Family HealthCare Network has expanded its door-to-door transportation service for patients in Visalia as well as the South Valley, with expansion of the service starting on Dec. 8.

The service is free of charge for FHCN patients and is available for patients visiting any of the three Visalia locations including the centers at 400 E. Oak Ave., 501 N. Bridge St. and 401 E. School Ave, as well as patients in Poplar, Woodville and Woodville Labor Camp who go to the Porterville Health and Dental Centers.

""Reliable transportation can be an issue for many patients living in the Central Valley," said Kerry Hydash, FHCN's president and CEO. "By providing transportation services, we are helping to eliminate an unnecessary barrier to health care for our community."

Each transportation van is equipped with both an infant's and toddler's car seat. Those interested in using the service may call 877-960-3426 or visit http://www.fhcn.org. Patients can also schedule the transportation service while scheduling their next medical appointment.

FHCN's transportation service is already available for patients in Porterville, Hanford, Cutler, Orosi, Goshen, Woodlake, Farmersville and Terra Bella. The Porterville Health Center is located at 1107 W. Poplar Avenue and operates Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 9:00 pm and on Saturdays, 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Porterville Dental Center is located adjacent to the health center and operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

FHCN is a private nonprofit organization that operates 18 federally qualified health centers, 14 of which are located in the Tulare and Kings county areas.