A Sick Kiddo Shouldn’t Mean an Entire Lost Work Day

Any parent in Bailey knows the drill. The school nurse calls—you’ve got a sick kiddo. Suddenly, your day is turned upside down. You leave work, drive to school, scoop them up, and then face the long haul to a doctor in the city. What should be a simple pediatric visit turns into hours on the road and a full day off work.

This is the reality for families in the Platte Canyon area—and it doesn’t have to be.

For over 15 years, our community has gone without local healthcare. Not because the need isn’t there, but because the funding hasn’t been. Now, a dedicated, community-led group is proposing a real solution: the Platte Canyon Health Service District.

This proposed district would bring a full-time primary care clinic to Bailey, offering local access to:

• Primary care

• Urgent care

• Mental health services

• Essential medical care

With over 10,000 residents in Bailey, Shawnee, Grant, and Pine Junction, this is long overdue. The health district would be sustainable, community-supported, and designed for the unique needs of our mountain towns.

Before it can go to a public vote this November, the proposal must be approved by the Park County Board of County Commissioners.

Local healthcare means fewer lost workdays, better care for our kids, and a stronger, healthier community.

Follow Health, Safety & Welfare of Park County on Facebook to stay updated and learn how to help bring doctors closer to home.

Let’s make parenting in Platte Canyon just a little bit easier. Let’s make healthcare happen.