other clinics in Western Pennsylvania, was awarded a federal grant to open the Altoona office because of how many people in the area really need the help.

Doctors said too often patients without insurance or money go to emergency rooms as the last resort. It is not only costly for them, but also the hospitals. And officials said with a staff of four, a doctor and a goal to grow the center will not turn anybody away.

"The one thing that will be different is people will be charged on a sliding fee scale based on their family income and for some patients that may be down to zero," said site manager Christopher Cook.

Dr. Zane Gates will be the physician at the center. He is also the primary physician at Altoona Regional's free clinic. Gates said this will give people the opportunity to see a doctor without going straight to the emergency room.

The clinic will open its doors on Jan. 2 with Monday through Friday hours.

To make an appointment, you can call 814-942-9600.