Chiricahua Community Health Centers, Inc. | caring for patients | BUILDING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES : Chiricahua Community Health Centers, Inc.

Why we believe

Laramie Edens

Dentist

Access to healthcare should be available to a person no matter their circumstances. Each patient deserves an exceptional level of care, compassion, and kindness. My goal is to provide a positive experience for ...
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Why we believe

Baron Staggs

Counselor, BH (Non-Licensed)

Mental health is still very stigmatized in our nation. I believe Chiricahua’s mission “Health for All” is about dismantling boundaries that keep the people of Cochise County from receiving quality mental health care.
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Why we believe

Laura Acero

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

I believe in the mission of CCHCI, “HEALTH FOR ALL” because it means that we do not deny access to health care and/or mental health care to anyone regardless of race, immigration status, sex, gender and/or income. ...
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Why we believe

Joel Switzer

Dentist

High quality healthcare should be for everyone, not just the fortunate few. I’m proud to be part of making that happen.
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Why we believe

Athena Borhauer

Pharmacist in Charge in Sierra Vista

I choose to practice Chiricahua’s mission of “Health for All” in pharmacy by providing not only prescription medication, but also through counseling on over the counter medications and education to my patients about ...
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Why we believe

Cassandra Steiner

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

I firmly believe that health care and access to it is a human right and Chiricahua’s mission of “HEALTH FOR ALL” wonderfully reflects this concept. I feel honored to be a part of an organization that is so ...
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Why we believe

Patrick Thurber

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Everyone has a different, personal definition of “health.” Whatever that definition may be, I believe that all of us deserve choices when it comes to our physical and mental health, as well as someone who we trust ...
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Why we believe

Chris Roll

Board Member

Having lived and worked in remote areas and areas with limited medical services, I recognize the value of the services that CCHCI provides to both rural and urban areas of Cochise County. Ensuring that health ...
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Why we believe

Jamie Fitzpatrick

Family Nurse Practitioner

: I believe I the Mission of CCHCI: “HEALTH FOR ALL” because every single person deserves the best care possible no matter what their personal story may be.
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Why we believe

Veronica Azemawah

Pharmacist in Charge - Douglas

Healthcare is a fundamental human right and I think everyone should have access to quality healthcare regardless of their ability to pay. Chiricahua’s mission of “Health for All” helps fulfil this right by striving ...
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Why we believe

Tamra Springer

Revenue Cycle Manager

Everyone should be entitled to good health and to be treated with respect. Wonderful things can happen when people are truly seen and appreciated.
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Why we believe

Gouni “Judith” Bouraima

Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric – Mental Health

Health for all is a concept that promotes all people's right to access quality healthcare. It emphasizes the need to make healthcare accessible to everyone regardless of their social and economic status, race, ...
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Why we believe

Elda E. Orduño

Director of Risk Management

Everyone has an inherent right to healthcare. No one should be denied healthcare because of who they are or what they do. People should not suffer due to an inability to afford or qualify for healthcare.
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Why we believe

Danielle Taylor

Pharmacist

As healthcare providers, it is our duty to care for patients. However, sometimes financial barriers prevent people from getting the care and medications they may desperately need. Chiricahua’s mission of “Health for ...
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Why we believe

Christine O’Toole

Behavioral Health Counselor (LPC)

I believe in the mission of Chiricahua “Health for All” because all human beings are deserving of good health. I love that Chiricahua strives to provide the very best healthcare for every individual they serve.
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Why we believe

Tawnya Smith

Family Nurse Practitioner

I believe in “Health for All” because it eliminates health disparities by allowing individuals to improve their health and well-being.
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Why we believe

Antoinette M. Martinez

Behavioral Health Counselor

Everyone deserves to be heard and to be healthy. It is important for someone to know they have a team to support their decisions about their health as well as provide services to help them along in their journey.
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Why we believe

Jorge Luis Soto

General Dentist

I believe that everyone should have access to quality healthcare – regardless of socioeconomic status.
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Why we believe

Deanna Merrill

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

I believe quality healthcare should be accessible to everyone. As a resident of Cochise County, I understand the issues regarding access to healthcare that can occur living in a rural community. My goal is to be a ...
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Why we believe

Hannah Ruben

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Chiricahua’s mission, Health for All, reinforces that all Cochise community members and beyond deserve compassionate healthcare. I am so excited to learn what is most important to my pediatric patients and families ...
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Why we believe

Dawn Azbill

Family Nurse Practitioner

I believe in the mission of Chiricahua to provide high-quality healthcare to all, regardless of their ability to pay. Chiricahua’s actions and community involvement speak volumes, and I am proud to be a part of such ...
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Why we believe

Lilia Lara

Family Nurse Practitioner

I believe that there should be healthcare for all. CCHCI has this mission and is doing everything to provide healthcare for everyone. I am happy to be a part of a great team that is working towards the same goal.

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Why we believe

Rebecca “Becky” Satter

Family Nurse Practitioner

I believe that Cochise County is a better, healthier place because of CCHCI. Having access to healthcare services is a right that the entire community has. I am proud to be associated with an organization that so ...
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Why we believe

Jamie Armenta

Pharmacist Float

I am excited to be in an environment that allows Health for All and will go above and beyond to provide the care. Chiricahua is providing health care services to patients that may have otherwise given up on getting ...
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Why we believe

Britt Hanson

Board President

Everyone should have access to quality health care. Chiricahua has proved itself an innovative leader in delivering on this mission in Cochise County. I’m proud to be a member of its Board, hoping to preserve what ...
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Why we believe

Gino Bardi Lola

Pediatrician

I believe that everyone deserves great medical treatment and when I got to know Chiricahua I saw that the vision aligned with my beliefs. I think the community is great and I'm excited to start practicing here.
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Why we believe

Anahi Huang

Community Pediatrician

I stand by Chiricahua's vision because I truly believe that every single individual deserves quality health care.
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Why we believe

Gabrielle Lugo

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

I believe in the mission of CCHCI because all people deserve high quality health care regardless of social, economic, or immigration status.
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Why we believe

Glenn D. Tanita

Clinical Psychologist

Health for all means breaking down barriers to quality behavioral health services for everyone. I am excited to bring my experience as a psychologist to compassionately treat individuals at CCHCI.
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Why we believe

Najayyah Many Horses

Board Secretary

As a volunteer and President of the Community Food Pantry of Benson’s Board, I am able to meet and interact with many people. Through those brief interactions a lot is learned about the people and their needs. ...
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Why we believe

Victoria Ochoa

Family Nurse Practitioner

I believe in helping people of this community and providing care for all, regardless of whether they can pay. I enjoy the teamwork that comes with CCHCI to meet the mission of providing health for all.
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Why we believe

Dennis Walto

Chief External Affairs Officer & Executive Director - Chiricahua Health Foundation

I love that at Chiricahua the mission of "Health for All" is not just spoken, but lived; I love that we go the extra mile to make sure access to our high quality health services are available wherever you live, ...
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Why we believe

Karina Bechtold

Director of Advanced Practice - Adult and Family Medicine, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner

I am proud to work at a community health center, where we don't focus on the patient's ability to pay and where we work as a team to bring the highest quality medical care to ALL patients. Everyone is welcomed and ...
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The Latest

Grand Opening of Our Douglas Acute Care Clinic

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Chiricahua Community Health Centers Hosts Mayor and Benson Hospital CEO for Collaborative Visit

Chiricahua Community Health Centers was proud to host Mayor Joe Konrad and Benson Hospital CEO Gary Kartchner at our Benson Family Health Center on Thursday, June 20th! Chiricahua CEO Dr. Jonathan Melk led the visit which included a short brief on Federally Qualified Health Centers and a deep dive into the wide array of services provided by Chiricahua in Benson. Since opening the Benson Family Health Center in 2018, Chiricahua has continued to expand health services and now offers a full-service pharmacy on site for patients. Mayor Konrad, who is no stranger to Chiricahua, thanked leadership and staff and seemed... View Article

The Difference One Nurse Makes: Chiricahua’s Innovative Approach to Increasing Vaccinations

Original Article: Click here MAY 13, 2024 Increasing the number of HPV vaccinations by more than 20%, eliminating the missed opportunity of vaccinating more than 1,500 children and adults, and delivering more than 2,000 immunizations that would otherwise not have been administered – these are accomplishments many health providers would love to achieve. Chiricahua Community Health Centers (Chiricahua) did it in one year – and by adding just one nurse. The Global HPV Consortium partner shared its best practice at a recent Consortium webinar. Covering a large section of southeastern Arizona, and running 100 miles along the border with Mexico, Chiricahua... View Article

Chiricahua Receives “Big Shot” Recognition for Innovative Healthcare Initiative at TAPI

Chiricahua Community Health Centers, Inc. is thrilled to receive the esteemed “Big Shot” recognition from The Arizona Partnership for Immunization. This honor acknowledges the groundbreaking efforts of Chiricahua in integrating vaccine administration into dental settings, marking a significant milestone in healthcare delivery. The innovative program, spearheaded by dedicated professionals like Kelsey Vincent, RN, Emily Harris, MPH, and Dr. Brianna Hillier DMD, underscores Chiricahua’s commitment to revolutionizing public health practices. Special thanks to the Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation and Barb Kozuh for their unwavering support in this endeavor. This accolade further solidifies Chiricahua’s dedication to innovation and excellence in healthcare.

Douglas’ Chiricahua Community Health Center promotes Autism Awareness

By Bruce Whetten bruce.whetten@myheraldreview.com DOUGLAS − April was designated Autism Awareness Month. In an effort to bring continued awareness to autism, Chiricahua Community Health Centers Inc. in Douglas recently hosted an Autism Awareness Walk at the 10th Street Park. This year was the second consecutive year CCHCI hosted this event. Its aim was to raise awareness and support for individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD) within the Douglas community. The Autism Awareness Walk featured a community walk, informational booths, speeches and various activities designed to bring awareness about autism spectrum disorder, “Today we are here with a... View Article

A southern Arizona health center’s unique approach boosted vaccination rates. Here’s how

Link to original article Sara Lapidus Arizona republic Published 6:01 a.m. MT April 7, 2024 I Updated 9:31 a.m. MT April 8, 2024 Facing historically low immunization rates and unprecedented increases in vaccine hesitancy after the COVID-19 pandemic, one rural Arizona health center took an innovative approach: offering vaccines at dental visits. “We have the opportunity to get them the vaccines at this dental appointment, rather than to not get them the vaccines at all, which would be the case if they’re just coming to dental appointments,” said Kelsey Vincent, program manager of Chiricahua Community Health Centers’ vaccine program. Chiricahua... View Article

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Francisco and Maria Ramírez: Their Experience with Chiricahua Community Health Centers

Join us as we sit down with Francisco and Maria Ramírez to hear their heartfelt testimonial about why they love Chiricahua Community Health Centers (CCHCI) and why they continue to choose us for their healthcare needs. From our compassionate staff to our comprehensive services, Francisco and Maria share their experiences and highlight the importance of accessible and quality healthcare for all.

JA Jance Makes Heartfelt Return to Bisbee

New York Times bestselling author JA Jance returned to her hometown of Bisbee, AZ on Monday, March 11th visiting her Alma Mater Bisbee High School, and then dropping by Chiricahua’s Bisbee Family Health Center on Arizona St. In both settings, Ms. Jance shared heartfelt memories of her childhood and the importance of how those memories can become formative character traits in both real life and fictional stories. Ms. Jance: spoke on the importance of health and education, saying she was grateful to be able to come back to Bisbee, speak with young people, and share her passion for following your... View Article

US Senator Kyrsten Sinema visits Chiricahua

Integrated Chiricahua Community Health Centers and Mayor Clea McCaa, City of Sierra Vista hosted US Senator Kyrsten Sinema at the Chiricahua SV Primary Care Campus on February 21st. Mayor McCaa and Chiricahua leadership thanked the Senator for her unwavering support of Community Health Centers and steadfast efforts to address the complex border issues in our region. Top on our advocacy agenda were 1) Desire for Congress to adopt and approve a FY/24 Federal Budget; 2) Continued support for the maximum budget increases for Community Health Centers; and 3) Support for any reforms to 340B program to protect access... View Article

Governor Katie Hobbs “State of the State” address

Following her “State of the State” address in Sierra Vista on Tuesday, 2/13, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs met with Chiricahua CEO Dr. Jonathan Melk and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Darlene Melk for a brief discussion about health disparities and challenges facing rural communities. Chiricahua leadership thanked the Governor, herself a former social worker, for her efforts to support the AZ Healthy Tomorrow Initiative, a state-wide effort to address workforce shortages. Governor Hobbs reiterated that she believes it is critical that Arizona and rural communities have qualified healthcare professionals to keep our state safe and healthy. We couldn’t agree more!

Empowering Lives: Chiricahua Community Health Centers' Compassionate Journey to Assist an Uninsured Woman in Need

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Join us on a heartwarming journey as Chiricahua Community Health Centers, Inc. extends a helping hand to a courageous woman facing healthcare challenges without insurance. Discover the uplifting story of compassion, community support, and the difference we can make together. Watch how we turned obstacles into opportunities for better health and well-being.

Chiricahua Receives Perfect Score

Chiricahua Community Health Centers, Inc. (Chiricahua) provides primary care to the diverse communities and special populations of rural Cochise County, Arizona as the region’s only Federally Qualified Health Center. Every three years, the Health Resource Service Administration (HRSA), a division of the US Department of Health and Human Services, conducts an Operational Site Visit that provides an objective assessment of each Health Center Program’s compliance with the statutory and regulatory requirements of the federal government. This includes finance, clinical operations, governance, and adherence to the mission of Federally Qualified Health Centers. HRSA uses the Health Center Program Compliance Manual to determine... View Article

Freeport McMoRan Foundation provides $80,000 grant for new training center

Freeport McMoRan Foundation provides $80,000 grant for new training center. By Shar Porier shar.porier@myheraldreview.com Nov 11, 2023 Updated Nov 11, 2023 BISBEE — Chiricahua Community Health Centers Inc. continues to serve the communities of Cochise County, and thanks to an $80,000 grant from the Freeport McMoRan Foundation, Copper Queen branch, a training center to serve countywide needs will open next year. The official name is Freeport McMoRan Training Room and it is in the same historic building as the pharmacy on Arizona Street. On Thursday, officials from CCHI and its board members and Freeport and Cochise County officials gathered to celebrate the... View Article

Stopping the violence before it starts

Stopping the violence before it starts Cochise County program seeks to educate youth and medical providers about domestic violence by Summer Hom Read the Full Article at AZ public Media Arizona has one of the highest rates of domestic violence in the United States, according to domesticviolence.org, a non-governmental organization that aims to provide information to survivors of domestic violence. A program started by Chiricahua Community Health Centers in Cochise County aims to educate youth about the warning signs to prevent abuse before it starts. “The most dangerous time for a victim is when they want to leave, when they look... View Article

Chiricahua Community Health Centers, Inc Recognized for Expanded Addiction Treatment at Clinton Global Initiative 2023

September 19, 2023 – Chiricahua Community Health Centers, Inc (Chiricahua) was recognized and honored by the Clinton Foundation at the 2023 Clinton Global Initiative as Chiricahua unveiled their commitment to expanding medically assisted treatment (MAT) therapies in Cochise County over the next three years. The need in rural Cochise County is dire and Chiricahua is the only federally qualified health center in Cochise County, AZ caring for more than 31,000 individuals annually. The rural county, which covers 6,200 square miles and shares a 100-mile border with Mexico, is a designated health professional shortage area for medical, dental, and behavioral... View Article

For motivated dental assistants, community health center training program accelerates careers

For Jackie Gonzalez, CDA, CPFDA, of Douglas, Arizona, her name tag at work is more than part of her uniform — it’s a badge of honor. On Gonzalez’s name tag is a ribbon indicating she’s promoted to Dental Assistant Level III at the federally funded Chiricahua Community Health Centers, Inc.(opens in a new window) (CCHCI) in... View Article

Chiricahua Mobile Clinic YUR VIEW segment

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Experience convenient and compassionate healthcare with Chiricahua Community Health Centers Inc Mobile Clinics. Our fully equipped mobile clinics bring quality medical services to underserved communities, removing barriers and ensuring access to preventive care, general medicine, dental care, and more.

MAT Program

MAT Program Spanish

Working to ‘break down barriers’: Rural health center to reach out to hard-to-reach patients / Sarah Lapidus Arizona Republic

Working to ‘break down barriers’: Rural health center to reach out to hard-to-reach patients Sarah Lapidus Arizona Republic DOUGLAS — Connecting with health care providers isn’t always easy in Arizona’s smaller communities. A farmworker, for example, might not be able to leave work to go to a doctor’s appointment. A busy parent might may miss a... View Article

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