Importance of access to quality healthcare - Port Orford

PORT ORFORD, OR August 1, 2016 - No matter where you live within the geographical District boundaries of Curry Health Network, we understand access to quality health care is very important.

All of us at Curry Health Network (CHN) recognize the uniqueness of the Port Orford community with its natural beauty and the independent, proud and creative people who live there. More importantly, however, we recognize the need for health care services vital to its residents. We are committed to improving and expanding key services, through development of meaningful partnerships and other methods, to benefit the residents of Port Orford.

I'm thankful for the opportunity to explain more about the unique challenges we face in providing those services to our northernmost community members.

In rural areas like Port Orford, providing basic health services depends on the ability to attract Primary Care Providers (PCPs) - MD or DO physicians, or nurse practitioners. While Dr. Pitchford continues - as he has, for many years - to provide health care services at Curry Family Medical in Port Orford, it is very clear based on community need that more access is essential.

Recruiting PCPs can be difficult. It is difficult - and especially so in rural communities. Many issues affect the ability to recruit besides compensation and licensing - including availability of housing, schools and more. It's also important to find a provider who will enjoy living and working in the community, and it's a huge task - but a task we take very seriously. CHN is actively and aggressively recruiting PCPs for Port Orford right now.

We fully support the common vision for Port Orford, including access to good quality, basic health care. We want you to know that Port Orford is on our radar - and a key priority in the annual strategic plan created by our Board of Directors and administrative team.

The goal for Port Orford is simple; to provide better health services than is available today. One way Curry Health Network is working to solve this problem is through a partnership with Coast Community Health Center (CCHC).

To that end, CHN has sent a letter of support to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that may allow CCHC access to grant funds to be used in the Port Orford community. We have also entered into a collaborative memorandum of understanding with CCHC whereby CHN will provide all imaging and laboratory services for their patients. This partnership is unique, and even surprising to some, given the competitive nature of health care.

All of us, including the Curry Health District Board of Directors and the team at Coast Community Health Center, agree that the most pressing issue is to serve the long- and short-term health needs of the residents of Port Orford.

I want to personally assure the Port Orford community that we are working hard on your behalf to do what's right. That is making sure you and your family have health care available when you need it.

While these actions are positive and immediate, we recognize they aren't enough. We want you to know we are committed to you. We care, and we know how very important the subject of accessible health care is.

We also welcome your feedback on this and any issue. Click 'contact us' under the 'About Us' link at www.CurryHealthNetwork.com to send us an email.

If you'd like to read more details about our key priorities, and any Board and administrative action at Curry Health Network, click "Board Packets, Agendas and Minutes" under the 'About Us' link at our web site.