Thursday, April 3, 2025
4/3/2025
Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending - Construction - Southwest Colorado Mental Health Center Inc., d.b.a. Axis Health System is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt nonprofit, a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) supported Community Health Center (CHC), and a licensed Colorado Behavioral Health Entity. Axis’ mission is to make a meaningful difference in the health of SW Colorado residents by integrating all aspects of healthcare and treating the whole person. Axis is the primary CHC in the 11-county region it serves, all of which is rural or frontier, and responds to the safety net healthcare needs of the underserved. Axis prioritizes the delivery of care for people with low incomes who are uninsured or underinsured and have historically lacked access to care. Congressionally Directed Spending will support Axis’ efforts to expand and enhance comprehensive oral, primary, and behavioral health care for La Plata County residents at its Durango Integrated Healthcare CHC location. La Plata County, identified as both a Healthcare Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) and a Medically Underserved Area (MUA), has a significant need for expanded healthcare capacity. Project activities include purchasing additional equipment to increase oral health capacity from five to thirteen operatories, supporting a new convenient care service with x-ray capability, and equipping three additional exam rooms to expand primary care delivery. Axis will also purchase state-of-the-art IT equipment to enhance video conferencing technology. Funding will also support the alteration/renovation of the Durango Integrated Healthcare clinic facility by installing an additional elevator to increase handicapped access to care in this three-level building. The proposed project aligns with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) mission to enhance the health and well-being of all Americans by providing effective health and human services. Providing key prevention and intervention services in one location like Durango Integrated Healthcare is a highly effective delivery system for many high-needs populations, particularly vulnerable low-income and unhoused people, who often need the most support in the community.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).