Children’s International Medical Group had its grand opening at its new location in Franklinton on March 19. The pediatric clinic opened at 2401 Washington St., on Feb. 23 after doing business at 2208 Washington St., since Feb. 14, 2011.

The clinic formerly housed Talk of the Town Hair Salon.

The Franklinton clinic location is the 16th in Louisiana. The Bogalusa clinic is located at 626 Superior Ave. There are also three locations in Mississippi.

“We’re committed to providing primary care to in rural areas for the long term,” Children’s International Marketing Vice President Zach Allen said. “On March 13, the Mississippi Senate welcomed our CEO, Dr. Eddie Hernandez, to the floor and acknowledged his efforts of bringing primary care to rural communities. Dr. Hernandez could not be here today, but he wanted everybody to know we’re committed to serving Franklinton and Bogalusa. We’re the largest provider of pediatrics in Louisiana outside a hospital setting.”

Allen said the clinic had over 6,000 visits last year.

Franklinton’s Children’s International clinic employs five. They include nurse practitioner Christina Guarino, medical assistants Jessica Boudreaux and Amanda Hamm, office manager Lacey Sones and receptionist Tracie Richardson.

Clinic services include endocrinology, pulmonary and infectious diseases.

Franklinton town and parish officials on hand for the ribbon-cutting were Mayor Wayne Fleming, Washington Economic Development Foundation Executive Director Ryan Seal and Franklinton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Linda Crain.