Nehalem Bay Health District

Amount Appropriated?

$3.0M

FFID tracks stages 1–2 — stages 3–5 vary by agency, assistance type, and earmark structure.

Project Description

Accessing affordable health care is a huge challenge for many full-time residents. North county residents currently have hours in a car to get to a doctor or dental appointment.\n\nThe Nehalem Bay Health District (the district) \u2013 Oregon\u2019s smallest health district serving approximately 3,100 residents \u2013 has developed a comprehensive strategy to address the crisis and seize the opportunity. The strategy was initiated by the district\u2019s strategic plan (developed with the assistance of Portland State University) and informed by community meetings, surveys and extensive research on health and community needs. \n\nThe plans are for a state-of-the-art health center and pharmacy, improving and enhancing local primary health care delivery. The new facility will replace the aging clinic facility in Wheeler, allow for expansion of primary health care services, vastly improve public visibility, allow for additional services and address a top priority of the district \u2013 enhanced primary health care for local residents regardless of their ability to pay. (The district owns the existing building occupied by the clinic and leases the facility to the local non-profit. A similar arrangement is envisioned with a new facility.) \n\n\u2022\tThe district-owned site in downtown Wheeler, adjacent to U.S. Highway 101 and on existing transit routes, will be an outstanding location for the new health center/pharmacy. The site is zoned appropriately, and adequate patient and staff parking is available.\n\n\u2022\tThe site will accommodate an approximately 13,000 square foot health center, more than doubling the size of the existing clinic and pharmacy, and will offer:\n\u2022\tEnhance visibility and access\n\u2022\tNew exam and treatment rooms \n\u2022\tSuites for specialty providers (pediatrics, for example), and including a potential dental suite\n\u2022\tSignificantly increased pharmacy space\n\u2022\tCommunity and staff work areas