Nationally known journalist and Indianapolis native Jane Pauley today helped officially open a health clinic named for her at a school in her old neighborhood.

The Jane Pauley Community Health Center at the Renaissance School, 8931 E. 30th St., will see its first patients Friday. Pauley, a 1968 graduate of Warren Central High School, said she was pleased to be part of a progressive and innovative clinic, a collaboration of the Warren Township school district and Community Health Network, which operates the three Community Hospitals North, South and East.

“This is the epicenter of my growing up,” Pauley said at the late morning ceremony. “There probably hasn’t been a bigger honor accorded to me in my lifetime.”

She said she was especially pleased that the clinic would incorporate mental health services, something she came to value when she was diagnosed with bipolor disorder at age 50. She chronicled her story in the book “Skywriting: A Life Out of the Blue.”

The clinic on the Far Eastside will focus on primary health care, including obstetrics and gynecology, diabetes management and cardiac disease. People also can sign up at the clinic for social services, including food stamps, Medicaid and township assistance.

Staff will include a physician, a physician assistant, a nurse practitioner, two medical assistants, a psychologist and a social worker.

When it is fully operational, hours will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. For appointments, call (317) 355-9320.

Saturday hours and dental services could be added in the future.