RADIUM SPRINGS, N.M. -- A new health clinic sets up in Radium Springs with more services on the way.

It's the eighth Ben Archer site in southern New Mexico, and residents said it was really needed.

There isn't much to see now, but residents said within months they won't have to travel at least 10 miles for health care.

“Since we are so far away from everywhere else, it will benefit us,” said Leandra Wolf, of Radium Springs.

And, according to the Ben Archer Health Center, there is a great need there.

“It is a health professional shortage area and it is a medically underserved area. The closest centers are ours. One is 20 miles and 10 miles away,” said Angela Townsend, Ben Archer director of operations.

Currently the site serves dental screenings and cleanings, but soon the modular units will be used for a full range of medical, dental and behavioral needs. The staff is expected to serve up to 2,600 people a year.

“We will have two medical providers, one dental provider, a hygienist and one behavioral provider and support staff,” said Townsend.

“It's nothing extravagant but they're very good doctors,” said Isabel Chavez, who lives just across the street from the new center.

The modular buildings will be replaced with a nearly 10,000-square-foot permanent building.

The temporary dental portion of the clinic has been open since Dec. 8. The rest of the center will open in the weeks to come when the modular units are connected.