Starting May 26, Canyon residents will have access to health care without having to drive to the Flathead Valley.

The Flathead Community Health Center is establishing a satellite clinic in Hungry Horse to offer family practice medical care. The clinic will operate out of Canyon Elementary School and will be open on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Health Center Director Jody White said the clinic’s days of operation could grow if community demand shows a greater need.

White said the effort to establish the clinic began 18 months ago, although the location has been on the center’s radar for years.

“What we’ve heard from the community, along with a variety of data about insurance coverage and access to care, pointed to Hungry Horse as an underserved area for health care,” she said.

The clinic will offer treatment of acute and chronic illnesses and minor injuries, lab services, well-child visits, immunizations, sports physicals, family planning, prescription assistance and minor surgical procedures.

The health center has a two-year contract with School District 6 to use the building, in which school operations ended in 2011.

School district Business Manager Dustin Zuffelato said since the school closed, the district has looked for ways to use the empty building to fill gaps within the community.

He said many residents in the rural community found it difficult to access basic health care due to a lack of transportation or money.

“Some told us it was ridiculous to see a flu-shot banner at a grocery store, but they still had to go all the way to Kalispell to get one,” Zuffelato said. “In some people’s perspective, it was kind of laughable.”

Zuffelato said he could see the clinic growing if the community taps into its services. He said some past efforts in the former school, such as offering General Educational Development classes, had to be dropped because of a lack of interest.

“I fear that it won’t be utilized or it will be underutilized,” he said. “Hopefully folks utilize the clinic so that it can continue to progress, and even widen the services delivered. With all that space, there’s room to grow.”

White said because the health center is federally funded, the clinic will be able to treat patients regardless of their ability to pay.

The clinic will accept Medicaid and Medicare as well as have a sliding fee scale based on household income. White said if people are unable to pay, the clinic would work with them to set up payment plans.

She said since the center already has the equipment and staff needed for the clinic, the site will have a minimal financial impact. The center will reallocate funds from its regular operating costs to cover the roughly $2,600 annual rent for the Hungry Horse clinic, she said.

Initially, a physician will travel to the Hungry Horse clinic once a week and gauge the community’s needs. A nurse and receptionist eventually will join the doctor.

White said the satellite clinic was possible due to the center’s close relationship with School District 6.

“A lot of pieces have to come together to be feasible to spread a model like this,” she said. “We’re looking at outreach opportunities in other areas — not necessarily permanent clinic sites, but working with local organizations like we have with School District 6.”

Reporter Katheryn Houghton may be reached at 758-4436 or by email at [email protected].