Designing for the Future continued from previous page
Spetzler, “We worked with Kevin and Mike in designing our Del Norte facility. It was to our good fortune that they were selected to work on this project. We’re all bringing fresh perspectives to the project, but we know how to work together; there is trust within the group. We’re all working for the benefit of our patients.” Cheyenne continues, “We certainly wanted the design of this building to be in keeping with our area. We are starting with a wonderful piece of land. It has views of trees, undeveloped spaces, the slough and up into the hills toward Kneeland. We’ll be part of the area’s trail system. The building will include more than just exam rooms. We are incorporating conference rooms, education spaces, a teaching kitchen. We may be able to find the space for a community garden and some outdoor activities. All of these things are part of our efforts to encourage wellness and health maintenance. This facility adds a new level of resources to our services – services designed to help our pa-
tients get and stay as healthy as possible through improved choices, better eating, simple activities and self-care programs. We are very excited to bring all of this to the community through this new facility.” Herrmann adds, “In addition to the health of our patients, we see this facility adding to the health of our community. The construction project is supporting a lot of workers right now, and will for many months. We’re participating in neighborhood improvements that will better the streets and traffic in the area and improve some of the infrastructure, including a new waterline. After that, the new clinic will create almost 40 new positions in healthcare, good paying jobs that will improve our local economy. This facility will help local businesses, is convenient to public transportation and will cut down on the number of our patients who have to travel to Arcata or McKinleyville for their health care. There are just so many levels where our community will feel the benefits of this new center.” ❖
The future site of the new Eureka Community Health Center on Tydd Street.
4 OPEN DOOR COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS SPECIAL SECTION • THURSDAY, JAN. 26, 2012