fbpx

Grossmont Healthcare District supporting new Campo health clinic with $1 million grant

An artist's rendering of the coming 23,500-square-feet health clinic in Campo. (Courtesy photo)

An artist’s rendering of the coming 23,500-square-feet health clinic in Campo. (Courtesy photo)

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 to be called Mountain Health Family Medicine in Campo.

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 it opens in 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 1974, 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 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.

“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.”

GHD Board of Directors present check to Judi Chaplin, CEO, Mountain Health & Community Services, Inc. and team

GHD Board of Directors present check to Judi Chaplin, CEO, Mountain Health & Community Services, Inc. and team

Since GHD began its community grants program in 1996, it has awarded more than $45 million in grants and sponsorships to community-based non-profit organizations, government agencies and Grossmont Hospital.

Residents of the Grossmont Healthcare District can save time and money by going to a community clinic, like Mountain Health, or an urgent care when a hospital emergency room is not needed.  Click here for a list of clinics and urgent care services are located within District boundaries.

×