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Congressman John T. Salazar -- Defending Rural Values -- Third District of Colorado
  For immediate release: July 19, 2007  
 
Contact: Tara Trujillo
                202-225-4761
                202-225-3319 (cell)
 
 

Congressman Salazar Secures Provision in House Bill to Provide Funds for La Plata County Health Care Needs

 
 

Provides $200 Thousand For Community Clinic

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. John Salazar (CO-3) announced today that the appropriations bill for the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education departments contains $200,000 for the Mercy Health Foundation of Durango for facilities and equipment to be used for a community health clinic for the City of Durango and La Plata County. The bill, which passed out of the full House today, now goes to a conference committee with the Senate.

"Six months ago when Valley-Wide closed, the outlook for primary care in La Plata County looked grim.  I am proud of this community and the work we have done to help lead us through this crisis.  This funding, along with the recent Health Professional Shortage Area designation are both steps important to the long-term stability of health care throughout the Durango area,” said Salazar.

The funds will be used to help build and equip a 50,000 square-foot community health clinic for primary health care providers in La Plata County.  After a major primary care provider for the area closed its doors in March, leaving up to 10,000 Medicare and Medicaid patients without health care, Mercy Regional Medical Center, the City of Durango, La Plata County, and local leaders and citizens teamed up to provide basic access to comprehensive, primary and preventative health care for these patients.

President and CEO of Mercy Regional Medical Center Kirk Dignum said that this funding will be very helpful, “We are very grateful for Congressman Salazar's help.  His support plays a vital role in the collaborative effort that has been put forth to address the primary health care needs of La Plata County.”

 

 
 

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