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A new health clinic for those who need medical attention but are unable to afford it has seen a steady stream of clients since it opened earlier this month in downtown Rockville.

After about two months of construction, the Mansfield Kaseman Health Clinic, operated by Community Ministries of Rockville, opened Nov. 2 at 8 West Middle Lane, said Agnes Saenz, executive director.

It serves approximately 15 adults per day, she said, but that is expected to rise.

"It's going well so far," Saenz said. "The patients are finding our new place and giving us many positive comments."

The opening of the clinic means nonprofit Community Ministries no longer has to operate its health program out of temporary locations, as it had done for five years. It most recently ran the program July 1 to Oct. 31 at Crusader Lutheran Church in Rockville and saw 349 patients, Saenz said.

Named for the man who founded and served as director of the organization for 26 years, the Kaseman Health Clinic serves the elderly, homeless, uninsured, underinsured and poor in the county. It provides initial diagnosis, referral, prevention, counseling, training and education, as well as laboratory services. It also offers chronic care and medication, but is not designed for urgent care, Saenz said.

"It's really wonderful to be able to offer all the services our patients need from the same place," she said, adding the clinic can also make arrangements for non-English-speaking patients to receive interpretation services.

The clinic is open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, but will begin operating five days a week next month, Saenz said. Health services are provided by Care For Your Health Inc., a nonprofit health organization based in Clarksville, she said.

Located on the ground floor of a shopping center at the corner of West Middle Lane and North Washington Street, the clinic has eight examination rooms, each approximately 10 feet by 10 feet, and a waiting area, Saenz said.

The project cost approximately $500,000, including build-out of the site and equipment, she said. Community Ministries received funding for the clinic through a bond bill from the state, as well as Montgomery Cares, the Healthcare Initiative Foundation, the City of Rockville and Capital Information Technology Services.