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Arizona Community in Need
- 1. Arizona's Communities in Need In the late 19th Century the gold rush drove an expanse of railway from points east all the way to the pacific coast. Transecting northern Arizona, the railroad transformed small communities into thriving boom towns. As a regular stop for water and supplies before massive steam engines rolled their cargo into California, Holbrook bustled with the business of the rail. Even in her glory days, Holbrook was lucky to have a single physician ministering to the needs of her residents. Today, Holbrook has evolved into a quaint little town home to approximately 5,000 residents. While the town has modernized with the passing centuries, the struggle to meet the medical needs of the community continues. Local residents say Holbrook as one of those towns from which "you get what you put into it". Holbrook residents value uncongested commutes, clean air and water, and close community bonds above many urban conveniences. Improving access to healthcare is a continuing challenge. Holbrook is designated as a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) with a high need for primary care providers (Primary Care HPSA Score of 15). Currently, just three physicians practice in Holbrook with one planning retirement. The closest hospital is over 30 miles away. Last summer (2011) North Country HealthCare opened a 10,000 foot expansion which is the first new medical facility built in Holbrook in the last 50 years. North Country is a Federally Qualified Health Center and employs two of the towns MDs and two additional Physician Assistants. Community leaders are working hard to recruit new doctors to the community. Providers site the brisk practice, diverse medical needs of the community, and eligibility for National and State loan repayment programs as reasons to come and stay. North Country Pediatrician, Dr. Hannah Rishel, M.D. says "when doctors decide against locating here" they often reference the lack of "shopping, Montessori or gymnastics, trees, mountains, and/or opera" as the reason. Specialty services are available through Summit Healthcare, which provides outpatient service for orthopedics, oncology, pulmonology, cardiology, urology, Ob-Gyn, physical therapy, and radiology. Public education initiatives include county health department coordination with a child development specialist at North Country to do fluoride tooth varnishes for children birth to five. Diabetes education classes are offered intermittently though-out the year. Navajo County Public Health District offers flu shots and provides required immunizations to all children 18 and under at no charge at a local Holbrook Clinic Office. Behavioral healthcare is provided at the Community Counseling Center. Though North Country Healthcare offers a sliding fee scale for services, healthcare access continues to be limited by high unemployment, lack of insurance, and the exclusion of providers from third party payers. While behavioral healthcare is available in Holbrook, providers frequently dont meet the third party payer requirements for private insurance which limits care to AHCCCS recipients. Behavioral healthcare for private pay or commercially insured clients is 90 minutes away. According to Kristi Hillebert, Domestic Violence Program Coordinator, healthcare outcomes for residents could improve with additional mental health services and the practice of trauma informed care. Kristi goes on to say "many times I have to refer patients to Flagstaff for any mental health related to trauma; this is a certain hardship on a family already traumatized". In an effort to combat violence and sexual assaults, North Country HealthCare has partnered with Navajo County judicial and law enforcement professionals to integrate the investigation and treatment of victims of violent crime. The clinic dedicates one of its 18 exam rooms exclusively to forensic examination. The only two pediatric forensic examiners in Navajo and Apache Counties are employed at North Country of Holbrook. Holbrook schools offer diversity, state of the art technology, excellent sports programs, and a brand new auditorium and theatre for the arts. There are two elementary schools, a middle school and a high school in the Holbrook District. Medical and Administrative Support, North Country Healthcare, Holbrook, AZ.
- 2. According to the Holbrook District website, Holbrook has a graduation rate (79%) that is higher than the states average. Holbrook parents praise the "interaction between school staff and students" and say in Holbrook schools "the child has a name, a face, and is an important part of the school community." Northland Pioneer College (NPC) is Holbrooks local community college. The college offers exceptional and highly affordable education. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association (NCA) States, college credits transfer to Northern Arizona University (NAU), Arizona State University (ASU), University of Arizona (U of A) and most major four year colleges and universities. Located on the famous Route 66, Holbrook is a hub city with State Highways 377, 77, 180 and Interstate 40 all intersecting within the town. The gateway to the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest, Holbrook is a destination from which day trips and week-end outings may be easily organized. Many of Arizonas outstanding destinations like the White Mountains, Mogollon Rim, San Francisco Peaks, Sedona, Flagstaff, Oak Creek Canyon, and Hopi & Navajo Reservations are within easy reach. City life in Phoenix (three hours south) and Albuquerque (four hours east) are within driving distance. Whether coming for a visit or establishing a rural practice, Holbrook is a community you can enjoy and if you choose to stay, one in which your service will truly make a difference. Contributors: Kristi Hillebert, Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Victim Advocate and Hannah Rishel, MD Pediatrician North Country Health Center, Holbrook North Country Healthcare Expansion, the first new medical facility built in Holbrook in the last 50 years.