In the heart of Denver’s west side, the Sam Sandos Westside Family Health Center stands as a vital beacon of care. Named after Sam Sandos, the first Latino Denver city council member, and established in 1968, this clinic has been a lifeline for a community that has long faced challenges in accessing quality health care.
Community health centers like Westside play a crucial role in the health care system by providing accessible, comprehensive services to Denver residents. Over the years, the clinic has adapted to the changing health care landscape, earning accolades such as the Patient-Centered Medical Home certification, which underscores Denver Health’s dedication to delivering high-quality, patient-focused care.
The Sam Sandos Westside Family Health Center has been a staple of the Denver Health network since its inception, serving high patient volumes and increasingly complex care needs. Despite Denver’s growing population, the Sam Sandos Westside Family Health Center has remained largely unchanged since 1985.
Currently, the clinic provides comprehensive primary care services, adult internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, dentistry, and behavioral health. Other services include a full-service pharmacy and lab, social work services, enrollment specialists for Medicaid and financial assistance programs, and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
As the demand for services grows, plans are now underway to construct a new clinic to better meet the needs of its patients. The new facility will feature modern infrastructure and equipment, enhancing the clinic’s ability to provide optimal care and ensuring a better experience for all patients.
“Westside needs a new facility,” said Dr. Simon Hambidge, Chief Ambulatory Officer and CEO of Community Health Services at Denver Health. “With a new larger clinic, we will provide more access for existing services and new services for the community, including physical therapy and urgent care, and enhance the overall experience for our patients and staff, ensuring smoother operations and a more welcoming environment. It’s about adapting to the growing needs of our community and staying committed to delivering exceptional health care.”
These capital improvements include significant building expansions, advanced technology upgrades, and an expansion of services. This transformation will create a facility designed to accommodate a growing patient population, ensuring that the clinic continues to provide comprehensive, accessible health care for years to come. Patients will benefit from shorter wait times, better access to care, and a more comfortable and private environment during their visits.
The need for a new building is underscored by the broader financial challenges faced by Denver Health. Rising costs, particularly those associated with uncompensated care, strain the system. Last year alone, Denver Health faced more than $100 million in uncompensated care from Denver residents. This financial burden impacts the ability to maintain and upgrade facilities like the Sam Sandos Westside Family Health Center.
As Denver Health’s second oldest clinic and one of the busiest health centers, the Sam Sandos Westside Family Health Center has not been remodeled since 1985 and with only 45,000 operational square feet, the clinic no longer effectively serves the community demand. Demand far exceeds capacity, and the building requires an updated, larger space to maintain Denver Health’s commitment to the highest standards of care.
The planned improvements will be implemented in carefully planned phases to minimize disruption to patient care. The project will start with new construction adjacent to the existing facility that will result in a three-story, 82,500-square-foot facility equipped with the latest medical technology, designed to accommodate a growing patient population. Patients will have access to enhanced services, including expanded pediatric dental care, geriatric services, and a community room designed to foster a sense of belonging and support.
“Renovating the Westside community health center is an exciting step for us,” said Denver Health CEO Donna Lynne. “By modernizing the clinic, we can enhance patient satisfaction and safety, ensuring we meet the diverse needs of our community. A more state-of-the-art facility will allow us to offer increased services that better support our patients. This, in turn, strengthens the entire Denver Health network.”
Denver Health’s broader financial strategy includes seeking sustainable funding solutions to support these improvements. This strategy is underpinned by the strong backing of the Denver community, as evidenced by a fundraising feasibility study showing robust support for the planned capital improvements. The generosity and commitment of Denver Health Foundation donors are crucial in ensuring the continued delivery of high-quality health care for all.
Community engagement remains paramount as Denver Health moves forward with these plans. The improvements at the Sam Sandos Westside Family Health Center are not just about a new building—they are about ensuring that the community continues to have access to exceptional, comprehensive health care services.
This project represents a significant step forward in Denver Health’s mission to serve as a public health safety net health system, providing care to all, regardless of their ability to pay. It is the philanthropic community’s unwavering support that will turn this vision into reality.
Invest in Denver’s health, the future of the Sam Sandos Westside Family Health Center, and our entire network of care. To make a gift or inquiry, contact Director of Philanthropy Megan Fisher at Megan.Fisher@dhha.org or visit our donation page.
Renovating the Westside community health center is an exciting step for us. By modernizing the clinic, we can enhance patient satisfaction and safety, ensuring we meet the diverse needs of our community. A more state-of-the-art facility will allow us to offer increased services that better support our patients. This, in turn, strengthens the entire Denver Health network.
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