The Basin Clinic is still looking for a full-time medical provider, though executive director Christina Pierce told the Forum the clinic has coverage. Dr. Tiffany Ordoñez is the Basin Clinic’s medical director, and she’s on site a few days each month. Dr. April Randle is still coming in on some Mondays, three this month and three next month. And, AliceMarie Slaven-Emond, family nurse practitioner, covers other Mondays, and the clinic still has Mark Walker and Carol Scott, both mid-level providers.
Basin Clinic recently received a $75,000 Colorado Health Foundation grant to work on data, and with staff, regarding diversity, equity, inclusion and justice (DEIJ). Pierce said the funds will be used to better understand and operate Athena, the medical records program, and to serve the demographic. She said a consultant has been hired. And, the clinic aims to do the best it can by its patients of all backgrounds, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations and genders.
“It’s patient-centered care for all in a healthy way,” Pierce said.
Additionally, the clinic got an $80,000 USDA grant for equipment. That went toward a new defibrillator, a new urinalysis machine, a new device for measuring blood chemicals and a laryngoscope. A faster ultrasound machine was also purchased, and Samsung tablets can be hooked up to it.
Pierce said the clinic is also going for a $30,000 Telluride Foundation grant, and the board asked Montrose County for $500,000, though she thinks it will get closer to $250,000.
She said the clinic is going through a big strategic planning process and wants to get things in place like chronic care management and transitional care management. She said the clinic is working on ways to increase revenue too.
It’s possible Basin Clinic will stay a rural health care center, but it could change into something else too. Pierce said she was unable to comment at this time as to what the full range of possibilities were. A $50,000 nonprofit infrastructure grant is helping right now with the planning process, and that was made possible through the state’s Department of Local Affairs and also the Gunnison Valley Health Foundation.
Pierce said the clinic is grateful for the $1,000 grant from Citizens State Bank and West End Pay it Forward Trust to assist with the prescription drug program, since some cannot afford their medications. The Western Colorado Community Foundation donated another $1,000 for medication support too.
Pierce said Basin Clinic is making payroll and paying its bills. Still, building repairs need to be addressed, and painting the exterior and installing guttering is a priority.
Regarding patient visits, the flu shot clinic was not as well attended this year, and Pierce wonders if that was because the flashing electric road sign was not out. But, folks are coming in for sick visits, and a respiratory virus is circulating in the West End. Some are reporting their neighbors have COVID, and some are requesting tests for strep throat.
The Basin Clinic has updated is mission statement: “to provide exceptional, compassionate health care.” It’s also updated its vision: “to become the clinic of choice by promoting positive outcomes for patients and staff.”
Pierce said she reminds all of the sliding scale and indigent program for those who lack insurance and have difficulty paying for medical care.
“We can help,” she said. “We are here to serve you.”
