Summer 2026 Newsletter
Some things should just work. Your doctor knows your name. The pharmacy is down the hall. Someone is there when the anxiety gets to be too much. At PrimeHealth+, that’s not an aspiration —it’s any Tuesday.
In a healthcare landscape that grows more complicated by the month, PrimeHealth+ has been quietly doing the opposite: simplifying, expanding, and planting roots. A new facility. Psychiatric nurse practitioner care and an on-site pharmacy now under one roof. Staff who stay. Partnerships that hold.
Millions of Americans have lost health insurance coverage in 2026, largely due to the expiration of enhanced premium subsidies. The cost of living has increased, and individuals and families feel the pressure of paying for groceries, gasoline, and utilities.
The pressure on our community is real, and it isn’t letting up.
What PrimeHealth+ offers in response isn’t a workaround. It’s infrastructure. The kind built to last and built for everyone.
A Message From Kay
The passing of new laws has been described as the most sweeping changes in healthcare and social policy. The healthcare world around us is changing dramatically. Policy shifts, rising premiums, shifting Medicaid eligibility, and a tightening insurance market are real challenges that affect real people in our community.
What doesn’t change is PrimeHealth+.
Our mission—together, we deliver exceptional healthcare for all—is not just a mission statement. It is at the very core of our decision-making regarding patient care. We are here for the patient with three insurance cards and the patient with none. We are here for the family who has been with us for years and the neighbor who found us last week. We are grateful for your trust and proud to be the chosen medical home for thousands of people across Mesa County.
We are prepared to continue, as we have done for 38 years, because of our strong base of support, excellent staff, and all our patients.
In the months ahead, we will be working harder than ever—sourcing new funding, creating more operational efficiency, and responding proactively to the rapid changes we will be facing.
With gratitude,
Kay
Kay Ramachandran, CEO, PrimeHealth+
How Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Changed James’ Life
For those struggling with addiction, medication is one of the most effective ways to initiate and sustain recovery. And because serious disruptions in a patient’s life contribute to drug abuse and addiction, recovery works best when paired with behavioral therapies.
When a devastating car crash killed both of James’ brothers, the trauma caused nightmares. When he came to PH+ in 2025, he revealed he was drinking heavily at night to fall asleep and using meth in the morning to wake up. With little income and no health insurance, James got the care he needed using our sliding fee scale.
PrimeHealth+ Behavioral Health Director, Andrew Rossway, explained, “For a patient in the grips of addiction, the medication prescribed for James swiftly reduces cravings and negates the brain’s euphoric response from drugs and alcohol. It literally allows the person’s mind and body to settle. It’s that effective.”
Through a combination of MAT and behavioral therapy visits to address underlying trauma, along with his own personal commitment to recovery, James now leads a sober, resilient life. Today, as he continues treatment, James’ physical and behavioral health are measurably improved. James describes his journey away from drugs and alcohol as a “full 180.”
Dental Department Update: “Donors Need to Know What This Means to Us.”
When Karan learned she would pay nothing for urgently needed dental care, she burst into tears.
After struggling with severe tooth pain, she had explored treatment options elsewhere, only to find costs far beyond her budget. During a visit with her PrimeHealth+ medical provider, she was referred to a PrimeHealth+ dentist and Financial Assistant to discuss possible discounts.
When Karan learned that her treatment would be covered through our Silver Smiles program, she says, “Here was the answer to my prayers to get the help I needed.”
By the Numbers
- 90–100 seniors
Typically served each year through the senior dental program. - 250 seniors
needed care in 2025. Only 75 could be served. - 50%
reduction in state funding for the program.
Why Silver Smiles Matters
For many low-income seniors, dental care isn’t simply postponed—it’s out of reach.
Untreated dental problems can affect:
- Nutrition and overall health
- Management of chronic medical conditions
- Confidence and social connection
- Quality of life and independence
As PrimeHealth+’s Dr. Kaitlyn Delancey explains: “Dental care for seniors is essential to their health, nutrition, dignity, and quality of life. Making it affordable makes that care possible.”
Rising Need, Fewer Resources
PrimeHealth+ participates in Colorado’s Dental Health Program for Low-Income Seniors, providing preventive and restorative dental care at little or no cost to qualifying seniors. Demand has always exceeded available funding. In 2025 alone, PrimeHealth+ was able to
serve only 75 of the 250 local seniors with documented need.
Now, recent state budget cuts have reduced program funding by 50%, creating an even greater gap between need and available resources.
To continue helping seniors like Karan, PrimeHealth+ has expanded and renamed the program Silver Smiles and is seeking support from additional funding sources to ensure more seniors can receive the dental care they need.
Because no one should have to live with pain simply because they cannot afford treatment.
Montrose Clinic Closing June 30th
When the leadership of The PIC Place in Montrose approached us to assume and stabilize their operations, we couldn’t say no. PrimeHealth+ senior leadership and Board of Directors acted quickly—but thoughtfully—and formed a plan.
Thanks to your support and that of other dedicated community partners, we have provided uninterrupted medical, dental, and behavioral healthcare to 3,000 patients each year since the fall of 2023. Since then, we have also introduced new clinical quality measures, offered increased employee compensation packages, performed light renovation, and updated the site’s electronic medical record.
After achieving financial stability and aligning operations with Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) compliance standards, our Board of Directors prudently evaluated the future of the Montrose Clinic. Following careful consideration, the Board determined that partnering with River Valley Family Health Center, the community’s established FQHC, represents the best path forward to ensure continued access to high-quality care for the Montrose community. River Valley has demonstrated its commitment to the Montrose community for the past 11 years.
We will close on June 30, and River Valley will assume providing services after that time.
When Collisions Are a Good Thing
For animals living on the Serengeti, it is the watering hole. At PrimeHealth+’s new clinic, it is the coffee bar. This is the place we all eventually come to, and when we do collide over a simple cup of Joe, good things happen. With most PrimeHealth+ staff under one roof, collaboration and connection come more easily. New hires meet long-time employees. A conversation leads to the discovery of shared experiences, and employees form new bonds. An idea becomes a meeting that leads to an improved workflow. These connections affirm that intentionally designed collision points create natural connections, foster learning, and encourage teamwork, leading to improved access for our patients. (Alas, the elephants will have to gather elsewhere.)
The Power of a Good Tour
Since we moved into our new clinic in August 2025, we have enjoyed touring our partners and donors through the building. A tour is the best way to see why this facility works so well for our patients and staff. As one partner put it: “Now I understand what you really do here and how you’re different.”
If you would like to take a tour (solo or with a group), contact Martha at martha.graf@primehealthplus.org; 970-200-1628.
Edesia 2026: A Record-Breaking Success
On the last weekend in March, the doors at the Wine Country Inn opened wide to welcome guests to Edesia and raise money for PrimeHealth+. For 16 years, the Wine Country Inn team and local food and beverage vendors have rallied to serve and share their best for guests and sponsors to enjoy, all to raise funds for patient care. And this year’s efforts raised more than ever, with a 40% increase in proceeds over last year! Between the Wine Dinner on Saturday night and Expo on Sunday, $108,183, the equivalent of 360 patient appointments, will make healthcare affordable for low-income patients. Many thanks to all sponsors, winemakers who poured, and donors who gave at the Wine Dinner, vendors at the Expo, donors to the Silent Auction, and guests who purchased tickets. You make each Edesia a success!
Save the Date! Edesia 2027 is April 4-5!
For a gallery of gorgeous photos of this year’s Edesia, click here.
Snowballs for Health
We always appreciate community support! Thanks to the Grand Junction Rotary, we were once again included in their annual Snowball Sweepstakes held in March at Powderhorn Resort. This is a fun and affordable way to raise money for health care!
Are You a Domino?
One action, seemingly small, can do a lot to increase awareness of PrimeHealth+ and what we can do for someone and our community.
Here’s how you can help right now.
- Take a tour: Get to know our clinic and why people feel safe and cared for here. We welcome solo and group tours! Contact Martha.Graf@PrimeHealthPlus.org or 970-200-1628.
- Create a legacy: Speak with your financial advisor about including PrimeHealth+ in your planned giving. Contact Martha.Graf@PrimeHealthPlus.org or 970-200-1628.
Autumn Newsletter Sneak Peek
Recently, we were honored to welcome three extraordinary women to our new health center, whose dedication helped shape the foundation of our organization and strengthen access to care for countless individuals throughout our community. Watch for our next newsletter for more details on this momentous visit.