Celebrating the official opening Wednesday of the Health Commons are, from left, Jeff Lara, deputy director of the Public Health Division, Rep. Christine Chandler, Public Health Director Dr. Karin Rhodes and Nick Boukas, regional director for the northeast region for the Department of Health. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com
Department of Health Public Health Division director Dr. Karin Rhodes, left, chats with Rep. Christine Chandler at the ribbon cutting for the Health Commons. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com
State and county officials mingle outside the Health Commons at 1183 Diamond Drive, Suite D. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com
Rep. Christine Chandler cuts the ribbon Wednesday outside the Health Commons at 1183 Diamond Drive, Suite D along with, from left, Los Alamos County Councilor Pete Sheehey, Dr\. Karin Rhodes, Los Alamos County Council chair Sara Scott, Los Alamos County Councilor Randy Ryti, Los Alamos County Councilor Katrina Scott and Andrea Sandoval, executive director of Las Clinicas. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter
BY MAIRE O’NEILL
maire@losalamosreporter.com
State and local officials gathered Wednesday afternoon for a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Health Commons at 1183 Diamond Drive.
Los Alamos County Council chair Sara Scott told the audience that health is an important part of every community and Los Alamos is no exception. She said recognition of mental, behavioral and physical health are critical to quality of life and noted that one of the Council’s priorities is supporting social services.
“We have a moral and ethical responsibility to do what we can to help support quality healthcare options for the community and this wonderful renovated facility, the Health Commons, is a welcome addition to our community,” she said.
Scott said the new facililty provides a professional and caring environment and that the County is grateful to be in partnership with the contract staff provided by the State Public Health Office and Las Clinicas del Norte. She noted that it was a team effort to bring the resources together under one roof and make the vision happen.
Rep. Christine Chandler said the facility is a wonderful example of what will happen when people work together for a common goal that’s important for the community.
“I want to thank the Department of Health for working with Los Alamos County Council and County staff to make this happen. The community has needed a health office with expanded services probably for two or three years now and it was with this administration, with this health department, with this Council, we were able to make it happen. I think the community is enriched and greatly benefitting by having this health office here,” she said.
Department of Health (DOH) Public Health director Dr. Karin Rhodes noted that the Health Commons opening coincides with the centennial of the DOH.
“Our agency’s work is to improve health outcomes and health access throughout the state and our work never stops. Los Alamos, like all of our communities, is unique and we’re really happy to be here to support your unique wellness needs with extended hours and services,” she said.
Rhodes said there are many people who need to be thanked for their vision and community commitment and that the DOH is particularly grateful for the leadership of Rep. Christine Chandler, the Los Alamos County Council, Supt. Kurt Steinhaus and the Los Alamos Health Council as well as the partnership with Las Clinicas del Norte.
The new offices are at 1183 Diamond Drive, Suite D, along the left side of the building directly across the street from LAHS. The Public Health Office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays while Las Clinicas Del Norte (LCDN) provides services on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.