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Improving Healthcare Access Together
A community-led proposal for the Platte Canyon Health Service District aims to bring consistent, reliable healthcare to Bailey, Shawnee, Grant, Pine Junction, and nearby areas. We’re 100% volunteer-powered and dedicated to giving our community the healthcare access it deserves—right here at home.
Help Bring Local Healthcare to Our Community
What Is a Health Service District?
It’s a proposed special district focused on improving access to healthcare in Northeast Park County. Think of it like Conifer Medical—but right-sized for our mountain community.
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A permanent, full-time family clinic in the Bailey area
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Local access to primary care, urgent care, mental health, labs and X-rays
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Accepts all insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid
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Governed by an elected, unpaid five-member board
BENEFITS TO OUR COMMUNITY
Reliable Care
A permanent clinic means you can see the same providers regularly, improving continuity of care.
Shorter Travel Times
No more long drives to Conifer, Evergreen, or Denver for basic medical needs.
Expanded Services
Routine check-ups, urgent care, chronic disease management, immunizations, lab work, and more—all in one location.
Support for All Ages
From pediatrics to senior care, a family practice serves everyone in the community.
In 2024, PCFD responded to 1,278 calls. 80% were EMS-related.
A local clinic would reduce emergency calls and free up resources.
Why We Need It
Park County is a federally designated Medically Underserved Area
Just 1 doctor for every 5,910 people countywide.
(state average: 1 per 1,200)
Northeast Park County has 10,000+ residents, and there are zero doctors or healthcare providers
We face long drives, inconsistent care, and no safety net for non-emergencies. A Health Service District would close these gaps and improve the quality of life for all.
We Need Your Help
We’re raising $10,000 to retain a legal expert to guide us through the health district formation process.
Frequency
One time
Monthly
Amount
$10
$50
$100
$200
Other
$10 raised
$10,000
1 donation
1%
Past proposals were denied—we’re making sure this one gets the fair hearing it deserves.
Goal:
100 people
donating $100
(Or any amount—every dollar helps)
Your donation keeps this grassroots effort moving forward.
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Why do we need a health district here?Northeast Park County lacks medical providers, forcing residents to travel for care. This creates challenges for seniors, veterans, and families. Local leaders have spent two years working to bring accessible healthcare to the community.
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What about Conifer Medical Center and STRIDE clinics?Conifer Medical Center does not accept Medicaid and is at capacity, rarely taking new patients. STRIDE in Conifer accepts Medicaid but is only open two partial days per week and has limited availability. Bailey’s Mobile STRIDE Unit (available only Tuesdays 10am to 2pm) offers basic services with a PA and telehealth, lacking lab work and comprehensive care.
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Why Can’t a Clinic Survive on Patient Fees Alone?Rural clinics struggle financially in large part because many of their patients rely on Medicare and Medicaid, which reimburse providers at rates well below the actual cost of care. Combined with high rates of uninsured or underinsured patients and low population density, this leads to significant uncompensated care. Healthcare also comes with high fixed costs—staffing, equipment, utilities, and compliance—which are hard to cover with a limited patient base. Without additional funding, many rural clinics simply can’t stay open.
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How would the district be funded?Patient Fees & Insurance Reimbursement – The clinic will generate revenue from appointments, but fees alone can’t sustain operations. Without stable funding, many rural clinics close within a few years — we need a sustainable plan. Once formed, the HSD board could apply to the Rural Health Clinic (RHC) program and if accepted, could receive enhanced reimbursement for Medicare & Medicaid. Successful rural clinics rely on grants, public funding, and community support to stay open and provide care for all. 1% Sales Tax – If approved by voters, this uniform tax will apply district-wide but will not be charged on groceries, utilities, or prescriptions. Adds only $10 on $1,000 of local taxable purchases — less than the cost of gas for one Denver trip Creates a long-term funding source to keep the clinic open and fully staffed Keeps healthcare dollars in our community instead of sending them to JeffCo or Denver Grants & Donations – The district will actively pursue funding from state and federal grants, private foundations, and community donations to help offset costs.
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When would this happen?April 1: Proposal Submitted to Board of County Commissioners May 14th: BOCC Public Hearing. If approved, it goes to a public vote in November 2025 2026: If passed, the district will be officially formed, and the clinic planning will begin 2027: Proposed opening