WheelerCounty is 1,700 square miles of rolling upland—sharply dissected by the canyons of the John DayRiver.This is ranching country.In the 1950s WheelerCounty had about 3,000 people.With decline of the timber industry there are currently 1,500 people—less people per square mile than Multnomah County has coyotes, according to County Judge Jeanne Burch.There are 3 towns:Fossil—pop 450; Mitchell—pop 170; Spray—pop 140.There are no freeways, railroads, hospitals, supermarkets, theaters, or dentists.The only health care and dental care is available from Asher CommunityHealth Center, located in Fossil, with satellite clinics in Spray and Mitchell.Two Physician Assistants provide primary care.
Asher Clinic was established in 1974, operating out of the Sunday School rooms at United MethodistChurch.Federal Hill-Burton Funds provided a facility in 1982, and subsidized providers, but provider support through Hill-Burton was dropped by Congress, leaving the Clinic to struggle with a county where 46% of the population is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.A local tax-district was formed in 1994 to subsidize clinic losses, but the approximately $50,000 available under the property tax limit meant the Clinic continued to loose funds.
Long-term financial stability was achieved with award of a Bureau of Primary Health Care (BPHC) grant.About $180,000 is available annually from BPHC to operate as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC).This is about 40% of the $450,000 operating budget.As an FQHC, Asher CommunityHealth Center, as it is now called, must:
1. Provide primary care to all clients regardless of their ability to pay
2. Provide mental health / substance abuse care;
3. Provide emergency dental services;
4. Provide prenatal care;
5. Provide transportation to clients who need it.
In July 2005 ACHC became the first rural Oregon county to receive a state grant to establish a school-based health center (SBHC).The SBHC was established at Mitchell School (K-12, approx. 70 students).The SBHC serves both students and the general community.Previously Mitchell residents had to drive at least 45 miles to Prineville for their Medical Services.
The combination of two grants, plus local tax district funds, provides about half of ACHCs operating revenue.The remainder is mostly patient fees, which are low as half of ACHC’s patients qualify for reduced fees due to their poverty level.This funding base allows for two full-time Physician Assistants and a part-time physical therapist to meet the needs of Wheeler County’s three communities.
Contact Information: Jim Carlson, Administrator, ACHC
P.O.Box 307, Fossil, OR97830541-763-2725email: Jim Carlson
