Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation moved forward this past year to expand care in the Wood River Valley, knowing that courage and trust was needed to continue to support health care excellence and improve access.

“We knew we wanted to help increase access to care,” said longtime Foundation board member Pete Smith. The Foundation recognized that expansion needed to remain a priority.

While the Wood River Valley is known for its excellent health care, its most vulnerable community members in need were not accessing preventative care. The St. Luke’s Wood River Community and Foundation boards recognized the critical need to expand care for those without insurance and so committed to help bring Family Health Services, a federally qualified health center and non-profit, to the valley.

“I believe this is one of the most impactful efforts that St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation and the hospital have undertaken,” said Megan Tanous, St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation’s chief development officer.

A $1 million grant from St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation made it possible to renovate and equip the new clinic in Bellevue. Others stepped forward to help. Paul Conrad of Conrad Construction committed to remodeling the space, despite the high demand for construction. Many local physicians also volunteered their time.

In January 2022, Family Health Services opened its doors, offering medical, dental, behavioral health, mental health and pharmacy services to care for the uninsured and under-insured in Blaine County.

“We are grateful to the many people who have helped put St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation in the position of strength from which it could invest in a solution that will help so many families,” said Foundation Board President Megan Dawson Edwards.

Family Health Services is one of 15 federally qualified non-profit health care providers in Idaho, with 2,000 clinics across the country. Staffed with two full-time nurse practitioners, a full-time dentist, a dental hygienist, a pharmacist and bilingual staff support, Family Health Services serves people of all ages, including patients who use Medicare and Medicaid.

The community clinic is structured to serve patients who may not otherwise seek care due to financial reasons. This is key in a community like Blaine County, which has one of the largest wealth gaps in the country. Last year, over 1,500 Blaine County residents traveled to Family Health Services clinics in Jerome and Fairfield for care, leaving no question about the demand for this service in the Wood River Valley. Unfortunately, while Family Health Services tried for years to open a clinic in Blaine County, it was never able to secure government grants due to the county’s high median income and positive health statistics.

“The support from St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation, St. Luke’s Wood River and the community made it possible to open Family Health Services in the Wood River Valley. We are thrilled to offer excellent health care to folks who might be choosing between paying rent or going to the doctor,” said Aaron Houston, CEO of Family Health Services.

Generous donors echoed this sentiment. “Everyone deserves good health care,” said Holley duPont, a St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation donor and project supporter, noting that it’s important to support those who don’t have the resources to readily access it.

The launch of Family Health Services is a testament to the strength of community generosity in the Wood River Valley as well as the community’s commitment to fostering a healthier region for decades to come.

“We are grateful to the many people who have helped put St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation in the position of strength from which it could invest in a solution that will help so many families,” said Megan Dawson Edwards, St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation Board Member.