Phil Castle, The Business Times

A groundbreaking ceremony celebrated the impending construction of a health care clinic in Palisade.

The Town of Palisade and Community Hospital hosted the event and will partner in the project.

“The Town of Palisade is very excited to have this clinic in our town,” said Janet Hawkinson, Palisade town manager.

Chris Thomas, president and chief executive officer of Community Hospital, said he was pleased as well. “This project underscores Community Hospital’s commitment to our patients and community partners to provide the very best health care services possible.”

The 6,700-square-foot building will be built on the site of the old high school. The facility will house a primary and acute care clinic offering a range of services to infants, children and adults. An acute care practice will treat minor illnesses and injuries. X-ray imaging will be available.

Community Hospital will lease space in the building from the Town of Palisade, providing an additional source of revenue for the town government, Thomas said. “It really is a win-win situation.”

Mesa Country contributed $1.5 million for the project, while the federal government contributed
$1 million and Community Hospital $750,000.

FCI Constructors based in Grand Junction will serve as general contractor on the project.

The clinic will be the seventh location for Community Hospital’s Grand Valley Primary Care, Thomas said. Several providers are accepting new patients.

Once completed, the Palisade clinic will bring back medical services to a town that’s been without a practice for decades, Thomas said. “I think it’s going to be a real asset.”