Chiricahua Expands Health Services with New Willcox Family Health Center

Chiricahua Community Health Centers, Inc (Chiricahua) is proud to announce an investment of $250,000 by the Sierra Vista Industrial Development Authority which will be utilized to support renovations and construction of Chiricahua’s Willcox Family Health Center! The announcement was made in Willcox at the site of Chiricahua’s newest clinic which is currently under construction.

“This investment comes at an important time as Chiricahua prepares to increase service capacity in the Willcox area,” said Dr. Jonathan Melk, Chief Executive Officer at Chiricahua, “… we are grateful for many partners who have contributed to making this dream real.  Special thanks to the City of Willcox, the Del E Webb Foundation, and the Sierra Vista IDA whose investment will help us complete this next phase.”

Chiricahua has been serving the Willcox community since 2000 initially attending to the needs of local farmworkers.  In 2001, Chiricahua began mobile medical service within the city of Willcox, adding dental care, again via mobile clinics, in 2006.  Since then, Chiricahua has been slowly expanding services via collaboration with Willcox Unified School District and other community partners. In 2021, Chiricahua received a federal infrastructure grant which set the stage for this next phase of expanded care. In 2022, Chiricahua secured a grant from the Del E Webb Foundation which was used to build the modular clinic being unveiled today.

This newest Chiricahua Clinic is expected to positively impact both health and economic drivers in the area.  In addressing this interdependence, Demetry Simonson, President of the Board and Director of the Industrial Development Authority of the City of Sierra Vista said, “We recognize that economic development is intricately linked to the health and well-being of our residents. By investing in the Chiricahua Community Health Center, we are not only improving healthcare access but also creating jobs and stimulating economic growth in Willcox and beyond.”

According to Mr. Simonson, the Industrial Development Authority of the City of Sierra Vista will “…continue to champion initiatives that promote sustainable growth, improve quality of life, and drive economic vitality throughout Cochise County. We are proud to stand with Chiricahua Community Health Center in this pivotal investment and look forward to witnessing the positive impact it will have on our community.”