When the Southeast Weld County Public Health Clinic opened its doors in Fort Lupton last year, the goal was clear: bring preventive health care closer to the people who needed it most. One year later, Weld County Public Health Services Division Director Shaun May sees encouraging progress, and the potential for much more.

“We’re seeing slow, steady growth,” May said. “It’s not explosive, but we’re trending upward.”

In the past year, the clinic has seen a consistent 5 to 10% increase in monthly appointments, particularly in family planning and women’s health services. That shift, May said, is a key difference from other county clinics.

“In Longmont, we had far fewer family planning patients. But in Fort Lupton, we’re seeing a significant number of uninsured and underinsured women come in for women’s health visits,” May noted. “It’s a big win.”

Expanding care, one day at a time

One of the clinic’s most impactful changes has been increasing the number of days nurse practitioners are on site from once to twice a month. That expansion has made it easier for clients to access critical services, including annual exams, contraceptive care and health screenings.

Nursing Program Coordinator Samantha Orozco, who has worked with immunization and family planning clients at the site, noted a recent uptick in visits.

“We’ve seen a significant increase in appointments for immunizations over the past three months or so,” she said. “I think that’s because we’ve done some more advertising, connected with the school district nurse and built more referral relationships with community partners.”

Orozco also emphasized how grateful clients have been.

“I had a family tell me they wouldn’t have been able to get their kids vaccinated without this clinic," she said. "They just didn’t have the transportation to get to Firestone or Greeley. They simply wouldn’t have found the services they needed otherwise.”

Meeting a growing need

The clinic’s success isn’t accidental. Before opening, the team focused on hiring Spanish-speaking staff and building relationships with community partners to ensure effective referral networks.

“That kind of groundwork has made a difference,” May said.

Still, some challenges remain.

“We’ve heard a lot of great feedback,” May acknowledged. “But we also hear, ‘It’s only open one day a week.’ That’s a barrier.”

However, May believes the demand is there. He regularly hears from community leaders that access to care is a pressing issue. Yet, the dramatic uptick in appointments he hoped for hasn't materialized — at least not yet.

“Historically, there have been limited options for uninsured residents seeking care in the Fort Lupton area,” May explained. “And in recent years, access has become even more strained due to provider shortages and capacity issues.”

That’s left a growing gap but also created an opportunity.

“We’re a niche provider, and we have room to grow,” May said. “We need to let people know we’re here and ready to help.”

Looking ahead

The next 12 months will be crucial, May said. His vision for the clinic includes expanding both services and availability.

“We need to set a goal, somewhere around 15 to 20% growth in patients would be ideal,” he said. “And that’s going to require action on our part.”

May is quick to push back against a “wait and see” approach.

“We can’t just sit back, and hope people find us,” he said. “We need to be proactive out in the community, building awareness, increasing presence.”

Orozco is already looking toward that future.

“We’re definitely increasing clinics next month to be more available for the community and help get their kids up to date on their immunizations,” she said. “We’re also working more closely with Aims Community College. We already do STI testing at all the campuses, but now we’re aiming to bring immunizations into those outreach clinics, too. That way, students know we have a clinic right next door, and we’re here for more than just testing."

"I could foresee us booming next year and need to increase the days we’re open, which is a good thing,” she added.

A call for partnership

As much as the county is invested in making the clinic a success, May knows lasting change takes collaboration.

“We’ve tried to come into the Fort Lupton area with humility,” he said. “We’re here to help, but we also need help.”

He’s hopeful that community leaders, volunteers, and residents will continue to partner with the county to spread the word and help us reach people in need.

“We can do a lot. But if you’re out there working to help others, and you think we can be a part of the solution — reach out,” May urged. “Let’s work together.”

With a year behind them and more work ahead, May sees the South County Clinic not as a finished project, but a growing opportunity.

“We’re not where we want to be yet,” he said. “But we’re building something that matters.”