PART I: UCHC growing into a solid future

ABOUT THIS SERIES

United Community Health Center’s long history has seen struggles and triumphs. Today, it’s an unparalleled success story, and is growing. This three-part series looks at the past, present and future of one of the area’s key medical providers. (Remainder of series to be published Oct. 18 & 21.)

By Ellen Sussman, Special to the Green Valley News

Organized medical services have been around Arivaca for more than a quarter-century — even before United Community Health Center got its name — but the mission has remained the same, says UCHC Executive Director Dianna Gonzales: Delivering quality health care for all ages.

The program that began as a fledgling health service now has five locations in Green Valley, Arivaca and Three Points, along with several wellness clinics and other projects.

Though the initial goal to provide primary care to everyone in the community remains constant, Gonzales said, “The challenge is to keep up with the constant growth... pretty much it’s a mission in progress.”

Looking back to UCHC’s beginning in 1983, she said, “Everything has changed. It doesn’t look like the same organization. Not even the past five years.”

Starting with a health care team of seven or eight, UCHC has grown to more than 100 employees.

The early years

Adolphus Noon, the first doctor to serve in Arivaca, arrived in 1880. His family helped found the current clinic.

Arivaca Area Health Services began 100 years later, in 1980, after a series of medical tragedies — a machine shop accident injured a worker, a pickup truck flipped, and a shooting at a saloon.

Together, the community raised funds for a clinic, and through raffles, barbecues, pancake breakfasts and other events an old trailer was donated to house it.

In 1983, paramedic Mike Frazer went on duty 24/7 for $6,000 a year and was the only paid employee.

An EKG machine, portable defibrillator and all-terrain rescue vehicle were purchased.

Two physicians came from Green Valley and helped Frazer once a week. They were also available to help by telephone 24/7.

The cost for medical services in 1983 was $25 for a family membership. The first visit was free; subsequent visits were $5 for members and $10 for non-members.

In the second year, the cost increased to $10 per visit with no more free visits. Rates increased to $18, then to $23.

The next step

In the early 1980s, a University of Arizona Rural Health Office Mobile Health van parked at the old school/community center in Continental and care was provided to migrant pecan workers and miners.

In 1983, the Rural Health Office applied for a federal grant that funds community health centers and the three sites — Arivaca, Continental and Three Points — were brought together under a single non-profit organization, United Community Health Center Inc.

Also in 1983, NHSC physician Jim Dumbauld became UCHC’s first full-time doctor with Dr. Augusto Ortiz from the Rural Health office rounding out the team.

In 1986, the federal government issued a mandate to separate UCHC from UofA, and UCHC became an independent community health center.

On its own

The high costs of malpractice insurance in the 1980s almost led to bankruptcy and closure of UCHC in 1988.

Laurie Jurs convinced Health and Human Services that UCHC was worthy of saving, and $25,000 was made available to pay for malpractice insurance. UCHC breathed easier.

In the 1990s, UCHC depended on a federal grant for 75 percent of its $600,000 budget, and the Continental clinic got a new addition.

Between 1995 and 2000, there were no computers in the three clinics nor any contracts with HMOs.

A busy day at Continental was 14 patients. Most were children with sore throats and earaches plus some prenatal patients.

Word gets out

As word spread about the doctors and services, growth began and slow days were a thing of the past.

In 1996, UCHC opened its first “owned” clinic in Three Points on land owned by UCHC.

In 1999, the grant for school clinics was added to the existing grant and the School Wellness program was born.

By 2000, growing pains made it clear that the existing Continental Clinic had become too small. Diamond Ventures donated land, and under the leadership of UCHC’s first board president Mary Esparza the Continental community gave up land for a potential park for an expanded clinic.

To pay for the new clinic there were a variety of fundraisers, bricks were sold for donations and Dr. Donald Smith ran 500 miles generating $16,000.

A tobacco tax grant was awarded with a whopping $500,000.

21st century moves

In 2002, Continental Family Medical Center opened with a grand celebration and 85-year-old founder Dr. Ortiz made his last public appearance.

Gynecological services were expanded in 2003; in 2004 the pediatric clinic opened, a children’s dental program was added and $100,000 in donations created after-hours services in Green Valley.

As progress continues, Gonzales said, “We set goals as we serve... each community has unique needs.

“It’s a challenge for medical director Dr. Rodolpho Jimenez; his passion is the underserved.”

Ellen Sussman is a freelance writer in Green Valley. Contact her at ellen2414@cox.net.