GROSSMONT HEALTHCARE DISTRICT SUPPORTING NEW CAMPO HEALTH CLINIC

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East County News Service

February 14, 2017 (Campo) A new backcountry healthcare clinic currently under construction in Campo will have $1 million for new medical equipment thanks to the Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD), an East County regional public agency that supports various health-related community programs and services in San Diego’s East County region.

GHD’s board of directors recently approved a $1 million grant to Mountain Health & Community Services, Inc.​ for its new health center in Campo to be called Mountain Health Family Medicine.

The award, the largest single community grant in GHD’s history, is planned to cover the purchase of equipment for primary care exams, surgical procedures, dental examinations, X-rays and on-site lab testing, along with other patient care support functions.

 

“When we hope to start seeing patients in June 2017, our new clinic in Campo will provide comprehensive primary care services to the most medically vulnerable population in rural East County,” said Judith Shaplin, president and CEO of Mountain Health. “This grant from the Grossmont Healthcare District will greatly help us serve low-income and medically underserved residents in the 950-square-mile Mountain Empire region.”

 

Founded in 1975, ​Mountain Health operates six federally qualified health centers in Campo, Alpine, Escondido, Santee and San Diego. It also provides health services at several public schools in rural East County communities. In 2016, Mountain Health said it served more than 8,000 patients, many who live at, or below, the federal poverty level, it said.

 

Mountain Health officials said the new 23,500-square-foot clinic at 1388 Buckman Springs Road in Campo will replace Mountain Health’s existing Campo clinic a mile and a half away on Highway 94. The current 2,800-square-foot clinic has long served as the town’s main healthcare facility for decades, but over time has become insufficient in meeting the healthcare needs of the community, according to Shaplin.

 

The new clinic will have 12 primary care exam rooms, two medical procedure rooms and telemedicine technology allowing patients increased access to specialists outside the area. Also available will be dental, pharmacy and X-ray facilities, as well as behavioral health treatment services. Construction began in February 2016.

 

“Our support of Mountain Health aligns with our mission and purpose to address the unmet healthcare needs in the East County,” said Michael Emerson, GHD 2017 board president. “We are proud of Mountain Health and their staff’s dedication and passion to improving and maintaining the health and well-being of the whole person by providing access to high quality healthcare and community services.”

 

Since GHD began its community grants program in 1996, it has awarded nearly $50 million in grants and sponsorships to community-based non-profit organizations, government agencies and Grossmont Hospital.

 

Formed in 1952 to build Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa, GHD serves as landlord for the hospital property and buildings on behalf of East County taxpayers. The District is governed by a five-member board of directors, each elected to four-year terms, who represent more than 500,000 people residing within the District’s 750 square miles in San Diego’s East County. For more information, visit www.grossmonthealthcare.org.


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Comments

Finally

A piece of my property tax money coming to the Real East county. I paid $40.00 to the Grossmont Health Care district last year. Kaiser should give me a credit on my bill. Right?