Java Express and Sierra View Medical Center partnered for its first Coffee & Coworkers event on June 1. The business now operates "Coffee Corner," located inside the Sierra View Hospital in Porterville. Photo contributed

Sierra View Medical Center and locally owned Java Express have partnered to provide healthcare workers and the community with quality coffee, tea, and more.

“As a community district hospital, it was our goal to partner with an established local small town coffee business who would complement our mission of serving the residents of Porterville and surrounding communities,” said Director of Food and Nutrition, Zaelin Stringham, MS, RD. “Java Express is an excellent fit and it has been wonderful having them here at Sierra View.”

Java Express will operate its new location in the hospital’s former “Coffee Corner” where employees, patients, and visitors can grab a drink and a bite to eat. Located inside the SVMC lobby near the main waiting area at 465 West Putnam Avenue, Porterville, CA, the cafe is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

“Expanding the business has been something that I have wanted to do for quite some time and the opportunity to do so came along when Sierra View was advertising for a local business to operate their coffee corner space,” Java Express Owner, Erica John said. “I want to thank all of our customers for the support, as they have been eagerly waiting for us to open new locations. Java Express at the hospital is easy to access for anyone who lives on this side of town or drives near this area.”

Baristas from the original Java Express location on Henderson Avenue in Porterville will work at the hospital location and create new concoctions for the hospital’s employees and patients to try.

Now featuring specialty drinks at the Sierra View location, Java Express will feature drinks of the week that incorporate a healthcare theme or incorporate happenings at the hospital. A recent invention was the “Banana Bag”, named after a term used for an IV bag, featuring a complementary blend of white chocolate and banana flavors. Another concoction coming this week is a “Scooby Snack” as Paws 4 Healing and Pet Partners will be on-site hosting an informational meeting for those interested in volunteering with pet assisted therapy.

According to SVMC, Java Express has become popular with the hospital’s population since their involvement with the hospital’s first Coffee and Coworkers event. SVMC is excited to partner with the coffee shop and to share the endeavor with over 1,000 workers, patients and visitors.