Clinica Family Health hosted grand openings for its new clinics at the High Country Professional Building in Gilpin County and the Hub Ned building in Nederland on Friday, July 8, 2022.

Both clinics will offer a full scope of primary care services including well visits, prenatal care, immunizations, chronic disease treatment, lab services, minor surgical procedures, and acute care. Clinica Family Health has been providing medical, dental and mental health services to people of all ages since 1977.

“Expanding access to health care to those in need is an important part of our mission. We are honored that local leaders and residents have invited us to join the community and serve as your health care home,” their website declares.

The opening for Gilpin County took place from 10:30 a.m. to noon at 972 Golden Gate Canyon Road. At the grand opening for the Gilpin clinic, Clinica CEO Simon Smith said “With joining the community and bringing health care to the mountain residents, the day kind of speaks for itself…. It’s a great day. It’s a happy day. Gilpin County has been without access to health care for a decade, and County residents have been reaching out to find health care,” he said.

Lieutenant Governor Dianne

– a leading advocate for every Coloradan’s access to quality, affordable health care – also attended the grand opening. She said it is challenging to find affordable health care. “The opening of this clinic is a major step to provide affordable health care for the region, and it will help more people lead healthy lives,” she said.

She discussed legislation that is focused on lower health care costs. Clinica is an example of how this model of care might work: “Your work is not easy but important. To Gilpin County, it is a symbol of collaborations. Wellness is a lifelong commitment. Thanks for inviting me to Gilpin,” Primavera added.

Smith said, “multiple times the owner of [the High Country Professional Building] reached out to me to see if I was still interested.” He agreed to hold onto the space for Clinica knowing how important health care was to the community.

Gilpin County Commission Chair Sandy Hollingsworth said this effort has taken many years. The commissioners conducted a survey which said that 75 percent of county residents need health care, and 42 percent would leave the county if they didn’t have it. Hollingsworth has been on a committee that met weekly to work toward that end. Now they have a great team of medical professionals, and a great opportunity for health care, and that’s invaluable. “It all came together for this.”

Smith introduced former Colorado Senator and Gilpin County Commissioner Jeanne Nicholson, who said one of the hallmarks of a civilized society is health care close to home. Smith said he first met Nicholson when she was still a Colorado State Senator. Three years ago, he came for coffee, and they discussed Clinica’s possible involvement in Gilpin County. But it took a tremendous community effort to bring the clinics to Black Hawk and Nederland.

Various members of the community formed a steering committee to explore the possibility. Clinica worked with a number of organizations to find the funding to cover the cost of the clinics.

While it was a huge effort, it wasn’t unusual for the community. Gilpin County residents have always come together to provide what the community needed: the library, community center, a preschool, and ball fields. They brought health care to the community in the same way. “We had a vision and made it happen,” Nicholson said.

“Three years ago, I sat on my porch with Simon Smith, socially distanced – six feet apart – with coffee and cinnamon coffee cake. I asked if he would adopt Gilpin County. With the Board’s blessing, he agreed,” Nicholson said, smiling. “These are not ordinary times. In a pandemic they helped us realize our dreams and because of Simon we have access to health care once again in our community.” Simon said he agreed when the entire community said it wanted to work with him.

Clinica Board Chair Cheryln Marriott, who lives in Four Mile Canyon and is also a Clinica patient, was thrilled to be bringing access to health care to her neighbors and friends. “What a wonderful reason to be here today,” she said. “It’s a place where people can feel welcome. It’s a perfect fit. Welcome to your new home.”

After introductions of the team members (featured below), elected officials cut the ribbon for the opening of the new Clinica Family Health clinic in Gilpin County.

The opening of the Nederland Clinic ran that afternoon from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 80 Big Springs Drive. Smith again noted the importance of this new clinic to members of the community “This is a really exciting day,” Smith said. “It’s been a huge challenge for people in Nederland to access health care. I am proud to make this a reality.”

Smith introduced Boulder County Commission Chair Marta Loachamin, who said it was an honor to be there and asked all of the first responders present to raise their hands. “Without all of you, we couldn’t get to this place,” she stated.

The two clinics will alternate days of operation and will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The clinics accept most insurance, Medicaid, Medicare and CHP+. They also offer discount programs to those without insurance. Clinica is currently accepting new patients. Anyone interested in registering as a patient can go to www.clinica.org to sign up. Appointments at both locations will be opening up soon.

Meet Your Health Care Team

Shivaun Hoyl, D.O.

I have wanted to practice medicine since I was young growing up in Gold Hill. I often saw my community members driving to Boulder for healthcare and I have yearned to be able to provide that up where we live. After growing up in Gold Hill I went to medical school in Parker and residency in Westminster so I could stay close to home. We spent the end of residency remodeling my husband’s grandparent’s home to suit our needs and we now live on the property initially surveyed and purchased by great-grandfather. My mom, dad, and brother still live in Gold Hill. My philosophy of care is to provide my patients with the tools they need to reach their health goals. To do this I find that I must meet my patients where they are, instead of trying to fit my patients into algorithms.

When I’m not working, my hobbies include skiing downhill and cross country; in college I worked at Eldora running a kids’ ski school program. I love cooking with my family; it’s something I grew up doing. My dad is the chef at the Gold Hill Inn, where I grew up in the kitchen. I also love to hike and run in the summer.

Julie Hirman, Nurse Practitioner

As a teenager, I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my career, but I was certain what I wanted to do next in life: join the Peace Corps. While earning an associate’s degree in nursing to join the Peace Corps volunteers, I discovered my passion for nursing.

After the Peace Corps, I became a nurse practitioner and joined Clinica’s staff. It was apparent that the staff at Clinica are dedicated to their patients and each other and create a supportive work environment. It has been my passion to help others, and I enjoy the cultural diversity at Clinica.

During my career, I have traveled to Eswatini, Africa, to teach nursing students and help implement the country’s first nurse practitioner training program. And during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, I worked in a Brooklyn, NY, hospital treating pediatric patients with the virus.

When not working, I love to travel and read. I am the mother of twin adult sons (and several grandcats) that I visit when able. I also have three special-needs cats that keep me entertained.

Megan Goldkamp, Clinical Nurse

I have been a nurse for 12 years, working at the Boulder Community Hospital and most recently at the Boulder Medical Center. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family outdoors, hiking with my dogs, skiing, mountain biking and camping and exploring Colorado.

Clinica Family Health is a community health center, a medical safety net for those who otherwise might fall through the cracks of the American Healthcare system. For more than 40 years, Clinica has existed to provide health care to the individuals and families in our community at a price they can afford.

To find out more go to https://www.clinica.org/.