Kevin’s Community Center, the free or low-cost community health clinic serving Newtown and the surrounding region, is expanding its hours and scope of operations with underwriting now in place from a federal recovery grant.

First Selectman Pat Llodra wasted no time in recent weeks following the delivery of $7.1 million in federal Department of Justice grants, delivering allocations to Kevin’s Community Center (KCC), Newtown’s public health clinic, Newtown Prevention Council, Parent Connection, and Newtown Police Department.

The local nonprofit clinic received $60,264 for added administrative personnel, medical and pharmaceutical supplies, and technical support.

KCC Founder Dr Z. Michael Taweh said at the time, his agency has been handling a steady increase in patients since the Sandy Hook tragedy. He said many of these new arrivals are either seeking assistance for stress and anxiety issues, or other issues likely resulting from post-traumatic stress such as substance abuse, weight gain, and other conditions.

According to Program Director Mary Neilson, RN, the center is now offering free wellness screening services to all Newtown residents over the age of 18. Anyone interested in talking confidentially with a clinician is invited to stop in, no appointment necessary.

KCC will have nurses and a social worker onsite.

According to a release from the clinic, often people are unaware of common medical issues associated with prolonged mental trauma. Some of the more common symptoms are stress, fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, weight loss/gain, addictions, and depression.

The clinic also offers a range of wellness services, including flu shots, blood sugar checks, blood pressure checks, lipid checks, depression screening, referrals to gym programs, and social service assistance.

Wellness Screening begins November 1, and will continue on the first and third Saturday of every month at Kevin’s Community Center, 153 South Main Street, from 9 am to noon.