The July 10 Herald story, “Holes in health care,” shined a light on challenges in our local health-care system. The Citizens Health Advisory Council has worked since 2001 to coordinate projects such as the La Plata County Clinic, the Community Access and Referral Enrollment System program, community-care teams and much more. After LPCC closed its doors earlier this year after providing care to many uninsured adults, the clinic made a significant donation to the CARES program for 2014. CARES helps residents receive various health services at discounted rates. We would like to thank LPCC for this generous support. CARES coordinates 18 health-care providers who offer discounted medical, dental and mental-health services based on income and family size for people who have no insurance.

CHAC would also like to thank Mercy Regional Medical Center’s Community Benefits Advisory Committee, which also financially supported CARES for 2014. This valuable program would not be possible without the support of organizations such as Mercy Regional Medical Center. For more information about CARES, contact coordinator Angela Atkinson at (970) 946-5261. In addition, we would like to thank Dr. John Khademi of Four Corners Endodontics for his financial support of CHAC and its programs. CHAC is sustained by a grant and the support of private donors. With only few staff members working on limited hours a week, this support is crucial. Additionally, we would not exist without the support of our members, who are all committed to community health and represent either themselves or local organizations.

Pattie Adler, executive director, and staff and board members of Citizens Health Advisory Council

Durango