North Morrow Volume XX Number 10 May 3, 2013
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Dr. Robert Boss retires from Columbia River Health Services Back in 1987, St. Anthony’s Hospital ran the health clinic in Boardman. There had been a mul-
isting clinic, brought in some mobile offices, and opened Boardman Health Care Center; for one year,
newspaper experience. (“Well,” said Lynn, “I did type up a two page mimeograph master when I was in
(L-R) Kris McAllister & David Collins, both PA-C at CRCHS, Rich Hamblin, PA-C now in Newberg, OR, Steve Maher, M.D. with CRCHS, Robert Boss, M.D., Brian Braun, PA-C in Baker City. They seem to be saying “He’s the man!” to retiring Dr. Boss. Photos by Matt Kegler titude of providers (doctors and physician’s assistants) who had channeled through the clinic in Boardman until Dr. Robert Boss contracted with St. Anthony’s to be the provider in Boardman. Not long after Dr. Boss signed up, St. Anthony’s pulled out of running the clinic, so Doctor Boss then contracted with Morrow County to provide medical services in Boardman (at the same location). Boss had decided to live in Boardman, and was determined that Boardman have medical facilities. A group of Boardman citizens petitioned Morrow County to form Morrow County Health District so that medical services throughout the county could be addressed. The Health District was formed, and after disputes with Dr. Boss, decided to run the medical clinic in Boardman with other providers. Not to be deterred, Dr. Boss purchased the lot next door to the ex-
there were two medical clinics in Boardman, until the Health District shut down their Boardman clinic! Doctor Boss was involved not only in providing health care in Boardman, but also in making Boardman a better place to live. He served as President of Boardman Chamber of Commerce for several terms and was able to establish a fund for the annual 4th of July Celebration that collected money not for the current year’s celebration, but for the next year. In 1994, Dr. Boss was President of the Chamber and concerned that the hit-or-miss publication North Morrow Times did not currently have an editor. Boss contacted Lynn Prag, and asked if she would “put together a simple newspaper to advertise the upcoming 4th of July Celebration in Boardman”. Lynn said she’d have to partner with someone, and contacted Jane Pope. Neither had any previous
high school for our school newspaper!”) Thus was the beginning of a 19-year (so far!) run with Lynn and Jane editing and publishing the North Morrow Times---thank you, Dr. Boss! Local politics has always been an interest for Doctor Boss. He encouraged friends to “get involved”, and his enthusiasm made at least one local, Bill Brown enjoy local politics as the Mayor of Boardman. Doctor Boss always enjoys life a little out of the mainstream. For example, for five years, he lived in his motorhome at Boardman Park. “Best front room view I ever had,” he exclaims! And who could forget seeing Doctor Boss learning how to windsurf at the Marina? Or learn how to rollerblade along the asphalt campground roads in the Park? Or participate for years as the official “pooper scooper”
armed with shovel and wheelbarrow at the 4th of July parades? In 2003, Doctor Boss was looking ahead to a time when he might want to retire, but he also wanted to ensure that Boardman would have continuing quality health care. Boss heard about, and researched a new federal grant program (42 U.S.C.254b) for migrant and community health clinics. Boss hired a specialist who had the knowledge to complete federal grant forms, Jim Carlson. Part of the necessary paperwork entailed forming a non-profit entity with a charter board of directors and a name: Columbia River Community Health Services. Doctor Boss talked Carlson into not only filling out the forms to apply for the federal grant for Boardman medical services, but also for Fossil (Asher Clinic). Wonder of wonders, both grant applications were approved! Doctor Boss basically gave his medical clinic business to Columbia River Community Health Services, which ensured a cash flow from the beginning. Eight years into its existence, Columbia River Health is the very picture of a successful venture, as evidenced by their new 15,000 square foot clinic that is located on Willowfork & Tatone Streets. The community stepped up to ensure that the new facility opened for business without debt! An amazing accomplishment! Through the years, Dr. Boss oversaw the training of physician’s assistants (PA-Cs) hired at both the Boardman and Fossil clinics. At a recent surprise retirement party for Dr. Boss, many of the PA-cs attended. Each spoke emotionally about the medical and life lessons Dr. Boss imparted to each of them. As Doctor Boss cut back on his obligations at the clinic, he has been instrumental in bringing on new providers at CRCHS to continue the quality health care. The clinic offers a wide range of medi-
cal services including well baby and child exams, immunizations, sports physicals, CDL physicals, employment related drug screenings, chronic disease management, and other services including dental care to provide reduced cost dental care for the clinic’s sliding scare fee patients. Anyone needing health care is seen, and payment is either by private pay, insurance, or sliding scale fee, depending upon the patient’s income. So Doctor Boss is retired. “But I’m only retired from Columbia River Community Health Services,” he maintains. Boss continues to supervise the Asher Clinic in Fossil, (along with Home Health and Public Health there) and he supervises six ambulance crews in the greater Boardman area. “So I’m only semi-retired, “ he laughs. He is looking forward to spending more time with his grandchildren, “I’m going to Oklahoma next week to see one of my grandkids graduate from college!” And he always
Rod Flug presents Dr. Boss with a cake adorned with a photo of Boardman’s famous “pooper scooper” Photos by Matt Kegler loves skiing, hiking and traveling. He has a condominium near Mt. Hood where he spends time. And as always, he’s enjoying life a little out of the mainstream!