The Problem

The unemployment statistics for Canyon County are sobering.  In June of 2009, Canyon County had the unenviable distinction of holding the highest jobless rate out of all 44 counties in the state - more than 12 percent.  That means that one out of every eight workers in the county doesn't have a job.  The percentage of Canyon County residents living in poverty in 2007 was 15.3%.  A common thread among these 2 population groups is the lack of Health Insurance.  Add to this the number of workers in small firms, or those with part-time employment who neither have the option of health insurance through their employers, nor the financial means with which to purchase their own.  As health care costs continue to rise, without insurance, the cost of medical care is prohibitive.

Those involved with the Canyon Clinic believe that high-quality health care is the right of all individuals, families, and communities, and that such care must be provided regardless of socioeconomic or health status.  Financial eligibility will be based on household size and must be at less than twice the federal poverty guidelines ($21,660 for the first person and an additional $7,480 for each additional person in the household).  The Clinic provides at no cost to its patients health care services.  As we acquire more space and a team of dental volunteers, we will someday also provide dental care.  

The Canyon Clinic is truly free for lower-income, uninsured patients, providing all services at no cost to the patient and providing many prescription drugs.  Most low-income clinics bill uninsured patients for services using a “sliding-scale” based on the patient's income and defer a good portion of their expenses with federal funding.  Although the Canyon Clinic will benefit from some grants, most operating expenses will come from donations.  The Canyon Clinic will refer patients who do not meet eligibility requirements to our friends at other area clinics. We are partners, not competitors,  in providing health care for our community.  

The Reality

The Canyon Clinic opened March 31st, 2010 to help serve the health care needs of the residents of Canyon County lacking health insurance.  The Clinic endeavors to nurture the longstanding traditions of volunteerism and community service among health care professionals, and strives to foster a collaborative team-oriented approach to addressing the needs of the under served and uninsured.

Volunteers are critical to The Canyon Clinic.  We have volunteer opportunities for everyone, including medical,  and counseling professionals, students, and retired and working people.  While we acknowledge that the dream of opening the clinic was ignited by our desire to share the love of Jesus Christ with others, and we are unabashed about our Christian faith, we do not require any volunteers or patients to adhere to the same faith we do.  We only ask that volunteers be able to serve in a manner that is consistent with the love of Jesus Christ as that is the foundation of which our services are freely given to our patients.

CONTACT US - 208-249-9904 - info@canyonclinic.org - 

PO BOX 3265 Nampa, Idaho 83653-3265