North Platte Valley Medical Center Grand Opening

When sustainable healthcare became a concern for the Upper North Platte Valley six years ago, it wasn't long before the Corbett Medical Foundation (CFM) formed a subcommittee to address the issue. After approaching Memorial Hospital of Carbon County (MHCC) and Ivinson Memorial Hospital (IMH) to partner with the struggling Platte Valley Clinic, they couldn't reach an agreement. A temporary agreement was reached with Health Management systems (HMS).

The North Platte Valley Medical Center Board then visited communities with Critical Access Hospitals and conducted an healthcare assessment survey that indicated a strong desire for a medical doctor, 24 hour emergency care, and a healthcare solution that was not controlled by the government.

Although the site of the healthcare facility did change, the need didn't. Plans for the project with floor plan, site plan, interior and exterior elevations were on display throughout the Valley, asking for public comment and review.

In April 2020, the Platte Valley Healthcare Project (PVHP) was given a donation of a little less than 8 acres of land at the intersection of West Bridge Avenue and North 13th Street in Saratoga. The property had water, sewer and natural gas lines in place. Fiber optic was installed by the end of the summer. Zoning wasn't an issue as it was already zoned Retail Business, a simple building permit was all that was necessary. By May 2020 the Wyoming Business Council approved a $1 million grant application from the Carbon County Impact Joint Powers Board to improve the water and sewer infrastructure along Bridge Street to the site of the proposed North Platte Valley Medical Center. This grant was matched by $200,000 from the Gretchen Swanson Family Foundation.

July 2020 saw the coffers of the PVHP grow to over $4.7 million from area residents, seasonal visitors and charitable organizations. By September the USDA had approved the loan application for $18,392,000 in long term financing. The site dedication and groundbreaking ceremony took place on October 7, 2020. Approval of a $16 million plan appraisal in January 2021 continued the momentum of the project.

PVHP assumed ownership of the Saratoga Care Center for $1. Thanks to this collaboration the ownership also introduced new funding sources for healthcare equipment and growth.

The Buy-a-Brick campaign launched in May 2021 to help raise funds for top-of-the-line equipment. Construction began in August of the same year. By October, Jeff Mincy was named CEO of the Platte Valley Clinic and Saratoga Care Center, as well as head of administrative operations of the NPVMC.

A grant from the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust amounting to $500,000.00 enabled NPVMC to purchase an advanced Computed tomography (CT) scanner.

Community members including volunteers continued to work tirelessly, making this project a priority. Board members have changed over time, currently they are: Will Faust, Chairman; Sonja Collamer, Vice Chair; ; Teense Willford; Irene Archibald, Treasurer; Adam D. Clarke; Laura Bucholz, Foundation Liaison; Jerry Kraft and Tracy Hayes. George Haigh and Leslie McKlinsky only recently left the board. Glenn Pauley, State Director for Wyoming USDA Rural Development also spoke to the audience and commended the community for their diligence in this project.

May 12, 2023 the North Platte Valley Medical Center was honored with a visit from Wyoming State Governor Mark Gordon for the official ribbon cutting ceremony. With at least 100 people in attendance, the historical significance of this special day was evident. As Pastor Gene Smith of Platte Valley Christian Center offered a prayer of blessing over the North Platte Valley Medical Center, many offered up their own prayers for the success of this endeavor. Governor Gordon said it was a "great day for Carbon County and particularly the North Platte Valley." Gordon grew up in Kaycee and said he understood the need for a Critical Care facility in the area. He commended the community for putting their "backs into it". He said "this community will hold up this an example of rural healthcare and why people should do things on their own."

A gathering at the Platte Valley Community Center followed the ribbon cutting. Letters of praise and congratulations were read by representatives from Senator John Barrasso's and Senator Cynthia Lummis' office.