LATHAM, NY (WRGB) — A new primary care facility has opened in Latham for United Association Local 7 union members and their families, offering what leaders describe as a zero-cost, one-stop shop for health care as the union prepares for an expected hiring boom in the Capital Region.

The clinic, launched in partnership with Marathon Health, is designed to give members faster access to care, including same-day treatment.

“Having the accessibility to just come here, and have same-day treatment is very exciting,” said Aaron Furman, a 15-year Local 7 union member.

Rachel Lawler, a client success manager with Marathon Health, said the facility is intended to connect plumber and steamfitter union workers with health care providers without additional costs to members.

“This is a great benefit. Any local 7 member that comes here, there’s no out-of-pocket expense, which means you can come here, you can see your provider, you can get your lab work done, you can get your medication, and you’re never going to get a bill,” Lawler said.

Doctor nurse practitioner Aileen Fitzpatrick said many Local 7 members miss out on needed care because of long wait times and difficulty finding facilities that are accepting new patients. Because the clinic is exclusively for the 1,400 union workers and their families, Fitzpatrick said members will be able to get more consistent attention.

“It’s like a small-town feel. It’s really dedicated to our Union members so that they have a consistent provider. They know they have a place that knows what type of work they do and the stresses they face every day,” Fitzpatrick said.

New York State Pipe Trades President Edward Nadeau said the union expects to hire 500 new members in the Capital Region to support major future projects, including a $2 billion Regeneron expansion in Saratoga and Micron’s $100 billion semiconductor megafab development.

“I would say it’s never been a better time to be a pipe fitter than today. And the future for the next 20 years could not be brighter,” Nadeau said.

Applications for the plumbing apprenticeship program are open until the end of September and can be found on the UA Local 7 website.