Project is part of larger South Valley Community Development Project

The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) recently announced a $1 million grant to First Choice Community Healthcare for a development that includes a workforce training center.

The grant will allow First Choice to break ground on a $22 million community development project in the South Valley. The funds pay for engineering, design and installation of water, sewer, storm drainage and other infrastructure on 7.5 acres owned by First Choice adjacent to its South Valley Health Commons.

"This investment is a strong endorsement of our plan to create a development that addresses the root causes of poor health in the South Valley, which are linked to poverty and low educational attainment," said Robert DeFelice, Chief Executive Officer of First Choice Community Healthcare.

 Costume Parade, Healthy Snacks Featured Along Trail

 Albuquerque – First Choice Community Healthcare is launching a Wellness Trail around the South Valley Commons campus to make walking for better health that much easier for patients, neighbors and clinic staff.

The Wellness Trail is part of the Healthy Here initiative of the Bernalillo County Community Health Council, and is supported with CDC funding, contributions and other resources from Presbyterian Healthcare Services, Health Matters New Mexico, Bernalillo County, and other partners.

ALBUQUERQUE- First Choice Community Healthcare received a $50,000 donation from Presbyterian Healthcare Services to build a greenhouse at the new South Valley Community Commons, a development project that is expected to create more than 100 new jobs while also promoting health.

The $50,000 sponsorship is the latest in a series of contributions to the farming project that will pay for improvements to transform a drainage pond and vacant lot into a lush vegetable garden and wetlands.