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GREENSBORO An answer for the health care needs in one of the county's poorest neighborhoods now has a cost estimate, and steps to open the center could begin by year's end.

Merle Green, director of the county's public health department, listed the figure, $500,000, in her division's 2008-09 budget proposal.

The money could come from public and private funds, she said, though that mix is not yet defined.

Services would include after-hours care in a clinic setting but not urgent care, Green said.

"The community has loudly said that it would need extended hours, past 5 p.m.," Green said Friday.

While the cost is more clear, so is the function of what county health workers hope will help a neighborhood with some of the highest rates of cancer, heart disease and low birthweight in the county.

The neighborhood is in ZIP code 27406, north of Interstate 40-85. It is bordered to the west by Freeman Mill Road and to the east by O. Henry Boulevard.

The proposal is in the first draft of the health department's 2008-09 budget, which that board will see in tonight's meeting.

"This calendar year, there could be some movement made," Green said about opening the center.

First, the health board must approve the plan, then gain approval from the commissioners.

The county board first heard about the problems facing the neighborhood while on a January retreat. At that time, Green still had to narrow the field of possible solutions. Her staff is planning carefully.

"This is going to be an expensive proposition," she said, "and we want to make sure that we have it as close to accurate as possible."

Moses Cone Hospital could get involved in the clinic, she said, or a private physician could still join the effort. Other groups such as Piedmont Health Services and Sickle Cell Agency want to be involved.

Gladys Robinson, director of the Sickle Cell Agency, said her group already records some disease rates through free health screenings and that the agency could offer health education.

"We have staff that can mobilize and go different places," Robinson said.

Nonmedical groups may get involved, such as the county's social services department or organizations to help the homeless.

So the answer to the neighborhood's troubles may cover more than just health care needs.

"It's more convenient for the population when we have a variety of services under one roof," Green said.

Contact Gerald Witt at 373-7008 or gerald.witt@news-record.com