Medical complex open house is Saturday
Moving mountains: part 2
CREEDE—Creede and Mineral County continued to “move mountains” as the medical community realized an enormous need to increase space and services to this area.
This year marks the 12th anniversary of the completion of the medical complex in Creede and the 10th anniversary of EMS facility. It started as a dream and a vision in 2004, and at that time one incredibly small building constructed in the late 70s housed both the local physician’s office and Mineral County Public Health. And thus began a phenomenal progression in which this community geared up to bring health care into the 21st Century. This was a colossal endeavor in a rather remote area of Colorado that ended with an epic conclusion.
A growing need caused by a steady increase in population and annual visitors demanded the construction of a new, modern facility with a hefty price tag. Commissioners created a position for someone whose sole focus would be making this vison come true, which was a dream of then Public Health nurse, Dorothy Steele, RN, among many other community members. The person given the daunting task of raising the seven-digit amount was long-time resident Janelle Kukuk, who now serves as Mineral County administrator.
The Mineral County Public Health Council team consisted of Don Hollenshead, Lynn Harris, Kathy Lewis, Bob Seago, Ed Hargraves, Jean Sharp, Charlene Ameel, Paul Kohls and Jerry Bronson. Additional past members were Ginger Alexander and Don Gant. County Commissioners involved were Karl Kolisch, Bill Philbern, Lonnie Rogers, Zeke Ward and Stephen Wardell.
When Kukuk took the job, the estimated amount needed to finish the project was one million dollars. After the first plans came back from the architects, the estimate was closer to two million dollars. This challenge began the application process to numerous government programs, grants, and foundations (both private and public). Almost half of the amount needed was funded through these grants and foundations, but an unbelievable $500,000 came from private donations of local full and part-time residents as well as visitors just passing through the area. There were also multiple fund raising events.
A much needed item for the clinic was X-ray equipment and an X-ray room to be fitted with lead lining, something that had been planned to be completed later. An undisclosed donor offered to help pay for the machine in 2005, which added unplanned construction costs to the completed project. Once the decision was made to proceed with radiology services, two more donors stepped up to help with the machine purchase and the additional construction costs.
The new facility opened its doors on June 1, 2006. The EMS facility was the second phase of the project. This added another one million dollars to the cost of the entire facility, which ended up totaling nearly three million dollars for both facilities. A few more grants were applied for and received and the generosity of donors didn’t slow down.
In January 2007 the EMS building was completed, and like the medical facility, it was ahead of schedule and on budget. Through Kukuk’s hard work and dedication to the success of the project, what once was just a dream became a reality.
This Mineral County Medical Complex construction was a journey that persevered for over two years, but carries on today as the clinic thrives to meet medical needs of the community and its visitors. At the time of the completion of both facilities in 2006, the entire project was paid for.
As another decade of service begins at Creede Family Practice, the interior of the clinic has been renovated. Each room has a central theme to reflect the history, activities and celebrations in Creede and the surrounding area, depicted in art and photographs. The desire has been to create a warm, welcoming and interesting atmosphere. This transformation was a volunteer effort with little cost to the county.
The upcoming barbeque and fundraising endeavor will focus on purchasing additional equipment and items to improve patient care, upgrading our radiology department and adding specialized services. Rio Grande Hospital generously purchased sonogram equipment for the clinic and sonography has been provided for several months, enabling a more expedient diagnosis. Patients should experience a decrease in time, travel and expense in procuring these procedures elsewhere.
Please join Saturday, June 23, from 5-7 p.m. for a barbeque and open house at the county medical complex in Creede. More information will be provided at that time. There will be many door prizes and a silent auction. Creede is fortunate to have exceptional medical facilities in this rural community where time can be a factor in receiving a favorable outcome. The clinic expresses their appreciation and gratitude to the Mineral County Public Health Council for continuing to promote the clinic and medical services that are offered.
If you are unable to attend and would like to make a donation, checks can be made to Mineral County Public Health Council and sent to Creede Family Practice, P.O. Box 755, Creede, CO, 81130.