El Rio Community Health Center: Find Care in Tucson
El Rio Community Health Center, now known as El Rio Health, is a nonprofit community healthcare organization serving Tucson and surrounding southern Arizona communities. It provides primary medical care, children’s healthcare, dental treatment, behavioral health, women’s health, pharmacy services and preventive programs.
El Rio operates multiple health centers rather than a single clinic. Patients can choose a location based on the care they need, appointment availability and proximity to home.
Information reviewed October 20, 2026. Clinic hours, staffing and individual service availability are subject to change.
El Rio Community Health Center Hours
Each El Rio location has its own opening hours. The following schedules come from the individual health center pages.
| Health center | Regular hours |
|---|---|
| Congress | Monday–Friday: 7 a.m.–7 p.m. Saturday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. |
| El Pueblo | Monday–Friday: 7 a.m.–7 p.m. Saturday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. |
| Grant | Monday–Friday: 7 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday: Closed |
| Southeast | Monday–Friday: 7 a.m.–7 p.m. Saturday: Closed |
| Southwest | Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. |
These are regular health center hours. Dental clinics, laboratories, pharmacies, same-day care and insurance enrollment departments may follow different schedules.
El Rio Health Locations in Tucson
The official location directory lists clinics throughout Tucson. The following are useful starting points for patients looking for general medical services or a nearby health center.
839 W. Congress Street
Tucson, AZ 85745
Adult care, family medicine, pediatrics, dental, behavioral health, physical therapy, midwifery, laboratory and pharmacy.
Congress clinic details →101 W. Irvington Road
Building 10
Tucson, AZ 85714
Family medicine, pediatrics, behavioral health, laboratory, pharmacy and wellness programs.
El Pueblo clinic details →3655 E. Grant Road
Tucson, AZ 85716
Medical care, pediatrics, dental, behavioral health, women’s services, pharmacy and laboratory.
Grant clinic details →6950 E. Golf Links Road
Tucson, AZ 85730
Primary care, dental, behavioral health, women’s health, midwifery, physical therapy and pharmacy.
Southeast clinic details →1500 W. Commerce Court
Tucson, AZ 85746
Adult medicine, pediatrics, dental, behavioral health, OB/GYN, midwifery and pharmacy.
Southwest clinic details →Cherrybell, Abrams, Stone, HealthOn Broadway, HealthOn University, Pascua Yaqui and other specialized locations.
Check the official directory for exact addresses and services.
Complete location directory →Medical and Community Health Services
El Rio provides integrated medical, dental and supportive healthcare services. Depending on the location, patients can access the following categories of care.
Preventive exams, treatment of common illnesses, chronic disease management and wellness care for adults.
Ongoing medical care and preventive services for patients and families across different life stages.
Children’s checkups, preventive healthcare, vaccinations and treatment of routine pediatric concerns.
Oral health evaluations, preventive dentistry and dental treatment according to the clinic’s available services.
Mental health assessment, talk therapy, medication evaluation and integrated behavioral health support.
OB/GYN, pregnancy care, midwifery, gynecological services and reproductive health support.
Prescription fulfillment, pharmacist guidance and help understanding medication costs.
Laboratory services, imaging, physical therapy and other specialty care available at selected locations.
Nutrition counseling, health education, wellness programs and help managing chronic health conditions.
El Rio also lists services such as teen and young adult care, endocrinology, WIC and telehealth. Service offerings differ by clinic and provider.
Congress Same Day Care: Hours and Walk-Ins
Congress Same Day Care is an important option for established El Rio patients who need evaluation for an illness or other non-emergency concern without waiting for a routine appointment.
It is located at 839 W. Congress Street, Tucson, AZ 85745.
| Day | Same Day Care hours |
|---|---|
| Monday–Friday | 8 a.m.–8 p.m. |
| Saturday | 8 a.m.–5 p.m. |
| Sunday | 8 a.m.–5 p.m. |
How to Use Same Day Care
How to Become a New El Rio Patient
New patients can contact El Rio’s Patient Communications team to establish care with an appropriate medical, dental or other healthcare provider.
Documents and Information to Prepare
- Photo identification, if available.
- Insurance card or policy details, when applicable.
- Names and doses of current medications, including vitamins and supplements.
- Information about medication and food allergies.
- Relevant past medical conditions and recent treatments.
- Vaccination records when relevant to the appointment.
- Household income information if requesting financial assistance.
El Rio offers new-patient resources and forms through its official patient-information pages. Ask staff which items are actually required for your particular visit.
Appointment Phone Hours and MyChart
El Rio’s Patient Communications staff provide appointment assistance in English and Spanish.
| Contact method | Details |
|---|---|
| Patient phone line | 520-670-3909 |
| Monday–Friday telephone hours | 7 a.m.–8 p.m. |
| Saturday telephone hours | 7 a.m.–4:30 p.m. |
| SMS texting | 520-622-4264, Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. |
| Nurse telephone triage | 24/7 through the main telephone number |
El Rio notes that telephone waiting times are generally shorter Tuesday through Friday, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
What Can You Do With El Rio MyChart?
- Schedule and manage appointments.
- View available health information.
- Read test results.
- Send secure messages to the care team.
- Request prescription refills.
- Review balances and make supported bill payments.
Use the current El Rio MyChart portal. Older materials may refer to a different legacy patient portal, so use the current link shown on El Rio’s official website.
Insurance and Sliding-Fee Discounts
El Rio accepts many medical and dental insurance plans and provides income-based discounts for eligible patients who are uninsured or underinsured.
Because participation depends on the specific plan, coverage type and provider, confirm that your insurance is accepted for the service you need.
How the Sliding-Fee Program Works
The discount program uses household size and annual household income to determine eligibility.
The current program covers eligible medical, dental, pharmacy, laboratory, imaging, physical therapy and behavioral health services, among others.
Ask El Rio to screen your household for sliding-fee eligibility and explain the expected visit charge.
You may qualify for assistance even if you have coverage but cannot afford some eligible healthcare expenses.
2026 Sliding-Fee Examples
El Rio’s published 2026 discount schedule identifies the following charges for the lowest income tier, generally households at or below 100% of the federal poverty guidelines:
| Service category | Published lowest-tier charge |
|---|---|
| Medical and certain specialty visits | $15 nominal fee |
| Dental treatment | $25 nominal fee plus eligible laboratory/supply costs |
| Laboratory, nutrition and selected wellness services | $1 |
| Qualifying pharmacy copay, 30-day supply | $5 |
| Qualifying pharmacy copay, 90-day supply | $10 |
How to Apply for a Discount
Dental Care at El Rio Health
El Rio provides dental services at selected Tucson health centers. Its Congress, Grant, Southeast and Southwest location pages list dental care among their services.
| Location | Published dental hours |
|---|---|
| Congress | Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–6 p.m. |
| Southeast | Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–6 p.m. |
| Southwest | Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–6 p.m. |
The listed dental departments close for lunch from noon to 1 p.m.
Scheduling a Dental Appointment
- Call 520-670-3909.
- Ask which location provides the dental service you need.
- Explain whether the concern is routine, painful or urgent.
- Confirm your insurance or sliding-fee eligibility.
- Ask about the expected treatment cost and required paperwork.
- Attend the scheduled visit and follow any aftercare instructions.
Dental clinic operating hours do not necessarily indicate that a dentist can accept an unscheduled visit. Call to confirm appointment availability.
Behavioral Health and Counseling
El Rio offers integrated and specialty behavioral health care. Specialty services can include assessment, talk therapy, medication evaluation and ongoing management of behavioral health conditions.
Its behavioral health page explains that a primary care provider can make a referral or patients can contact Patient Communications to request services.
How to Request Behavioral Health Care
Outside referrals can be scheduled by calling 520-309-3322.
Women’s Health, OB/GYN and Pregnancy Care
El Rio offers women’s healthcare through its OB/GYN and midwifery programs.
The official OB/GYN information includes prenatal care, childbirth-related services, postpartum care, gynecological treatment, reproductive health, menopause services and pregnancy testing.
Locations listed for OB/GYN include:
- OB/GYN Associates — 225 W. Irvington Road, Tucson, AZ 85714.
- Southeast Health Center — 6950 E. Golf Links Road.
- Southwest Health Center — 1500 W. Commerce Court.
To begin care, call 520-670-3909 and explain whether you need routine gynecology, prenatal care or an appointment for another women’s health concern.
Pharmacy and Prescription Services
El Rio operates onsite pharmacies at several Tucson health center locations, allowing patients to coordinate medical treatment and prescription services.
The pharmacy program includes prescription dispensing and pharmacist guidance. Pharmacy schedules are separate from the building’s general opening hours.
Selected Pharmacy Hours
| Pharmacy | Hours and phone |
|---|---|
| El Pueblo | Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m.–4 p.m. 520-309-4585 |
| Grant | Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; noon–1 p.m. lunch closure. 520-309-3420 |
| Southeast | Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–6 p.m. 520-309-3250 |
| Southwest | Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–6 p.m. 520-741-1235 |
Telehealth Appointments
El Rio offers virtual appointments for selected healthcare needs. Telehealth may use a smartphone, computer or tablet with a camera, microphone and reliable internet access.
Preparing for a Virtual Visit
- Call 520-670-3909 or use MyChart to ask whether telehealth is appropriate.
- Confirm the date, time and instructions from your care team.
- Test your camera, microphone and internet connection.
- Choose a private, quiet location.
- Have a medication list and questions ready.
- Follow instructions for in-person testing or evaluation if needed.
Not every health concern can be assessed through telehealth. Procedures, some examinations and dental treatment require an in-person appointment.
Insurance Enrollment and Community Resources
El Rio offers assistance with healthcare coverage and community resources at various locations. Services may include helping patients understand available insurance options and completing program-related forms.
Published support hours vary by location. For example, the official sliding-fee assistance page lists:
| Location | Financial assistance hours |
|---|---|
| Congress | Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–7 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m.–noon by appointment |
| Cherrybell | Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–3:45 p.m. |
| El Pueblo | Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–3:45 p.m. |
| Grant | Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–3:45 p.m. |
| Southeast | Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–3:45 p.m.; morning appointments, afternoon walk-ins |
Many financial assistance offices close from noon to 1 p.m. for lunch. Confirm exact office availability before visiting.
How to Get Enrollment Help
Location Map and Directions
For visitors who want to start at the widely recognized Congress Health Center:
Congress Address: 839 W. Congress Street, Tucson, AZ 85745.
For parking, accessible entrances, public transportation or a particular provider’s location, confirm the exact health center address when scheduling.
Billing Questions and After-Hours Help
Billing Office
El Rio’s Business Office helps patients with billing questions, account balances and payment issues.
Billing phone: 520-309-2246.
Published business office hours: 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Patients can also use El Rio MyChart to review balances and make supported payments.
24-Hour Nurse Telephone Care
El Rio publishes 24/7 nurse telephone care and triage for patients. Call 520-670-3909 and follow the prompts for nurse assistance.
Does El Rio Rent Event Rooms?
El Rio Community Health Center is a healthcare organization, not a municipal recreation center. Its public patient website does not provide a general, verified price list for banquet halls, birthday-party rentals or private meeting-room reservations.
If you are organizing a healthcare education event, community partnership or outreach activity, contact El Rio through its official communication channels to ask whether any arrangements are available.
Do not confuse healthcare appointments, community wellness programs or clinic facilities with ordinary public room rentals.
First-Time Patient Checklist
- Choose the correct El Rio location for your healthcare needs.
- Confirm the department’s actual schedule, not only building hours.
- Call 520-670-3909 if you need to establish care.
- Bring a medication list, allergy information and relevant medical history.
- Check whether your insurance is accepted.
- Ask about sliding-fee eligibility if costs are a concern.
- Prepare household income verification when requested.
- Use the Congress Same Day Care service only according to its published eligibility and walk-in rules.
- Ask about language assistance, accessibility and transportation if needed.
- Use MyChart for secure non-emergency communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is El Rio Community Health Center located?
El Rio Health operates several locations in Tucson, Arizona. Congress Health Center is at 839 W. Congress Street, Tucson, AZ 85745. Other locations include El Pueblo, Grant, Southeast, Southwest and Cherrybell.
2. What is El Rio Community Health Center’s phone number?
The main Patient Communications and appointment number is 520-670-3909. Phone support is available Monday through Friday and on Saturdays during the published telephone service hours.
3. What are El Rio Health’s regular hours?
Hours vary by location. Congress Health Center is open Monday–Friday 7 a.m.–7 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Other El Rio locations follow different schedules.
4. Is El Rio Health open on Sunday?
Congress Same Day Care operates on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for El Rio patients who need walk-in evaluation. This does not mean all El Rio health centers or departments are open Sundays.
5. Does El Rio accept patients without insurance?
Yes. El Rio offers healthcare services for uninsured and underinsured patients, including income-based sliding-fee discounts for qualifying households.
6. Is El Rio Community Health Center free?
Not every visit or service is free. El Rio offers discounts based on household income and family size. Its 2026 schedule lists a $15 nominal medical fee for qualifying patients in the lowest income tier, with separate charges for dental, pharmacy and other services.
7. Does El Rio provide dental care?
Yes. El Rio offers dental services at selected health centers, including Congress, Grant, Southeast and Southwest. Contact Patient Communications to schedule an appropriate dental visit.
8. Can I get same-day medical care at El Rio?
Yes. Congress Same Day Care accepts walk-ins from El Rio patients without appointments. It is open Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–8 p.m. and Saturday–Sunday 8 a.m.–5 p.m., subject to schedule changes.
9. How do I become a new El Rio patient?
Call 520-670-3909, explain the type of care needed, choose an available clinic and follow registration instructions. Bring medication details, medical history and applicable insurance or financial-assistance information.
10. Does El Rio Health offer mental health services?
Yes. El Rio offers integrated and specialty behavioral healthcare, including assessment, therapy and medication evaluation. Patients can request services through their primary care provider or Patient Communications.
Official Sources and Patient Resources
- El Rio Health — Official Website
- All Tucson Clinic Locations
- Congress Health Center Hours and Same Day Care
- El Pueblo Health Center
- Grant Health Center
- Southeast Health Center
- Southwest Health Center
- Sliding-Fee Eligibility
- 2026 Sliding-Fee Charges
- Accepted Insurance
- Behavioral Health Services
- Pharmacy Services and Locations
- Contact Information and MyChart
Independent healthcare information guide. Not owned or operated by El Rio Health. This article provides general patient-access information, not individualized medical advice. Research reviewed October 20, 2026.