Southwest Utah Community Health Center began operation in May of 2002. It is located in Washington County, a rural county in the southwest corner of the state. The Center is a subsidiary of Southwest Utah Public Health Department and is housed in the same building. This is a new model for Utah, but is a model that is utilized in Montana and elsewhere. The service area is all of Washington County except the frontier area in the northwest corner of the county that is served by the Enterprise Valley Medical Clinic.

Unique Characteristics
Washington County was the second fastest growing county in the state during the 1990's, nearly doubling in population during this time period. According to 1998 population estimates, 37.7% of Washington County's population live at or below 200% of the poverty level. The SWUCHC will offer primary care services to patients with Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP, and private insurance and to the uninsured population of Washington County. Approximately 7.7 % of the population are members of an ethnic or racial minority group, the majority being Hispanic and Native American. Due to socioeconomic and cultural barriers, these ethnic communities experience greater difficulty accessing health care services and are therefore expected to utilize the SWUCHC at a higher rate.
 

Community Collaboration
The SWUCHC has substantial linkages within the community, including membership in many organizations, the support of local mayors and the Washington County Commission, and the support of the medical community.
 

Comprehensive Primary Medical Services
Acute Care
Internal Medicine
Case Management
Low-cost Prescription Medications
Chronic Disease Management
Mental Health Care
Diagnostic Laboratory
Outreach Services
Dental Services
Prenatal Care
Eligibility Assistance
TB Therapy
Family Planning
Translation Services
Health Education
Well Child Exams
HIV/AIDS Testing and Treatment
Women's Health
Immunizations (Child & Adult)

SWUCHC refers patients for x-ray procedures, diagnostic tests, emergency services, and specialty medical care. Referrals are also made for substance abuse treatment/counseling, 24 hour crisis intervention, domestic violence, and child abuse.