Grand Opening of the Rebuilt McKenzie River Clinic: A New Chapter for Blue River
In October, the McKenzie River community gathered in celebration as the newly rebuilt McKenzie River Clinic officially opened its doors to the public. This grand reopening, held after four long years of resilience and rebuilding, marks not just the restoration of a clinic but the heart of a community that has fought to rise from the ashes of the 2020 Holiday Farm Fire.
For many, the McKenzie River Clinic is more than just a healthcare provider—it is a symbol of the valley’s strength and determination. The original clinic, built in 1977, was a vital institution in the McKenzie River Valley, serving as the sole medical facility between Springfield and Sisters.
When the Holiday Farm Fire ravaged the area, including the clinic, locals were left without a central hub for their healthcare needs, creating immense challenges. However, the community’s spirit prevailed, with Orchid Health stepping in to offer immediate services, first with a mobile clinic and then a repurposed quilt shop. These makeshift solutions provided much-needed care, but the return of a permanent facility is the true triumph.
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The new McKenzie River Clinic is a testament to the power of collaboration. Nonprofit McKenzie Valley Wellness built the new $2 million health clinic funded by a generous State of Oregon grant from the Fire Relief Act and insurance money. Located in the same spot as the original clinic, it serves as a hub for not just medical care but the overall wellness of the community.
For Scott Wright, a long-time Blue River resident, the opening of the new clinic is personal. Scott was scheduled for an appointment at the old McKenzie River Clinic on the day the fire broke out, marking an unforgettable turning point in his life.
“I was with my wife, who was seriously ill at the time, and we were forced to evacuate in the middle of the night. Losing the clinic was another devastating blow to our community,” he recalls. But with the opening of this new clinic, Scott and others are reminded that healing goes beyond physical health. "This clinic represents the spirit of our people. It’s a place where we heal together."
The new facility, in addition to offering traditional healthcare services like primary care and check-ups, brings expanded support for mental health and community wellness. The clinic now hosts behavioral health services, a community health worker to help with needs like transportation and food security, and even a mobile dental service. A new program providing free fresh produce aims to help residents facing food insecurity, particularly important for those dealing with chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
Perhaps most inspiring, however, is the clinic’s role as a community gathering place. Beyond medical appointments, it now features a dedicated space for health classes and community meetings, where neighbors can come together to share experiences and support one another.
The grand opening event was a heartwarming reflection of the clinic’s central role in the lives of Blue River residents. The ceremony included a ribbon-cutting, speeches from local leaders, and a special recognition of Scott Wright as the clinic’s “first patient” in honor of his personal connection to the clinic’s reopening. But it wasn’t just about celebrating a building—it was about celebrating a community that refused to give up.
“It’s been a long road, but this new clinic shows that we are rebuilding stronger than ever,” said Val Rapp, President of McKenzie Valley Wellness. “This is more than just a medical facility—it’s a cornerstone of our community’s recovery.”
With this new clinic, the McKenzie River Valley is not only regaining a vital health resource but also reaffirming its resilience, compassion, and commitment to a brighter future. For Blue River, the rebuilding is far from over, but the clinic’s grand opening is a powerful symbol that McKenzie River is coming back stronger—one step, one service, one person at a time.