On Tuesday, Nov. 1, Community Health Clinic in Dove Creek was honored to have Representative Scott Tipton and his assistant, Darlene Marcus visit the clinic. Representative Tipton toured the Clinic and spoke with many of the employees, board members and a few patients. He said he feels institutions like the clinic, especially in rural areas like Dove Creek are the heart of a community. Without such facilities the communities would wither and fail.

He was impressed with the extent of services that Community Health Clinic provided while being in such a remote, rural location. The ability to be able to provide Medical, Dental and Behavioral Health services all within the same building he felt helps to truly integrate care and provide much better outcomes for patient care. He was glad the Clinic was going to be able to expand the dental services and hire another full time Dentist to be able to provide care to even more patients.

Clinic employees shared with him their concerns if federal funding was not available or inadequate for clinics like Community Health Center in Dove Creek. Such clinics serve those who can’t afford care without the discounts made possible by the federal funding. Without such funding those clinics would have to shut their doors. That would leave patients without affordable care. He shared with the clinic that a safety net for those in need of basic care was something shared by most politicians on both side of the isle and one he strongly supports as well.

Mr. Tipton has been a strong supporter of Federally Qualified Health Centers and promised to continue to do so in the future. The Clinic was very happy he wanted to tour the facility and for his support of the mission of the Clinic.

James W (Bill) Waschke

Operations Director

Community Health Clinic / Community Dental Clinic

Courtesy photo

Bill Waschke, Dianne Smith, U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton and Dr. April Randle.